The plumbing profession is a solid career choice in Cleveland, OH — offering steady demand and a competitive income range. As we approach 2026, the plumbing job market continues to evolve due to local construction, infrastructure needs, and the region’s cost of living. This article breaks down average salary ranges, experience‑level pay, key salary influencers, job market trends, and how Cleveland compares with other cities.
Average Plumber Salary in Cleveland, OH (2026)
Plumber salaries in Cleveland can vary based on data source, job type, and experience — but overall, Cleveland pays competitive wages within Ohio’s skilled trade market.
Cleveland Salary Snapshot
| Source / Metric | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Salary.com Average | ~$63,118 annually (~$30/hr) |
| Glassdoor Typical Range | $58K – $95K yearly, median ~$73K |
| Indeed Hourly Average | $28.84/hr (~$60K/year) |
| Broader Ohio Estimate | ~$69,230 Cleveland region (BLS‑based) |
In short, plumbers in Cleveland generally earn between ~$55,000 and $95,000 annually, with median/typical pay often closer to the $60,000–$75,000 range depending on source and experience.
How Experience Impacts Plumber Pay
Experience plays a major role in how much a plumber earns. In Cleveland, plumbers with more skills and time in the field typically command higher wages.
Typical Salary by Experience (2026)
| Experience Level | Estimated Pay |
|---|---|
| Entry‑Level / Apprentice | ~$50,000–$60,000 |
| Mid‑Level (2–5 yrs) | ~$60,000–$70,000 |
| Senior / Licensed Plumber | ~$70,000–$85,000 |
| Highly Experienced / Specialized | ~$85,000–$95,000+ |
According to Salary.com, even within basic plumber roles, earnings rise steadily with experience — from around $60,446 for entry‑level plumbers up to roughly $66,511 at expert levels. Meanwhile, Glassdoor data reflects a broader salary band that’s typical for many Cleveland employers.
Factors That Influence Plumber Earnings
Several elements shape a plumber’s pay in Cleveland:
1. Licensing and Certification
Plumbers who gain Journeyman or Master plumber status typically earn more due to increased responsibility and ability to work independently.
2. Type of Work
Residential service plumbers often make solid base pay
Commercial/industrial plumbers and those handling complex systems can earn significantly more
3. Union vs. Non‑Union
Union plumbers may benefit from higher base wages, benefits, and retirement plans compared to non‑union counterparts.
4. Additional Skills & Specializations
Certifications like backflow prevention, gas fitting, or medical gas piping often come with pay premiums.
5. Overtime & Emergency Calls
Working nights, weekends, and emergency calls can significantly increase annual earnings.
Key Certifications & Education That Boost Pay
While a college degree isn’t required, specific credentials can help plumbers increase earnings:
Valuable Credentials for Cleveland Plumbers
Apprenticeship completion certificate
Journeyman plumbing license
Master plumber license
Specialized safety training (OSHA, confined spaces)
Backflow prevention certification
Completing apprenticeships and earning relevant licenses often leads to higher hourly rates and more job opportunities.
Job Market Trends in Cleveland (2026)
The demand for plumbers in Cleveland remains strong, driven by:
Market Dynamics
Ongoing home renovations and older housing stock needing plumbing upgrades
Commercial construction projects
Infrastructure maintenance and replacement
High retirements in the trade creating openings
These trends support a steady number of openings for skilled plumbers and help keep wages competitive.
Plumber Salary Comparison: Cleveland vs Other Cities
Here’s how Cleveland’s plumber wages stack up against nearby markets:
| City | Approx. Average Pay |
|---|---|
| Cleveland, OH | ~$60K–$75K typical |
| Akron, OH | ~Mid $50Ks–Mid $60Ks |
| Columbus, OH | ~$67K–$70K regionally |
| Cincinnati, OH | ~$56K–$66K |
| Youngstown, OH | ~$58K–$63K |
Cleveland tends to pay slightly more than smaller Ohio cities like Akron and Youngstown, though other larger markets like Columbus may offer similar or slightly higher averages.
Benefits of Plumbing Careers in Cleveland
Beyond salary, plumbing has several career advantages:
Perks & Benefits
Strong job stability as an essential trade
Hands‑on work with technical skills
Opportunities for self‑employment or business ownership
Often paid apprenticeships with training
Potential for health, retirement, and union benefits
Many plumbers also enjoy the flexibility of contract work combined with opportunities for bonuses or premium emergency pay.
Job Outlook for Plumbers in Cleveland
The outlook for plumbers remains positive in 2026 and beyond. Plumbing jobs are considered one of the more stable blue‑collar careers due to:
Reasons for Growth
Constant need for system repairs and upgrades
Replacement of aging infrastructure
Homeowner demand for remodels
Commercial construction activity
Strong demand nationwide for skilled trades also helps job security locally.
Tips to Maximize Your Plumbing Salary in Cleveland
To boost earning potential:
Complete formal apprenticeships
Pursue advanced certification
Specialize in high‑demand areas (e.g., gas line, backflow)
Consider union membership
Develop business or supervisory skills
Experienced plumbers who market themselves well can earn significantly more over time.
Final Thoughts
Plumbing in Cleveland, OH is a solid and rewarding career path in 2026. With a competitive salary range, strong job demand, and multiple routes for career growth through experience and certification, plumbers can enjoy stable earnings and excellent long‑term prospects. Whether you’re starting an apprenticeship or advancing toward master status, Cleveland’s plumbing market offers real opportunities for success.