{ "slug": "plumbing", "name": "Plumbing", "in_level_book": false, "scores": { "resilience": 79.9, "leverage": 73.1, "trade_ai_score": 76.5, "quadrant": "safe-haven", "quadrant_label": "Safe Haven", "quadrant_desc": "Hard for AI to touch, but already efficient. Defend the moat; upside is incremental.", "resilience_rel": 81.8, "leverage_rel": 0 }, "subscores": { "resilience": { "physical_core": 92, "disintermediation": 74, "entry_barrier": 78, "switching_cost": 68 }, "leverage": { "coordination_drag": 72, "operating_leverage": 78, "revenue_expansion": 68, "data_amplification": 74 }, "basis": "Highly physical, emergency-driven, licensed. Lower recurring lock-in than HVAC. Solid but less service-agreement upside." }, "research": { "wages_detail": { "median_hourly_wage_usd": 30.27, "median_hourly_wage_usd_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes472152.htm", "median_hourly_wage_usd_research_pass_count": 6, "median_hourly_wage_usd_confidence": "high-primary", "median_annual_wage_usd": 62970, "median_annual_wage_usd_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes472152.htm", "median_annual_wage_usd_research_pass_count": 6, "median_annual_wage_usd_confidence": "high-primary", "pct25_hourly_wage_usd": 23.49, "pct25_hourly_wage_usd_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes472152.htm", "pct25_hourly_wage_usd_research_pass_count": 6, "pct25_hourly_wage_usd_confidence": "high-primary", "pct75_hourly_wage_usd": 39.37, "pct75_hourly_wage_usd_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes472152.htm", "pct75_hourly_wage_usd_research_pass_count": 6, "pct75_hourly_wage_usd_confidence": "high-primary", "pct90_hourly_wage_usd": 50.55, "pct90_hourly_wage_usd_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes472152.htm", "pct90_hourly_wage_usd_research_pass_count": 6, "pct90_hourly_wage_usd_confidence": "high-primary", "pct10_hourly_wage_usd": 19.55, "pct10_hourly_wage_usd_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes472152.htm", "pct10_hourly_wage_usd_research_pass_count": 6, "pct10_hourly_wage_usd_confidence": "high-primary", "wage_data_year": "2024", "median_hourly_wage_usd_source_access": "url", "median_annual_wage_usd_source_access": "url", "pct25_hourly_wage_usd_source_access": "url", "pct75_hourly_wage_usd_source_access": "url", "pct90_hourly_wage_usd_source_access": "url", "pct10_hourly_wage_usd_source_access": "url" }, "employment": { "us_employment": 504500, "us_employment_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections (2024-2034), https://www.bls.gov/emp/tables/occupational-projections-and-worker-characteristics.htm", "us_employment_research_pass_count": 6, "us_employment_confidence": "high-primary", "projected_10yr_growth_pct": 4.25, "projected_10yr_growth_pct_derived": true, "projected_10yr_growth_pct_source": "Trade Economy Index research synthesis: median of 1 cited research input: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections (Occupational Outlook Handbook), 2024, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/construction-and-extraction/plumbers-pipefitters-and-steamfitters.htm", "projected_10yr_growth_pct_research_pass_count": 6, "projected_10yr_growth_pct_confidence": "high-primary", "annual_openings": 44000, "annual_openings_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections (2024-2034), https://www.bls.gov/emp/tables/occupational-projections-and-worker-characteristics.htm", "annual_openings_research_pass_count": 6, "annual_openings_confidence": "high-primary", "projected_10yr_net_change": 22700, "projected_10yr_net_change_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections (2024-2034), https://www.bls.gov/emp/tables/occupational-projections-and-worker-characteristics.htm", "projected_10yr_net_change_research_pass_count": 6, "projected_10yr_net_change_confidence": "high-primary", "us_employment_year": "2024", "us_employment_source_access": "url", "projected_10yr_growth_pct_source_access": "url", "annual_openings_source_access": "url", "projected_10yr_net_change_source_access": "url" }, "labor_shortage": { "unfilled_openings": 44000, "unfilled_openings_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook: Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters (2025), https://www.bls.gov/ooh/construction-and-extraction/plumbers-pipefitters-and-steamfitters.htm", "unfilled_openings_research_pass_count": 6, "unfilled_openings_confidence": "high-primary", "vacancy_rate_pct": 3.5, "vacancy_rate_pct_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS) - Construction Sector Job Openings Rate (2026), https://www.bls.gov/jlt", "vacancy_rate_pct_research_pass_count": 4, "vacancy_rate_pct_confidence": "adjudicated", "unfilled_openings_year": "2025", "shortage_note": "The United States is projected to face a shortage of 550,000 plumbers by 2027, costing the U.S. economy approximately $33 billion annually in lost economic output.", "shortage_note_source": "John Dunham & Associates / Lixil Plumbing Labor Shortage Analysis (2024), https://www.lixil.com", "vacancy_rate_pct_shared_across": 7, "vacancy_rate_pct_note": "This figure is an industry-wide benchmark, not a per-trade measurement: the same value is published for 7 trade or segment records in this dataset. Read it as the specialty-trade baseline, not as a finding that distinguishes this trade from another.", "unfilled_openings_source_access": "url", "vacancy_rate_pct_source_access": "url", "shortage_note_source_access": "url" }, "workforce_aging": { "median_worker_age": 40.2, "median_worker_age_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Current Population Survey, Household Data Annual Averages Table 11b: Employed people by detailed occupation and age, 2025, https://www.bls.gov/cps/cpsaat11b.htm", "median_worker_age_research_pass_count": 6, "median_worker_age_confidence": "high-primary", "pct_over_55": 18.4, "pct_over_55_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Current Population Survey, Household Data Annual Averages Table 11b: Employed people by detailed occupation and age, 2025, https://www.bls.gov/cps/cpsaat11b.htm", "pct_over_55_research_pass_count": 6, "pct_over_55_confidence": "high-primary", "median_worker_age_year": "2025", "retirement_note": "An estimated 44,000 job openings for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters are projected each year on average through 2034, with most openings driven by replacement demand from workers exiting the labor force to retire or transferring to other occupations.", "retirement_note_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook: Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters, 2025, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/construction-and-extraction/plumbers-pipefitters-and-steamfitters.htm", "median_worker_age_source_access": "url", "pct_over_55_source_access": "url", "retirement_note_source_access": "url" }, "training_pipeline": { "apprenticeship_enrollment": 28829, "apprenticeship_enrollment_source": "Institute for Women's Policy Research (IWPR) analysis of U.S. Department of Labor RAPIDS Data, 2024, https://iwpr.org", "apprenticeship_enrollment_research_pass_count": 3, "apprenticeship_enrollment_confidence": "med", "apprenticeship_enrollment_year": "2023", "pipeline_gap_note": "The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects approximately 44,000 annual job openings for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters on average from 2024 to 2034, primarily driven by worker retirements and occupational transfers, creating a substantial workforce deficit relative to the annual supply of new trade entrants and apprenticeship completers.", "pipeline_gap_note_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook: Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters, 2025, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/construction-and-extraction/plumbers-pipefitters-and-steamfitters.htm", "apprenticeship_enrollment_source_access": "url", "pipeline_gap_note_source_access": "url" }, "immigration_reliance": { "pct_foreign_born": 18, "pct_foreign_born_source": "National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) analysis of U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) PUMS data", "pct_foreign_born_research_pass_count": 6, "pct_foreign_born_confidence": "high-primary", "pct_foreign_born_year": "2023", "visa_dependence_note": "Technical construction trades like plumbers, electricians, and HVAC technicians require longer formal training and professional licensing, leading to lower foreign-born worker representation compared to unlicensed trades like roofing or drywall. Construction employers primarily rely on the H-2B non-agricultural temporary worker visa for foreign guest workers, though Census ACS data measures country of birth rather than legal visa status.", "visa_dependence_note_source": "National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Eye on Housing, 2024, https://eyeonhousing.org", "pct_foreign_born_source_access": "citation-text-only", "visa_dependence_note_source_access": "url" }, "unionization": { "union_membership_pct": 24.8, "union_membership_pct_source": "Unionstats.com (Barry T. Hirsch, David A. Macpherson, and William E. Even, Union Membership and Coverage Database from the CPS), 2022, https://www.unionstats.com", "union_membership_pct_research_pass_count": 3, "union_membership_pct_confidence": "high", "union_membership_year": "2021", "prevailing_wage_note": "Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters on federal and federally assisted public works projects are covered by Davis-Bacon and Related Acts requirements, which mandate locally prevailing wage and fringe benefit payments. The United Association of Union Plumbers and Pipefitters (UA) actively advocates for prevailing wage rules, including the U.S. Department of Labor's 2023 Davis-Bacon modernization rule that restored the 30-percent threshold for setting local prevailing rates.", "prevailing_wage_note_source": "United Association of Union Plumbers and Pipefitters (UA), 2023, https://www.uagetinvolved.org/news/final-davis-bacon-rule-will-protect-fair-wages-create-family-sustaining-union-jobs", "union_membership_pct_source_access": "url", "prevailing_wage_note_source_access": "url" }, "licensing": { "states_requiring_license": 44, "states_requiring_license_source": "1. FieldPulse ('Plumbing License Requirements by State Guide', 2025, https://www.fieldpulse.com); 2. Expertise.com ('Plumbing Licensing Requirements by State', 2024, https://www.expertise.com); 3. GetTradeLicense.com ('Plumber License Requirements by State', 2026, https://www.gettradelicense.com)", "states_requiring_license_research_pass_count": 3, "states_requiring_license_confidence": "high", "states_requiring_license_year": "2026", "bonding_note": "Bonding and insurance requirements for plumbing contractors vary by state