Plumber Salary in Federal Way, WA: $81,306 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time plumber in Federal Way, WA earns a median $81,306/year (≈ $39.09/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 47-2152). Once you factor in Federal Way's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $75,704 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.9% below the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Federal Way, Washington, plumbers can expect to earn an attractive median annual salary of $81,306 in 2026, significantly higher than the national median of $65,408. The salary range is substantial, with entry-level positions starting at about $56,237 and more experienced plumbers reaching up to $126,024. These figures are relevant for both employed and self-employed plumbers, highlighting a critical tradeoff between the stability of regular employment and the potentially higher earnings available to independent contractors. With a strong local market, Federal Way presents a favorable environment for those in the plumbing trade, particularly for individuals with specialized skills or union affiliations.
About the Federal Way Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $56,237 | $27.03 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $63,544 | $30.55 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $81,306 | $39.09 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $104,071 | $50.03 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $126,024 | $60.59 |
Median Salary Position
24.31% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Federal Way
In Federal Way, WA, the plumber salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $69,787 (2026 est.). At $81,306, the local median is 24.31% above the national median of $65,408.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Federal Way: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Federal Way Plumber Pay Compares
Federal Way median: $81,306/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Federal Way Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $82,044 | -0.90% less |
| National Average | $65,408 | +24.31% more |
Plumbers in Federal Way, WA earn a median of $81,306 per year (2026 est.), which is 24.31% higher than the national median of $65,408 and 0.90% below the Washington state average of $82,044.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Federal Way has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Federal Way, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $81,306 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $75,704 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$68,567
2025 BLS Actual
$79,307
2026 Current Est.
$81,306
2019–2027 Growth
+21.6%
Salary Trajectory for Plumbers in Federal Way (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.52% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $68,567 | Actual |
| 2020 | $70,021 | Actual |
| 2021 | $74,434 | Actual |
| 2022 | $74,695 | Actual |
| 2023 | $76,510 | Actual |
| 2024 | $87,273 | Actual |
| 2025 | $79,307 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $81,306 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $83,354 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Federal Way metropolitan area, the median plumber salary grew 15.7% from $68,567 (2019) to $79,307 (2025). At a 2.52% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $83,354 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,787 (21.57%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Federal Way 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) | $56,237 – $63,544 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $63,544 – $81,306 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $81,306 – $104,071 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $104,071 – $126,024 |
Plumber salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual plumber compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Plumber Job Market in Federal Way
The dynamics of the job market in Federal Way reveal a unique situation. With only 22 plumbers currently employed in the area, competition can be limited, but the cost of living index stands at 107.4, suggesting that take-home purchasing power is impacted. While union plumbing contractors often provide the highest wages due to collective bargaining agreements, non-union service plumbers can also see varied pay levels influenced by the type of work performed—ranging from residential service to industrial plumbing. Skill specializations, like medical gas certification, further drive income potential. For those aiming to maximize earnings in Federal Way, obtaining advanced licenses, seeking out union positions, or pursuing specialized services could yield significant financial benefits in a market with sustained demand for skilled plumbers due to an aging workforce and infrastructure.
More salary data for Federal Way, WA:
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 $79,307 for plumbersin the Federal Way 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 Federal Way 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