Plumber Hourly Pay in Bluffton, SC: $26.53 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a plumber working in Bluffton, SC runs $26.53 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $55,183 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 47-2152). Weighted against Bluffton's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.5, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $29.00 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $33,112 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Bluffton, South Carolina, the plumber hourly pay is projected to reach a median of $26.53 in 2026, which is notably lower than the national median of $31.45 per hour. This rate reflects the local market conditions, particularly for positions across various environments such as residential repairs, commercial installations, and industrial maintenance. For those who work part-time, such as plumbers on a three-day work schedule, earnings could be estimated around $1,272 per week before taxes, leading to roughly $66,184 annually, emphasizing the potential financial benefits of flexible employment. Entry-level plumbers might start around $19.29 per hour, while seasoned professionals can command rates as high as $41.12, showcasing a diverse salary range that accommodates different levels of experience and specialization.
About the Bluffton Market
Salary estimated from South Carolina average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Plumber Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.29 | $154.35 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.25 | $170.02 |
| Median (P50) | $26.53 | $212.26 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $33.95 | $271.64 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $41.12 | $328.97 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bluffton
Based on $26.53/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $26.53/hr, a plumber working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bluffton, SC can expect to earn approximately $55,187 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $31,839. With a cost-of-living index of 91.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Bluffton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bluffton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,061.29 | $4,599 | $55,187 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $636.77 | $2,759 | $33,112 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $424.51 | $1,840 | $22,075 |
Compare Plumber Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Plumber (Bluffton) | $26.53 |
| 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 Bluffton, SC earn a median of $55,183 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.63% lower than the national median of $65,408 and 2.80% above the South Carolina state average of $53,680.
Plumber Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $26.53/hr = $33,112/year (purchasing power: $36,188).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $55,187/year (purchasing power: $60,314).
CoL index: 91.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$22.38/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$25.88/hr
2026 Current Est.
$26.53/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+21.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Plumbers in Bluffton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.52% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.38/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.85/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $24.29/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.38/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.97/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $21.77/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $25.88/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26.53/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $27.20/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for plumbers in Bluffton grew 15.7% from $22.38/hr (2019) to $25.88/hr (2025). At a 2.52% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $27.20/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 Bluffton 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 Bluffton
Considering the part-time earning potential, a plumber working just three days a week earning the median wage can see annual gross earnings fall significantly short of their full-time counterparts, which might exceed $55,000. For those operating on a per-diem basis, like travel pipefitters or specialized locum positions, the reality is even more dynamic; they can earn upwards of $100-$175 per day while also charging hourly rates between $40-$65. This flexibility allows many to optimize their income based on job type and location. Moreover, hourly wages can fluctuate across employer types in Bluffton, with unionized contractors typically offering higher pay compared to non-union companies. It's essential for plumbers to evaluate the trade-off between hourly rates and benefits like health insurance, especially when considering positions that may offer lower hourly rates but enhanced job security and benefits. Those negotiating their pay should emphasize not just hourly rates but also the importance of the full compensation package, including potential overtime and benefits.
More salary data for Bluffton, SC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for plumbers in Bluffton in 2026?
How much do part-time plumbers make in Bluffton?
Are plumbers in Bluffton paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time plumber make per year in Bluffton?
Do plumbers earn more per hour working part-time in Bluffton?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in South Carolina
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 Bluffton. 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 Bluffton 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