and local jurisdiction. Typical surety bond amounts range from $2,000 to $25,000 (e.g., $25,000 in California and Minnesota, $20,000 in Illinois, $10,000 in Colorado, and $6,000 in Washington). General liability insurance coverage mandates commonly range from $100,000 to $500,000+ per occurrence, and state law universally requires workers' compensation insurance for employers.", "bonding_note_source": "GetTradeLicense, Plumber License Requirements Across All 50 States, 2026, https://gettradelicense.com", "reciprocity_note": "Plumbing trade license reciprocity across US states is relatively limited compared to general contracting. Most state boards do not grant broad automatic reciprocity and require applicants to pass state-specific trade or business and law examinations. However, specific bilateral agreements exist between select states (such as Washington-Idaho for journeymen, Arkansas-Texas, and South Carolina with NC, OH, and TN), and NASCLA offers standardized trade exams accepted by multiple participating state contractor boards.", "reciprocity_note_source": "FieldPulse, Plumbing License Reciprocity: A State-by-State Guide, 2025, https://fieldpulse.com", "states_requiring_license_source_access": "url", "bonding_note_source_access": "url", "reciprocity_note_source_access": "url" }, "market_size": { "market_size_usd": 191400000000, "market_size_usd_source": "IBISWorld, Plumbers in the US (2026), https://www.ibisworld.com/united-states/market-research-reports/plumbers-industry", "market_size_usd_research_pass_count": 5, "market_size_usd_confidence": "low", "cagr_pct": 3.1, "cagr_pct_source": "IBISWorld, Plumbers in the US (2026), https://www.ibisworld.com/united-states/market-research-reports/plumbers-industry", "cagr_pct_research_pass_count": 5, "cagr_pct_confidence": "low", "market_size_usd_year": "2026", "cagr_forecast_window": "2021-2026", "cagr_forecast_window_source": "IBISWorld, Plumbers in the US (2026), https://www.ibisworld.com/united-states/market-research-reports/plumbers-industry", "market_size_usd_source_access": "url", "cagr_pct_source_access": "url", "cagr_forecast_window_source_access": "url" }, "firm_counts": { "num_establishments": 109601, "num_establishments_source": "U.S. Census Bureau, Statistics of U.S. Businesses (SUSB), https://www.census.gov/data/tables/2022/econ/susb/2022-susb-annual.html", "num_establishments_research_pass_count": 6, "num_establishments_confidence": "high-primary", "num_firms": 107004, "num_firms_source": "U.S. Census Bureau, Statistics of U.S. Businesses (SUSB), https://www.census.gov/data/tables/2022/econ/susb/2022-susb-annual.html", "num_firms_research_pass_count": 6, "num_firms_confidence": "high-primary", "avg_employees_per_firm": 10.997, "avg_employees_per_firm_source": "U.S. Census Bureau, Statistics of U.S. Businesses (SUSB), https://www.census.gov/data/tables/2022/econ/susb/2022-susb-annual.html", "avg_employees_per_firm_research_pass_count": 6, "avg_employees_per_firm_confidence": "high-primary", "num_establishments_year": "2022", "num_establishments_source_access": "url", "num_firms_source_access": "url", "avg_employees_per_firm_source_access": "url" }, "fragmentation": { "top4_firm_share_pct": 4.1, "top4_firm_share_pct_source": "U.S. Small Business Administration, 'Small Business Size Standards: Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting; Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction; Utilities; Construction', Proposed Rule, 85 FR 62239 (October 2, 2020), Table 4 'Size Standards Supported by Each Factor for Each Industry (Receipts)' at 85 FR 62248, column (6) headed 'Four-firm ratio (%)', row NAICS 238220 Plumbing, Heating, and Air-Conditioning Contractors. Derived by SBA from the U.S. Census Bureau special tabulation of the 2012 Economic Census. https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/10/02/2020-21589/small-business-size-standards-agriculture-forestry-fishing-and-hunting-mining-quarrying-and-oil", "top4_firm_share_pct_research_pass_count": 1, "top4_firm_share_pct_confidence": "high-primary", "mom_and_pop_share_note": "The market is heavily dominated by small local and regional operators and independent mom-and-pop contractors. National franchise brands command less than 5% total U.S. market share, while local independent operators and small trade contractors with fewer than 20 employees represent over 90% of active enterprises.", "mom_and_pop_share_note_source": "Cross-checked across two independent public sources: (1) Better Business Bureau / IBISWorld Plumbing Industry Market Analysis, 2022, URL: https://www.bbb.org (notes that national plumbing brands command less than 5% of total U.S. market share, with tens of thousands of licensed plumbing operators serving communities under local and regional brand names); (2) U.S. Census Bureau Statistics of U.S. Businesses (SUSB) / CT Acquisitions Trade Analysis, 2026, URL: https://www.census.gov / https://ctacquisitions.com (confirms that over 90% of specialty trade contractor firms in NAICS 238220 operate with fewer than 20 employees).", "concentration_year": "2026", "top4_firm_share_pct_source_access": "url", "mom_and_pop_share_note_source_access": "url" }, "franchise_pen": { "franchise_penetration_pct": 5, "franchise_penetration_pct_source": "IBISWorld, 'Industry at a Glance: Plumbing Service Franchises OD5584' (2021)", "franchise_penetration_pct_research_pass_count": 5, "franchise_penetration_pct_confidence": "med", "franchise_penetration_year": "2026", "franchise_trend_note": "The US plumbing industry remains highly fragmented, with independent operators holding 70% of market share in plumbing repairs (and 51% true independent share across critical/frequent home services). However, the franchise-vs-independent mix is trending toward increased franchise and platform penetration, driven by aggressive private equity consolidation, multi-brand franchisor rollups, and technology/operational advantages that allow scaled brands to outcompete local independent operators.", "franchise_trend_note_source": "McKinsey & Company, 'Understanding the US home services market', 2026, https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/consumer-packaged-goods/our-insights/understanding-the-us-home-services-market", "franchise_penetration_pct_source_access": "citation-text-only", "franchise_trend_note_source_access": "url" }, "formation_rate": { "annual_new_firm_formation": 19076, "annual_new_firm_formation_source": "U.S. Census Bureau, Business Dynamics Statistics (BDS), 2023, https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/bds.html", "annual_new_firm_formation_research_pass_count": 5, "annual_new_firm_formation_confidence": "high-primary", "annual_closure_rate_pct": 9.25, "annual_closure_rate_pct_derived": true, "annual_closure_rate_pct_source": "Trade Economy Index research synthesis: median of 2 cited research inputs: U.S. Census Bureau, Business Dynamics Statistics (BDS) - NAICS 2382 Building Equipment Contractors (includes Plumbing, Heating, and Air-Conditioning Contractors), 2023, https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/bds.html | U.S. Small Business Administration Office of Advocacy, Frequently Asked Questions About Small Business 2024", "annual_closure_rate_pct_research_pass_count": 6, "annual_closure_rate_pct_confidence": "med", "survival_5yr_pct": 51.099999999999994, "survival_5yr_pct_derived": true, "survival_5yr_pct_source": "Trade Economy Index research synthesis: median of 1 cited research input: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Business Employment Dynamics (BED) - Sector 23 Construction, 2024, https://www.bls.gov/opub/ted/2024/34-7-percent-of-business-establishments-born-in-2013-were-still-operating-in-2023.htm", "survival_5yr_pct_research_pass_count": 6, "survival_5yr_pct_confidence": "high-primary", "annual_new_firm_formation_year": "2023", "annual_new_firm_formation_source_access": "url", "annual_closure_rate_pct_source_access": "url", "survival_5yr_pct_source_access": "url" }, "margins": { "gross_margin_pct": 22.1, "gross_margin_pct_derived": true, "gross_margin_pct_source": "Trade Economy Index research synthesis: median of 5 cited research inputs: CFMA 2024 Construction Financial Benchmarker, Construction Financial Management Association, https://cfma.org/benchmarker | Comfort Systems USA, Inc. Form 10-K (2024), https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/0001035983/000103598325000008/fix-20241231.htm (Gross Margin: 21.01%). Cross-checked against EMCOR Group, Inc. Form 10-K (2024), https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/0001056087/000105608725000008/eme-20241231.htm (18.98%) and Limbach Holdings, Inc. Form 10-K (2024), https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/0001606163/000160616325000011/lmb-20241231.htm (27.81%). | CFMA Construction Financial Benchmarker (Specialty Trade Contractors - NAICS 238220 Plumbing, Heating, and Air-Conditioning Contractors), https://www.cfma.org | EMCOR Group, Inc. 2024 Form 10-K (SEC Edgar, https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/105608/000010560825000009/eme-20241231.htm) | CFMA 2025 Construction Financial Benchmarker Executive Summary (Specialty Trade Contractors - NAICS 238220), 2024, https://cfma.org; cross-checked with EMCOR Group, Inc. Form 10-K (FY 2024, 17.1% gross margin), https://www.sec.gov", "gross_margin_pct_research_pass_count": 6, "gross_margin_pct_confidence": "med", "operating_margin_pct": 7.1, "operating_margin_pct_source": "CFMA 2024 Construction Financial Benchmarker, Construction Financial Management Association, https://cfma.org/benchmarker", "operating_margin_pct_research_pass_count": 6, "operating_margin_pct_confidence": "med", "net_margin_pct_derived": true, "margin_year": "2024", "operating_margin_pct_shared_across": 14, "operating_margin_pct_note": "This figure is an industry-wide benchmark, not a per-trade measurement: the same value is published for 14 trade or segment records in this dataset. Read it as the specialty-trade baseline, not as a finding that distinguishes this trade from another.", "gross_margin_pct_source_access": "url", "operating_margin_pct_source_access": "url" }, "cost_structure": { "labor_pct_of_revenue": 11.9, "labor_pct_of_revenue_source": "U.S. Department of Energy Technical Support Document (2024), citing U.S. Census Bureau Economic Census for NAICS 238220 (Plumbing, Heating, and Air-Conditioning Contractors), https://www.regulations.gov", "labor_pct_of_revenue_research_pass_count": 5, "labor_pct_of_revenue_confidence": "adjudicated", "materials_pct_of_revenue": 42.9, "materials_pct_of_revenue_source": "IBISWorld Industry Report 23822b: Plumbers in the US (December 2019), https://www.ibisworld.com", "materials_pct_of_revenue_research_pass_count": 5, "materials_pct_of_revenue_confidence": "med", "sga_overhead_pct": 23.3, "sga_overhead_pct_source": "IBISWorld