Plumbing is a skilled trade with steady demand and solid pay, and in Tulsa, Oklahoma, plumbers enjoy competitive wages that reflect the city’s cost of living, industry needs, and regional job market trends. Whether you’re considering a career in plumbing or negotiating salary, this in‑depth article provides everything you need — from average salary ranges to job outlook, factors affecting pay, and comparisons with nearby cities.
Average Plumber Salary in Tulsa, OK (2026)
Plumbers in Tulsa earn a good income overall, though earnings can vary depending on experience, certifications, and the type of employer.
💰 Estimated Salary Range (2026)
| Salary Measure | Yearly Pay | Hourly Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Range | $52,720 – $69,210 | ~$25 – $33 |
| Average Salary | ≈ $60,934 / year | ≈ $29 / hr |
| Entry‑Level | ~$45,241 | $22 – $24 |
| Top Earners | ~$76,745+ | ~$37+ |
Average annual pay: ~$60,900/year in Tulsa as of early 2026 — a solid wage for skilled trades in the region.
Tulsa pay levels slightly vary depending on the data source and job type, but overall plumbers in Tulsa make competitive wages for the Central U.S. market.
Salary by Experience Level
Experience plays a strong role in how much plumbers make in Tulsa. As plumbers advance from apprentices to senior or licensed professionals, income grows.
📊 Experience & Average Pay
| Experience Level | Typical Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Apprentice / Entry | ~$21/hr (~$40K*) |
| Early Career (0‑2 yrs) | ~$58,000+ |
| Mid‑Level (2‑4 yrs) | ~$61,000+ |
| Senior (5‑8 yrs) | ~$63,000+ |
| Expert / Master | ~$64,000+ |
*Apprentice pay averages about $21.17/hr (~$40K+) in Tulsa.
As plumbers gain experience and credentials, they often see steady annual increases in their wages.
Factors Influencing Plumber Earnings in Tulsa
Tulsa plumber salaries depend on several important elements:
🔑 Key Pay Drivers
Experience Level — More years usually mean higher pay.
Licensing & Certification — Journeyman and master plumbers make more than apprentices.
Type of Work — Commercial and specialty plumbing (e.g., gas piping) pays more.
Employer Type — Working for larger companies or government contracts (e.g., city jobs) often includes benefits and higher pay.
Union vs. Non‑Union — Union plumbers often earn more due to negotiated wage scales.
Tulsa’s economic conditions and demand for residential, commercial, and industrial plumbing work also significantly shape local earnings.
Certifications & Education That Impact Salary
Plumbing doesn’t require a four‑year degree, but formal training and certifications can boost both job prospects and pay.
📜 Valuable Credentials
Apprenticeship Completion — Sets foundation for licensure.
Journeyman Plumber License — Higher earning potential.
Master Plumber License — Top tier in skill and pay.
Specialty Certifications — Backflow prevention, gas piping, green plumbing — often bring premium pay.
Continuing education and updated certifications can help plumbers command better wages and more job opportunities.
Job Market Trends for Plumbers in Tulsa (2026)
Tulsa’s plumbing job market shows continued demand and stability.
📈 Employment Projections
Regional employment for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters is projected to grow by ~15.9% by 2026.
🔧 Key Market Trends
Aging infrastructure — ongoing needs for upgrades and maintenance.
Construction activity — both new builds and remodels boost demand.
Pipeline and industrial plumbing — consistent openings for skilled trades.
Plumbing remains a recession‑resilient trade, as everyday repairs can’t be outsourced or automated easily.
Benefits of Being a Plumber in Tulsa
Beyond pay, plumbers enjoy several professional advantages:
🌟 Typical Benefits
Health and retirement benefits (especially with unions/employers)
Overtime pay opportunities
Job stability and consistent demand
Potential for self‑employment or business ownership
Plumbers with strong customer service skills and specialized expertise often find even better opportunities and compensation.
Tulsa vs. Related Cities: Salary Comparison (2026)
How does Tulsa stack up against nearby cities for plumbers?
| City | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Tulsa, OK | ~$60,934 |
| Broken Arrow, OK | ~$60,740 |
| Bartlesville, OK | ~$60,351 |
| Muskogee, OK | ~$60,351 |
| Oklahoma City, OK | ~$59,204 |
| Norman, OK | ~$58,815 |
Tulsa offers comparable or slightly higher wages than many regional cities, making it a strong market for plumbers in Oklahoma.
Job Outlook for Plumbers in Tulsa
Plumbing is projected to remain a solid career choice in Tulsa and beyond. Demand from both residential and commercial sectors continues to grow, and job openings are expected to remain plentiful.
📊 Why the Outlook Is Strong
Essential services with no automation risk
Population growth in urban and suburban areas
Long‑term infrastructure maintenance
This combination means steady work and income potential for plumbers well into the future.
Is Plumbing Worth It in Tulsa in 2026?
Yes. With competitive salaries, growth opportunities, low educational barriers, and strong demand, plumbing is an excellent career path in Tulsa — especially for those pursuing apprenticeships and advanced certifications.
✔ Career Advantages
Good entry and advancement salaries
Skills are in high demand
Opportunities for self‑employment
Plumbing remains resistant to automation
Conclusion
In 2026, the plumber salary in Tulsa, OK reflects a stable, rewarding career path with average earnings near ~$61,000/year, strong job demand, and upward mobility through certifications and experience. Whether you’re just starting out or planning a long‑term plumbing career, Tulsa’s market offers solid pay, diverse work opportunities, and a promising future in the skilled trades.