SalaryNode

Average Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters Salary in Charlottesville, VA

In Charlottesville, VA, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters earn an average annual salary of $57,940. This figure is notably below the national average of $69,920, suggesting that local market dynamics, such as demand and cost of living, play a significant role in compensation for this trade.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $57,940 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 13.1% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $73,960.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 280 professionals and a Location Quotient of 0.83, the market for Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters in Charlottesville indicates a slightly lower concentration compared to the national average. This suggests a stable, yet not overly saturated, job market where demand is present but not exceptionally high relative to other regions.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$57,940

The average Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters in Charlottesville, VA earns-17.1%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$27.9

Weekly

$1,114

Monthly

$4,828

Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters Salary Distribution in Charlottesville, VA

Salary progression for Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters in Charlottesville, VA, typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and a proven track record can command significantly higher salaries, often reaching into the upper percentiles of the $57,940 average.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$43,880$21.1
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$43,455$20.9
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$54,400$26.2
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$72,425$34.8
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$73,960$35.6

Detailed Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$57,940

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$57,940

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $57,940 in Charlottesville, VA, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a plumber's salary in Charlottesville is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial standing relative to the cost of goods and services.

Job Market Context

280

Total Jobs

2.468

Per 1K Jobs

0.83

Location Quotient

Below Average

Charlottesville, VA has 0.83x 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.

The Location Quotient of 0.83 for Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters in Charlottesville signifies that the profession is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This suggests a healthy job market where demand exists, but the supply of professionals is not overwhelmingly abundant, potentially offering good opportunities for skilled tradespeople.

Nearby Job Markets

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters make in Charlottesville, VA?

The median annual salary for a Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters in Charlottesville, VA is $57,940. This typically ranges from $43,880 for entry-level positions to $73,960 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Charlottesville, VA is 17.1% lower than the national median of $69,920.

Is Charlottesville, VA a lucrative place for Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters?

No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.While the average salary of $57,940 is stable relative to the cost of living, it falls below the national average of $69,920, indicating less lucrative earning potential in this specific location.

Is Charlottesville, VA a good place to live for Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters?

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

Where are the highest paying cities near Charlottesville, VA?

Some top paying nearby cities include Southside Virginia nonmetropolitan area ($49,850) and Northern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area.

How does the local workforce size affect job prospects?

A local workforce of 280 suggests a moderately sized pool of professionals, indicating that while opportunities exist, the market may not be as competitive as in larger metropolitan areas with a more extensive workforce.

What does a Location Quotient of 0.83 mean for plumbers?

A Location Quotient of 0.83 means that plumbers are slightly less concentrated in Charlottesville compared to the national average, suggesting a potentially favorable market for job seekers in this trade.

How does the cost of living impact the salary?

With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the national average, the $57,940 salary in Charlottesville offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, making it a stable financial environment.

Are there many jobs per 1,000 workers for this trade in Charlottesville?

With 2.468 jobs per 1,000 workers, the demand for Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters in Charlottesville is present, though not exceptionally high, reflecting a balanced labor market.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 280 employees in the Charlottesville, VA area with a job density of 2.468 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.