Plumber Salary in Emporia, KS: $54,889 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time plumber in Emporia, KS earns a median $54,889/year (≈ $26.39/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 47-2152). Once you factor in Emporia's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 90.9), that paycheck buys what $60,384 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.7% below the Kansas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the expected median plumber salary in Emporia, Kansas, is set at $54,889, which reflects a significant difference when compared to the national median of $65,408, highlighting a pay gap that is prevalent in this regional market. Plumbers in this area can expect earnings ranging from $41,287 at the low end (10th percentile) to $85,078 for the highest earners (90th percentile). This variation indicates a diverse employment environment with distinct pathways leading to higher compensation, especially given that union pipefitters often secure 30-50% more than their non-union counterparts. Such figures, derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data adjusted for local cost-of-living factors, outline the competitive salary structure that influences the decision-making process for prospective plumbers in Emporia.
About the Emporia Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,287 | $19.85 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $44,752 | $21.52 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $54,889 | $26.39 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $70,258 | $33.78 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $85,078 | $40.91 |
Median Salary Position
16.08% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Emporia
In Emporia, KS, the plumber salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $43,791 (2026 est.). At $54,889, the local median is 16.08% below the national median of $65,408.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Emporia: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Emporia Plumber Pay Compares
Emporia median: $54,889/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Emporia Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas Average | $59,468 | -7.70% less |
| National Average | $65,408 | -16.08% less |
Plumbers in Emporia, KS earn a median of $54,889 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.08% lower than the national median of $65,408 and 7.70% below the Kansas state average of $59,468.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Emporia has a cost of living 9.10% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Emporia, KS has a cost-of-living index of 90.9 (below the national average of 100). A plumber earning $54,889 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $60,384 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.01% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$46,289
2025 BLS Actual
$53,540
2026 Current Est.
$54,889
2019–2027 Growth
+21.6%
Salary Trajectory for Plumbers in Emporia (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.52% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $46,289 | Actual |
| 2020 | $47,271 | Actual |
| 2021 | $50,250 | Actual |
| 2022 | $50,427 | Actual |
| 2023 | $51,652 | Actual |
| 2024 | $46,994 | Actual |
| 2025 | $53,540 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $54,889 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $56,272 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Emporia metropolitan area, the median plumber salary grew 15.7% from $46,289 (2019) to $53,540 (2025). At a 2.52% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $56,272 by 2027 — a total increase of $9,983 (21.57%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Emporia 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) | $41,287 – $44,752 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $44,752 – $54,889 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $54,889 – $70,258 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $70,258 – $85,078 |
Plumber salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual plumber compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Plumber Job Market in Emporia
In Emporia, the local plumbing job market is relatively small, with five active plumbers currently employed in the area. The cost of living index stands at 90.9, indicating that expenses are lower than the national average, which enhances take-home purchasing power for plumbers in this region. Top salaries are typically found among UA (United Association) union contractors, where members are often compensated more favorably than non-union service providers or self-employed plumbers. Salary distinctions stem from a variety of factors, including specialized skills in medical gas installation or the ability to fulfill roles in larger industrial maintenance teams which command higher rates. It's also crucial for plumbers to consider obtaining additional licensing such as master plumber status or participate in ongoing education to increase their value in a market that can fluctuate based on infrastructure needs and workforce demographics. For those looking to maximize their earning potential in Emporia, pursuing union membership or certifications in specialized plumbing areas would be strategic moves in this evolving job landscape.
More salary data for Emporia, KS:
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 $53,540 for plumbersin the Emporia 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
Salary data for Emporia 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