25 Best Cities for Plumbers in 2026
Licensed plumbers are perennially in demand, with construction booms and aging infrastructure creating consistent work across most US metros. We ranked cities on affordability and job stability, since plumbers must live locally and their compensation is closely tied to regional construction activity and licensing regulations.
Methodology
Scoring weights: rent-to-income ratio (35%, inverted), unemployment rate (30%, inverted), median income (25%), violent crime rate (10%, inverted).
Laconia
New Hampshire
Median Income
$97,692
Median Rent
$1,037/mo
Rent/Income
13%
Unemployment
2.1%
Lexington Park
Maryland
Median Income
$116,297
Median Rent
$1,718/mo
Rent/Income
18%
Unemployment
2.0%
Bismarck
North Dakota
Median Income
$83,440
Median Rent
$951/mo
Rent/Income
14%
Unemployment
2.0%
Heber
Utah
Median Income
$134,986
Median Rent
$2,434/mo
Rent/Income
22%
Unemployment
2.5%
Concord
New Hampshire
Median Income
$92,110
Median Rent
$1,398/mo
Rent/Income
18%
Unemployment
2.0%
Burlington-South Burlington
Vermont
Median Income
$95,497
Median Rent
$1,604/mo
Rent/Income
20%
Unemployment
1.6%
Keene
New Hampshire
Median Income
$89,314
Median Rent
$1,259/mo
Rent/Income
17%
Unemployment
2.3%
Manchester-Nashua
New Hampshire
Median Income
$103,727
Median Rent
$1,668/mo
Rent/Income
19%
Unemployment
2.4%
Sioux Falls
South Dakota
Median Income
$76,226
Median Rent
$988/mo
Rent/Income
16%
Unemployment
1.7%
Watertown-Fort Atkinson
Wisconsin
Median Income
$82,864
Median Rent
$953/mo
Rent/Income
14%
Unemployment
2.5%
Lebanon-Claremont
New Hampshire
Median Income
$78,937
Median Rent
$1,218/mo
Rent/Income
19%
Unemployment
1.9%
Ogden
Utah
Median Income
$100,461
Median Rent
$1,528/mo
Rent/Income
18%
Unemployment
2.5%
Appleton
Wisconsin
Median Income
$83,966
Median Rent
$1,087/mo
Rent/Income
16%
Unemployment
2.3%
Torrington
Connecticut
Median Income
$91,020
Median Rent
$1,141/mo
Rent/Income
15%
Unemployment
3.0%
Portland-South Portland
Maine
Median Income
$92,117
Median Rent
$1,551/mo
Rent/Income
20%
Unemployment
2.2%
Fargo
North Dakota
Median Income
$72,889
Median Rent
$989/mo
Rent/Income
16%
Unemployment
1.9%
Decatur
Alabama
Median Income
$72,956
Median Rent
$854/mo
Rent/Income
14%
Unemployment
2.1%
Provo-Orem-Lehi
Utah
Median Income
$100,791
Median Rent
$1,556/mo
Rent/Income
19%
Unemployment
2.7%
Sheboygan
Wisconsin
Median Income
$72,902
Median Rent
$895/mo
Rent/Income
15%
Unemployment
2.3%
Grand Forks
North Dakota
Median Income
$71,529
Median Rent
$908/mo
Rent/Income
15%
Unemployment
2.2%
Rapid City
South Dakota
Median Income
$77,164
Median Rent
$1,125/mo
Rent/Income
17%
Unemployment
1.8%
Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington
Minnesota
Median Income
$95,102
Median Rent
$1,427/mo
Rent/Income
18%
Unemployment
2.6%
Huntsville
Alabama
Median Income
$84,929
Median Rent
$1,240/mo
Rent/Income
18%
Unemployment
2.0%
Logan
Utah
Median Income
$85,111
Median Rent
$1,253/mo
Rent/Income
18%
Unemployment
2.4%
Grand Island
Nebraska
Median Income
$70,919
Median Rent
$947/mo
Rent/Income
16%
Unemployment
2.2%
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do plumbers earn?
The national median for licensed plumbers is around $58,000 to $68,000, with master plumbers, those running their own businesses, and union members in high-cost markets earning $80,000 to $120,000.
Do plumbers need a separate license in every state?
Yes. Most states require their own plumbing license, and requirements vary significantly. Some states have reciprocity agreements, but generally you must pass a state-specific exam to practice.
Is plumbing a good career without a college degree?
One of the best. Licensed plumbers with strong business skills can run service businesses generating $150,000 or more annually. The apprenticeship path typically takes 4 to 5 years and pays throughout training.