Industry Report 23822: Plumbers in the US, https://www.ibisworld.com/united-states/market-research-reports/plumbers-industry", "sga_overhead_pct_research_pass_count": 5, "sga_overhead_pct_confidence": "med", "cost_structure_year": "2019", "labor_pct_of_revenue_source_access": "url", "materials_pct_of_revenue_source_access": "url", "sga_overhead_pct_source_access": "url" }, "productivity": { "revenue_per_employee_usd": 252898, "revenue_per_employee_usd_source": "U.S. Census Bureau, 2022 Economic Census (NAICS 238220 - Plumbing, Heating, and Air-Conditioning Contractors), https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/economic-census.html", "revenue_per_employee_usd_research_pass_count": 5, "revenue_per_employee_usd_confidence": "med", "billable_utilization_pct": 75, "billable_utilization_pct_source": "Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association (PHCC), 2025 Operational & Labor Benchmarks, https://www.phccweb.org", "billable_utilization_pct_research_pass_count": 1, "billable_utilization_pct_confidence": "low", "productivity_year": "2022", "billable_utilization_pct_shared_across": 5, "billable_utilization_pct_note": "This figure is an industry-wide benchmark, not a per-trade measurement: the same value is published for 5 trade or segment records in this dataset. Read it as the specialty-trade baseline, not as a finding that distinguishes this trade from another.", "revenue_per_employee_usd_source_access": "url", "billable_utilization_pct_source_access": "url" }, "seasonality_econ": { "peak_period_note": "Demand for mechanical and plumbing contracting services is generally higher during the second and third calendar quarters due to increased construction activity and warmer weather, while demand and revenue are generally lower during the first calendar quarter due to reduced construction activity during inclement weather and lower air conditioning usage.", "peak_period_note_source": "Comfort Systems USA, Inc. Form 10-K (2025), https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/1035983/000103598325000008/fix-20241231.htm", "cyclicality_note": "The industry is subject to business cycle fluctuations, where business volume, particularly for new construction and renovation projects, may be adversely affected by overall economic weakness and cyclical declines in new installation and replacement project spending.", "cyclicality_note_source": "Comfort Systems USA, Inc. Form 10-K (2025), https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/1035983/000103598325000008/fix-20241231.htm", "peak_period_note_source_access": "url", "cyclicality_note_source_access": "url" }, "cash_cycle_detail": { "dso_days": 55.2, "dso_days_source": "CFMA 2025 Construction Financial Benchmarker, 2025, https://benchmarker.cfma.org", "dso_days_research_pass_count": 5, "dso_days_confidence": "med", "dpo_days": 33, "dpo_days_source": "EMCOR Group, Inc. FY2025 Form 10-K, 2026, https://www.sec.gov", "dpo_days_research_pass_count": 5, "dpo_days_confidence": "med", "cash_conversion_cycle_days": 27.1, "cash_conversion_cycle_days_source": "Calculated from CFMA 2025 Construction Financial Benchmarker (Specialty Trade Contractors: 55.2 DSO + 4.7 DIO - 32.8 DPO, https://cfma.org)", "cash_conversion_cycle_days_research_pass_count": 4, "cash_conversion_cycle_days_confidence": "adjudicated", "cash_cycle_year": "2024", "dpo_days_shared_across": 8, "dpo_days_note": "This figure is an industry-wide benchmark, not a per-trade measurement: the same value is published for 8 trade or segment records in this dataset. Read it as the specialty-trade baseline, not as a finding that distinguishes this trade from another.", "dso_days_source_access": "url", "dpo_days_source_access": "url", "cash_conversion_cycle_days_source_access": "url" }, "retainage_liens": { "typical_retainage_pct": 10, "typical_retainage_pct_source": "American Subcontractors Association (ASA) 2024 Legislative Priorities, 2024, https://www.asaonline.com", "typical_retainage_pct_research_pass_count": 1, "typical_retainage_pct_confidence": "med", "payment_dispute_pct": 47, "payment_dispute_pct_source": "Construction Financial Management Association (CFMA), 2023, https://cfma.org", "payment_dispute_pct_research_pass_count": 1, "payment_dispute_pct_confidence": "med", "retainage_year": "2023", "typical_retainage_pct_shared_across": 11, "typical_retainage_pct_note": "This figure is an industry-wide benchmark, not a per-trade measurement: the same value is published for 11 trade or segment records in this dataset. Read it as the specialty-trade baseline, not as a finding that distinguishes this trade from another.", "typical_retainage_pct_source_access": "url", "payment_dispute_pct_source_access": "url" }, "bad_debt": { "bad_debt_write_off_pct": 0.0097, "bad_debt_write_off_pct_source": "EMCOR Group, Inc. 2024 Form 10-K (filed February 24, 2025), https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/105608/000010560825000009/eme-20241231.htm", "bad_debt_write_off_pct_research_pass_count": 5, "bad_debt_write_off_pct_confidence": "adjudicated", "collection_rate_pct": 85.1, "collection_rate_pct_source": "Level CFO, Plumbing Contractor Financial Benchmarks (2026), https://levelcfo.com/benchmarks/plumbing", "collection_rate_pct_research_pass_count": 3, "collection_rate_pct_confidence": "high", "bad_debt_year": "2025", "collection_rate_pct_shared_across": 23, "collection_rate_pct_note": "This figure is an industry-wide benchmark, not a per-trade measurement: the same value is published for 23 trade or segment records in this dataset. Read it as the specialty-trade baseline, not as a finding that distinguishes this trade from another.", "bad_debt_write_off_pct_source_access": "url", "collection_rate_pct_source_access": "url" }, "ai_task_breakdown": { "pct_physical_onsite_work": 65, "pct_physical_onsite_work_source": "Brookings Institution, 'Automation and Artificial Intelligence: How Machines Are Affecting People and Places' (2019)", "pct_physical_onsite_work_research_pass_count": 5, "pct_physical_onsite_work_confidence": "low", "pct_cognitive_backoffice_work": 35, "pct_cognitive_backoffice_work_source": "McKinsey Global Institute, 'A Future That Works: Automation, Employment, and Productivity' (2017), https://www.mckinsey.com/featured-insights/digital-disruption/harnessing-automation-for-a-future-that-works", "pct_cognitive_backoffice_work_research_pass_count": 5, "pct_cognitive_backoffice_work_confidence": "adjudicated", "task_breakdown_note": "According to O*NET activity data for Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters (SOC 47-2152.00), work time is divided between physical on-site labor (assembling, cutting, threading, soldering, and installing pipe systems, as well as inspecting structures and repairing mechanical parts) and cognitive/back-office coordination tasks (reviewing blueprints, planning system layouts, estimating project labor and material costs, ordering supplies, and recording operational data).", "task_breakdown_note_source": "O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor, 2026, https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/47-2152.00", "ai_resistant_work": "Physical, on-site tasks in plumbing remain highly resistant to AI and robotics due to the unstructured, unpredictable nature of real-world job sites. Hands-on work, such as crawling under foundations, cutting and soldering copper pipes, threading gas lines, installing fixtures, performing manual leak repairs, and troubleshooting legacy piping systems, requires physical dexterity, tactile feedback, and spatial reasoning. Research by the McKinsey Global Institute highlights that unpredictable physical environments make skilled trades like plumbing among the least vulnerable to automation. Additionally, AI pioneer Geoffrey Hinton publicly noted in 2024/2025 that plumbing is one of the safest careers from AI disruption because algorithms cannot replicate physical presence and situational adaptability on-site. Housecall Pro's Spring 2025 Industry Trends Report corroborated this, finding that 73% of trade contractors reported AI has not reduced field hiring, as hands-on installations, diagnostics, and building customer trust remain strictly human.", "ai_resistant_work_source": "McKinsey Global Institute (2018) - 'Skill shift: Automation and the future of the workforce' - https://www.mckinsey.com/featured-insights/future-of-work/skill-shift-automation-and-the-future-of-the-workforce | PHCPPros / PHCC Educational Foundation (2025) - 'Why the Godfather of AI Thinks You Should Become a Plumber' - https://www.phcppros.com", "ai_resistant_work_confidence": "low", "automatable_work": "Back-office administration, customer coordination, dispatching, and estimating represent the most automatable operations in the plumbing trade. Key automatable tasks include: (1) 24/7 Call Answering & Triage, AI voice agents handle inbound calls on the first ring, triage emergency water leaks, collect job details, and book appointments without human intervention; (2) Intelligent Dispatch & Scheduling, machine learning algorithms optimize technician routing by analyzing real-time traffic, technician location, skill requirements, and job profitability; (3) Automated Field Estimating, software generates multi-option 'Good-Better-Best' quotes using site photos, standard rate books, and historical cost data; and (4) Workflow Follow-ups & Accounting Sync, automated systems send 'on-my-way' SMS alerts, follow up on unclosed proposals, request post-service reviews, and sync job data directly with accounting platforms like QuickBooks.", "automatable_work_source": "McKinsey Global Institute (2018) - 'Skill shift: Automation and the future of the workforce' - https://www.mckinsey.com/featured-insights/future-of-work/skill-shift-automation-and-the-future-of-the-workforce | PHCPPros / PHCC Educational Foundation (2025) - 'Why the Godfather of AI Thinks You Should Become a Plumber' - https://www.phcppros.com", "automatable_work_confidence": "low", "pct_physical_onsite_work_source_access": "citation-text-only", "pct_cognitive_backoffice_work_source_access": "url", "task_breakdown_note_source_access": "url", "ai_resistant_work_source_access": "url", "automatable_work_source_access": "url" }, "automation_physical": { "sources": [ "McKinsey & Company (2025): 'Building the future: Can humanoid robots transform construction?' - https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/capital-projects-and-infrastructure/our-insights/building-the-future-can-humanoid-robots-transform-construction", "McKinsey & Company (2026): 'Rewiring architecture, engineering, and construction with AI' - https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/capital-projects-and-infrastructure/our-insights/rewiring-architecture-engineering-and-construction-with-ai", "ULC Technologies (2024): 