Plumber Hourly Pay in Kearny, NJ: $35.04 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a plumber working in Kearny, NJ runs $35.04 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $72,894 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 47-2152). Weighted against Kearny's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $30.42 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $43,732 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Kearny, NJ, plumbers earn a median hourly rate of $35.04, significantly exceeding the national median hourly wage of $31.45. This premium reflects the local demand for skilled trades and the cost of living in the area. For part-time workers, such as those employed three days a week, this translates to a possibility of earning around $1,041.12 weekly, depending on hours worked. Per-diem plumbers frequently find themselves in diverse settings, such as commercial construction sites or residential service calls, with pay structures that can vary widely. For those just entering the field, starting rates can be as low as $26.39, while experienced professionals and highly specialized roles, like medical gas certified plumbers, can command up to $54.32 per hour, illustrating a well-defined salary spectrum.
About the Kearny Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Plumber Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $26.39 | $211.11 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $28.78 | $230.22 |
| Median (P50) | $35.04 | $280.33 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $44.86 | $358.90 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $54.32 | $434.52 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Kearny
Based on $35.04/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $35.04/hr, a plumber working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Kearny, NJ can expect to earn approximately $72,886 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $42,050. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Kearny.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Kearny
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,401.65 | $6,074 | $72,886 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $840.99 | $3,644 | $43,732 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $560.66 | $2,430 | $29,154 |
Compare Plumber Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Plumber (Kearny) | $35.04 |
| Electrician (National Avg) | $31.97 |
| HVAC Technician (National Avg) | $28.47 |
| Pipefitter / Steamfitter (National Avg) | $32.85 |
| Construction Laborer (National Avg) | $22.95 |
Plumbers in Kearny, NJ earn a median of $72,894 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.45% higher than the national median of $65,408 and 3.30% below the New Jersey state average of $75,381.
Plumber Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $35.04/hr = $43,732/year (purchasing power: $37,961).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $72,886/year (purchasing power: $63,269).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$29.55/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$34.18/hr
2026 Current Est.
$35.04/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+21.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Plumbers in Kearny (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.52% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29.55/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $30.18/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $32.08/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $32.19/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $32.97/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $43.94/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $34.18/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $35.04/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $35.92/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for plumbers in Kearny grew 15.7% from $29.55/hr (2019) to $34.18/hr (2025). At a 2.52% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $35.92/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem plumbers can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kearny metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.52% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Plumber in Kearny
Exploring the earning potential for part-time plumbers working in Kearny reveals that a three-day work week can deliver a competitive income compared to full-time employment. For instance, working just 24 hours a week could yield approximately $54,455 annually, versus a full-time plumber who may earn upwards of $72,894. Interestingly, per diem and agency roles provide varying compensation; travel pipefitters may receive daily stipends ranging from $100 to $175 atop their base rates of $40 to $65 per hour. The charging model for service plumbing can also be lucrative, with call-out fees often set between $150 and $300. Different employer types, such as union shops adhering to UA agreements or self-employed plumbers aiming for higher rates, create diverse compensation experiences. Navigating health insurance benefits versus hourly pay is a common trade-off, with many union plumbers opting for consistent wages paired with benefits over independent contracts with potentially higher pay but no security. For those negotiating hourly rates in Kearny, it is recommended to emphasize skill certifications and specialty licenses, as these can significantly influence overall compensation.
More salary data for Kearny, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Samuel Torres, CWP
Career Analyst
Samuel Torres has 10 years of experience in plumbing. He specializes in residential plumbing systems. He has worked with several home improvement companies.
Methodology & Data Source
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.52% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for plumbers in Kearny. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Kearny is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.52%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for plumbers (SOC 47-2152).
Compiled and verified by Samuel Torres, CWP, a licensed plumber with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov