Plumber Salary in Papillion, NE: $55,669 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time plumber in Papillion, NE earns a median $55,669/year (≈ $26.77/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 47-2152). Once you factor in Papillion's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.5), that paycheck buys what $60,840 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.0% below the Nebraska state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, plumbers in Papillion, Nebraska, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $55,669. This figure reflects the competitive dynamics of the local market, where unionized pipefitters often command a significant premium over their non-union counterparts. With a salary range spanning from $42,579 at the 10th percentile to $86,288 at the 90th percentile, the earning potential for plumbers in this area can vary significantly based on experience, specialization, and employment type. These estimates, derived from BLS state-level data with adjustments for regional costs, indicate that while the local salary is on the lower side compared to the national median of $65,408, opportunities persist for growth for those willing to enhance their skills and credentials within this evolving job market.
About the Papillion Market
Salary estimated from Nebraska average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,579 | $20.47 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $45,900 | $22.07 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $55,669 | $26.77 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $71,257 | $34.26 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $86,288 | $41.48 |
Median Salary Position
14.89% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Papillion
In Papillion, NE, the plumber salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $43,709 (2026 est.). At $55,669, the local median is 14.89% below the national median of $65,408.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Papillion: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Papillion Plumber Pay Compares
Papillion median: $55,669/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Papillion Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Nebraska Average | $59,860 | -7.00% less |
| National Average | $65,408 | -14.89% less |
Plumbers in Papillion, NE earn a median of $55,669 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.89% lower than the national median of $65,408 and 7.00% below the Nebraska state average of $59,860.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Papillion has a cost of living 8.50% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Papillion, NE has a cost-of-living index of 91.5 (below the national average of 100). A plumber earning $55,669 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $60,840 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.29% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$46,947
2025 BLS Actual
$54,301
2026 Current Est.
$55,669
2019–2027 Growth
+21.6%
Salary Trajectory for Plumbers in Papillion (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.52% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $46,947 | Actual |
| 2020 | $47,943 | Actual |
| 2021 | $50,965 | Actual |
| 2022 | $51,143 | Actual |
| 2023 | $52,386 | Actual |
| 2024 | $49,365 | Actual |
| 2025 | $54,301 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $55,669 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $57,072 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Papillion metropolitan area, the median plumber salary grew 15.7% from $46,947 (2019) to $54,301 (2025). At a 2.52% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $57,072 by 2027 — a total increase of $10,125 (21.57%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Papillion 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) | $42,579 – $45,900 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $45,900 – $55,669 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $55,669 – $71,257 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $71,257 – $86,288 |
Plumber salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual plumber compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Plumber Job Market in Papillion
The job market for plumbers in Papillion, with only five currently employed in this field, suggests a relatively tight labor pool, ideally suited for those seeking entry or advancement. Coupled with a cost of living index of 91.5, which is below the national average, the purchasing power for plumbers may be more favorable than it appears at first glance. Major employers include union plumbing contractors, which typically offer higher wages, as well as various non-union service companies and specialized industrial teams. The disparity in pay is primarily influenced by specialization, such as medical gas or industrial pipefitting, alongside factors like licensing and commission structures prevalent in service roles. To maximize earnings, plumbers in Papillion should consider obtaining advanced certifications and seeking roles with union affiliations, as these strategies can significantly enhance potential compensation within a fluctuating market.
More salary data for Papillion, NE:
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 $54,301 for plumbersin the Papillion 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 Papillion 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