Quick answer: The median plumber in District of Columbia earns $48.57/hr — about $101,020 a year (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2025), and the most experienced earn $117,000+. To hire one, a plumbing business typically bills $105–$145 per hour — roughly 2–3× the worker's wage, to cover overhead and profit.
Here's the full picture: what plumbers earn, what shops bill, what common jobs cost, how pay varies by metro, and how District of Columbia compares to other states.
Plumber income in District of Columbia (2025)
Based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data for District of Columbia's ~1,010 plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters:
| Experience level | Hourly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (10th percentile) | $25.15 | ~$4,359 | ~$52,312 |
| Median (typical) | $48.57 | ~$8,418 | $101,020 |
| Experienced (90th percentile) | $56.34 | ~$9,766 | ~$117,187 |
Monthly and annual figures assume full-time work (about 2,080 hours a year).
What you earn vs. what you charge
The wages above are what a plumber takes home. What a plumbing business bills the customer is higher — it has to cover the truck, tools, insurance, licensing, fuel, office time, and profit. A shop typically bills 2.2–3× the worker's wage:
| Rate | |
|---|---|
| Median plumber wage (earned) | ~$49/hr |
| Typical shop rate (charged) | $105–$145/hr |
Where District of Columbia ranks
District of Columbia pays plumbers 58% above the national median, ranking 1st of 51 states — among the highest-paying states in the country:
| Benchmark | Median hourly wage |
|---|---|
| District of Columbia (1st) | $48.57 |
| National median | $30.67 |
| Lowest — Arkansas | $23.39 |
What common plumbing jobs cost in District of Columbia
At District of Columbia billed rates, here's what typical jobs run — labor plus materials, and every job differs:
| Job | Typical District of Columbia range |
|---|---|
| Service call / diagnostic | $120–$205 |
| Drain cleaning / snaking | $200–$550 |
| Faucet or fixture replacement | $200–$475 + fixture |
| Toilet installation | $275–$625 + toilet |
| Garbage disposal install | $275–$625 |
| Leak detection & repair | $200–$825 |
| Sump pump replacement | $550–$1,275 |
| Sewer line camera inspection | $200–$550 |
| Water heater replacement | $1,800–$3,950 installed |
| Whole-home repipe | $5,500–$16,500+ |
Typical ranges to benchmark against — not quotes.
How plumbers compare to other trades in District of Columbia
Here's how plumber pay lines up against District of Columbia's other skilled trades:
| Trade | Median wage | Typical billed rate |
|---|---|---|
| Plumber | $48.57/hr | $105–$145/hr |
| HVAC technician | $40.57/hr | $90–$120/hr |
| Electrician | $37.97/hr | $85–$115/hr |
| Roofer | $29.69/hr | $65–$90/hr |
| Carpenter | $29.67/hr | $65–$90/hr |
Setting your own rate
Use these as benchmarks, not rules — your rate has to cover your real overhead and the profit margin you need. See how to price a job to run the math, then build a quote with the free plumber estimate generator, or download BIG INVOICE to invoice from your phone with your rates saved.
Do plumbers need a license in District of Columbia?
Licensing requirements depend on the trade and where you work. See District of Columbia contractor & trade licensing to check whether plumbers need a state license in District of Columbia, which board issues it, and how to apply.
Frequently asked questions
How much do plumbers make in District of Columbia?
The median plumber in District of Columbia earns about $101,020 a year ($48.57/hr) per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2025). Entry-level plumbers earn around $52,000 and the most experienced earn $117,000 or more.
Can a plumber make $100,000 a year in District of Columbia?
Yes — experienced plumbers in District of Columbia can. The top 10% earn about $117,000 a year, above $100,000. Running your own plumbing business and billing $105–$145/hr can push earnings higher still.
How much do plumbers charge per hour in District of Columbia?
In 2025, most District of Columbia plumbers bill $105–$145 per hour. That billed rate covers the worker's wage (a $49/hr median) plus overhead and profit — it is not take-home pay.
Do plumbers earn more in District of Columbia than nationally?
Yes — District of Columbia's median plumber wage is about 58% above the national median of $30.67/hr, ranking 1st of 51 states.
Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025. Billed rates and job-cost ranges are illustrative estimates (median wage × 2.2–3.0 overhead-and-profit markup), not quotes. Updated August 2026.