Plumber Salary in Lowell, MA: $84,417 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time plumber in Lowell, MA earns a median $84,417/year (≈ $40.59/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 47-2152). Once you factor in Lowell's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $77,804 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.3% above the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, plumbers in Lowell, Massachusetts, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $84,417, significantly above the national median of $65,408 for the same year. The salary range for plumbers varies widely, with entry-level positions starting around $59,936 and experienced professionals making up to $130,846. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost variations, highlight the competitive landscape of plumbing salaries in the area. In Lowell, many plumbers are part of the United Association (UA), and the wage disparity between union pipefitters and non-union service plumbers often reflects a substantial premium for union representation, influencing the overall job market significantly.
About the Lowell Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $59,936 | $28.82 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $67,146 | $32.28 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $84,417 | $40.59 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $108,054 | $51.95 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $130,846 | $62.91 |
Median Salary Position
29.06% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lowell
In Lowell, MA, the plumber salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $70,910 (2026 est.). At $84,417, the local median is 29.06% above the national median of $65,408.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Lowell: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Lowell Plumber Pay Compares
Lowell median: $84,417/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lowell Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $84,165 | +0.30% more |
| National Average | $65,408 | +29.06% more |
Plumbers in Lowell, MA earn a median of $84,417 per year (2026 est.), which is 29.06% higher than the national median of $65,408 and 0.30% above the Massachusetts state average of $84,165.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lowell has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Lowell, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $84,417 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $77,804 — a 7.83% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$71,191
2025 BLS Actual
$82,342
2026 Current Est.
$84,417
2019–2027 Growth
+21.6%
Salary Trajectory for Plumbers in Lowell (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.52% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $71,191 | Actual |
| 2020 | $72,701 | Actual |
| 2021 | $77,283 | Actual |
| 2022 | $77,554 | Actual |
| 2023 | $79,438 | Actual |
| 2024 | $89,216 | Actual |
| 2025 | $82,342 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $84,417 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $86,544 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lowell metropolitan area, the median plumber salary grew 15.7% from $71,191 (2019) to $82,342 (2025). At a 2.52% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $86,544 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,353 (21.57%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lowell 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) | $59,936 – $67,146 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $67,146 – $84,417 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $84,417 – $108,054 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $108,054 – $130,846 |
Plumber salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual plumber compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Plumber Job Market in Lowell
The local plumbing job environment consists of around 29 employed plumbers, indicating a steady workforce catering to an increasing demand driven by aging infrastructure and a growing need for specialized services, such as medical gas installation. With a cost of living index at 108.5, the take-home purchasing power for plumbers in Lowell may be squeezed, emphasizing the importance of skill specialization. High-paying employers typically include union plumbing contractors, large service companies like Roto-Rooter, and industrial maintenance teams in manufacturing settings. Factors such as the lack of pipefitter or steamfitter credentials, which command a higher wage, or the advantages of possessing a master or contractor license can greatly impact a plumber’s earnings. Masters who engage in self-employment or work for commission-based service companies enjoy the potential for higher income through flexible work structures, making it essential for plumbers in Lowell to refine specialized skills and pursue union affiliations to maximize their salary potential.
More salary data for Lowell, MA:
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 $82,342 for plumbersin the Lowell 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 Lowell 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