Quick answer: The median plumber in Missouri earns $32.11/hr — about $66,790 a year (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2025), and the most experienced earn $117,000+. To hire one, a plumbing business typically bills $70–$95 per hour — roughly 2–3× the worker's wage, to cover overhead and profit — and more in higher-cost metros like St. Louis, MO-IL.
Here's the full picture: what plumbers earn, what shops bill, what common jobs cost, how pay varies by metro, and how Missouri compares to other states.
Plumber income in Missouri (2025)
Based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data for Missouri's ~8,310 plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters:
| Experience level | Hourly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (10th percentile) | $21.53 | ~$3,732 | ~$44,782 |
| Median (typical) | $32.11 | ~$5,566 | $66,790 |
| 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) | ~$32/hr |
| Typical shop rate (charged) | $70–$95/hr |
Where Missouri ranks
Missouri pays plumbers 5% above the national median, ranking 20th of 51 states — in the upper tier nationally:
| Benchmark | Median hourly wage |
|---|---|
| Highest — District of Columbia | $48.57 |
| Missouri (20th) | $32.11 |
| National median | $30.67 |
| Lowest — Arkansas | $23.39 |
Plumber rates by Missouri metro
Pay varies widely within the state. Median plumber wage by metro area (BLS, 2025):
| Metro area | Median wage | Typical billed rate |
|---|---|---|
| St. Louis, MO-IL | $37.02/hr | $80–$110/hr |
| Kansas City, MO-KS | $36.61/hr | $80–$110/hr |
| Southeast Missouri nonmetropolitan area | $30.26/hr | $65–$90/hr |
| North Missouri nonmetropolitan area | $30.26/hr | $65–$90/hr |
| Springfield | $29.52/hr | $65–$90/hr |
| Central Missouri nonmetropolitan area | $28.07/hr | $60–$85/hr |
| Columbia | $27.89/hr | $60–$85/hr |
St. Louis, MO-IL is one of the higher-paying metros in the state for plumbers, reflecting local demand and cost of living.
What common plumbing jobs cost in Missouri
At Missouri billed rates, here's what typical jobs run — labor plus materials, and every job differs:
| Job | Typical Missouri range |
|---|---|
| Service call / diagnostic | $80–$135 |
| Drain cleaning / snaking | $125–$375 |
| Faucet or fixture replacement | $125–$325 + fixture |
| Toilet installation | $175–$425 + toilet |
| Garbage disposal install | $175–$425 |
| Leak detection & repair | $125–$550 |
| Sump pump replacement | $375–$850 |
| Sewer line camera inspection | $125–$375 |
| Water heater replacement | $1,200–$2,600 installed |
| Whole-home repipe | $3,500–$11,000+ |
Typical ranges to benchmark against — not quotes.
How plumbers compare to other trades in Missouri
Here's how plumber pay lines up against Missouri's other skilled trades:
| Trade | Median wage | Typical billed rate |
|---|---|---|
| Plumber | $32.11/hr | $70–$95/hr |
| Electrician | $31.45/hr | $70–$95/hr |
| Carpenter | $29.25/hr | $65–$90/hr |
| HVAC technician | $28.82/hr | $65–$85/hr |
| Roofer | $23.35/hr | $50–$70/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 Missouri?
Licensing requirements depend on the trade and where you work. See Missouri contractor & trade licensing to check whether plumbers need a state license in Missouri, which board issues it, and how to apply.
Frequently asked questions
How much do plumbers make in Missouri?
The median plumber in Missouri earns about $66,790 a year ($32.11/hr) per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2025). Entry-level plumbers earn around $45,000 and the most experienced earn $117,000 or more.
Can a plumber make $100,000 a year in Missouri?
Yes — experienced plumbers in Missouri can. The top 10% earn about $117,000 a year, above $100,000. Running your own plumbing business and billing $70–$95/hr can push earnings higher still.
How much do plumbers charge per hour in Missouri?
In 2025, most Missouri plumbers bill $70–$95 per hour. That billed rate covers the worker's wage (a $32/hr median) plus overhead and profit — it is not take-home pay.
Do plumbers earn more in Missouri than nationally?
Yes — Missouri's median plumber wage is about 5% above the national median of $30.67/hr, ranking 20th of 51 states.
Which Missouri city pays plumbers the most?
St. Louis, MO-IL, at a $37.02/hr median wage, is among the highest-paying metros in the state for plumbers.
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.