Plumber in Nevada: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start

Skilled trades

Nevada employs 5,370 plumbers, with a statewide median of $61,610 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Nevada licensing picture, and where to train.

What Plumbers Earn in Nevada (May 2025)

Nevada median pay: $61,610 (May 2025)
Starting range (10th percentile): $42,210
Experienced (75th percentile): $89,550
Top earners (90th percentile): $118,430
Employed in Nevada: 5,370
U.S. median (for comparison): $62,970 (May 2024)

Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for plumbers in major Nevada markets:

Reno: $77,020 (1,170 employed)
Carson City: $64,040 (60 employed)
Las Vegas: $59,700 (3,800 employed)

What That Pay Is Worth in Nevada

Prices in Nevada run right about the national average (cost-of-living index 100.0 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $61,610 median holds roughly its face value.

Job Outlook in Nevada (2022–2032)

Nevada is projected to grow plumbers employment +8.7%, faster than the +4.5% projected nationally.

Nevada License and Certification Requirements

Journeyman Plumber license — regulated by the Nevada State Board of Plumbing Examiners (NBOPE).

Complete at least four years or 8,000 hours of documented apprenticeship experience.
Pass the journeyman plumber exam.
Apply to the Nevada State Board of Plumbing Examiners; add a master license and contractor license to run your own business.

Official requirements: Nevada State Board of Plumbing Examiners (NBOPE) →

Training in Nevada

UA Locals and PHCC contractors offer earn-while-you-learn apprenticeships. Nevada has a dedicated plumbing board separate from the Contractors Board.

Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Nevada include:

College of Southern Nevada — Certificate / Associate
Truckee Meadows Community College — Certificate / Associate
Western Nevada College — Associate

Is This the Right Move for You?

Best for: People who want durable demand and do not mind dirty, physical work.

Think twice if: You need clean environments, predictable hours, or low physical strain.

Why it's resilient: Plumbing is local, licensed, physical, urgent, and full of unpredictable building-specific constraints.

First Steps

Search state plumbing apprenticeship requirements and local union/non-union programs.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do plumbers make in Nevada?

The median wage for plumbers in Nevada is $61,610 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $42,210, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $118,430. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.

What license or certification do you need to become a Plumber in Nevada?

Journeyman Plumber license, overseen by the Nevada State Board of Plumbing Examiners (NBOPE). Complete at least four years or 8,000 hours of documented apprenticeship experience.

Is being a Plumber a good career in Nevada?

Plumbing is local, licensed, physical, urgent, and full of unpredictable building-specific constraints.

Which Nevada metros pay plumbers the most?

Among Nevada metro areas, Reno leads at $77,020, followed by Carson City ($64,040), Las Vegas ($59,700). Local pay tracks regional demand and cost of living, so the highest-paying metro isn't always the best net move.

Where can I train to become a Plumber in Nevada?

Real Nevada options include College of Southern Nevada, Truckee Meadows Community College, Western Nevada College. Most plumbers start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.

Is Plumber a growing career in Nevada?

Nevada projects plumbers employment to change +8.7% from 2022 to 2032 — a growing field in the state.

Sources and Verification

Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Nevada statewide and metro estimates for SOC 47-2152. Licensing summary compiled from the Nevada State Board of Plumbing Examiners (NBOPE) (2026-06-11). Requirements change — always confirm current rules with the board and verify program costs and outcomes before enrolling.

BLS Occupational Outlook · O*NET Nevada wages · Nevada licensing/certification source

Employment projections: Projections Central / BLS Employment Projections (2024–2034); Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities.

Pay percentiles describe current workers, not entry-level offers; training costs and local demand vary, so verify locally before committing money or quitting a job.