'The Role of Robotics in Pipeline Leak Response (CISBOT)' - https://ulctechnologies.com/solutions/cisbot", "NuFlow Technologies (2026): 'What Is Pipe Repair Robotic Cutting For Tree Roots?' - https://nuflow.com", "Trenchlesspedia (2021): 'What is Robotic Pipeline Repair?' - https://www.trenchlesspedia.com/2/4488/repair/what-is-robotic-pipeline-repair", "Brookings Institution (2019): 'Automation and Artificial Intelligence: How machines are affecting people and places'" ] }, "fsm_software": { "fsm_adoption_pct": 46, "fsm_adoption_pct_source": "PHCC (Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association) Technology Survey, cited in SchedulingKit (2026)", "fsm_adoption_pct_research_pass_count": 1, "fsm_adoption_pct_confidence": "adjudicated", "fsm_adoption_year": "2026", "fsm_adoption_pct_source_access": "citation-text-only" }, "accounting_tech": { "integration_gap_note": "A significant field-to-accounting integration gap exists across trade and construction firms: more than 50% of survey respondents must manually transfer data for applications that lack direct integration, while 15.3% do not transfer data between apps at all. Further JBKnowledge workflow benchmark data reveals that only 5.5% of contractors have full integration across all software applications, 30% have no software integration whatsoever, and nearly half (48%) rely on manual data re-entry or spreadsheets (43%) to bridge field operational data into accounting systems.", "integration_gap_note_source": "JBKnowledge 2021 Construction Technology Report, reported by Building Design+Construction (BD+C Network, 2022), ; JBKnowledge Construction Technology Report Workflow Analysis, WeBuild CS (2025), https://webuildcs.com", "integration_gap_note_source_access": "url" }, "ai_adoption": { "ai_adoption_rate_pct": 19, "ai_adoption_rate_pct_source": "Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association (PHCC) / Kynex Pro (2026), https://kynexpro.com", "ai_adoption_rate_pct_research_pass_count": 1, "ai_adoption_rate_pct_confidence": "low", "ai_adoption_year": "2026", "adoption_examples": "Industry studies and software platform reports document rapid software-driven AI adoption across US plumbing contractors. According to Housecall Pro's Spring 2025 Industry Survey (400+ trade business owners), over 70% of respondents had adopted AI tools, with active users recovering an average of 3.2 hours per week (~160 hours annually) in reduced administrative burden. Industry data from 2024-2026 shows 68% of plumbing contractors with 10+ technicians have implemented AI-powered automation, with adoption concentrated in emergency dispatch (73%), automated customer messaging (61%), and dynamic scheduling optimization (58%). Leading platforms driving adoption include ServiceTitan (incorporating Atlas AI for dispatch and reporting), Housecall Pro (offering AI teams and trade-specific packages), and purpose-built tools like QuoteIQ and Fixlify AI (providing photo-based estimating and 24/7 AI call answering).", "adoption_examples_source": "McKinsey Global Institute (2018) - 'Skill shift: Automation and the future of the workforce' - https://www.mckinsey.com/featured-insights/future-of-work/skill-shift-automation-and-the-future-of-the-workforce | PHCPPros / PHCC Educational Foundation (2025) - 'Why the Godfather of AI Thinks You Should Become a Plumber' - https://www.phcppros.com", "adoption_examples_confidence": "low", "ai_adoption_rate_pct_source_access": "url", "adoption_examples_source_access": "url" }, "leadgen_platforms": { "marketplace_penetration_pct": 1.5, "marketplace_penetration_pct_source": "Angi Inc. Q1 2026 Shareholder Letter, 2026, https://ir.angi.com", "marketplace_penetration_pct_research_pass_count": 5, "marketplace_penetration_pct_confidence": "med", "platform_take_rate_pct": 10, "platform_take_rate_pct_source": "Angi Inc. Q1 2026 Shareholder Letter, 2026, https://ir.angi.com", "platform_take_rate_pct_research_pass_count": 5, "platform_take_rate_pct_confidence": "med", "platforms_note": "In the US plumbing and home services trade, marketplace lead generation platforms like Angi and Thumbtack operate primarily on pay-per-lead models, charging $30 to $80 per plumbing lead. Because leads are routinely shared across 3 to 8 competing contractors, average lead conversion rates sit between 10% and 20%, translating to an effective customer acquisition cost of $150 to $400+ per booked plumbing job.", "platforms_note_source": "PipelineOn Industry Analysis, 2026, https://www.pipelineon.com", "marketplace_penetration_pct_shared_across": 11, "marketplace_penetration_pct_note": "This figure is an industry-wide benchmark, not a per-trade measurement: the same value is published for 11 trade or segment records in this dataset. Read it as the specialty-trade baseline, not as a finding that distinguishes this trade from another.", "platform_take_rate_pct_shared_across": 13, "platform_take_rate_pct_note": "This figure is an industry-wide benchmark, not a per-trade measurement: the same value is published for 13 trade or segment records in this dataset. Read it as the specialty-trade baseline, not as a finding that distinguishes this trade from another.", "marketplace_penetration_pct_source_access": "url", "platform_take_rate_pct_source_access": "url", "platforms_note_source_access": "url" }, "acquisition_mix": { "pct_referral": 30, "pct_referral_source": "Lightning Path Partners, 2026", "pct_referral_research_pass_count": 2, "pct_referral_confidence": "low", "pct_digital": 45, "pct_digital_source": "Lightning Path Partners, 2026", "pct_digital_research_pass_count": 2, "pct_digital_confidence": "low", "pct_marketplace": 15, "pct_marketplace_source": "Lightning Path Partners, 2026", "pct_marketplace_research_pass_count": 2, "pct_marketplace_confidence": "med", "pct_repeat": 10, "pct_repeat_source": "Lightning Path Partners, 2026", "pct_repeat_research_pass_count": 1, "pct_repeat_confidence": "low", "acquisition_year": "2026", "pct_referral_source_access": "citation-text-only", "pct_digital_source_access": "citation-text-only", "pct_marketplace_source_access": "citation-text-only", "pct_repeat_source_access": "citation-text-only" }, "insurance_warranty": { "home_warranty_penetration_pct": 6, "home_warranty_penetration_pct_source": "Frontdoor, Inc. Annual Report on Form 10-K for Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2024 (2025), https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/1739445/000173944525000013/ftdr-20241231.htm", "home_warranty_penetration_pct_research_pass_count": 5, "home_warranty_penetration_pct_confidence": "low", "intermediation_note": "Home warranty companies intermediate the plumbing contractor-customer relationship by acting as the initial service intake portal, managing customer dispatch, and controlling claim approvals and coverage limits. They route work through contracted network providers (e.g., Frontdoor utilizes roughly 17,000 independent contractor firms, with preferred contractors fulfilling ~84% of service requests), while dictating trade service fees, fixed repair schedules, and diagnostics authorization.", "intermediation_note_source": "Frontdoor, Inc. Annual Report on Form 10-K for Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2024 (2025), https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/1739445/000173944525000013/ftdr-20241231.htm", "home_warranty_penetration_pct_shared_across": 6, "home_warranty_penetration_pct_note": "This figure is an industry-wide benchmark, not a per-trade measurement: the same value is published for 6 trade or segment records in this dataset. Read it as the specialty-trade baseline, not as a finding that distinguishes this trade from another.", "home_warranty_penetration_pct_source_access": "url", "intermediation_note_source_access": "url" }, "recurring_mix": { "recurring_revenue_pct": 7.3, "recurring_revenue_pct_source": "Comfort Systems USA, Inc. Form 10-K for FY 2025", "recurring_revenue_pct_research_pass_count": 5, "recurring_revenue_pct_confidence": "adjudicated", "service_agreement_attach_pct": 20, "service_agreement_attach_pct_source": "CT Acquisitions U.S. Plumbing Trade Valuation Report (2026), https://ctacquisitions.com/plumbing-business-valuation", "service_agreement_attach_pct_research_pass_count": 3, "service_agreement_attach_pct_confidence": "low", "recurring_note": "Plumbing maintenance agreements generate 70%+ gross margins due to minimal material costs, and contractors with 30%+ recurring revenue outperform emergency-dependent operations by 4-6 net margin percentage points.", "recurring_note_source": "PHCC - Plumbing Industry Profitability Study (2024), https://www.phccweb.org", "recurring_revenue_pct_source_access": "citation-text-only", "service_agreement_attach_pct_source_access": "url", "recurring_note_source_access": "url" }, "contract_terms": { "typical_contract_length_months": 12, "typical_contract_length_months_source": "Comfort Systems USA, Inc. 2024 Form 10-K (2025), https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/1035983/000103598325000007/fix-20241231.htm", "typical_contract_length_months_research_pass_count": 4, "typical_contract_length_months_confidence": "high", "renewal_rate_pct": 78.5, "renewal_rate_pct_source": "Frontdoor, Inc. Investor Day Transcript (2025), https://www.frontdoorhome.com", "renewal_rate_pct_research_pass_count": 4, "renewal_rate_pct_confidence": "med", "stickiness_note": "Mechanical, HVAC, and plumbing service agreements display strong contractual lock-in and stickiness driven by automatic annual renewal terms, mandatory 30- to 60-day cancellation notice windows, recurring payment schedules, and the non-discretionary requirement to maintain operational integrity in mission-critical building infrastructure.", "stickiness_note_source": "Comfort Systems USA, Inc. 2024 Form 10-K (2025), https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/1035983/000103598325000007/fix-20241231.htm", "typical_contract_length_months_shared_across": 8, "typical_contract_length_months_note": "This figure is an industry-wide benchmark, not a per-trade measurement: the same value is published for 8 trade or segment records in this dataset. Read it as the specialty-trade baseline, not as a finding that distinguishes this trade from another.", "typical_contract_length_months_source_access": "url", "renewal_rate_pct_source_access": "url", "stickiness_note_source_access": "url" }, "cross_sell": { "avg_services_per_customer": 2, "avg_services_per_customer_source": "Rollins, Inc., 2024, https://www.rollins.com", "avg_services_per_customer_research_pass_count": 2, "avg_services_per_customer_confidence": "med", "upsell_attach_pct": 20, "upsell_attach_pct_source": "CT Acquisitions (2026), https://ctacquisitions.com/plumbing-business-valuation", "upsell_attach_pct_research_pass_count": 1, "upsell_attach_pct_confidence": "low", "cross_sell_note": "Homeowners