Plumbing is a vital skilled trade with steady demand, even in cities with lower costs of living like Wichita, Kansas. If you’re considering a plumbing career or researching your earning potential for 2026, this article provides a comprehensive look at plumber salaries in Wichita, factors that influence pay, experience-based earnings, job market trends, certifications that impact wages, and comparisons with nearby cities. The goal is to give you real, practical salary insights to help plan your career or job search.
Wichita Plumber Salary Overview 2026
Plumbers in Wichita earn competitive wages for the Midwest, though salaries generally fall below those in major metropolitan areas. According to recent data:
Average plumber salary in Wichita: roughly $59,900 per year (~$29/hour) as of late 2025 and projected into 2026, with typical earnings between $51,840 and $68,055 annually.
Other estimates suggest a median range nearer to $50,000 annually, reflecting variation in job roles and experience.
Overall, wages reflect Wichita’s lower cost of living, but plumbers still enjoy solid pay relative to many local professions.
Plumber Salary Range in Wichita (2026)
Here’s a breakdown of typical plumber earnings in Wichita based on data from multiple sources:
| Salary Tier | Annual Salary | Hourly Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Apprentice Plumber | ~$40,000–$55,000 | ~$20/hr+ |
| Journeyperson Plumber | ~$58,000–$70,000 | ~$28–$34/hr |
| Experienced Plumber | ~$60,000–$75,000 | ~$30–$36/hr |
| Top Skilled / Specialized | ~$75,000+ | $36+/hr |
Estimated average: ~$59,900/year (midpoint).
Plumbers with advanced skills, union coverage, or specialized expertise can exceed these figures.
Salary by Experience Level
Experience strongly correlates with earnings. Below is how salaries generally progress:
1. Apprentice Plumbers (0–2 years)
Earn while you learn under supervision
Build core plumbing skills and on-the-job knowledge
Average ~$20+ per hour (~$40k–$55k annually)
2. Journeyperson Plumbers (3–6 years)
Independently handle most residential and commercial work
Typical annual earnings: ~$58k–$70k
3. Experienced / Senior Plumbers (6+ years)
Greater technical responsibilities, project leadership
Earnings often $60k–$75k+ annually
4. Specialized or Contract Plumbers
Work in commercial systems, backflow, gas lines, or own a business
Potential to exceed $75k annually depending on demand and contracts
Experience accelerates wage growth, especially with added skills or certifications.
What Influences Plumber Earnings?
Several factors affect how much a plumber earns in Wichita:
🔹 Education & Training
While plumbing doesn’t require a college degree, completing apprenticeship programs and technical training significantly increases earning power.
🔹 Licensing & Certifications
Certifications such as journeyperson credentials or specialty licenses help plumbers command higher wages. Union training also boosts opportunities.
🔹 Union vs. Non-union Work
Union plumbers often receive higher wages and better benefits due to negotiated contracts.
🔹 Type of Work
Residential plumbing typically pays less than commercial or industrial projects.
Emergency or 24/7 service roles often include overtime or premium pay.
🔹 Industry Demand
Wichita’s construction activity, home renovations, and infrastructure maintenance affect demand and wage levels.
Certifications & Education That Boost Salary
Becoming a licensed plumber in Kansas involves formal training and testing. Key credentials include:
Apprenticeship completion
Journeyperson plumber license
Specialty certifications (e.g., backflow prevention, gas fitting)
Trade school or technical program completion
These credentials improve job prospects and are often tied to wage increases.
Job Market Trends in Wichita
The plumbing job market in Wichita remains healthy, driven by:
Continuous home repairs and renovations
Residential and light commercial growth
Aging infrastructure requiring maintenance
Ongoing demand for skilled, licensed plumbers
Wichita’s trades sector traditionally sees steady demand, though it may not grow as rapidly as larger cities.
Benefits Beyond Salary
Plumbing careers offer other advantages:
Common Benefits
Health insurance and retirement packages (especially union roles)
Paid overtime and holiday pay
Hands-on career stability without college debt
Opportunities for self-employment or business ownership
Many plumbers appreciate the tangible value of apprenticeship wages and benefits compared to traditional degree paths.
Comparing Wichita to Other Kansas Cities (2026)
Here’s how Wichita compares to nearby cities for plumber salaries:
| City | Avg. Plumber Salary |
|---|---|
| Wichita, KS | ~$59,900 |
| Kansas City, KS | ~$34.68/hr ($~72k annually) |
| Overland Park, KS | Similar to KC |
| Lawrence, KS | Slightly higher |
Wichita’s pay is generally solid for Kansas but below metro areas like Kansas City, where cost of living and wages both trend higher.
Job Outlook: Is Plumbing in Demand?
Plumbing remains a stable and recession-resistant career. Demand is driven by:
Routine repairs
Renovations and new builds
Commercial infrastructure contracts
Plumbing system upgrades
Even as automation impacts some trades, plumbing requires human problem-solving and on-site expertise, keeping demand strong.
Final Thoughts: Wichita Plumber Salary in 2026
Choosing a plumbing career in Wichita offers:
Competitive local salaries
Gradual pay increases with experience
Strong demand in residential and commercial sectors
Certification pathways to boost earnings
While wages may be lower than in large cities, the cost of living in Wichita helps stretch your income further. For those who enjoy hands-on work, have mechanical aptitude, and pursue training, plumbing in Wichita is a rewarding and stable professional path in 2026 and beyond.