As the demand for skilled tradespeople continues to grow, plumbing remains one of the most stable and well-paid professions in the construction and maintenance industries. In Dallas, Texas—home to a booming economy, rapid population growth, and constant development—plumbers enjoy competitive pay and strong job opportunities.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through the average plumber salary in Dallas (2026), salary by experience level, factors that affect earnings, job outlook, benefits, and comparison with other major U.S. cities. Whether you’re exploring a career in plumbing or planning your next job move, this breakdown gives you clear insights and valuable data.
Average Plumber Salary in Dallas, TX (2026)
Dallas offers favorable wages for plumbers that reflect strong local demand and lower cost of living compared to other major urban regions.
Estimated Salary Range
| Experience Level | Annual Salary | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level | $45,000 – $58,000 | $22 – $28 |
| Mid-Level | $60,000 – $78,000 | $29 – $38 |
| Experienced | $80,000 – $94,000 | $38 – $45 |
| Master / Specialist | $95,000 – $118,000+ | $46 – $57+ |
Average plumber salary in Dallas (2026):
👉 Approximately $74,000 – $82,000 per year
Salary Breakdown by Experience
Experience remains one of the top determinants of a plumber’s earnings. Dallas follows typical industry trends, with increased pay tied to greater skill, autonomy, and responsibility.
1. Entry-Level Plumbers (0–2 Years)
Usually apprentices or trainees
Work under supervision on basic installations and repairs
Often paid hourly with lower base wages
Typical salary range: $45,000 – $58,000
2. Mid-Level Plumbers (3–6 Years)
Independently complete most residential and commercial tasks
Troubleshoot and maintain systems
Higher opportunity for overtime pay
Typical salary range: $60,000 – $78,000
3. Experienced Plumbers (7–10+ Years)
Expert problem solving, commercial installations
Lead teams, handle complex systems
Often receive bonuses
Typical salary range: $80,000 – $94,000
4. Master Plumbers & Specialists
Licensed master plumbers with advanced certifications
Perform high-level design, inspections, and specialized work
Can start businesses or take high-paying contractor roles
Typical salary range: $95,000 – $118,000+
What Influences Plumber Earnings in Dallas?
Several factors affect how much plumbers can earn in the Dallas metro area:
1. Licenses and Certifications
Plumbers who hold advanced credentials tend to earn more:
Licensed Journeyman Plumber
Master Plumber License (higher responsibility)
Specialized qualifications (backflow prevention, gas fitting)
2. Work Environment
Union vs. non-union employers
Commercial construction pays more than residential
Emergency and on-call services increase hourly rates
3. Skills and Specializations
Highly sought skills like medical gas piping or eco-efficient system installations yield premium pay.
4. Business Ownership
Self-employed plumbers and business owners in Dallas can significantly increase earnings by securing contracts, managing teams, and servicing more jobs.
Education and Certifications That Boost Pay
Becoming a licensed and certified plumber in Texas requires a blend of education and hands-on training:
Typical Path
High school diploma or GED
Technical training or vocational programs
Plumbing apprenticeship (2–5 years)
State licensing exam
Valuable Certifications
Texas Journeyman Plumber License
Master Plumber License
Backflow Prevention Certification
OSHA Safety Certifications
Specialized industry credentials
Plumbers with multiple certifications can command 15-40% higher pay than those without.
Job Market Trends for Plumbers in Dallas (2026)
Dallas continues to show strong demand for skilled plumbers due to several economic and infrastructure trends:
Key Drivers
Rapid population growth and urban expansion
Increased residential remodeling and new housing starts
Commercial construction in business districts
Aging infrastructure requiring upgrades
Emergence of smart plumbing and eco-friendly systems
Plumbing remains one of the top trades in demand, with job openings often exceeding the number of qualified applicants.
Benefits of Being a Plumber in Dallas
Plumbing is not only rewarding financially but also offers excellent professional benefits.
Professional & Financial Benefits
Competitive wages with overtime opportunities
Health insurance (often employer-provided)
Retirement and pension plans (especially with unions)
Job stability in diverse economic conditions
Career mobility and opportunities for entrepreneurship
Work-Life Flexibility
Plumbers can take on full-time employment, gig work, or start their own businesses
Ability to set schedules and choose specialized niches
Plumber Salary Comparison: Dallas vs Other Cities (2026)
Understanding how plumber wages in Dallas stack up against other cities reveals competitive advantages.
| City | Avg Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Dallas, TX | $74,000 – $82,000 |
| Houston, TX | $70,000 – $80,000 |
| Austin, TX | $72,000 – $83,000 |
| San Antonio, TX | $68,000 – $78,000 |
| Los Angeles, CA | $92,000 – $98,000 |
| New York City, NY | $85,000 – $95,000 |
| Chicago, IL | $72,000 – $82,000 |
Insights:
Dallas offers strong plumber salaries with a lower cost of living than high-pay cities like Los Angeles and NYC.
Texas cities generally perform well, with Austin often slightly ahead due to tech-driven growth and renovation demand.
Cost of Living vs Salary in Dallas
Dallas is consistently rated as one of the more affordable major U.S. cities. Plumber wages translate into strong purchasing power for housing, transportation, and daily expenses.
What This Means for Plumbers
Lower living costs relative to income
Greater disposable income compared to high-cost metros
Increased financial stability
This makes Dallas an attractive market for both new plumbers and seasoned professionals alike.
Job Outlook for Plumbers Through 2030
The outlook for plumbers in Dallas is highly positive. According to workforce projections, demand for skilled tradespeople—including plumbers—is expected to grow steadily over the next decade.
Why Demand Remains Strong
Population and infrastructure growth
Renovation and maintenance needs
Need for sustainable, efficient plumbing systems
Retirements creating workforce gaps
Plumbing ranks among the top resilient careers due to its essential nature and lack of automation risk.
Is Plumbing a Good Career Choice in Dallas in 2026?
Yes. Plumbing in Dallas offers:
Strong and growing demand
Competitive salaries without mandatory college education
Multiple career advancement paths
Potential for entrepreneurship and high income
From apprenticeships to master level licensure, the plumbing career path provides practical opportunities paired with financial rewards.
Final Takeaways
The plumber salary in Dallas, TX (2026) reflects a strong employment market with competitive wages, especially as demand continues to rise. Whether starting out as an apprentice or advancing to a master plumber or business owner, Dallas offers promising opportunities for skilled plumbing professionals. With solid benefits, certifications that pay off, and favorable cost of living, plumbing remains a fulfilling and financially sound career choice in 2026 and beyond.