are more likely to consider HVAC services from their plumber than plumbing services from their HVAC provider, making plumbing a viable starting point for expanding into adjacent residential trades.", "cross_sell_note_source": "L.E.K. Consulting, 2024", "avg_services_per_customer_source_access": "url", "upsell_attach_pct_source_access": "url", "cross_sell_note_source_access": "citation-text-only" }, "capital_intensity": { "startup_cost_usd": 225787.5, "startup_cost_usd_source": "Mr. Rooter Plumbing SPV LLC, 2026 Franchise Disclosure Document (Item 7 Initial Investment Range: $152,900 to $298,675; Midpoint: $225,787.50)", "startup_cost_usd_research_pass_count": 5, "startup_cost_usd_confidence": "med", "capex_pct_of_revenue": 1.5, "capex_pct_of_revenue_source": "Comfort Systems USA, Inc., 2024 Form 10-K Annual Report (filed February 20, 2025; reporting $105.1 million in capital expenditures on $7.03 billion in total revenue = ~1.5%), https://www.sec.gov/edgar/browse/?CIK=0001035983", "capex_pct_of_revenue_research_pass_count": 5, "capex_pct_of_revenue_confidence": "med", "equipment_note": "Plumbing trades require minimal physical facility infrastructure at launch, with initial operations often home-based or mobile. Primary capital outlays are driven by service fleet vans ($50,000 to $65,000 outfitted per technician) and specialized trade tools ($5,000 to $15,000 per van, including drain inspection cameras, jetters, and press tools). Warehouses or shops are typically acquired as fleet size expands to handle inventory storage and vehicle staging.", "equipment_note_source": "Clarify Capital, 2026, 'How to Finance or Start a Plumbing Business', https://clarifycapital.com/blog/plumbing-business-loans", "startup_cost_usd_source_access": "citation-text-only", "capex_pct_of_revenue_source_access": "url", "equipment_note_source_access": "url" }, "regulatory_burden": { "permit_burden_note": "Plumbing operators face a decentralized compliance burden driven by local Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs) enforcing model codes, primarily the International Code Council's International Plumbing Code (IPC) and IAPMO's Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC), both updated on 3-year cycles. Contractors must secure city/county permits and undergo mandatory field inspections prior to enclosing or placing systems into service for non-minor work (e.g., water heater replacements, drainage, gas line routing, and backflow preventer installations). States also mandate individual trade licensing (Apprentice, Journeyman, Master Plumber) alongside contractor firm registration, requiring background checks, trade exams, and verified bonding/liability coverage.", "permit_burden_note_source": "International Code Council (ICC) / International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) (2024), 'International Plumbing Code (IPC) & Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) Scope and Permit Guidelines', https://www.iccsafe.org / https://www.iapmo.org", "compliance_cost_note": "Compliance costs span multi-jurisdictional registration, licensing, and insurance overhead. Operating across multiple local jurisdictions requires separate municipal registrations, costing $3,000 to $3,500 annually for regional contractors in states without a unified license (as cited by PA-PHCC). State license/exam fees typically run $200-$500 initially with $35-$100 annual renewals, plus mandatory continuing education ($50-$300 annually). Standard job permit fees range from $25-$75 for residential water heater replacements to $100-$400+ for single-family residential construction. Annual business overhead includes $1,000-$4,300+ for general liability insurance and required surety bond premiums.", "compliance_cost_note_source": "Pennsylvania Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association (PA-PHCC) / California Contractors State License Board (CSLB) (2023-2026), Legislative Testimony & License Fee Schedules, https://www.legis.state.pa.us / https://www.cslb.ca.gov", "regulatory_tailwind_note": "Major federal regulatory actions are generating substantial demand tailwinds for plumbing contractors. In October 2024, the EPA finalized the Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI), mandating the 100% replacement of all legacy lead service lines across the U.S. within 10 years. In May 2024, the DOE issued updated Energy Conservation Standards for Consumer Water Heaters (89 FR 37778), raising minimum efficiency standards that drive nationwide adoption of electric heat pump water heaters (HPWH) and gas-condensing units by 2029. Additionally, the EPA AIM Act Technology Transitions Rule caps refrigerant GWP at 700 starting in 2025/2026, accelerating retrofits and specialized technician training for heat pump water systems.", "regulatory_tailwind_note_source": "U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) & U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) (2024), 'Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI)' & 'Energy Conservation Standards for Consumer Water Heaters', https://www.epa.gov / https://www.energy.gov", "permit_burden_note_source_access": "url", "compliance_cost_note_source_access": "url", "regulatory_tailwind_note_source_access": "url" }, "data_assets": { "iot_telemetry_penetration_pct": 24.6, "iot_telemetry_penetration_pct_derived": true, "iot_telemetry_penetration_pct_source": "Trade Economy Index research synthesis: median of 3 cited research inputs: Watts Water Technologies 2023 Sustainability Report (2024), https://www.watts.com | Parks Associates & Johnson Controls, 'Flooding the Market: Scaling Up Smart Water Management' White Paper, 2025, https://www.parksassociates.com; cross-checked with Parks Associates Industry Report, 2024, https://www.dmp.com/news/smart-home-tech-insurance-market | Opinion Dynamics, 2024, https://www.opiniondynamics.com", "iot_telemetry_penetration_pct_research_pass_count": 4, "iot_telemetry_penetration_pct_confidence": "med", "iot_telemetry_penetration_pct_source_access": "url" }, "consolidation": { "consolidation_activity": "The U.S. residential plumbing and home services trade is experiencing highly intense private equity roll-up and consolidation activity. The consolidation is driven by structural market fragmentation (over 132,000 U.S. plumbing businesses with no single operator holding over 5% market share), non-discretionary emergency demand, and recurring service-contract revenues. PE firms are executing buy-and-build strategies across multi-trade platforms (combining plumbing, HVAC, and electrical) to capture multiple arbitrage between low-multiple tuck-in add-ons (3x-8x EBITDA) and high-multiple platform-level recapitalizations (16x-19x EBITDA). Financial buyers and PE-backed platforms currently account for over half of all residential mechanical/trade M&A transactions in the United States.", "consolidation_activity_source": "PitchBook ('PE hopes garage door roll-ups will be the new HVAC', 2026, https://pitchbook.com/news/articles/pe-hopes-garage-door-roll-ups-will-be-the-new-hvac) and PE Hub ('Apollo to acquire minority stake in residential HVAC firm Apex Service Partners', 2026)", "notable_platforms": "Notable PE platforms and recapitalization deals in the plumbing and home services trade include: (1) Apex Service Partners (backed by Alpine Investors and Apollo Global Management), the largest U.S. residential HVAC, plumbing, and electrical services platform operating 75 local brands across 46 states with over $3B in annual revenue, which announced a $2B minority investment from Apollo Funds in May 2026 valuing the platform at $10B; (2) Champions Group, a residential HVAC, plumbing, and electrical platform acquired by Blackstone (BXPE) in early 2026 for approximately $2.5B (~18.5x EBITDA); (3) Redwood Services (backed by Altas Partners), a residential HVAC and plumbing platform generating over $500M in annual revenue, which received a majority investment from Altas Partners in May 2025 valuing it at $1.1B; and (4) Sila Services, a home services platform acquired by Goldman Sachs Alternatives from Morgan Stanley Capital Partners in late 2024 at a reported valuation of ~$1.7B.", "notable_platforms_source": "Apollo Global Management Press Release ('Apex Service Partners and Alpine Investors Announce Strategic Minority Investment from Apollo Funds in Apex', 2026), PE Hub ('Apollo to acquire minority stake in residential HVAC firm Apex Service Partners', 2026), and HomePros News ('Apex Service Partners to receive minority investment at $10 billion valuation', 2026)", "sources": [ "PE Hub, 'Apollo to acquire minority stake in residential HVAC firm Apex Service Partners', 2026", "Apollo Global Management Press Release, 'Apex Service Partners and Alpine Investors Announce Strategic Minority Investment from Apollo Funds in Apex', 2026", "PitchBook, 'PE hopes garage door roll-ups will be the new HVAC', 2026, https://pitchbook.com/news/articles/pe-hopes-garage-door-roll-ups-will-be-the-new-hvac", "HomePros News, 'Apex Service Partners to receive minority investment at $10 billion valuation', 2026" ], "consolidation_activity_source_access": "url", "notable_platforms_source_access": "citation-text-only" }, "multiples": { "typical_ebitda_multiple_low": 2.4, "typical_ebitda_multiple_low_source": "CT Acquisitions, Commercial & Residential Plumbing Valuation Benchmark Report (2026), https://ctacquisitions.com/plumbing-business-valuation", "typical_ebitda_multiple_low_research_pass_count": 2, "typical_ebitda_multiple_low_confidence": "med", "typical_ebitda_multiple_high": 7, "typical_ebitda_multiple_high_source": "CT Acquisitions, Commercial & Residential Plumbing Valuation Benchmark Report (2026), https://ctacquisitions.com/plumbing-business-valuation", "typical_ebitda_multiple_high_research_pass_count": 3, "typical_ebitda_multiple_high_confidence": "med", "multiple_by_size_note": "EBITDA multiples scale directly with company size: small operations ($300K-$1M EBITDA) trade at 2.4x-4.5x; mid-tier businesses ($1M-$3M EBITDA) trade at 4.5x-5.5x; larger businesses ($3M-$7M EBITDA) trade at 5.5x-6.5x; and platform-quality candidates ($7M+ EBITDA) command 6.5x-8.0x+ EBITDA.", "multiple_by_size_note_source": "CT Acquisitions, Commercial & Residential Plumbing Valuation Benchmark Report (2026), https://ctacquisitions.com/plumbing-business-valuation", "multiple_year": "2026", "typical_ebitda_multiple_low_source_access": "url", "typical_ebitda_multiple_high_source_access": "url", "multiple_by_size_note_source_access": "url" }, "exit_environment": { "buyer_demand": "Current buyer demand for US plumbing businesses is exceptionally strong, driven by private equity platforms (such as Apex Service Partners and Wrench Group), strategic multi-trade acquirers, and SBA-financed independent buyers (Breakwater M&A, 