Plumber Salary in Ashland, KY: $64,493 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time plumber in Ashland, KY earns a median $64,493/year (≈ $31.00/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 47-2152). Once you factor in Ashland's price level (11% below national, BEA RPP 89.3), that paycheck buys what $72,221 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.1% below the Kentucky state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, plumbers in Ashland, Kentucky can expect a median annual salary of $64,493, which reflects a slight variance from the national median of $65,408. The local plumber pay in Ashland ranges from $46,025 at the 10th percentile to as high as $99,964 at the 90th percentile, indicating a diverse earning potential within the profession. Estimates based on 2025 BLS data and regional price adjustments suggest that the market has specific dynamics, particularly that union pipefitters, belonging to the UA (United Association), command a notable pay premium of 30-50% compared to non-union counterparts. This union presence influences salary structures in Ashland, which is crucial for emerging plumbers to consider as they plan their career paths.
About the Ashland Market
Salary estimated from Kentucky average ($54,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,025 | $22.12 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50,979 | $24.51 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $64,493 | $31.00 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $82,551 | $39.69 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $99,964 | $48.06 |
Median Salary Position
1.4% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Ashland
In Ashland, KY, the plumber salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $53,939 (2026 est.). At $64,493, the local median is 1.4% below the national median of $65,408.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Ashland: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Ashland Plumber Pay Compares
Ashland median: $64,493/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Ashland Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Kentucky Average | $65,877 | -2.10% less |
| National Average | $65,408 | -1.40% less |
Plumbers in Ashland, KY earn a median of $64,493 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.40% lower than the national median of $65,408 and 2.10% below the Kentucky state average of $65,877.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Ashland has a cost of living 10.70% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Ashland, KY has a cost-of-living index of 89.3 (below the national average of 100). A plumber earning $64,493 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $72,221 in an average-cost city — an effective 11.98% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$54,389
2025 BLS Actual
$62,908
2026 Current Est.
$64,493
2019–2027 Growth
+21.6%
Salary Trajectory for Plumbers in Ashland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.52% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $54,389 | Actual |
| 2020 | $55,542 | Actual |
| 2021 | $59,043 | Actual |
| 2022 | $59,250 | Actual |
| 2023 | $60,689 | Actual |
| 2024 | $45,874 | Actual |
| 2025 | $62,908 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $64,493 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66,119 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Ashland metropolitan area, the median plumber salary grew 15.7% from $54,389 (2019) to $62,908 (2025). At a 2.52% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $66,119 by 2027 — a total increase of $11,730 (21.57%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Ashland 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) | $46,025 – $50,979 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $50,979 – $64,493 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $64,493 – $82,551 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $82,551 – $99,964 |
Plumber salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual plumber compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Plumber Job Market in Ashland
The local job market for plumbers is limited, with only four plumbers currently employed in the Ashland area, contributing to a competitive environment. The cost of living index for Ashland stands at 89.3, which means that despite moderate salary expectations, plumbers may find their purchasing power more favorable than in higher-cost areas. Among employers, UA union plumbing contractors typically provide the highest pay, while non-union service companies like Roto-Rooter and ARS feature commission-based structures that allow skilled plumbers to capitalize on their performance. Factors such as licensing status, specialization in medical gas or backflow prevention, and the demand for residential versus industrial plumbing heavily influence pay ranges. For those looking to increase their earning potential, focusing on obtaining additional certifications, pursuing specialties, or considering self-employment could be strategic moves in Ashland's varied plumbing market.
More salary data for Ashland, KY:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Pages
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Nearby Cities in Kentucky
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 $62,908 for plumbersin the Ashland 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 Ashland 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