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If your pipes burst or you have a clog, who is the first person you call? The plumber, naturally is the first thought to enter your head. This is one sector that does not seem to be affected by the economy. Many people are deciding to learn this profession due to this fact. However, one thing they want to know is how much a plumber typically makes per hour.
A plumber will make different amounts depending on experience. Those who are training will not make as much as someone who has been working at this profession for years. Members of unions will make more than those who do not belong. This is why the following are estimates depending on different factors.
When you see what is considered an average salary for a plumber in the U.S. it will be about $27,000 per year. However, this is based on all plumbers. The apprentice may only earn $18,000 per year while a Master Plumber can earn around $47,000 per year. To keep things clear, look at the salaries in the range of $20, $30, and $40,000 and up per year.
Those who are starting out in the plumbing profession are essentially earning a salary while they work. A Plumber's Helper earns the aforementioned $18,000 but they drop the apostrophe S when they become a Plumber Helper and, in doing so, can earn upwards of $25,000 per year. That would be plumber hourly rates of $9 - $12 an hour.
When they are no longer considered a helper, they may make $30,000 per year. After learning enough to specialize in this profession, the plumber can earn more and more. The specialists in some fields such as Oil & GA can earn about $33,000 and the more specialized plumbers may earn more - such as the high 30s. Averaging out to about $15 to $19 per hour for plumbers is about the amounts made.
Top rates paid for plumbers who are licensed are from $40 to $50,000 a year. This includes journeyman plumbers, plumber technicians and plumber pipe fitters. An hourly rate of $20 to $25 would be what this annual salary ends up being.
Keep in mind these numbers are based on a person working 40 hours a week. As such, the base rate is what this is considered. If you work more than 40 hours, overtime will apply which will end up being more income. If you do not work 40 hours a week, your pay will be less. The money earned as a plumber is based upon how much you work and the services performed.
If you are looking to use a plumber and are wondering how much they will cost you will find though that the actual rates will also vary depending on the area you are in, the difficulty of the work involved, and how busy the plumber is at that point in time. It con sometimes become a case of supply and demand. If there is plenty of plumbing work around the plumbers may increase their prices and vice versa when they dont have enough work. So it is important to get various quotes for a couple of plumbers before you start.
The most common mistake people make early on is setting an hourly rate that it too low. You have to get your small business clients used to paying a certain hourly rate up front. It is very difficult to raise your rates up to where they should be after the fact. Increase of 5 - 15% overtime are ok but if you need your hourly rate to jump form $5 to $85, you will likely lose all of your current customers.
Setting a low hourly rate in the hopes of attracting new clients is a poor strategy. These clients expect low rates in the long term and you can't afford to give permanently discounted hourly rates. By charging too little you may have to effectively dump your whole client list and start over. This could put you out of business real fast.
If you want to attract a few clients fast, you can do a grand opening special. Offer a low hourly rate for one type of service or for a one-month contract. This will bring customers in the door but does not set up an expectation that your rates will stay low forever.
The Bottom Line on Hourly Rates
If your hourly rates are too low you will have a hard time scaling up your business. You want to attract customers that will be long-term regular clients. If the hourly rates you use to secure those customers are not sustainable long term then your relationship with these clients will not be long term either: lack of long term clients spells lack of business success!
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