Plumber Salary in Lakewood, WA: $81,067 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time plumber in Lakewood, WA earns a median $81,067/year (≈ $38.98/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 47-2152). Once you factor in Lakewood's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $75,481 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.2% below the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the median annual salary for plumbers in Lakewood, Washington, is projected to reach $81,067, significantly higher than the national median of $65,408. Within the local market, salaries range from $52,897 at the lower end (P10) to an upper threshold of $125,654 (P90). These figures reflect the local employment dynamics as well as regional cost adjustments based on Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) state-level data. The decision between self-employment and working for a service plumbing firm can greatly influence financial outcomes, particularly given the variability in income associated with commission structures in service roles versus the stability often associated with employed positions.
About the Lakewood Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $52,897 | $25.44 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $65,629 | $31.56 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $81,067 | $38.98 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $103,766 | $49.89 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $125,654 | $60.42 |
Median Salary Position
23.94% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lakewood
In Lakewood, WA, the plumber salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $72,757 (2026 est.). At $81,067, the local median is 23.94% above the national median of $65,408.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Lakewood: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Lakewood Plumber Pay Compares
Lakewood median: $81,067/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lakewood Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $82,051 | -1.20% less |
| National Average | $65,408 | +23.94% more |
Plumbers in Lakewood, WA earn a median of $81,067 per year (2026 est.), which is 23.94% higher than the national median of $65,408 and 1.20% below the Washington state average of $82,051.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lakewood has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Lakewood, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $81,067 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $75,481 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$68,366
2025 BLS Actual
$79,074
2026 Current Est.
$81,067
2019–2027 Growth
+21.6%
Salary Trajectory for Plumbers in Lakewood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.52% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $68,366 | Actual |
| 2020 | $69,816 | Actual |
| 2021 | $74,216 | Actual |
| 2022 | $74,476 | Actual |
| 2023 | $76,285 | Actual |
| 2024 | $87,016 | Actual |
| 2025 | $79,074 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $81,067 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $83,110 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lakewood metropolitan area, the median plumber salary grew 15.7% from $68,366 (2019) to $79,074 (2025). At a 2.52% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $83,110 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,744 (21.57%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lakewood 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) | $52,897 – $65,629 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $65,629 – $81,067 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $81,067 – $103,766 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $103,766 – $125,654 |
Plumber salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual plumber compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Plumber Job Market in Lakewood
The plumbing workforce in Lakewood is relatively small, with only 14 plumbers currently employed, which may suggest opportunities for growth in this market. The local cost-of-living index sits at 107.4, indicating that while wages are higher, expenses are also elevated, impacting purchasing power. Those seeking higher plumber pay in Lakewood, WA, may find the best opportunities within unionized firms, which typically offer premium wages that can be 30-50% above non-union service rates. Specialization credentials, such as medical gas or backflow prevention certifications, can further enhance earning potential. The variation in income levels often reflects not just the type of work—such as residential, service, or industrial—but also the additional opportunities for overtime or commissions in larger service companies like Roto-Rooter and ARS. Upgrading skills and seeking out niches in a market with an aging workforce could provide significant advantages for those looking to maximize their compensation in this sector.
More salary data for Lakewood, 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 $79,074 for plumbersin the Lakewood 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 Lakewood 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