Plumber Salary in Cambridge, MA: $96,829 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time plumber in Cambridge, MA earns a median $96,829/year (≈ $46.55/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 47-2152). Once you factor in Cambridge's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $89,243 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 15.0% above the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, plumbers in Cambridge, Massachusetts, can expect a median annual salary of $96,829, significantly higher than the national figure of $65,408. The salary range spans from $63,438 at the 10th percentile to $150,085 at the 90th percentile, reflecting the diverse employment landscape in the area. Estimates derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost structures show a robust job market influenced by both union and non-union roles. Union pipefitters and steamfitters typically command premium wages, often outpacing their non-union counterparts in residential service and construction. This pay gap is especially pertinent in Cambridge, where the labor market remains competitive, and specialty skills can enhance earnings substantially.
About the Cambridge Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $63,438 | $30.50 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $72,997 | $35.09 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $96,829 | $46.55 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $123,942 | $59.58 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $150,085 | $72.15 |
Median Salary Position
48.04% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Cambridge
In Cambridge, MA, the plumber salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $86,647 (2026 est.). At $96,829, the local median is 48.04% above the national median of $65,408.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Cambridge: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Cambridge Plumber Pay Compares
Cambridge median: $96,829/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Cambridge Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $84,199 | +15.00% more |
| National Average | $65,408 | +48.04% more |
Plumbers in Cambridge, MA earn a median of $96,829 per year (2026 est.), which is 48.04% higher than the national median of $65,408 and 15.00% above the Massachusetts state average of $84,199.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Cambridge has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Cambridge, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $96,829 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $89,243 — a 7.83% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$81,658
2025 BLS Actual
$94,449
2026 Current Est.
$96,829
2019–2027 Growth
+21.6%
Salary Trajectory for Plumbers in Cambridge (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.52% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $81,658 | Actual |
| 2020 | $83,390 | Actual |
| 2021 | $88,646 | Actual |
| 2022 | $88,957 | Actual |
| 2023 | $91,118 | Actual |
| 2024 | $87,714 | Actual |
| 2025 | $94,449 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $96,829 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $99,269 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Cambridge metropolitan area, the median plumber salary grew 15.7% from $81,658 (2019) to $94,449 (2025). At a 2.52% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $99,269 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,611 (21.57%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cambridge 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) | $63,438 – $72,997 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $72,997 – $96,829 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $96,829 – $123,942 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $123,942 – $150,085 |
Plumber salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual plumber compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Plumber Job Market in Cambridge
Cambridge's plumbing sector employs approximately 22 plumbers, and with a cost-of-living index of 108.5, practitioners must navigate decent wages against elevated living expenses. This environment means take-home pay needs careful management. Among local employers, union contractors affiliated with the UA offer some of the most lucrative positions, while large service companies such as Roto-Rooter and ARS also provide opportunity, particularly for commission-based roles. The spread in salaries reflects various factors, including specialty credentials such as medical gas installation and the reach of experienced versus entry-level plumbers. For those committed to maximizing pay in Cambridge, pursuing a master license, seeking union affiliations, and specializing in high-demand areas can enhance long-term earning potential in this evolving job market.
More salary data for Cambridge, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Pages
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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 $94,449 for plumbersin the Cambridge 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 Cambridge 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