Key Takeaways
- Oregon plumbers earn significantly above the national average, with a statewide median around $77,000 annually, well above the national median of $61,550 reported by the BLS.
- Portland, Eugene, and Bend are the highest-paying plumbing markets in Oregon.
- Union plumbers through the United Association (UA) in Oregon earn the highest wages in the trade, often exceeding $90,000 per year.
- Oregon's apprenticeship programs through UA locals offer some of the best-structured plumbing training in the Pacific Northwest.
- The BLS projects 6% job growth for plumbers nationally through 2033, with Oregon exceeding this due to strong construction and infrastructure investment.
- Oregon's prevailing wage laws on public projects and strong union density protect and elevate wages for licensed plumbers statewide.
Plumber Salary in Oregon: A Complete Guide for 2025
Oregon is one of the highest-paying states for plumbers in the United States. Driven by strong union representation through the United Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters (UA), robust construction activity in the Portland metro area, and significant industrial and infrastructure investment throughout the state, Oregon plumbers earn wages that are consistently among the top in the Pacific Northwest and the country.
This guide breaks down plumber salaries in Oregon by experience level, geography, and specialization, and outlines the key steps to maximize your earning potential in this trade.
Average Plumber Salary in Oregon
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports a national median annual wage of $61,550 for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters. Oregon plumbers earn substantially more than this national benchmark, with a statewide median wage approximately 25% above the national figure, around $77,000 per year. Union plumbers in the Portland metro area under UA Local 290 agreements earn even more.
Oregon plumber wages by percentile:
- 10th percentile (entry-level): approximately $46,000/year
- 25th percentile: approximately $60,000/year
- Median (50th percentile): approximately $77,000/year
- 75th percentile: approximately $94,000/year
- 90th percentile (top earners): approximately $110,000+/year
These figures span all types of plumbing work in Oregon, from residential service plumbers to commercial and industrial pipefitters working on large construction projects and process piping systems.
Plumber Salary by Experience Level in Oregon
Apprentice Plumbers
Oregon's plumbing apprenticeship programs are primarily administered through UA Local 290 (Portland) and other UA affiliates throughout the state. These five-year apprenticeship programs combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction at local community colleges and training centers. Oregon apprentice plumbers start at approximately 40% of journeyman wages in Year 1 and receive annual step increases.
Under current UA Local 290 scale rates, first-year apprentices earn the equivalent of roughly $38,000 to $45,000 per year, rising to approximately $65,000 to $75,000 by the fifth year of the apprenticeship. Benefits including health insurance and pension contributions are also included in UA apprenticeship compensation packages.
Journeyman Plumbers
Journeyman plumbers in Oregon under UA Local 290 agreements earn some of the highest plumber wages in the country. Current UA Local 290 journeyman scale wages are over $45 per hour, translating to approximately $93,000 per year before overtime. With overtime common on large commercial and industrial projects, many Portland-area journeyman plumbers earn $100,000 to $115,000 per year in total annual compensation.
Non-union journeyman plumbers in Oregon typically earn less than union scale -- generally $60,000 to $78,000 per year -- but still above the national median. Commercial and industrial non-union plumbers tend to earn more than residential service plumbers.
Master Plumbers and Contractors
Master plumbers in Oregon who operate their own plumbing contracting businesses represent the highest-earning segment of the trade. Successful plumbing contractors in the Portland metro area can generate annual incomes well above $100,000, with larger operations generating even greater revenues. Even as an employee, a master plumber in a supervisory or project management role in Oregon can earn $90,000 to $120,000 annually.
Oregon requires master plumber licensure through the Oregon Construction Contractors Board (CCB) and the Oregon State Plumbing Inspector. The master plumber exam covers the Oregon Plumbing Specialty Code, system design, and code compliance.
Plumber Salary by City in Oregon
Portland
Portland is the center of Oregon's plumbing labor market. The city and its surrounding metro area have experienced significant construction growth over the past two decades, driven by tech company expansion, healthcare facility construction, high-rise residential development, and infrastructure upgrades. UA Local 290 covers Portland and much of western Oregon, negotiating strong wages and benefits for union plumbers. Journeyman plumbers in Portland working under union contracts earn the highest wages in the state, often over $90,000 before overtime.
