Which Type of Plumber Makes the Most Money?

In a trade as broad as plumbing, not all paths lead to the same paycheck. While the average plumber earns a decent living, some specialists and business owners earn two to three times more — simply by choosing the right niche, targeting the right market, and positioning themselves for premium work.

So which type of plumber really makes the most money?

Let’s explore the different roles in plumbing and how each one stacks up in terms of earning potential.

Related Reading:

• Digital Marketing for Plumbers
• Plumbing Marketing Strategies that ACTUALLY Work
• How Do I Get Plumbing Leads Near Me?
• How Do I Get More Plumbing Leads?
• Can Plumbers Be Millionaires?
• Which Type of Plumber Makes the Most Money?
• How Big Is the Plumbing Industry?
• Where Is Plumbing Most Needed?
• How to Get Plumbing Leads?
• How Can I Make the Most Money Plumbing?
• What is a Plumbing Career?
• What is the Meaning of Plumbing Business?
• What is Pipe in Marketing?
• Why is it Called Plumbing?
• How do I market myself as a plumber?
• What Is Plumbing Marketing?

Residential vs. Commercial vs. Industrial

Residential plumbers handle typical home services like leak repair, water heater replacement, and drain cleaning. They’re in high demand and often get consistent work, but income tends to cap out unless they scale or specialize.

Commercial plumbers work on large properties like restaurants, office buildings, and schools. These jobs often require more technical skill and licensing, but they come with higher hourly rates and longer contracts. Success in this field often depends on building relationships with contractors and property managers.

Industrial plumbers handle systems in factories, power plants, and manufacturing facilities. This work pays exceptionally well but often requires advanced certifications, union membership, and willingness to travel or work on-call.

📈 Highest earners often fall into commercial or industrial categories — or specialize within residential plumbing to offer premium services.

Specializations That Increase Income

Certain plumbing specializations come with significantly higher pay, including:

• Gas line plumbing (including natural gas installations for stoves, furnaces, or outdoor grills)
  
  
• Medical gas systems (used in hospitals — requires special certification)
  
  
• Backflow prevention and testing
  
  
• New construction and remodeling for luxury homes
  
  
• Hydronic heating systems (radiant floor heat, boilers)
  
  
• Tankless water heater installations
  
  

Each of these specialties requires advanced training, but also lets you charge more per job — and face less competition.

Hourly vs. Project-Based vs. Retainers

Another big factor in how much plumbers earn is how they price their work.

• Hourly work offers stability but can limit income unless rates are high
  
  
• Project-based pricing for remodels or installations can offer better margins if well-scoped
  
  
• Retainer or service agreements bring consistent, recurring revenue with minimal marketing costs
  
  

The top-earning plumbers often offer a mix of all three — and package their services for both convenience and profitability.

Why Visibility = Higher Pay

Even highly skilled plumbers can earn less if no one can find them. That’s why top earners almost always invest in local SEO, Google Business optimization, and digital marketing for plumbers.

They understand that being visible online means:

• Getting more high-paying leads
  
  
• Booking premium jobs regularly
  
  
• Building a strong reputation through reviews and content
  
  

Without visibility, skill doesn’t scale.

Want to see how your skills and services stack up in your local market?
👉 Get a Free Competitor Ranking & SEO Visibility Report for Your Plumbing Business

High-Income Plumbing Niches You Should Know

Not all plumbing jobs are created equal. While many plumbers focus on general repairs and emergency calls, the highest-earning professionals often specialize in lucrative niches that demand advanced knowledge and come with far less price competition.

If your goal is to increase earnings — without simply working more hours — shifting into one or more of these niches can transform your business.

1. Gas Line Plumbing

Installing and servicing natural gas lines for appliances, fireplaces, generators, or outdoor kitchens can be highly profitable. Gas line plumbers:

• Often require additional licensing
  
  
• Face less competition than standard service plumbers
  
  
• Can charge premium rates due to the risks involved
  
  

Gas jobs are commonly requested by homeowners doing renovations, restaurants upgrading their kitchens, or property managers installing new systems.

2. Medical Gas Systems

One of the most specialized — and highest-paying — fields is medical gas plumbing. These systems are used in:

• Hospitals
  
  
• Dental clinics
  
  
• Laboratories
  
  
• Veterinary practices
  
  

Working in this niche requires strict compliance with building codes and certifications like NFPA 99. However, the jobs are large, scheduled well in advance, and involve fewer emergency calls. Many medical gas plumbers are subcontracted on long-term construction or retrofit projects.

3. New Construction and Remodeling

Plumbers who focus on high-end home remodels or new builds often secure large, multi-stage contracts. These projects offer:

• High total job value
  
  
• Predictable timelines
  
  
• Opportunities to upsell premium fixtures, tankless systems, and whole-home filtration
  
  

Builders and remodelers frequently look for reliable plumbers to partner with — especially if you’re visible in local search and have good reviews.

4. Hydronic and Radiant Heating Systems

These systems — which use water to heat homes via floors or radiators — are increasingly popular in colder regions. Installing and maintaining hydronic systems is:

• Technically demanding
  
  
• Less saturated than basic plumbing
  
  
• Ideal for upskilling and commanding higher project fees
  
  

It’s also an area where clients value long-term relationships for maintenance, repairs, and seasonal servicing.