2026). M&A advisory firm SF&P Advisors notes that buyer demand among PE-backed platforms remains healthy and active, maintaining stable EBITDA valuation multiples year-over-year (SF&P Advisors / Homepros News, 2025). BizBuySell transaction data reflects this high demand, showing the median sale price of transacted plumbing businesses increased 46% from $572,500 in 2022 to $837,500 in 2025 (BizBuySell, 2025). In evaluating acquisitions, buyers value five key attributes most: (1) technician stability and licensing (retaining skilled staff and apprentices), (2) recurring service agreements (maintenance plans targeting 30%+ of revenue), (3) low owner dependency (a clear management layer operational without founder involvement), (4) reliable financial reporting (transparent earnings with defensible add-backs), and (5) customer base diversification (League Park Advisors, 2025, Breakwater M&A, 2026).", "buyer_demand_source": "Breakwater M&A (2026); SF&P Advisors / Homepros News (2025); BizBuySell (2025); League Park Advisors (2025)", "exit_trend": "The exit environment for US plumbing business owners is heating up, driven by a historic generational transition and sustained institutional roll-up momentum (League Park Advisors, 2026, https://leaguepark.com/why-plumbing-companies-are-attracting-private-equity-buyers-right-now/). Thousands of baby-boomer founders who established plumbing companies in the 1980s and 1990s are reaching retirement age, colliding with record institutional capital seeking non-cyclical residential service providers (League Park Advisors, 2025). Market conditions remain a strong seller's market as acquirers actively bundle plumbing into multi-trade platforms alongside HVAC and electrical services (Breakwater M&A, 2026). Market studies from BizBuySell show accelerated business-for-sale deal activity, with 55% of surveyed owners confident they can achieve their desired price today and 60% choosing to exit now rather than risk market changes by waiting (BizBuySell, 2025, https://www.bizbuysell.com/insight-report/).", "exit_trend_source": "League Park Advisors (2026, https://leaguepark.com/why-plumbing-companies-are-attracting-private-equity-buyers-right-now/); League Park Advisors (2025); Breakwater M&A (2026); BizBuySell (2025, https://www.bizbuysell.com/insight-report/)", "sources": [ "League Park Advisors (2026). 'Why Plumbing Companies Are Attracting Private Equity Buyers Right Now.' URL: https://leaguepark.com/why-plumbing-companies-are-attracting-private-equity-buyers-right-now", "League Park Advisors (2025). 'The Generational Shift Driving Owners to Sell their Plumbing Businesses.' URL:", "Breakwater M&A (2026). 'How to Sell a Plumbing Business: 2026 Owner's Guide.' URL:", "BizBuySell (2025). 'Plumbing Business Valuation Multiples & Financial Benchmarks.' URL:", "BizBuySell (2025). 'Small Business Acquisitions Grow, Sale Prices Decline: Buyer-Seller Confidence Wavers.' BizBuySell Insight Report Q3 2025. URL: https://www.bizbuysell.com/insight-report", "SF&P Advisors / Homepros News (2025). 'A candid conversation about the state of the M&A market.' URL:" ], "buyer_demand_source_access": "citation-text-only", "exit_trend_source_access": "url" }, "demand_drivers": { "installed_base_units": 145333462, "installed_base_units_source": "U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates (Table DP04), 2024, https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/acs", "installed_base_units_research_pass_count": 5, "installed_base_units_confidence": "med", "replacement_vs_new_note": "General plumbing repair, maintenance, and replacement services account for approximately 49.7% of industry revenue, while new construction projects and specialized installations (including mechanical and sprinkler systems) drive the remaining demand across residential and commercial sectors.", "replacement_vs_new_note_source": "IBISWorld, Plumbers in the US, 2023, https://www.ibisworld.com/united-states/market-research-reports/plumbers-industry", "demand_drivers_note": "Primary demand drivers for the U.S. plumbing trade include aging infrastructure in existing housing and commercial building stock requiring maintenance and replacement, non-discretionary emergency repair calls, home remodeling and fixture upgrades, new residential and nonresidential construction activity, and adoption of water-efficiency standards.", "demand_drivers_note_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook: Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters, 2024, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/construction-and-extraction/plumbers-pipefitters-and-steamfitters.htm", "installed_base_units_source_access": "url", "replacement_vs_new_note_source_access": "url", "demand_drivers_note_source_access": "url" }, "macro_correlation": { "housing_correlation_note": "Plumbing fixture and installation demand is strongly correlated with new residential construction, where housing starts and completions drive initial rough-in and fixture installations, while ongoing residential remodeling and repair activities provide steady baseline demand that helps cushion underlying new construction cyclicality.", "housing_correlation_note_source": "The Freedonia Group (2025), 'US Plumbing Fixtures & Fittings', https://www.freedoniagroup.com", "commercial_correlation_note": "Commercial plumbing demand correlates directly with total private nonresidential construction spending across retail, lodging, office, and institutional buildings, complemented by commercial facility retrofits and renovations focused on restroom expansion, hygiene, and water efficiency.", "commercial_correlation_note_source": "U.S. Census Bureau and Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis FRED (2026), 'Total Private Construction Spending: Nonresidential', https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/PNRESCON", "climate_sensitivity_note": "Plumbing repair demand exhibits high sensitivity to extreme cold weather and winter freeze events. When ambient outdoor temperatures drop to 20°F or below, water trapped in uninsulated pipes freezes and expands, causing severe pressure buildup that leads to pipe bursts and sudden spikes in emergency plumbing service demand.", "climate_sensitivity_note_source": "U.S. Department of Energy / Building Research Council at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (2014), 'An Investigation into Freezing and Bursting Water Pipes in Residential Construction', https://hdl.handle.net/2142/54757", "housing_correlation_note_source_access": "url", "commercial_correlation_note_source_access": "url", "climate_sensitivity_note_source_access": "url" }, "search_interest": { "yoy_search_change_pct": 18, "yoy_search_change_pct_confidence": "med" }, "cust_acquisition": { "typical_cac_usd": 333, "typical_cac_usd_source": "SearchLight Digital (2026), Plumbing Google Ads Benchmark Study (https://searchlightdigital.io); cross-checked with First Page Sage (2025), Average CAC by Industry Report (https://firstpagesage.com) reporting B2C Home Services Paid CAC of $116 and Organic CAC of $90, and JB Warranties / Decision Analyst (2024), Residential Contractor CAC Study (https://www.jbwarranties.com) reporting $350.", "typical_cac_usd_research_pass_count": 4, "typical_cac_usd_confidence": "high", "avg_review_volume": 39, "avg_review_volume_source": "BrightLocal, 2024, https://keywordseverywhere.com/blog/local-seo-stats", "avg_review_volume_research_pass_count": 5, "avg_review_volume_confidence": "med", "complaint_categories": "Service or Repair Issues, Billing Issues, Sales and Advertising Issues, Product Issues, Customer Service Issues", "complaint_categories_source": "Better Business Bureau (BBB) Plumbing Industry Business Profiles (2026), https://www.bbb.org", "avg_review_volume_shared_across": 6, "avg_review_volume_note": "This figure is an industry-wide benchmark, not a per-trade measurement: the same value is published for 6 trade or segment records in this dataset. Read it as the specialty-trade baseline, not as a finding that distinguishes this trade from another.", "typical_cac_usd_source_access": "url", "avg_review_volume_source_access": "url", "complaint_categories_source_access": "url" } }, "subtrade": { "residential": { "bad_debt": { "bad_debt_write_off_pct": 0.1, "bad_debt_write_off_pct_source": "IES Holdings, Inc. Form 10-K (2025), https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/1053507/000105350725000044/iesc-20250930.htm", "bad_debt_write_off_pct_research_pass_count": 3, "bad_debt_write_off_pct_confidence": "med", "collection_rate_pct": 85.1, "collection_rate_pct_source": "Level CFO, Contractor Invoice Benchmarks (2026), https://levelcfo.com", "collection_rate_pct_research_pass_count": 3, "collection_rate_pct_confidence": "low", "bad_debt_year": "2025", "bad_debt_write_off_pct_shared_across": 5, "bad_debt_write_off_pct_note": "This figure is an industry-wide benchmark, not a per-trade measurement: the same value is published for 5 trade or segment records in this dataset. Read it as the specialty-trade baseline, not as a finding that distinguishes this trade from another.", "collection_rate_pct_shared_across": 23, "collection_rate_pct_note": "This figure is an industry-wide benchmark, not a per-trade measurement: the same value is published for 23 trade or segment records in this dataset. Read it as the specialty-trade baseline, not as a finding that distinguishes this trade from another.", "bad_debt_write_off_pct_source_access": "url", "collection_rate_pct_source_access": "url" }, "cash_cycle_detail": { "dso_days": 55.2, "dso_days_source": "CFMA 2025 Construction Financial Benchmarker, 2025, https://www.cfma.org", "dso_days_research_pass_count": 3, "dso_days_confidence": "adjudicated", "dpo_days": 60.1, "dpo_days_source": "Ferguson plc FY2024 Form 10-K (Days Payable Outstanding: 60.1 days; https://www.sec.gov/edgar/browse/?CIK=0001784809); Cross-checked with Pentair plc Form 10-K (Days in Accounts Payable: 53.0-59.0 days; https://www.sec.gov/edgar/browse/?CIK=0001585681).", "dpo_days_research_pass_count": 2, "dpo_days_confidence": "adjudicated", "cash_conversion_cycle_days": 52.67, "cash_conversion_cycle_days_derived": true, "cash_conversion_cycle_days_source": "Trade Economy Index research synthesis: median of 2 cited research inputs: Calculated from Comfort Systems USA, Inc. Form 10-K (FY 2024) (DSO 83.47 - DPO 30.93), SEC EDGAR, 2025, https://www.sec.gov/edgar/browse/?CIK=0001035985 | Ferguson plc FY2024 Form 10-K (Cash Conversion Cycle: 52.8 days; https://www.sec.gov/edgar/browse/?CIK=0001784809); Cross-checked with Pentair plc Form 10-K (Cash Conversion Cycle: 68.0-81.0 days; https://www.sec.gov/edgar/browse/?CIK=0001585681).", "cash_conversion_cycle_days_research_pass_count": 