SalaryNode

Average Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters Salary in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA

Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA area earn an impressive average annual salary of $94,630, significantly surpassing the national average of $69,920. This elevated compensation is largely driven by the region's robust economy and the specialized skills required for complex infrastructure projects prevalent in the Pacific Northwest.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $94,630 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 15.3% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $148,620.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 6,540 professionals, the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue area demonstrates a substantial presence of Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters. The Location Quotient of 1.06 indicates a slightly higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting a steady and potentially growing demand for skilled tradespeople in this dynamic metropolitan region.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$94,630

The average Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA earns+35.3%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$45.5

Weekly

$1,820

Monthly

$7,886

Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters Salary Distribution in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA

Career progression for Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue is marked by increasing earning potential. Entry-level positions typically start at a lower percentile of the salary range, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized certifications can command salaries at the higher percentiles, reflecting their accumulated expertise and value to employers.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$50,630$24.3
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$70,973$34.1
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$87,160$41.9
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$118,288$56.9
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$148,620$71.5

Detailed Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$94,630

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$94,630

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $94,630 in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA, aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the higher nominal wages translate directly into equivalent purchasing power when compared to the national average, offering a stable financial outlook for tradespeople in the region.

Job Market Context

6,540

Total Jobs

3.142

Per 1K Jobs

1.06

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.06, Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters roles compared to the national norm.

A Location Quotient of 1.06 signifies that Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters are slightly more concentrated in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA area than the national average. This suggests a healthy and competitive job market where demand is robust, but also indicates that employers may need to offer competitive compensation to attract and retain top talent in this specialized field.

Nearby Job Markets

Hiring Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitterss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters make in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA?

The median annual salary for a Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA is $94,630. This typically ranges from $50,630 for entry-level positions to $148,620 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA is 35.3% higher than the national median of $69,920.

Is Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA a lucrative place for Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters?

Yes, it is a highly lucrative area.The average salary of $94,630 significantly exceeds the national average, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, indicating strong purchasing power.

Is Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA a good place to live for Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters?

The Cost of Living Index in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA?

Some top paying nearby cities include Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA ($74,230) and Western Washington nonmetropolitan area.

How does the local workforce size impact job availability?

The local workforce of 6,540 indicates a substantial pool of skilled professionals, suggesting a mature market with ongoing demand for these essential services.

What does a Location Quotient of 1.06 mean for job seekers?

A Location Quotient slightly above 1.0 suggests that job opportunities for Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters are proportionally more abundant in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue compared to the national average.

How does the cost of living affect the real value of the salary?

With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the $94,630 salary in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue offers the same purchasing power as the national average salary would in a typical U.S. location.

What is the typical career path for a Plumber in this region?

Career paths often involve starting in apprentice roles, gaining experience in residential and commercial settings, and potentially specializing in industrial pipefitting or steamfitting, leading to higher earning potential.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 6,540 employees in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA area with a job density of 3.142 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.