Plumber Salary in Schenectady, NY: $77,688 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time plumber in Schenectady, NY earns a median $77,688/year (≈ $37.35/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 47-2152). Once you factor in Schenectady's price level (16% above national, BEA RPP 115.9), that paycheck buys what $67,030 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.9% above the New York state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Schenectady, NY, the anticipated plumber salary in 2026 is projected to be $77,688, significantly higher than the national median of $65,408, reflecting an 18.77% premium that can be attributed to the region's specific job market dynamics. Plumbers in the area can expect to earn within a range from $54,451 at the 10th percentile to $120,416 at the 90th percentile, indicating a robust salary distribution that rewards experience and specialization. Notably, those with advanced certifications in medical gas or underground utility work can command even higher compensation, adding value to their skill sets. This competitive salary picture is shaped by localized data derived from projections based on 2025 BLS information and regional cost adjustments, painting a clear picture of the financial opportunities available for this profession in Schenectady.
About the Schenectady Market
Salary estimated from New York average ($88,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $54,451 | $26.18 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $61,052 | $29.35 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $77,688 | $37.35 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $99,440 | $47.81 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $120,416 | $57.89 |
Median Salary Position
18.77% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Schenectady
In Schenectady, NY, the plumber salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $65,965 (2026 est.). At $77,688, the local median is 18.77% above the national median of $65,408.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Schenectady: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Schenectady Plumber Pay Compares
Schenectady median: $77,688/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Schenectady Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New York Average | $74,059 | +4.90% more |
| National Average | $65,408 | +18.77% more |
Plumbers in Schenectady, NY earn a median of $77,688 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.77% higher than the national median of $65,408 and 4.90% above the New York state average of $74,059.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Schenectady has a cost of living 15.90% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Schenectady, NY has a cost-of-living index of 115.9 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $77,688 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $67,030 — a 13.72% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$65,516
2025 BLS Actual
$75,778
2026 Current Est.
$77,688
2019–2027 Growth
+21.6%
Salary Trajectory for Plumbers in Schenectady (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.52% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $65,516 | Actual |
| 2020 | $66,906 | Actual |
| 2021 | $71,122 | Actual |
| 2022 | $71,371 | Actual |
| 2023 | $73,106 | Actual |
| 2024 | $98,779 | Actual |
| 2025 | $75,778 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $77,688 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $79,645 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Schenectady metropolitan area, the median plumber salary grew 15.7% from $65,516 (2019) to $75,778 (2025). At a 2.52% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $79,645 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,129 (21.57%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Schenectady 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) | $54,451 – $61,052 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $61,052 – $77,688 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $77,688 – $99,440 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $99,440 – $120,416 |
Plumber salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual plumber compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Plumber Job Market in Schenectady
As of the latest estimates, the local plumber job market employs 16 professionals, hinting at a niche yet vital sector within Schenectady's economy. The cost of living index stands at 115.9, which is above the national average, indicating that while wages may be higher, expenses relate to housing and services are also elevated. Among the highest-paying employers, union contractors affiliated with the United Association often provide the best rates, significantly exceeding those offered by non-union firms. Additionally, plumbers specializing in high-demand areas—such as healthcare facilities or complex industrial settings—often see wider pay gaps due to the unique skills required. A mixture of commission structures in service plumbing and the ability to manage self-employed business margins can further enhance earning power. For aspiring plumbers looking to maximize their pay in Schenectady, achieving certifications, pursuing union membership, and being skilled in specialty practices will be key strategies to stand out in the competitive workforce.
More salary data for Schenectady, NY:
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 $75,778 for plumbersin the Schenectady 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 Schenectady 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