If you’re considering a career as a plumber in Arlington, Texas, understanding the salary prospects is essential. In 2026, plumbers in Arlington earn competitive wages influenced by experience, certifications, employer type, and local demand. This comprehensive guide dives into the average salary range, what affects earnings, salary growth by experience, job trends, and how Arlington compares with other Texas cities. Whether you’re entering the trade or planning your next career move, this guide gives you real value.
🚰 Average Plumber Salary in Arlington, TX (2026)
Plumber salaries in Arlington vary depending on the source, but overall figures point to a healthy range for a skilled trade.
Typical Salary Range
| Source | Annual Salary | Hourly Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Glassdoor estimate | $60,000 – $99,000 | ≈ $29 – $47/hr |
| Indeed hourly average | n/a | ≈ $26.94/hr (~$56,000/year) |
| ReadySetHire estimate | ~$74,669 average | n/a |
👉 Estimated average plumber salary in Arlington (2026): ~ $72,000–$80,000 per year, depending on experience, certifications, and whether additional benefits are included.
🧰 Salary by Experience Level
Experience directly influences how much plumbers earn. Here’s a breakdown of typical pay by experience:
Salary Progression by Experience
| Experience Level | Estimated Pay | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level / Apprentice | ~$40,000–$55,000 | Just starting, usually assisting licensed plumbers. |
| Journeyperson | ~$55,000–$75,000 | Fully licensed, handles most residential/commercial tasks. |
| Experienced Plumber | ~$75,000–$95,000 | Higher skill level, broader job types. |
| Master / Specialist | $95,000+ | Highest earning potential; may include business ownership. |
🔹 Entry-level plumbers typically assist and learn the trade.
🔹 Journeyperson plumbers earn significantly more due to their ability to work independently.
🔹 Experienced plumbers can command higher pay, especially with additional skills or certifications.
📈 Key Factors That Influence Plumber Earnings
Plumber salaries don’t just depend on experience. Several important factors influence how much you can earn in Arlington:
🔹 Licensing & Certifications
Journeyperson Plumbing License
Master Plumber Certification
Backflow Prevention
Commercial or specialized system certifications
Certified plumbers often earn above the average wage due to increased trust and responsibilities.
🔹 Employer Type
Union contractors or city/state jobs often offer higher base pay.
Private plumbing companies may offer bonus structures or overtime.
Self-employed plumbers or business owners can set rates and have more upside.
🔹 Job Complexity & Sector
Residential service calls
Commercial installations
Industrial plumbing systems
Emergency and after-hours work
Emergency call-outs and commercial projects typically pay more per hour.
📊 Job Market Trends in Arlington, TX
The demand for plumbers in Arlington and the wider Dallas–Fort Worth metro area remains strong in 2026.
Key Trends
Home Renovations & Infrastructure Growth: Arlington’s housing and commercial spaces continue to grow, fueling more plumber demand.
Retirement Wave: Experienced plumbers retiring create openings for new talent.
Specialized Systems: Modern plumbing systems (eco-friendly solutions, high-efficiency systems) require advanced training.
Plumbers benefit from job stability, as plumbing services are essential regardless of economic cycles.
🛠️ Benefits of Being a Plumber in Arlington
A plumbing career offers more than just a paycheck. Here are common benefits many plumbers enjoy:
Typical Benefits
Health, dental, and vision insurance
Paid overtime (especially for emergencies)
Retirement plans (401(k), pensions)
Paid training and certification support
Job security and low automation risk
Some employers also provide tool allowances and travel incentives.
📍 Salary Comparison: Arlington vs Nearby Texas Cities
For perspective, here’s how plumber pay in Arlington stacks up against other cities in Texas (using Salary.com metropolitan data):
| City | Approx. Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Arlington, TX | ~$72,000–$80,000 estimated |
| Fort Worth, TX | ~$63,151 average |
| Dallas, TX | ~$63,047 estimated |
| Austin, TX | Typically higher range (varies) |
| Mansfield, TX | ~Similar to Arlington region |
Arlington often matches or slightly exceeds nearby average salaries due to regional demand and its location within the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex.
🎓 Education & Certifications That Impact Salary
While plumbers don’t need a college degree, education and licensing make a big difference:
Education Path
High school diploma or GED
Trade school or community college plumbing courses
On-the-job apprenticeship (often 4–5 years)
Valuable Certifications
Journeyman Plumber License
Master Plumber License
Backflow Prevention Certificate
Safety/OSHA training
Licensed plumbers typically earn 15–30% more than unlicensed workers due to greater responsibility and trust.
📅 Job Outlook & Future Prospects (2026 and Beyond)
The future looks positive for plumbers in Arlington:
Growth Drivers
Constant need for residential and commercial plumbing
Ongoing infrastructure upgrades
Emerging green plumbing technology
Increasing construction projects
Job outlook remains strong as plumbers are essential tradespeople with high demand and limited risk of automation.
💡 Final Takeaways
Choosing plumbing as a career in Arlington, TX in 2026 offers a stable and well-paying path:
Competitive salaries with room to grow
Strong job demand and security
Opportunities for certifications to boost income
Benefits like insurance and retirement plans
Whether you’re just entering the trade or advancing your career, plumbing in Arlington provides solid financial and professional prospects.