Plumber Hourly Pay in Trenton, NJ: $37.64 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a plumber working in Trenton, NJ runs $37.64 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $78,284 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 47-2152). Weighted against Trenton's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $36.48 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $46,969 per year.
Official BLS data · View source

In Trenton, NJ, the plumber hourly pay for 2026 is projected to reach a median of $37.64, which significantly outpaces the national hourly median of $31.45. This disparity signals a favorable position for plumbers in the local market, making it an attractive profession for both part-time workers and those seeking per-diem opportunities. Typically, a plumber working three days a week can anticipate steady work in various settings, including residential service calls, commercial construction sites, and specialized medical facilities. With an hourly range from $24.86 for entry-level positions to $62.74 for those at the top of their game, the pathways within this profession allow for significant earnings based on skill, experience, and the nature of employment—be it unionized or self-employed. The figures here stem from official projections based on 2025 BLS OEWS data.
Plumber Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $24.86 | $198.89 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $29.66 | $237.27 |
| Median (P50) | $37.64 | $301.08 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $52.43 | $419.43 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $62.74 | $501.94 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Trenton
Based on $37.64/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $37.64/hr, a plumber working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Trenton, NJ can expect to earn approximately $78,281 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $45,162. With a cost-of-living index of 103.18 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Trenton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Trenton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,505.40 | $6,523 | $78,281 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $903.24 | $3,914 | $46,969 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $602.16 | $2,609 | $31,312 |
Compare Plumber Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Plumber (Trenton) | $37.64 |
| 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 Trenton, NJ earn a median of $78,284 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.69% higher than the national median of $65,408 and 3.90% above the New Jersey state average of $75,346.
Plumber Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $37.64/hr = $46,969/year (purchasing power: $45,521).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $78,281/year (purchasing power: $75,868).
CoL index: 103.18 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$40.58/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$36.71/hr
2026 Current Est.
$37.64/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+-4.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Plumbers in Trenton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.52% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40.58/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $32.41/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $31.07/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $35.12/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $35.36/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $35.24/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $36.71/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37.64/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $38.58/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for plumbers in Trenton grew -9.5% from $40.58/hr (2019) to $36.71/hr (2025). At a 2.52% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $38.58/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 Trenton 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 Trenton
When examining the potential earnings of part-time plumbers in Trenton, a worker on a 24-hour week can expect to take home around $48,746 annually, a notable income compared to a full-time schedule. Plumbers working per-diem or on contract, especially in industrial settings, may discover earning possibilities that range from $100 to $175 per day on top of a base hourly rate that can reach $65. The overall hourly rates vary based on the employer, with union jobs typically offering a premium compared to non-union roles. Self-employed plumbers can command rates from $100 to $180 per hour, making it essential for them to weigh the benefits against the potential steadiness of unionized work, which often includes healthcare and retirement options. For those negotiating wages, being aware of local market realities and the benefits provided can help in securing favorable conditions, as the demand for plumbers is bolstered by an aging workforce and aging infrastructure throughout Trenton.
More salary data for Trenton, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for plumbers in Trenton in 2026?
How much do part-time plumbers make in Trenton?
Are plumbers in Trenton paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time plumber make per year in Trenton?
Do plumbers earn more per hour working part-time in Trenton?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in New Jersey
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 Trenton. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 6-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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