Plumber Salary in Anchorage, AK: $95,959 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time plumber in Anchorage, AK earns a median $95,959/year (≈ $46.13/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 47-2152). Once you factor in Anchorage's price level (5% above national, BEA RPP 105.4), that paycheck buys what $91,025 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 38.3% above the Alaska state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Anchorage, Alaska, the plumber salary is notably robust, with a 2026 median annual figure projected at $95,959—significantly exceeding the national median of $65,408. This data shows that the lower end of the salary spectrum starts at $55,084, while the upper echelon can reach $119,733, reflecting the variations in skill levels, employment settings, and union affiliations among local plumbers. Notably, the UA union pipefitters typically command higher wages, with some positions paying 30% to 50% more than non-union service plumbers. This distinction suggests that plumbers affiliated with unions have a considerable advantage in compensation, reinforcing the pivotal role that labor organization plays in shaping salary dynamics within the Anchorage job market.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $55,084 | $26.48 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $74,060 | $35.61 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $95,959 | $46.13 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $104,663 | $50.32 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $119,733 | $57.56 |
Median Salary Position
46.71% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Anchorage
In Anchorage, AK, the plumber salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $64,649 (2026 est.). At $95,959, the local median is 46.71% above the national median of $65,408.
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At 40 hours/week in Anchorage: You'd be above the median
How Anchorage Plumber Pay Compares
Anchorage median: $95,959/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Anchorage Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Alaska Average | $69,384 | +38.30% more |
| National Average | $65,408 | +46.71% more |
Plumbers in Anchorage, AK earn a median of $95,959 per year (2026 est.), which is 46.71% higher than the national median of $65,408 and 38.30% above the Alaska state average of $69,384.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Anchorage has a cost of living 5.42% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Anchorage, AK has a cost-of-living index of 105.42 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $95,959 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $91,025 — a 5.14% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$82,690
2025 BLS Actual
$93,600
2026 Current Est.
$95,959
2019–2027 Growth
+19.0%
Salary Trajectory for Plumbers in Anchorage (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.52% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $82,690 | Actual |
| 2020 | $90,160 | Actual |
| 2021 | $80,160 | Actual |
| 2022 | $91,820 | Actual |
| 2023 | $83,270 | Actual |
| 2024 | $84,020 | Actual |
| 2025 | $93,600 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $95,959 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $98,377 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Anchorage metropolitan area, the median plumber salary grew 13.2% from $82,690 (2019) to $93,600 (2025). At a 2.52% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $98,377 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,687 (18.97%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Anchorage 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $55,084 – $74,060 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $74,060 – $95,959 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $95,959 – $104,663 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $104,663 – $119,733 |
Plumber salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual plumber compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Plumber Job Market in Anchorage
With around 640 plumbers actively employed in Anchorage, the job market exhibits healthy competition, but the cost of living is also a critical factor that affects purchasing power. With a cost-of-living index of 105.42, plumbers need to consider how their earnings will translate into their daily expenses. Most competitive wages come from unionized plumbing contractors, industrial maintenance teams, and larger service companies like Roto-Rooter. Such employers are typically able to offer salaries that reflect the higher end of the local pay scale. The disparity in income can often be attributed to the specialization and licensing of plumbers, where those with medical gas certifications or extensive experience in industrial applications not only earn more but also gain sustained job security due to the aging infrastructure in Anchorage. To maximize earnings in this market, plumbers should pursue advanced certifications, seek out union opportunities, and consider residential service roles that offer commission-based pay structures, thus unlocking higher potential earnings over time.
More salary data for Anchorage, AK:
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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $93,600 for plumbersin the Anchorage metropolitan area. A 2.52% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-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