Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters Salary in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
The median pay for a plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA is $100,110/year ($48.13/hour), per BLS data. The range runs from $53K at the entry level to $136K for experienced workers. Prices run high here (RPP 105.42), so that salary is closer to $94,963 in real purchasing power. A 2-bedroom apartment runs $1,922/month — about 31.2% of take-home, which is tight.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $100K get you in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro?
About plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
Entry-level plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters (10th percentile) start around $53K. Mid-career wages sit at $100K.Top earners bring in $136K or more - a $83K spread from bottom to top.
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois | $96K | +53% | 18,730 |
| Oregon | $93K | +48% | 6,080 |
| Minnesota | $83K | +32% | 8,520 |
| Massachusetts | $83K | +32% | 15,670 |
| Alaska | $83K | +32% | 870 |
| District of Columbia | $82K | +30% | 640 |
| Washington | $79K | +26% | 12,210 |
| Hawaii | $79K | +25% | 2,640 |
| Wisconsin | $79K | +25% | 9,120 |
| New York | $78K | +25% | 22,630 |
| Montana | $78K | +24% | 1,810 |
| New Jersey | $77K | +23% | 9,840 |
| Michigan | $77K | +22% | 12,830 |
| Connecticut | $73K | +16% | 4,180 |
| California | $68K | +9% | 45,460 |
Track plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro numbers change.
Related careers in Construction & Trades
Frequently asked questions
How much do plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters make in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA?
The median is $100,110 a year - that works out to about $48.13 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $53,180, and experienced plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters can clear $135,950. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $100K enough to live in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $5,882/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $1,922/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 32.7% of your paycheck. That's above the 30% rule of thumb - housing will be a stretch at the median salary, though you can manage with roommates or a smaller place.
How far does a plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters salary go in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro?
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro has a Regional Price Parity of 105.42 (100 is the national average). Prices are above average here, so your dollar buys less than the same salary would in a cheaper metro. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters salary is worth about $94,963 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.