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

Skilled trades

Washington employs 12,470 plumbers, with a statewide median of $81,030 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Washington licensing picture, and where to train.

What Plumbers Earn in Washington (May 2025)

Washington median pay: $81,030 (May 2025)
Starting range (10th percentile): $49,490
Experienced (75th percentile): $107,420
Top earners (90th percentile): $141,860
Employed in Washington: 12,470
U.S. median (for comparison): $62,970 (May 2024)

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

Bellingham: $102,750 (540 employed)
Tri-Cities: $97,130 (840 employed)
Seattle–Tacoma: $95,230 (6,350 employed)
Olympia: $80,030 (310 employed)
Spokane: $72,800 (810 employed)

What That Pay Is Worth in Washington

Prices in Washington run about 7% above the national average (cost-of-living index 107.0 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $81,030 median is worth closer to $75,729 once higher local prices are factored in.

Job Outlook in Washington (2024–2034)

Washington is projected to grow plumbers employment +5.8%, faster than the +4.5% projected nationally. The state expects about 1,110 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.

Washington License and Certification Requirements

Plumber Trainee → Journey Level Plumber (PL01) — regulated by the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) — Plumber Certification.

Apply for a Plumber Trainee certificate with L&I — you must be at least 16, and you work under the direct supervision of a certified Journey Level Plumber.
Accumulate 8,000 OJT hours, with at least 4,000 in commercial or industrial installations, plus annual continuing education (8 hours plumbing code, 4 hours industry-related electrical per two-year period).
Pass the L&I Journey Level Plumber exam. Certification renews every two years.

Official requirements: Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) — Plumber Certification →

Training in Washington

UA (United Association) apprenticeships are the primary route: UA Local 26 (Seattle/Western WA) and UA Local 44 (Spokane). Washington's building boom — especially in Seattle, Bellevue, and the Eastside — drives strong demand. Trainees earn while they learn from day one.

Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Washington include:

Olympic College — Associate
Perry Technical Institute — Certificate

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 Washington?

The median wage for plumbers in Washington is $81,030 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $49,490, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $141,860. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.

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

Plumber Trainee → Journey Level Plumber (PL01), overseen by the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) — Plumber Certification. Apply for a Plumber Trainee certificate with L&I — you must be at least 16, and you work under the direct supervision of a certified Journey Level Plumber.

Is being a Plumber a good career in Washington?

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

Which Washington metros pay plumbers the most?

Among Washington metro areas, Bellingham leads at $102,750, followed by Tri-Cities ($97,130), Seattle–Tacoma ($95,230). 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 Washington?

Real Washington options include Olympic College, Perry Technical Institute. Most plumbers start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.

Is Plumber a growing career in Washington?

Washington projects plumbers employment to change +5.8% from 2024 to 2034, with about 1,110 openings a year — a growing field in the state.

Sources and Verification

Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Washington statewide and metro estimates for SOC 47-2152. Licensing summary compiled from the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) — Plumber Certification (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 Washington wages · Washington 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.