plumber salary in maryland (2026)
Maryland plumbers earn a median of $70,800 per year in 2026 — +20% versus the national median of $59,000. The gap reflects maryland's market dynamics: dc proximity, federal jobs, biotech corridor.
But Maryland isn't one market. Wages vary significantly across metros. Here's the full breakdown.
plumber salary by city in maryland
Salary varies considerably across Maryland metros, driven by construction activity, industrial sector concentration, and union density.
| city | median salary | vs. MD median | key driver |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Baltimore | $67,850 | -4% | port, healthcare, Under Armour, defense |
| 2 Frederick | $64,900 | -8% | biotech, government, suburban DC |
| 3 Rockville | $73,750 | +4% | NIH proximity, biotech, pharma |
| 4 Gaithersburg | $70,800 | +0% | biotech corridor, FDA, commercial |
| 5 Bowie | $61,950 | -12% | suburban DC, government, residential |
| 6 Hagerstown | $54,280 | -23% | logistics, manufacturing, distribution |
| 7 Annapolis | $63,720 | -10% | government, naval, commercial |
Maryland market note: The NIH campus in Bethesda, NSA at Fort Meade, and the Maryland biotech corridor (I-270) are major anchors for specialized construction demand.
what moves your salary in maryland
taxes and take-home pay
Maryland has a state income tax up to 5.75% plus local taxes. However, federal prevailing wages and DC-area demand keep gross pay very high.
union vs. non-union
Maryland has strong union density, especially on federal and state-funded projects. Prevailing wage requirements cover a large share of construction work.
licensing
To work legally as a licensed plumber in Maryland, you'll need to meet requirements set by the Maryland Dept of Labor. This typically includes documented apprenticeship hours, passing a written trade exam, and ongoing continuing education. Each license level unlocks higher-paying work — especially the jump to journeyman, which allows independent work on permitted jobs.
how maryland compares to other states
| state | median salary | vs. maryland | note |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | $83,800 | +18% | 9.3% state income tax |
| New York | $78,200 | +10% | NYC drives wages up; high COL |
| Illinois | $76,500 | +8% | Chicago union rates |
| Maryland | $70,800 | — | DC metro spillover |
| National median | $59,880 | -15% | BLS OEWS 2024 |
| Texas | $58,900 | -17% | no state income tax |
| Florida | $52,400 | -26% | no state income tax, lower COL |
is plumber a good career in maryland right now?
The NIH campus in Bethesda, NSA at Fort Meade, and the Maryland biotech corridor (I-270) are major anchors for specialized construction demand. BLS projects 9% job growth for plumbers nationally through 2032, and Maryland tracks at or above that rate given its market conditions.
Hardhat's AI survival score for plumbers is 76/100 — the physical, site-specific, judgment-intensive nature of this work makes it genuinely difficult to automate. The job is not going anywhere.
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How much does a Plumber make in Maryland?
Plumbers in Maryland earn a median of $70,800 per year in 2026, ranging from around $52,392 for apprentices to $109,740 or more for licensed journeymen and contractors.
What city in Maryland pays plumbers the most?
Baltimore pays the highest plumber salaries in Maryland — around $67,850 median — driven by port, healthcare, under armour, defense.
Do you need a license to be a plumber in Maryland?
Yes. Maryland requires licensure through the Maryland Dept of Labor. Requirements include documented experience, passing a written trade exam, and in many cases continuing education hours.
Is there demand for plumbers in Maryland?
Maryland's plumber market is driven by dc proximity, federal jobs, biotech corridor. BLS projects 9% national job growth through 2032, and Maryland consistently matches or exceeds that pace.
How long does it take to become a plumber in Maryland?
Typically 4–5 years — trade school plus the apprenticeship hours required to sit for the journeyman exam. Licensing is handled by the Maryland Dept of Labor.
plumber salary in other states
other trades in maryland