Plumber Hourly Pay in Bristol, VA: $29.93 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a plumber working in Bristol, VA runs $29.93 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $62,255 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 47-2152). Weighted against Bristol's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $29.00 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,347 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Bristol, VA, the plumber hourly pay is projected to be $29.93 for 2026, which is slightly below the national median of $31.45. This figure highlights the competitive nature of plumbing work within the city, especially for part-time and per-diem professionals. For those working three days a week, this hourly rate translates into a substantial earning potential, making it a practical option for individuals seeking flexibility in their careers. In terms of the hourly range, entry-level plumbers can expect to earn approximately $22.05, while highly experienced colleagues may command rates up to $46.39. Plumbers in Bristol engage in various settings, including residential service calls, commercial construction sites, and even specialized environments like medical gas installations. Such versatility in plumbing work requires both a robust skill set and an adaptability to meet diverse client needs.
About the Bristol Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Plumber Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $22.05 | $176.42 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.06 | $192.49 |
| Median (P50) | $29.93 | $239.40 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38.31 | $306.49 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $46.39 | $371.12 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bristol
Based on $29.93/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.93/hr, a plumber working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bristol, VA can expect to earn approximately $62,245 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,911. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Bristol.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bristol
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,197.02 | $5,187 | $62,245 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $718.21 | $3,112 | $37,347 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $478.81 | $2,075 | $24,898 |
Compare Plumber Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Plumber (Bristol) | $29.93 |
| 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 Bristol, VA earn a median of $62,255 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.82% lower than the national median of $65,408 and 7.50% above the Virginia state average of $57,912.
Plumber Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.93/hr = $37,347/year (purchasing power: $36,189).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $62,245/year (purchasing power: $60,315).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$25.24/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.19/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.93/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+21.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Plumbers in Bristol (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.52% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.24/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.77/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $27.40/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.49/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.16/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.63/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.19/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.93/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.68/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for plumbers in Bristol grew 15.7% from $25.24/hr (2019) to $29.19/hr (2025). At a 2.52% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.68/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 Bristol 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 Bristol
Part-time plumbers working in Bristol can earn significantly depending on their schedule and the nature of their work. For instance, a professional logging 24 hours a week at the median hourly wage of $29.93 would gross around $37,000 annually. Conversely, those opting for per diem opportunities often find themselves in more lucrative roles, especially on out-of-town projects, where daily compensation can range from $100 to $175 on top of an hourly rate between $40 and $65. This dynamic applies notably to self-employed plumbers, who might charge upward of $100 to $180 hourly in high-cost-of-living markets. Factors like the type of employer also affect hourly rates; unionized plumbers may enjoy a premium compared to their non-union counterparts. Moreover, the trade-off between lower hourly rates with benefits and higher pay without has created nuanced decisions for professionals in this trade. Those seeking to maximize their earnings should consider the practicalities of negotiating their pay and benefits in Bristol's vibrant plumbing market.
More salary data for Bristol, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for plumbers in Bristol in 2026?
How much do part-time plumbers make in Bristol?
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Related Pages
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Nearby Cities in Virginia
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 Bristol. 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 Bristol 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