2, "cash_conversion_cycle_days_confidence": "high-primary", "cash_cycle_year": "2024", "dso_days_source_access": "url", "dpo_days_source_access": "url", "cash_conversion_cycle_days_source_access": "url" }, "cost_structure": { "labor_pct_of_revenue": 29.05, "labor_pct_of_revenue_source": "NAICS Code, https://www.naicscode.com/naics-code-238220", "labor_pct_of_revenue_research_pass_count": 3, "labor_pct_of_revenue_confidence": "adjudicated", "materials_pct_of_revenue": 42.9, "materials_pct_of_revenue_source": "IBISWorld Industry Report NAICS 23822b: Plumbers in the US (2019 Cost Structure Benchmarks), https://www.ibisworld.com/united-states/market-research-reports/plumbers-industry/ (cross-checked against CFMA Construction Financial Benchmarker direct cost benchmarks, https://www.cfma.org)", "materials_pct_of_revenue_research_pass_count": 1, "materials_pct_of_revenue_confidence": "low", "sga_overhead_pct": 10.7, "sga_overhead_pct_source": "Construction Financial Management Association (CFMA) Financial Performance Report (Specialty Trade Contractors - NAICS 238220 Plumbing, Heating, and Air-Conditioning: 7.2% base payroll and related administrative expenses plus 3.5% indirect costs), 2024, https://cfma.org", "sga_overhead_pct_research_pass_count": 3, "sga_overhead_pct_confidence": "adjudicated", "cost_structure_year": "2019", "labor_pct_of_revenue_source_access": "url", "materials_pct_of_revenue_source_access": "url", "sga_overhead_pct_source_access": "url" }, "demand_drivers": { "installed_base_units": 145333462, "installed_base_units_source": "U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 1-Year Estimates, Table B25001 (145,333,462 total housing units; 131,332,360 occupied housing units), https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/acs cross-checked with U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), 2024 Residential Energy Consumption Survey (RECS 2024 preliminary release: 132,500,000 primary occupied homes), https://www.eia.gov/consumption/residential", "installed_base_units_research_pass_count": 3, "installed_base_units_confidence": "high-primary", "replacement_vs_new_note": "Maintenance, repair, and replacement services on existing structures generate approximately 60% of U.S. plumbing industry revenue, while new construction accounts for roughly 40%.", "replacement_vs_new_note_source": "IBISWorld, Plumbers in the US Industry Report (2026), https://www.ibisworld.com/united-states/market-research-reports/plumbers-industry", "demand_drivers_note": "Key demand drivers include an aging national housing stock (median age exceeding 44 years) requiring non-discretionary pipe, fixture, and water heater replacements; home remodeling and repair spending; emergency service calls (burst pipes and leaks); growth in household disposable income; and increasing adoption of water-efficiency and smart plumbing technology.", "demand_drivers_note_source": "Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies, Improving America's Housing 2025 (2025), https://www.jchs.harvard.edu/improving-americas-housing-2025", "installed_base_units_source_access": "url", "replacement_vs_new_note_source_access": "url", "demand_drivers_note_source_access": "url" }, "macro_correlation": { "housing_correlation_note": "Residential plumbing demand correlates strongly with new residential construction activity, as single-family housing starts and completions directly dictate new rough-in piping and fixture installation volume. In June 2026, privately-owned housing starts were at a seasonally adjusted annual rate (SAAR) of 1,427,000 units (with single-family starts at 895,000), while completions reached 1,392,000 units SAAR. Housing starts serve as a key leading indicator for residential plumbing labor and material demand, supplemented by home remodeling cycles.", "housing_correlation_note_source": "U.S. Census Bureau and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, 'Monthly New Residential Construction, June 2026', 2026, https://www.census.gov/construction/nrc/ and Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis (FRED), 'New Privately-Owned Housing Units Started: Total Units [HOUST]', 2026, https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/HOUST", "commercial_correlation_note": "Commercial construction spending drives demand for specialized plumbing equipment, suspended pipe hangers, and heavy-duty fixtures, accounting for over two-thirds of total U.S. plumbing contracting revenue. According to U.S. Census Bureau figures, private nonresidential construction spending reached $738.7 billion in May 2026 out of $2,210.2 billion in total U.S. construction spending, providing an economic buffer for plumbing contractors during residential housing downturns.", "commercial_correlation_note_source": "U.S. Census Bureau, 'Value of Construction Put in Place (May 2026)', 2026, https://www.census.gov/construction/c30/c30index.html and Future Market Insights, 'Pipe Hangers and Clamps Market Analysis 2026-2036', 2026, https://www.futuremarketinsights.com", "climate_sensitivity_note": "Residential plumbing repair and replacement demand is highly sensitive to climate volatility and subfreezing weather. A long-term statistical study analyzing 29,621 pipe failure records confirmed that winter temperature decreases are the primary environmental driver of plumbing bursts. Water expands by roughly 9% upon freezing, generating severe internal pressure spikes behind ice plugs that cause burst failures, particularly in warmer climate regions where piping insulation standards are less stringent.", "climate_sensitivity_note_source": "National Institutes of Health (NIH) / Scientific Reports, 'Impacts of climate change on water supply systems and pipe failures', 2023, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10163270", "housing_correlation_note_source_access": "url", "commercial_correlation_note_source_access": "url", "climate_sensitivity_note_source_access": "url" }, "margins": { "gross_margin_pct": 22.4, "gross_margin_pct_source": "CFMA Construction Financial Benchmarker (Specialty Trades: NAICS 238220 Plumbing, Heating, and Air-Conditioning Contractors), 2024", "gross_margin_pct_research_pass_count": 3, "gross_margin_pct_confidence": "med", "operating_margin_pct": 7.1, "operating_margin_pct_source": "CFMA Construction Financial Benchmarker (Specialty Trades: NAICS 238220 Plumbing, Heating, and Air-Conditioning Contractors EBIT Margin), 2024", "operating_margin_pct_research_pass_count": 3, "operating_margin_pct_confidence": "high", "net_margin_pct": 5.96, "net_margin_pct_source": "Limbach Holdings, Inc. FY2024 Form 10-K (SEC Filing, March 10, 2025) cross-checked against Comfort Systems USA, Inc. FY2024 Form 10-K (7.43% net margin)", "net_margin_pct_research_pass_count": 3, "net_margin_pct_confidence": "med", "margin_year": "2024", "gross_margin_pct_shared_across": 9, "gross_margin_pct_note": "This figure is an industry-wide benchmark, not a per-trade measurement: the same value is published for 9 trade or segment records in this dataset. Read it as the specialty-trade baseline, not as a finding that distinguishes this trade from another.", "operating_margin_pct_shared_across": 14, "operating_margin_pct_note": "This figure is an industry-wide benchmark, not a per-trade measurement: the same value is published for 14 trade or segment records in this dataset. Read it as the specialty-trade baseline, not as a finding that distinguishes this trade from another.", "gross_margin_pct_source_access": "citation-text-only", "operating_margin_pct_source_access": "citation-text-only", "net_margin_pct_source_access": "citation-text-only" }, "productivity": { "revenue_per_employee_usd": 222000, "revenue_per_employee_usd_source": "IBISWorld, Plumbers in the US Industry Report (NAICS 23822B US), 2025, https://www.ibisworld.com/united-states/market-research-reports/plumbers-industry", "revenue_per_employee_usd_research_pass_count": 3, "revenue_per_employee_usd_confidence": "med", "gross_profit_per_labor_hour_usd": 95, "gross_profit_per_labor_hour_usd_source": "Level Index, 2026 Plumbing & HVAC Benchmarks (https://levelcfo.com/guides/gross-profit-per-hour/); cross-checked with CFMA 2024 Construction Financial Benchmarker ($70,642 gross profit per FTE, https://cfma.org)", "gross_profit_per_labor_hour_usd_research_pass_count": 1, "gross_profit_per_labor_hour_usd_confidence": "low", "productivity_year": "2022-2026", "revenue_per_employee_usd_source_access": "url", "gross_profit_per_labor_hour_usd_source_access": "url" }, "retainage_liens": { "retainage_year": "2024" }, "search_interest": { "yoy_search_change_pct": 20, "yoy_search_change_pct_confidence": "med" }, "seasonality_econ": { "peak_period_note": "Plumbing contracting revenue experiences seasonal variation driven by weather patterns and seasonal construction/repair activity. Major plumbing distributors report highest sales volume in their fourth fiscal quarter (beginning in spring/May), while direct plumbing service operators report revenue fluctuations driven by significant weather patterns, precipitation, and temperature extremes.", "peak_period_note_source": "Ferguson plc, 2023 Form 10-K (Item 1, Business - Seasonality), https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/0001884784/000188478423000030/ferg-20230731.htm; Chemed Corporation, 2024 Form 10-K (Item 1, Business - Seasonality), https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/0000019508/000001950825000013/chemed10k20241231.htm", "cyclicality_note": "The residential plumbing industry demonstrates mixed cyclical exposure. While new residential construction installation is cyclical and sensitive to broader economic cycles, essential repair, maintenance, and emergency callouts provide a resilient revenue floor during broader economic slowdowns.", "cyclicality_note_source": "IBISWorld, Plumbers in the US Industry Report, 2026, https://www.ibisworld.com/united-states/market-research-reports/plumbers-industry/; Ferguson plc, 2023 Form 10-K (Item 1, Business), https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/0001884784/000188478423000030/ferg-20230731.htm", "peak_period_note_source_access": "url", "cyclicality_note_source_access": "url" } }, "commercial": { "bad_debt": { "bad_debt_write_off_pct": 0.1, "bad_debt_write_off_pct_source": "Comfort Systems USA, Inc. Form 10-K (2024) - https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/0001035983/000103598325000009/fix-20241231.htm", "bad_debt_write_off_pct_research_pass_count": 3, "bad_debt_write_off_pct_confidence": "low", "collection_rate_pct": 85.1, "collection_rate_pct_source": "Level CFO Plumbing Contractor Financial Benchmarks (2026) - https://levelcfo.com/benchmarks/plumbing", "collection_rate_pct_research_pass_count": 3, "collection_rate_pct_confidence": "med", "bad_debt_year": "2024", "bad_debt_write_off_pct_shared_across": 5, "bad_debt_write_off_pct_note": "This figure is an industry-wide benchmark, not a per-trade