Eugene
Eugene is Oregon's second-largest city and the home of the University of Oregon. Healthcare construction (PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Medical Center, Oregon Coast Health system), university expansion projects, and residential construction all drive plumbing demand. Journeyman plumbers in Eugene typically earn $65,000 to $82,000 annually, somewhat below Portland but still strong relative to the national average.
Bend
Bend's rapid population growth has fueled intense construction activity, including a significant volume of residential plumbing work in new subdivisions and custom homes, as well as commercial development. Plumbers in Bend have been in high demand, and wages have climbed accordingly. Experienced plumbers in Bend can earn $70,000 to $88,000 per year, reflecting the demand pressure in this fast-growing market.
Salem
Salem, as Oregon's state capital, offers steady plumbing employment driven by government facilities, healthcare (Salem Health hospital system), and commercial construction. Wages in Salem typically fall somewhat below Portland, ranging from $62,000 to $78,000 for journeyman-level plumbers.
Plumbing Specializations That Pay the Most in Oregon
Industrial Pipefitting
Oregon has a significant industrial base including semiconductor manufacturing (Intel in Hillsboro), food processing, paper mills, and chemical facilities. Industrial pipefitters who work in these environments earn premium wages due to the complexity and precision required. Pipefitters at Intel's Hillsboro campus, for example, work on ultra-high-purity (UHP) chemical delivery systems requiring exceptional precision and clean-room protocols. Industrial pipefitters in Oregon can earn $90,000 to $120,000+ annually.
Medical Gas Installation
Medical gas systems in hospitals and clinical facilities require ASSE-certified installers. Plumbers with ASSE 6010 and 6030 medical gas certifications can charge premium rates for this specialized work. Oregon's large healthcare sector, including OHSU (Oregon Health and Science University), Providence Health, and Legacy Health, generates significant medical gas installation and maintenance work.
Fire Suppression
Plumbers and pipefitters who expand into fire suppression system installation and inspection earn additional income from a specialized niche. NICET certifications for fire suppression work are valued by Oregon mechanical contractors and fire protection companies.
How to Maximize Your Plumber Salary in Oregon
Join UA Local 290 or Another Oregon UA Local
Joining the United Association through a local in Portland, Salem, Eugene, or another Oregon city is the most direct path to the highest plumbing wages in the state. Union scale wages and comprehensive benefits packages under UA agreements far exceed what most non-union plumbing contractors offer. The apprenticeship programs through UA locals also provide structured, high-quality training that sets union plumbers up for long-term career success.
Earn Your Oregon Master Plumber License
The master plumber license in Oregon opens the door to contracting, where the income ceiling is much higher than employee wages. Building a plumbing contracting business in a growing market like Bend, the Portland suburbs, or the Willamette Valley can generate revenues well beyond what any employment wage provides.
Pursue Industrial and Commercial Work
Transitioning from residential service plumbing to commercial or industrial plumbing is one of the most effective ways to increase earnings in Oregon. Commercial and industrial plumbing projects are larger, more complex, and billed at higher rates, translating to higher wages for the tradespeople who do the work.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average plumber salary in Oregon? The average plumber salary in Oregon is approximately $77,000 per year, significantly above the national median. Union journeyman plumbers in Portland under UA Local 290 agreements earn over $90,000 before overtime. Top earners including industrial pipefitters, master plumber contractors, and those working on semiconductor or healthcare projects can earn $100,000 to $120,000+ annually.
How does Oregon compare to other states for plumber wages? Oregon consistently ranks among the top states for plumber wages nationally. The combination of strong union density through the UA, a high cost of living in the Portland metro, robust construction demand from tech and healthcare sectors, and prevailing wage laws on public projects all contribute to Oregon's above-average plumber wages. Oregon plumbers typically earn 20 to 30% more than the national median.
How do I become a licensed plumber in Oregon? Becoming a licensed plumber in Oregon requires completing an Oregon-approved apprenticeship program (typically five years through a UA local or non-union program), passing the Oregon journeyman plumber exam administered by the Oregon Construction Contractors Board (CCB), and meeting all continuing education requirements. Master plumber licensure requires additional experience and a separate state examination.
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