Knowing the cost of a reliable and experienced plumbing contractor is essential when it comes to managing expectations and planning for your construction project’s budget. On average, most plumbing contractors will charge an hourly rate depending on their level of expertise.

In this blog post, we’ll take a look at the different factors that go into determining plumbing contractor hourly rates.

Types of plumbing contractors

There are several types of plumbing contractors out there, each with varying levels of experience and expertise.

Generally speaking, the more experienced and skilled a contractor is, the higher their plumbing contractor hourly rate. This includes general plumbing contractors who specialize in residential projects, as well as commercial plumbers who have more experience with larger-scale construction projects.

In addition, there are specialty plumbers who specialize in specific areas, such as gas piping, water heaters and drain cleaning. These contractors typically have more particular skills and knowledge, which can be worth the higher hourly rate they charge.

Plumbing contractor hourly rates in construction

The average plumbing contractor hourly rate will greatly depend on the level of expertise you’re hiring.

• Master plumber: $90 to $200 per hour
• Journeyman plumber: $70 to $120 per hour
• Apprentice plumber: $45 to $90 per hour

The highest paying plumbing contractor jobs

The highest paying plumbing contractor jobs are typically those that require the most expertise and experience. Here’s a list of the highest paying jobs for your consideration when hiring a contractor:

• Plumbing Engineer: $71,000 to $97,000 per year
• Plumbing Designer: $60,500 to $83,000 per year
• Residential Plumber: $45,000 to $82,500 per year
• Master Plumber: $51,500 to $78,500 per year
• Plumbing Foreman: $55,000 to $74,000 per year
• Licensed Plumber: $49,000 to $72,000 per year
• Journeyman Plumber: $49,000 to $68,000 per year

Factors that affect plumbing contractor hourly rates

There are several factors that can affect the cost of hiring a plumbing contractor. These include the complexity of the job, the experience level of the plumber, local labor costs, and materials costs.

• The complexity of the job is one of the main drivers for hourly rates. A more complicated project will require more time and expertise from a plumbing contractor, which can lead to higher rates.
• The experience level of the plumber is also important. Plumbers with more experience will typically charge a higher rate for their services than those who are just starting out. 
• Local labor costs and materials costs can also vary depending on where you live, so it’s important to shop around.

Some plumbers may offer discounted rates for those who they’ve established a pre-existing rapport with or those who refer their services to others. This can be a great way to save money on your project while still getting quality service from a reliable plumbing contractor. 

Ultimately, the plumbing contractor hourly rate will depend on these factors. It’s important to do your research and solicit bids before hiring a plumbing contractor to ensure you’re getting the best quality service for your project’s budget.

How to find qualified plumbing contractors for construction projects

Finding a qualified and reliable plumbing contractor for your construction project is an important part of ensuring that the job is done correctly and on budget. Besides soliciting bids, here are some tips for finding the right plumbing contractor:

1. Research local contractors in your area who have experience with similar projects. Ask around for recommendations from industry professionals and local building inspectors. It’s also a good idea to do an online search to ensure that the person you’ll be working with is legitimate and reliable.
2. Once you’ve narrowed down your list of possible contractors, contact each one to ask about their experience level and any additional services they offer.
3. Ask for certifications, licenses, and proof of insurance to ensure that the contractor is qualified and reputable. 
4. Once you’ve chosen a contractor, make sure to ask about their payment terms and timetable for completing the project. This will help you plan ahead so that the job is completed on schedule with minimal disruptions. 

By following these steps and doing your research, you can find a reliable plumbing contractor who will do quality work at an affordable price. With the right contractor on board, your construction project is sure to go smoothly and as planned.

Bridgit Bench lets you improve workforce management

Hiring a plumbing contractor is an important part of any construction project. To ensure that you get the best work done at a reasonable cost, it’s important to do your research and find a contractor for the job that falls within the average plumbing contractor hourly rate.

By considering all pertinent factors, you can find a qualified contractor who will do quality work at an affordable price. With the right plumbing contractor on board, your construction project is sure to go smoothly and as planned.

If you’re a general contractor and need help managing your workforce, consider technological solutions like Bridgit Bench. You’ll benefit from greater visibility and utilize the platform’s people intelligence to plan your workforce strategically, as well as grow and retain your top talent.
Book a demo with Bridgit today.

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