Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters in the South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $57,930. This figure is notably below the national average of $69,920, reflecting the economic dynamics and potentially lower demand for specialized trades in nonmetropolitan regions. The localized pay scale is a direct consequence of the area's specific economic drivers and the overall labor market conditions.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $57,930 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 26.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $80,380.
- Outlook: The job market for Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters in South Central Kentucky appears stable, with a total local workforce of 290 individuals. The Location Quotient of 0.57 suggests that this profession is less concentrated here compared to the national average, indicating a moderate but not saturated demand. With 1.693 jobs per 1,000 workers, the outlook points to consistent opportunities for skilled tradespeople in the region.
Salary Overview
The average Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area earns-17.1%below the national average.
$27.9
$1,114
$4,828
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters in South Central Kentucky have experienced gradual growth over the past four years. This trend is generally consistent with national patterns, where increasing demand for skilled trades, rising material costs, and inflation typically drive upward salary adjustments, albeit potentially at a slower pace in nonmetropolitan areas.
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters Salary Distribution in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
Salary progression for Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters in South Central Kentucky typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions will likely command salaries at the lower end of the spectrum, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized certifications can expect significantly higher compensation. The percentile gaps in salary distribution serve as a clear indicator of career advancement opportunities and the value placed on expertise within the local market.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $37,410 | $18 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $43,448 | $20.9 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $54,640 | $26.3 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $72,413 | $34.8 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $80,380 | $38.6 |
Detailed Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$57,930
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$57,930
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $57,930 in South Central Kentucky aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a plumber's salary in this region is equivalent to the national average. While the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the cost of living parity suggests that the take-home pay offers comparable living standards to those in more expensive areas.
Job Market Context
290
Total Jobs
1.693
Per 1K Jobs
0.57
Location Quotient
South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area has 0.57x 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.
With a Location Quotient of 0.57, the market for Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters in South Central Kentucky is less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while the profession is present, it is not a dominant industry in the region. Consequently, job seekers may find fewer opportunities compared to national hubs, but the lower concentration could also imply less intense competition for available roles.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Lexington-Fayette, KY Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters Salary | $66,330↑ 15% | 28 mi |
| Elizabethtown, KY Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters Salary | $60,700↑ 5% | 66 mi |
| Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters Salary | $68,780↑ 19% | 72 mi |
| Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters Salary | $66,830↑ 15% | 100 mi |
Comparing salaries near South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters make in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is $57,930. This typically ranges from $37,410 for entry-level positions to $80,380 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is 17.1% lower than the national median of $69,920.
Is South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters?
No, it is not as lucrative as the national average.The average salary of $57,930 is significantly lower than the national average of $69,920, although the cost of living is on par with the national average.
Is South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters?
The Cost of Living Index in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Lexington-Fayette, KY ($66,330) and Elizabethtown, KY.
How does the local workforce size impact job availability?
A local workforce of 290 suggests a smaller, more specialized labor pool, which can mean fewer overall job openings but potentially less competition for experienced individuals.
What does a Location Quotient of 0.57 mean for plumbers?
A Location Quotient below 1.0 indicates that plumbers are less concentrated in South Central Kentucky compared to the rest of the country, suggesting a moderate demand.
How does the Cost of Living Index affect the plumber's salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the $57,930 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average, meaning expenses are neither significantly higher nor lower than the national norm.
What is the job density for this role in the region?
There are 1.693 jobs per 1,000 workers, indicating a steady presence of these roles within the local employment landscape.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 290 employees in the South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 1.693 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area