Plumber Salary in Michigan 2026:
$66,400 Average ($31.92/hr)
Updated 17 April 2026
Michigan plumbers earn $3,430 above the national median of $62,970. Here is the full breakdown by metro, experience level, and licensing.
Michigan Median
$66,400/yr
Hourly Rate
$31.92/hr
vs National
+$3,430
Top 10% Earn
$99,200+
Where Michigan Ranks Nationally
National Rank (Raw Pay)
#11
of 50 states
Cost of Living Index
91
100 = national average
COL-Adjusted Salary
$72,967
purchasing power equiv.
Plumber Pay by Metro Area in Michigan
Wages vary significantly within the state. Major metros with strong union presence tend to pay the most.
| Metro Area | Median Annual |
|---|---|
| Detroit-Warren-Dearborn | $72,800 |
| Grand Rapids Metro | $64,400 |
| Lansing-East Lansing | $61,200 |
| Ann Arbor Metro | $67,600 |
| Flint Metro | $58,800 |
Source: BLS OES May 2024 Metropolitan Area data. Figures are estimates based on available MSA data.
Pay by Experience Level in Michigan
Career stage matters more than any other factor except geography. Here is what each level earns in Michigan.
| Career Level | Hourly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Apprentice (Year 1) | $19 - $25/hr | $39,000 - $52,000 |
| Apprentice (Year 4) | $26 - $34/hr | $54,000 - $71,000 |
| Journeyman | $34 - $48/hr | $71,000 - $100,000 |
| Master Plumber (Employee) | $42 - $56/hr | $87,000 - $116,000 |
| Self-Employed Owner | $85 - $160/hr billed | $80,000 - $200,000 net |
Michigan Plumbing License Requirements
To work legally as a plumber in Michigan, you must hold the appropriate state license. Here is what is required.
Licensing Authority
Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) - Bureau of Construction Codes
Journeyman Requirement
4 years (6,000 hours) OJT plus apprenticeship program completion
Master Plumber Requirement
2 years as licensed journeyman plus exam
Reciprocity
Limited; check LARA for current reciprocity partners
Exam Fee
$100 application + $50 exam fee
Full 50-state licensing matrix: plumbing license requirements by state.
Union Plumbers in Michigan
UA Local 98 (Detroit), UA Local 174 (Grand Rapids), UA Local 333 (Lansing). ~32% of plumbers in Michigan are union.
Union plumbers in Michigan typically earn 25 to 40 percent more in total compensation (base wages plus health insurance, pension, and annuity) compared to non-union plumbers at the same experience level. See the full comparison at union vs non-union plumber pay.
Job Outlook in Michigan
Michigan offers the strongest cost-of-living-adjusted plumber purchasing power among the top-20 states by pay. Detroit's automotive sector employs significant numbers of industrial pipefitters at the Big 3 plants (Ford, GM, Stellantis) and at supplier facilities (Magna, Lear). EV-related manufacturing investments (Ford BlueOval City coordination, GM Ultium Cells, Stellantis battery plants) create ongoing pipefitter demand. The downstate market (Grand Rapids, Lansing) is anchored by healthcare and higher-education construction.
Biggest Employers in Michigan
- +Barton Malow
- +Walbridge
- +Christman Company
- +Spence Brothers
- +Limbach Company
- +Auch Construction