5. Backflow Prevention and Testing

Required by law in many commercial and multi-family buildings, backflow testing is recurring, reliable work. Plumbers who certify in this field can generate consistent income through annual inspections and device replacements.

You can also target this service with local SEO by creating pages like “Backflow Testing in [City]” and listing it on your Google Business Profile.

Why These Niches Pay More

Each of these services:

• Solves complex, regulated problems
  
  
• Involves fewer qualified competitors
  
  
• Is perceived as high-risk or high-value
  
  
• Can be productized and marketed to attract a specific audience
  
  

By targeting these jobs in your website content, ad campaigns, and Google Business listings, you position yourself as a premium provider — not just another plumber.

Thinking about niching down? Let’s identify the most profitable services in your area.
👉 Get a Free Service Profitability & Market Gap Audit Today

Why Business Owners Earn More Than Employees

While skilled plumbers can earn a solid living working for someone else, those who own and operate their own plumbing businesses consistently make the most money. The gap isn’t just in hourly rates — it’s in how revenue, reputation, and recurring value are structured.

If you’re serious about maximizing your income in the plumbing industry, becoming a business owner may be your most important move.

1. Control Over Pricing

As an employee, your rate is fixed by your employer. But as a business owner, you control:

• Your pricing structure
  
  
• Service bundling and upsells
  
  
• Minimum service fees
  
  
• After-hours or emergency rate premiums
  
  

This flexibility allows you to charge based on value — not just time, especially in high-demand situations or niche services.

2. You Build Long-Term Assets

When you own your business, you’re building more than income — you’re building equity:

• A brand people recognize and trust
  
  
• A client database you can market to anytime
  
  
• A website and SEO presence that generates leads on autopilot
  
  
• Google reviews and local authority that grow your digital footprint
  
  
• Systems and SOPs that can eventually be scaled or sold
  
  

Employees clock out at the end of the day. Owners build something that lasts — and pays off even when they’re not on the job.

3. Higher Risk, Higher Reward

Yes, owning a business involves more risk — but it also comes with the opportunity for exponential income. As an owner, you can:

• Hire technicians to handle more jobs
  
  
• Delegate admin and customer service
  
  
• Serve multiple cities or zip codes
  
  
• Offer memberships or service plans for recurring revenue
  
  
• Create premium packages and charge accordingly
  
  

The more you scale, the more you earn per hour worked — even if you eventually step out of the field.

4. More Opportunities for Marketing and SEO

Employees don’t usually have a say in how they’re marketed. Business owners do — and that’s a huge advantage. Owners can:

• Build a local SEO strategy targeting the most profitable neighborhoods
  
  
• Launch Google Ads or LSA campaigns to capture premium leads
  
  
• Create content marketing funnels that educate and convert
  
  
• Generate reviews that boost visibility and trust
  
  

These tools multiply your reach and authority, helping you dominate your market instead of competing job by job.

5. Stronger Negotiating Power

Whether it’s with vendors, contractors, or commercial clients, business owners often have leverage. You can negotiate better pricing, control project timelines, and position yourself as a premium service provider — especially when backed by a strong online presence.

Want to take the leap from technician to trusted local brand?
👉 Get a Free Growth Roadmap & SEO Positioning Plan for Your Plumbing Business

How Marketing and SEO Impact Your Plumbing Income

You can be the most skilled plumber in your city, but if no one knows you exist — or can’t find you online — your income will always be limited. That’s why marketing and SEO aren’t just “extras” for growing your plumbing business — they’re core to increasing how much money you make.

Top earners in the plumbing industry consistently use digital marketing strategies to build visibility, attract high-paying leads, and convert more jobs — without relying on word-of-mouth alone.

Visibility Drives Revenue

In today’s competitive market, most people find plumbers by searching on Google. That means your visibility in:

• Google Maps
  
  
• Organic search results
  
  
• Google Local Services Ads
  
  
• Local directories (like Yelp, Angi, etc.)
  
  

…directly impacts how many calls, quotes, and jobs you get.

If your business doesn’t appear when someone searches “plumber near me” or “water heater repair in [city],” you’re losing leads to competitors — even if they’re less qualified.

This is where local SEO for plumbers becomes essential.

The Power of Local SEO

Local SEO helps you:

• Rank for “near me” and city-based searches
  
  
• Show up in the Google Map Pack
  
  
• Optimize your Google Business Profile
  
  
• Appear in featured snippets and local directories
  
  
• Build trust through online reviews
  
  

When done correctly, local SEO brings free, targeted traffic to your website and business listings — turning searchers into paying customers.

For example, ranking for “tankless water heater installation in [your city]” could bring in dozens of leads per month without paying for ads.

Branding Influences Pricing

Your brand presence — including your logo, website design, messaging, and tone — can impact how much customers are willing to pay. Premium branding suggests professionalism, reliability, and high-quality work.

