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Average Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters Salary in Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA

Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters in the Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA area earn an average annual salary of $53,780. This figure is notably below the national average of $69,920, suggesting that local market dynamics and potentially lower demand contribute to this compensation difference. The specific economic conditions and industry needs within this Virginia region play a significant role in shaping local pay scales for these essential trades.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $53,780 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 19.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $76,370.
  • Outlook: The Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA area supports a local workforce of 210 Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters. With a Location Quotient of 0.94, the concentration of these professionals is slightly below the national average, indicating a stable but not exceptionally high demand. The presence of 2.766 jobs per 1,000 workers suggests a consistent need for skilled tradespeople in the region, underpinning a generally robust job market for this occupation.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$53,780

The average Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters in Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA earns-23.1%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$25.9

Weekly

$1,034

Monthly

$4,482

Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters Salary Distribution in Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA

Career progression for Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters typically involves a significant salary increase from entry-level to senior positions. While specific percentile data isn't available, the typical salary range widens considerably with experience, reflecting the acquisition of specialized skills, project management capabilities, and a proven track record. The gap between lower and higher earners signifies clear opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential within the trade.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$40,510$19.5
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$40,335$19.4
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$50,750$24.4
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$67,225$32.3
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$76,370$36.7

Detailed Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$53,780

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$53,780

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $53,780 in Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA, aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that, on average, the purchasing power of a plumber's salary in this area is equivalent to the national average. While the nominal salary is lower than the national average for the profession, the cost of living parity suggests that the take-home pay may offer comparable living standards to other regions, making it a neutral factor for relocation purely based on cost.

Job Market Context

210

Total Jobs

2.766

Per 1K Jobs

0.94

Location Quotient

Below Average

Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA has 0.94x the national average concentration of Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.

A Location Quotient of 0.94 for Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters in Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA, indicates that the concentration of these jobs is just slightly below the national average. This suggests a market that is neither oversaturated nor experiencing a significant shortage. The job market is competitive, but opportunities are consistently available, reflecting a steady demand that aligns with the region's economic activity and population needs.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters

CitySalaryDist.
Roanoke, VA Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters Salary$52,740↓ 2%26 mi
Beckley, WV Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters Salary$50,290↓ 6%57 mi
Lynchburg, VA Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters Salary$53,240↓ 1%69 mi
Winston-Salem, NC Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters Salary$52,160↓ 3%79 mi
Greensboro-High Point, NC Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters Salary$53,320↓ 1%85 mi

Comparing salaries near Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA

Hiring Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitterss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters make in Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA?

The median annual salary for a Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters in Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA is $53,780. This typically ranges from $40,510 for entry-level positions to $76,370 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA is 23.1% lower than the national median of $69,920.

Is Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA a lucrative place for Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters?

No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.While the cost of living is at the national average, the average salary of $53,780 is significantly lower than the national average of $69,920 for this profession.

Is Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA a good place to live for Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters?

The Cost of Living Index in Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA?

Some top paying nearby cities include Roanoke, VA ($52,740) and Beckley, WV.

How does the local salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters in Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA is $53,780, which is considerably lower than the national average of $69,920.

What is the concentration of Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters in this area?

The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 0.94, indicating that the proportion of these professionals in the local workforce is slightly below the national average.

How does the cost of living affect the plumber's salary in Blacksburg?

With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the local cost of living is exactly at the national average. This means the $53,780 salary has average purchasing power relative to the rest of the country.

What is the job density for this trade in Blacksburg?

There are approximately 2.766 jobs per 1,000 workers for Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters in the Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA area.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 210 employees in the Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA area with a job density of 2.766 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Top Jobs in Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA

Semantic Salary Analysis for Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA