Quick answer: Plumbers in New York typically bill $80–$110 per hour (2025). The median plumber earns $37.26/hr ($77,490/year) per U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data — a plumbing business charges roughly 2–3× that 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 New York compares to other states.
Plumber income in New York (2025)
Based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data for New York's ~23,210 plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters:
| Experience level | Hourly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (10th percentile) | $22.18 | ~$3,845 | ~$46,134 |
| Median (typical) | $37.26 | ~$6,458 | $77,490 |
| Experienced (90th percentile) | $62.70 | ~$10,868 | ~$130,416 |
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) | ~$37/hr |
| Typical shop rate (charged) | $80–$110/hr |
Where New York ranks
New York pays plumbers 21% above the national median, ranking 13th of 51 states — in the upper tier nationally:
| Benchmark | Median hourly wage |
|---|---|
| Highest — District of Columbia | $48.57 |
| New York (13th) | $37.26 |
| National median | $30.67 |
| Lowest — Arkansas | $23.39 |
Plumber rates by New York metro
Pay varies widely within the state. Median plumber wage by metro area (BLS, 2025):
| Metro area | Median wage | Typical billed rate |
|---|---|---|
| Binghamton | $42.30/hr | $95–$125/hr |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ | $37.79/hr | $85–$115/hr |
| Albany-Schenectady-Troy | $37.24/hr | $80–$110/hr |
| Rochester | $35.38/hr | $80–$105/hr |
| Buffalo-Cheektowaga | $34.73/hr | $75–$105/hr |
| Syracuse | $32.23/hr | $70–$95/hr |
| Kiryas Joel-Poughkeepsie-Newburgh | $31.25/hr | $70–$95/hr |
Binghamton 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 New York
At New York billed rates, here's what typical jobs run — labor plus materials, and every job differs:
| Job | Typical New York range |
|---|---|
| Service call / diagnostic | $90–$160 |
| Drain cleaning / snaking | $150–$425 |
| Faucet or fixture replacement | $150–$375 + fixture |
| Toilet installation | $225–$475 + toilet |
| Garbage disposal install | $225–$475 |
| Leak detection & repair | $150–$650 |
| Sump pump replacement | $425–$975 |
| Sewer line camera inspection | $150–$425 |
| Water heater replacement | $1,400–$3,050 installed |
| Whole-home repipe | $4,500–$13,000+ |
Typical ranges to benchmark against — not quotes.
How plumbers compare to other trades in New York
Here's how plumber pay lines up against New York's other skilled trades:
| Trade | Median wage | Typical billed rate |
|---|---|---|
| Electrician | $37.86/hr | $85–$115/hr |
| Plumber | $37.26/hr | $80–$110/hr |
| HVAC technician | $35.78/hr | $80–$105/hr |
| Carpenter | $34.77/hr | $75–$105/hr |
| Roofer | $31.74/hr | $70–$95/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 New York?
Licensing requirements depend on the trade and where you work. See New York contractor & trade licensing to check whether plumbers need a state license in New York, which board issues it, and how to apply.
Frequently asked questions
How much do plumbers charge per hour in New York?
In 2025, most New York plumbers bill $80–$110 per hour. That rate covers the worker's wage (a $37/hr median) plus overhead and profit.
What is the average plumber salary in New York?
The median plumber in New York earns about $77,490 a year ($37.26/hr). Entry-level plumbers earn around $46,000 and the most experienced earn $130,000 or more.
Do plumbers earn more in New York than nationally?
Yes — New York's median plumber wage is about 21% above the national median of $30.67/hr, ranking 13th of 51 states.
Which New York city pays plumbers the most?
Binghamton, at a $42.30/hr median wage, is among the highest-paying metros in the state.
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.