The plumbing profession continues to be a solid career choice across the United States — and St. Louis, Missouri is no exception. In 2026, plumbers in St. Louis enjoy competitive wages influenced by experience, certification, specialization, and broader market trends. This article breaks down everything you need to know about plumber salaries, job prospects, and how pay in St. Louis stacks up against other cities.
💰 Average Plumber Salary in St. Louis, MO (2026)
Plumbers in St. Louis earn a strong income compared to state averages, with figures varying based on data sources and experience levels.
📊 Salary Overview
| Salary Measure | Amount |
|---|---|
| Average Annual Salary | ~$62,619/year (Salary.com) |
| Common Wage Range | ~$55,000 – $78,800/year |
| Hourly Average Estimate | ~$33.62/hour (Indeed) |
| Glassdoor Typical Range | ~$55,000 – $91,000/year |
| Missouri Average | ~$61,576/year statewide |
These numbers show that plumbers in St. Louis commonly earn mid-$60,000s annually, with many experienced and specialized plumbers commanding higher pay closer to or exceeding $80,000–$90,000+.
🧑🔧 Salary by Experience Level
Experience dramatically affects plumbing salaries — more so than almost any other field.
👷♂️ Plumber Salary Breakdown
| Experience Level | Typical Pay |
|---|---|
| Apprentice | ~$40,000 – $53,000/year |
| Entry-Level Plumber | ~$55,000 – $60,000/year |
| Mid-Level (3–6 yrs) | ~$60,000 – $70,000/year |
| Experienced Plumber | ~$70,000 – $85,000/year |
| Journeyman / Highly Experienced | Up to ~$112,000+ |
Apprentices typically start lower as they gain hands-on training.
Journeymen and specialists often earn significantly more — sometimes over six figures, particularly with overtime, union wages, or specialized commercial work.
🔍 What Influences Plumber Earnings in St. Louis?
Several factors can push a plumber’s salary up — or down:
💡 Key Salary Drivers
Experience & Skill Level: As plumbers gain years in the field and more complex skills, wages rise sharply.
Licensing & Certification: Licensed journeymen, master plumbers, and those with specialized certifications earn more.
Union Membership: Union plumbers often receive higher base pay and stronger benefits.
Type of Work: Commercial, industrial, or emergency services often pay more than residential maintenance.
Market Demand: Busy construction periods or shortages of qualified plumbers can boost pay.
🎓 Certifications & Education That Impact Salary
Trade school and certification significantly affect plumber salaries — even more than a college degree in this field.
✔ High-Value Credentials
Registered Apprentice Certification
Journeyman Plumber License
Master Plumber License
Specialty Certifications (e.g., gas fitting, backflow prevention)
These distinctions help plumbers command higher pay, access more complex job sites, and even start their own businesses.
📈 Job Market Trends in St. Louis (2026)
The job outlook for plumbers in St. Louis mirrors national trends favoring skilled trades.
🔧 Current Market Signals
Strong demand for maintenance and new construction services.
Plumbing essential during both economic growth and recession.
Aging infrastructure fuels repair and upgrade work.
High retirements expected in skilled-trade roles.
These trends suggest stable or increasing demand through 2030, with fewer skilled workers entering the field compared to retiring ones.
🧩 Benefits Beyond Salary
Plumbing careers offer perks not always seen in other trades:
✅ Common Benefits
Health, dental, and vision insurance
Retirement plans and pensions (especially union roles)
Paid overtime, holiday pay, and bonuses
Tools and equipment allowances in some contracts
High job stability with entrepreneurial potential
Union membership often enhances these benefits, making plumbing an appealing long-term career path.
📊 City Comparisons: Plumber Salaries vs Other Metro Areas
Comparing St. Louis with similar cities highlights competitive earning potential:
| City | Average Plumber Salary (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| St. Louis, MO | ~$62,000 – $70,000+ |
| Kansas City, MO | Similar to St. Louis; slightly higher in some data sets (state data). |
| Columbia, MO | ~$60,000 range |
| O’Fallon, MO | ~$37.53/hour reported nearby |
| Independence, MO | ~$55.50/hour reported nearby (higher) |
While larger coastal cities often pay more (e.g., near $90,000+ levels), St. Louis remains attractive due to lower living costs and solid salary ranges.
📉 Cost of Living & Salary Balance
St. Louis offers a moderate cost of living compared to national urban centers. Plumbers earning in the mid-$60k to $80k range can maintain a comfortable standard of living, especially when compared to high-cost cities like Los Angeles or New York.
🔮 Job Outlook for Plumbers in St. Louis
The need for plumbers is expected to stay strong:
📌 Why the Outlook Is Positive
Essential services resistant to economic downturns
Steady construction and renovation projects
Infrastructure replacement needs
High retirements in the trades
Continued demand for specialized skills
Plumbing is widely regarded as a recession-resistant and future-proof career choice.
🧩 Final Thoughts: Is Plumbing Worth It in St. Louis (2026)?
Absolutely. Whether you’re just starting out or aiming to become a master plumber, St. Louis offers:
Solid average wages near or above the city living wage
Opportunities to earn well above state averages
Strong demand and job security
Good benefits and upward mobility
Becoming a plumber in St. Louis in 2026 sets you up for a stable, well-paying career with multiple paths for advancement.