SalaryNode

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

Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters in Richmond, VA, earn an average annual salary of $58,810. This figure is notably below the national average of $69,920, suggesting that local market dynamics, such as demand and the cost of doing business, play a significant role in compensation within the Richmond area.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $58,810 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 15.4% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $76,720.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 2,060 professionals and a Location Quotient of 1.07, Richmond demonstrates a slightly higher concentration of Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters than the national average. This indicates a stable, and perhaps growing, demand for these skilled trades within the region, suggesting a robust job market for qualified individuals.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$58,810

The average Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters in Richmond, VA earns-15.9%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$28.3

Weekly

$1,131

Monthly

$4,901

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

Salary progression for Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters typically scales significantly with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with specialized certifications and extensive experience can command salaries well into the upper percentiles. These percentile gaps highlight clear career progression pathways and the value placed on expertise in the field.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$40,540$19.5
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$44,108$21.2
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$59,970$28.8
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$73,513$35.3
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$76,720$36.9

Detailed Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$58,810

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$58,810

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $58,810 in Richmond, VA, aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a plumber's salary in Richmond is equivalent to the national average, offering a balanced lifestyle without significant financial strain related to everyday expenses.

Job Market Context

2,060

Total Jobs

3.155

Per 1K Jobs

1.07

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.07, Richmond, VA has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters roles compared to the national norm.

The Location Quotient of 1.07 for Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters in Richmond, VA, signifies a market where this profession is slightly more concentrated than the national average. This suggests a healthy demand and a competitive environment, where employers may actively seek skilled professionals, but also where a good pool of talent exists.

Nearby Job Markets

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The median annual salary for a Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters in Richmond, VA is $58,810. This typically ranges from $40,540 for entry-level positions to $76,720 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Richmond, VA is 15.9% lower than the national median of $69,920.

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

Yes, with caveats.While the average salary is below the national average, the cost of living is also at the national average, making the nominal salary's purchasing power comparable. The slightly above-average concentration of these roles suggests a stable job market.

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

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

Where are the highest paying cities near Richmond, VA?

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

How does Richmond's plumber salary compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters in Richmond, VA, is $58,810, which is lower than the national average of $69,920.

What is the job concentration for plumbers in Richmond, VA?

Richmond, VA has a Location Quotient of 1.07 for Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters, indicating a slightly higher concentration of these jobs compared to the national average.

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

Richmond's Cost of Living Index is 100, which is the national average. This means the $58,810 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average salary for this profession.

What is the total number of plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters in Richmond, VA?

There are approximately 2,060 Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters employed in the Richmond, 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 2,060 employees in the Richmond, VA area with a job density of 3.155 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.