Plumber Salary in New Bedford, MA: $84,812 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time plumber in New Bedford, MA earns a median $84,812/year (≈ $40.77/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 47-2152). Once you factor in New Bedford's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $78,168 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.7% above the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In New Bedford, Massachusetts, the projected median annual salary for plumbers in 2026 is $84,812, reflecting notable strength in the local market against the national median of $65,408. This robust figure translates to a salary range from $60,833 at the 10th percentile to as high as $131,458 at the 90th percentile, highlighting the varied earning potential within this profession. These estimates, based on 2025 BLS data projected to 2026 with regional price adjustments, indicate that specialized skills such as medical gas certification or expertise in underground utilities can significantly enhance earning capacity for plumbers in the area. As the demand for skilled trades continues to grow, opportunities abound for those equipped with niche credentials.
About the New Bedford Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $60,833 | $29.25 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $67,929 | $32.66 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $84,812 | $40.77 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $108,559 | $52.19 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $131,458 | $63.20 |
Median Salary Position
29.67% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in New Bedford
In New Bedford, MA, the plumber salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $70,625 (2026 est.). At $84,812, the local median is 29.67% above the national median of $65,408.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in New Bedford: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How New Bedford Plumber Pay Compares
New Bedford median: $84,812/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | New Bedford Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $84,222 | +0.70% more |
| National Average | $65,408 | +29.67% more |
Plumbers in New Bedford, MA earn a median of $84,812 per year (2026 est.), which is 29.67% higher than the national median of $65,408 and 0.70% above the Massachusetts state average of $84,222.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
New Bedford has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
New Bedford, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $84,812 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $78,168 — a 7.83% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$72,320
2025 BLS Actual
$82,727
2026 Current Est.
$84,812
2019–2027 Growth
+20.2%
Salary Trajectory for Plumbers in New Bedford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.52% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $72,320 | Actual |
| 2020 | $72,990 | Actual |
| 2021 | $73,880 | Actual |
| 2022 | $63,410 | Actual |
| 2023 | $63,580 | Actual |
| 2024 | $89,633 | Actual |
| 2025 | $82,727 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $84,812 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $86,949 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the New Bedford metropolitan area, the median plumber salary grew 14.4% from $72,320 (2019) to $82,727 (2025). At a 2.52% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $86,949 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,629 (20.23%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the New Bedford 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) | $60,833 – $67,929 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $67,929 – $84,812 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $84,812 – $108,559 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $108,559 – $131,458 |
Plumber salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual plumber compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Plumber Job Market in New Bedford
With only 24 plumbers employed locally, job openings can be competitive, yet the cost of living index in New Bedford sits at 108.5, suggesting a slightly higher expense compared to the national average. This reality impacts take-home pay and purchasing power, making it essential for professionals to align their career strategies with market demands. Among the highest-paying employers are union plumbing contractors, which often provide wages that outstrip non-union rates by 30-50%. Factors contributing to differential pay include union versus non-union status, the complexity of the work (with specialties in medical gas and industrial maintenance typically offering higher compensation), and the licensing level of the plumber. To maximize earning potential in this competitive market, plumbers should pursue further certifications, build relationships with local contractors, and consider entering specialties that command a premium, ensuring they capitalize on the evolving landscape of plumber pay in New Bedford, MA.
More salary data for New Bedford, 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 $82,727 for plumbersin the New Bedford 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 New Bedford 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