Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters Salary in Washington, DC-VA-MD-WV

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV

Median annual salary $64,030 +1.7% vs national
Median hourly $30.78
10th percentile $47,150
90th percentile $105,800
Employed locally 8,780
National median $62,970

Compare Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters salary & buying power

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    In the Washington, DC-VA-MD-WV area, plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters earn a median annual salary of $64,030, which is slightly above the national median of $62,970. This reflects their median hourly rate at $30.78. When compared to the local median household income of $123,896, individual earnings for these tradespeople constitute approximately 51% of that figure. This indicates that a typical worker in this field earns less than half of the average household income, highlighting potential differences in household composition or multiple earners within households.

    The salary range for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters varies significantly based on experience level, with those at the 10th percentile earning $47,150 annually, while entry-level workers often start around this mark. In contrast, more experienced professionals can earn upwards of $81,440 at the 75th percentile, reaching as high as $105,800 for those in the top 10%. This disparity is driven by factors such as skill level, years of experience, and specialized certifications or training. As workers gain proficiency and tackle more complex projects, their value increases, which is reflected in higher earnings within this profession.

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $47,150
    25th
    $52,820
    50th (median)
    $64,030
    75th
    $81,440
    90th
    $105,800

    Washington economic context

    Unemployment rate 3.00% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $123,896 2023 • Census ACS
    Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters salary vs area income 52% Median Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters salary is 48% below the area median household income

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters make per hour in Washington?

    The median hourly wage for Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters in Washington, DC-VA-MD-WV is $30.78, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $55.00 or more per hour.

    Is Washington above or below average for Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters salaries?

    The median Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters salary in Washington, DC-VA-MD-WV is 1.7% above the national median of $62,970. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters in Washington?

    Entry-level Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters (10th percentile) earn around $47,150 per year in Washington, DC-VA-MD-WV. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $52,820.