Plumbers who invest in strong branding and consistent messaging can charge more and attract better clients. This is often reflected in:

• Higher close rates
  
  
• Fewer price objections
  
  
• More repeat customers
  
  
• Higher Google review ratings
  
  

Marketing isn’t just about getting found — it’s about being chosen.

Ads Boost Income During Slow Periods

Organic traffic is powerful, but it takes time. That’s why paid advertising — like Google Search Ads or Local Services Ads — can be used to generate fast, high-quality leads.

Targeted ads help you:

• Fill your schedule when business slows down
  
  
• Reach specific zip codes or service types
  
  
• Test offers and messaging for better conversion
  
  

The most profitable plumbing businesses use both organic SEO and paid digital marketing to control their pipeline and smooth out revenue throughout the year.

Want to know how marketing could double your revenue?
👉 Request a Free SEO & Ads Strategy Audit for Your Plumbing Business Today

How to Transition Into Higher-Paying Plumbing Work

If you're currently stuck doing low-ticket service calls, offering discounts to compete on price, or struggling to fill your schedule with quality jobs, the good news is: you can pivot. Transitioning into higher-paying plumbing work is possible — and often faster than you think — when you combine technical skill with smart positioning and digital visibility.

Here’s how to move into premium plumbing services and earn more without adding more hours to your day.

1. Identify Your High-Value Skills

Start by listing the services you currently offer and identifying which ones:

• Require the most skill or certifications
  
  
• Have the least competition in your area
  
  
• Are in high demand among homeowners or businesses
  
  
• Allow for upselling or bundled service offerings
  
  

Examples include tankless water heater installs, repiping, gas lines, or commercial plumbing contracts. These services often come with bigger project scopes and better margins.

Once you’ve identified your top earners, build your marketing and SEO strategy around them.

2. Reposition Your Brand Online

To command higher rates, you need to look like a premium provider. That means updating:

• Your website — highlight premium services front and center
  
  
• Service pages — add local keywords tied to high-value offerings
  
  
• Google Business Profile — include relevant categories and project photos
  
  
• Online reviews — showcase jobs where you delivered premium value
  
  

When people search for high-end plumbing solutions, your business should appear with confidence, clarity, and professionalism.

Example SEO phrase: “Luxury bathroom plumbing in [city]” or “Tankless system expert near me”

3. Refine Your Ideal Client

Higher-paying work often comes from a more specific client type — not just “anyone with a leak.”

• Upscale homeowners doing remodels
  
  
• Property managers who need regular, premium service
  
  
• Commercial kitchens or restaurants
  
  
• Real estate investors flipping houses
  
  
• Builders seeking long-term plumbing partners
  
  

Once you know who they are, tailor your messaging, pricing, and website copy to speak directly to their needs.

4. Create Packages and Service Plans

Premium clients expect simplicity and value. Offer:

• Fixed-price service bundles
  
  
• Memberships for annual maintenance
  
  
• “White-glove” installation packages with fast turnaround
  
  
• Commercial contracts with SLAs (service-level agreements)
  
  

Not only do these models boost recurring income, but they also establish you as a professional partner, not just a tradesperson.

5. Promote With SEO and Paid Ads

Use digital marketing for plumbers to promote your shift. Focus on:

• Service-specific landing pages
  
  
• Location-based keyword targeting
  
  
• Retargeting ads to past site visitors
  
  
• Email campaigns for existing contacts
  
  

If you're transitioning niches, advertise that change clearly — don’t wait for clients to guess.

Looking to attract higher-paying clients and scale your revenue?
👉 Book a Free Plumbing Positioning & SEO Strategy Session Today

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What kind of plumber gets paid the most?

Plumbers working in commercial or industrial settings, or those who specialize in areas like gas line installation, medical gas systems, or high-end residential remodels, typically earn the highest incomes. These niches require advanced skills and certifications, which command premium rates.

Can residential plumbers make six figures?

Yes — residential plumbers who specialize in high-ticket services, operate their own businesses, and implement smart marketing strategies like local SEO for plumbers and service packaging can absolutely make six figures or more annually.

Is owning a plumbing business more profitable than being employed?

In most cases, yes. Plumbing business owners can control pricing, scale operations, build recurring revenue, and position their brand to attract higher-paying clients. They also benefit from building long-term assets like a client base, SEO visibility, and online reviews.

How does digital marketing help plumbers make more money?

Digital marketing for plumbers improves online visibility, attracts better-paying leads, and helps businesses stand out in a crowded local market. Tools like SEO for plumbing companies, Google Business Profile optimization, and targeted ads directly increase job bookings and revenue.

How can I shift into higher-paying plumbing work?

Start by identifying premium services you’re qualified to offer, reposition your branding and messaging, target specific local keywords (e.g., “tankless water heater installation in [city]”), and use online marketing to attract those ideal jobs. Consider offering service plans or bundles to increase perceived value.

What are some plumbing services with the highest margins?

• Gas line installation
  
  
• Tankless water heater installation
  
  
• Medical or dental plumbing systems
  
  
• Whole-home repiping
  
  
• Radiant heating systems
  
  
• Commercial service contracts
  
  

These services typically face less price shopping and allow you to charge based on value, not time.

‍