How much do plumber's actually make?

Question

I have read online that plumbers will charge anywhere from $50 to $125 per hour. That translates into $100,000 to $250,000 per year. Do plumber's really have that kind of earning power?

Answer 1

What you read about charging is correct. Then they pay for vehicles, insurance, bonding, tools, taxes and licensing. Working for a plumbing contractor, the wages are closer to $20 per hour. The job may have good times and bad times when there is no work. I have never worked for a contractor that paid any of the holidays either. This is along the same idea as an auto mechanic. You pay $35 an hour for labor but the guy that actually does the work is making 10 to $15.

Answer 2

$125 per hour would be a stretch, and certainly the consumer has the right to shop and compare.

$60 per hour would not be unreasonable, and as others state, prices/fees do vary.

Obviously those of us in the trades aren't in the same club as brain surgeons, but we often get calls to work jobs the homeowner won't or can't do.

An independant has out of pocket expenses that aren't absorbed by a large plumbing contractor, and I don't think a list here is needed; but I can cite some examples.

A decent well equipped vehicle might cost around $30 K? Tools would be half that amount perhaps; especially over a lifetime. Consumables we don't charge for; Fuel; Vehicle and Liabiility insurance costs are high; as is the cost of Medical insurance. Advertising might be part of the mix, and any HELP we might hire.

Certainly with some modest experience, there are many jobs a DIY can do, and save money at times; but consider the sewage pipe; that just broke, at midnight, and is flooding your home. Who ya gonna call?

Steven Wolf

Answer 3

How Much Do Plumbers Make

Answer 4

You are incorrect; plumbers may charge that amount per hour, but then think of how many hours a day they are actually performing those services for that rate. Maybe 4? So they do not earn that amount for an 8 hour day.

Answer 5

Too bad they don't keep it. Gas to get there. office rent,hydro,phone book advertising,work vehicle,secretary or book keeper,Training fees, fees to maintain city, government and work related licences,insurance for business liabilities, work boots and clothing, tools and replacement tools for the ones that wear out. Customers that don't pay or whine about fees take up the time that should be spent making money to pay bills. Usually the company will charge that but it takes a lot of plumbers to work to cover the overhead and the actual plumber,If licenced, will only make between $15 and $30 an hour and apprentices will make 40%-80% of that.

Answer 6

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Answer 7

If they are good at what they do.Try to find an enormous company that need plumbing work done.If you intend to make dollars like that,you must be jam good in your professional trade.In order to gain recognition in your field you may need to do a few free lance jobs.Like if the customer pay for (2)visits the third one is free.You may need a wet suit,a router Rutter,a sump pump,draino,a large mokey wrench.And whatever else you feel you may need to get the job done.

Answer 8

remember what we charge isnt what we earn we have to fuel the van and maintain it insure it insure ourselves for illness public liability insurance then we have to pay for our exams every 5 years registration every year clothing boots etc then on top of that pay our taxes national ins the list goes on so from a 50 call out we'll be lucky to see 25

Answer 9

If they work independ it can be from 50.00 to a 100.00
If working for a company it depends on the employer.
some may get 35.00 to 45.00. the company will charge more, so, they can make a profit.
Some may get less but offered benefits.25 to 28.00.

Answer 10

$50 an hour