Plumber Salary in Independence, KY: $65,383 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time plumber in Independence, KY earns a median $65,383/year (≈ $31.43/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 47-2152). Once you factor in Independence's price level (11% below national, BEA RPP 89.3), that paycheck buys what $73,217 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.8% below the Kentucky state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Independence, Kentucky, the projected 2026 median salary for plumbers stands at $65,383, closely aligning with the national median of $65,408. While salaries range from $46,650 at the 10th percentile to $101,344 at the 90th percentile, it’s essential to recognize that this market is significantly influenced by the distinction between union and non-union positions. Union pipefitters, particularly those associated with the United Association (UA), typically command a premium of 30-50% over their non-union counterparts, affecting the overall salary structure in the area. Such disparities underscore the competitive landscape for those in plumbing roles in Independence, as employers navigate the local labor market dynamics amid rising demand for skilled tradespeople.
About the Independence Market
Salary estimated from Kentucky average ($54,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,650 | $22.43 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51,731 | $24.87 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $65,383 | $31.43 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $83,690 | $40.24 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $101,344 | $48.73 |
Median Salary Position
0.04% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Independence
In Independence, KY, the plumber salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $54,694 (2026 est.). At $65,383, the local median is 0.04% below the national median of $65,408.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Independence: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Independence Plumber Pay Compares
Independence median: $65,383/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Independence Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Kentucky Average | $65,910 | -0.80% less |
| National Average | $65,408 | -0.04% less |
Plumbers in Independence, KY earn a median of $65,383 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.04% lower than the national median of $65,408 and 0.80% below the Kentucky state average of $65,910.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Independence 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.
Independence, KY has a cost-of-living index of 89.3 (below the national average of 100). A plumber earning $65,383 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $73,217 in an average-cost city — an effective 11.98% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$55,139
2025 BLS Actual
$63,776
2026 Current Est.
$65,383
2019–2027 Growth
+21.6%
Salary Trajectory for Plumbers in Independence (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.52% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $55,139 | Actual |
| 2020 | $56,309 | Actual |
| 2021 | $59,857 | Actual |
| 2022 | $60,067 | Actual |
| 2023 | $61,527 | Actual |
| 2024 | $47,840 | Actual |
| 2025 | $63,776 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65,383 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67,031 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Independence metropolitan area, the median plumber salary grew 15.7% from $55,139 (2019) to $63,776 (2025). At a 2.52% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $67,031 by 2027 — a total increase of $11,892 (21.57%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Independence 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) | $46,650 – $51,731 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $51,731 – $65,383 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $65,383 – $83,690 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $83,690 – $101,344 |
Plumber salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual plumber compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Plumber Job Market in Independence
With only five plumbers actively employed in Independence, the job market remains relatively small but stable. The cost of living index for the area is 89.3, indicating that living expenses are below the national average, which enhances the purchasing power of earnings. Among employers, union plumbing contractors tend to offer the most competitive wages, while non-union service companies such as Roto-Rooter and ARS provide commission-based compensation that can lead to variable income. The spread in plumber pay in Independence can largely be attributed to differences in specialization—like medical gas licensing—and the choice between contract positions and self-employment. For those looking to maximize their plumber salary in Independence, strategies such as obtaining advanced certifications, pursuing union affiliation, and gaining experience in high-demand specialties are crucial for enhancing earning potential and securing more lucrative positions in both the residential and industrial sectors.
More salary data for Independence, KY:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do plumbers make in Independence, KY in 2026?
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Can plumbers make $100K in Independence?
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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 $63,776 for plumbersin the Independence 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 Independence 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