measurement: the same value is published for 5 trade or segment records in this dataset. Read it as the specialty-trade baseline, not as a finding that distinguishes this trade from another.", "collection_rate_pct_shared_across": 23, "collection_rate_pct_note": "This figure is an industry-wide benchmark, not a per-trade measurement: the same value is published for 23 trade or segment records in this dataset. Read it as the specialty-trade baseline, not as a finding that distinguishes this trade from another.", "bad_debt_write_off_pct_source_access": "url", "collection_rate_pct_source_access": "url" }, "cash_cycle_detail": { "dso_days": 56.6, "dso_days_source": "CFMA 2024 Construction Financial Benchmarker, Construction Financial Management Association, 2024, https://www.cfma.org/benchmarker", "dso_days_research_pass_count": 2, "dso_days_confidence": "high", "dpo_days": 43.1, "dpo_days_source": "Comfort Systems USA, Inc. Form 10-K Annual Report for Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2024, U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, 2025, https://www.sec.gov/edgar/searchedgar/companysearch", "dpo_days_research_pass_count": 1, "dpo_days_confidence": "low", "cash_cycle_year": "2024", "dso_days_shared_across": 11, "dso_days_note": "This figure is an industry-wide benchmark, not a per-trade measurement: the same value is published for 11 trade or segment records in this dataset. Read it as the specialty-trade baseline, not as a finding that distinguishes this trade from another.", "dso_days_source_access": "url", "dpo_days_source_access": "url" }, "cost_structure": { "labor_pct_of_revenue": 29.4, "labor_pct_of_revenue_source": "IBISWorld, 'Plumbers in the US' Industry Report (NAICS 23822), 2024 Cost Structure Benchmarks (https://www.ibisworld.com/united-states/market-research-reports/plumbers-industry/); cross-checked against CFMA Construction Financial Benchmarks Report (2024, https://cfma.org) and Workyard Trade Labor Benchmarks (2024, https://www.workyard.com).", "labor_pct_of_revenue_research_pass_count": 3, "labor_pct_of_revenue_confidence": "low", "materials_pct_of_revenue": 41.7, "materials_pct_of_revenue_source": "IBISWorld, 'Plumbers in the US' Industry Report (NAICS 23822), 2024 Cost Structure Benchmarks (https://www.ibisworld.com/united-states/market-research-reports/plumbers-industry/); cross-checked against Comfort Systems USA, Inc. SEC Form 8-K / Investor Presentation (2020, https://www.comfortsystemsusa.com).", "materials_pct_of_revenue_research_pass_count": 3, "materials_pct_of_revenue_confidence": "low", "sga_overhead_pct": 11.8, "sga_overhead_pct_source": "Construction Financial Management Association (CFMA) 2024 Financial Benchmarker, https://cfma.org/benchmarker", "sga_overhead_pct_research_pass_count": 3, "sga_overhead_pct_confidence": "adjudicated", "cost_structure_year": "2024", "labor_pct_of_revenue_shared_across": 5, "labor_pct_of_revenue_note": "This figure is an industry-wide benchmark, not a per-trade measurement: the same value is published for 5 trade or segment records in this dataset. Read it as the specialty-trade baseline, not as a finding that distinguishes this trade from another.", "materials_pct_of_revenue_shared_across": 6, "materials_pct_of_revenue_note": "This figure is an industry-wide benchmark, not a per-trade measurement: the same value is published for 6 trade or segment records in this dataset. Read it as the specialty-trade baseline, not as a finding that distinguishes this trade from another.", "sga_overhead_pct_shared_across": 5, "sga_overhead_pct_note": "This figure is an industry-wide benchmark, not a per-trade measurement: the same value is published for 5 trade or segment records in this dataset. Read it as the specialty-trade baseline, not as a finding that distinguishes this trade from another.", "labor_pct_of_revenue_source_access": "url", "materials_pct_of_revenue_source_access": "url", "sga_overhead_pct_source_access": "url" }, "demand_drivers": { "installed_base_units": 5900000, "installed_base_units_source": "U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), Commercial Buildings Energy Consumption Survey (CBECS) (2022), https://www.eia.gov/consumption/commercial/data/2018/; U.S. Census Bureau, Construction Spending Survey (2026), https://www.census.gov/construction/c30/c30index.html", "installed_base_units_research_pass_count": 3, "installed_base_units_confidence": "high-primary", "replacement_vs_new_note": "Maintenance, repair, and replacement work on existing residential and commercial structures accounts for more than 50% of total industry revenue, offering steady, recession-resistant demand, while downstream new construction projects account for the remainder.", "replacement_vs_new_note_source": "IBISWorld, Plumbers in the US (Industry Report NAICS 23822b), 2024, https://www.ibisworld.com/united-states/market-research-reports/plumbers-industry", "demand_drivers_note": "Primary demand drivers include nonresidential construction spending (with major recent investments in manufacturing, healthcare, and education infrastructure), routine maintenance and emergency repairs across an aging installed base (75% of U.S. commercial buildings were constructed prior to 2000), and water efficiency or sustainability upgrades.", "demand_drivers_note_source": "U.S. Census Bureau, Monthly Construction Spending / Value of Construction Put in Place Survey, 2024, https://www.census.gov/construction/c30/historical_data.html", "installed_base_units_shared_across": 15, "installed_base_units_note": "This figure is an industry-wide benchmark, not a per-trade measurement: the same value is published for 15 trade or segment records in this dataset. Read it as the specialty-trade baseline, not as a finding that distinguishes this trade from another.", "installed_base_units_source_access": "url", "replacement_vs_new_note_source_access": "url", "demand_drivers_note_source_access": "url" }, "macro_correlation": { "housing_correlation_note": "New residential housing starts and completions reported by the U.S. Census Bureau act as leading macro indicators for plumbing rough-in work and fixture installation demand. Shifts in single-family and multifamily starts directly drive demand for plumbing contractors and materials during the active construction phase, followed by finishing fixture demand upon completion.", "housing_correlation_note_source": "U.S. Census Bureau and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, New Residential Construction, 2026, https://www.census.gov/construction/nrc/pdf/newresconst.pdf", "commercial_correlation_note": "US Commercial plumbing demand correlates closely with commercial construction spending tracked in nonresidential time series like FRED's TLCOMCON. Growth in private commercial construction expenditures directly drives demand for heavy-duty commercial plumbing fixtures, pipe fittings, valves, and specialized mechanical contracting services.", "commercial_correlation_note_source": "U.S. Census Bureau and Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis (FRED), Total Construction Spending: Commercial in the United States [TLCOMCON], 2026, https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/TLCOMCON", "climate_sensitivity_note": "Plumbing infrastructure exhibits pronounced climate and weather sensitivity, particularly to winter freeze events. Academic and industry studies reveal that sub-freezing temperatures cause ice blockages that dramatically elevate downstream water pressure in exposed or unconditioned pipes, resulting in pipe bursts and sudden spikes in emergency repair demand.", "climate_sensitivity_note_source": "University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Building Research Council (Gordon, J. R.), An Investigation into Freezing and Bursting Water Pipes in Residential Construction, 1996, http://hdl.handle.net/2142/54757", "housing_correlation_note_source_access": "url", "commercial_correlation_note_source_access": "url", "climate_sensitivity_note_source_access": "url" }, "margins": { "gross_margin_pct": 21.9, "gross_margin_pct_source": "CFMA 2024 Construction Financial Benchmarker (Specialty Trades NAICS 238220 Plumbing/HVAC, 2023 data), https://cfma.org; cross-checked against Comfort Systems USA, Inc. 2023 Form 10-K (19.01%), https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/1035983/000103598324000008/fix-20231231.htm", "gross_margin_pct_research_pass_count": 3, "gross_margin_pct_confidence": "adjudicated", "operating_margin_pct": 7.1, "operating_margin_pct_source": "CFMA 2024 Construction Financial Benchmarker (https://cfma.org)", "operating_margin_pct_research_pass_count": 3, "operating_margin_pct_confidence": "adjudicated", "net_margin_pct": 6.9, "net_margin_pct_source": "CFMA 2024 Construction Financial Benchmarker (Specialty Trades NAICS 238220 Plumbing/HVAC, 2023 data), https://cfma.org; cross-checked against Comfort Systems USA, Inc. 2023 Form 10-K (6.21%), https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/1035983/000103598324000008/fix-20231231.htm", "net_margin_pct_research_pass_count": 3, "net_margin_pct_confidence": "med", "margin_year": "2024", "operating_margin_pct_shared_across": 14, "operating_margin_pct_note": "This figure is an industry-wide benchmark, not a per-trade measurement: the same value is published for 14 trade or segment records in this dataset. Read it as the specialty-trade baseline, not as a finding that distinguishes this trade from another.", "net_margin_pct_shared_across": 4, "net_margin_pct_note": "This figure is an industry-wide benchmark, not a per-trade measurement: the same value is published for 4 trade or segment records in this dataset. Read it as the specialty-trade baseline, not as a finding that distinguishes this trade from another.", "gross_margin_pct_source_access": "url", "operating_margin_pct_source_access": "url", "net_margin_pct_source_access": "url" }, "productivity": { "revenue_per_employee_usd": 222000, "revenue_per_employee_usd_source": "IBISWorld, 'Plumbing in the US' Industry Report (2025), https://www.ibisworld.com/united-states/market-research-reports/plumbers-industry/; cross-checked with U.S. Census Bureau Economic Census NAICS 238220 ($202,202 per employee based on $207.89B receipts and 1,028,117 employees, 2017, https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/economic-census.html)", "revenue_per_employee_usd_research_pass_count": 3, "revenue_per_employee_usd_confidence": "med", "billable_utilization_pct": 65, "billable_utilization_pct_source": "Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association (PHCC) / Industry Operations Benchmarks, https://www.phccweb.org", "billable_utilization_pct_research_pass_count": 1, "billable_utilization_pct_confidence": "med", "productivity_year": "2024", "billable_utilization_pct_shared_across": 7, "billable_utilization_pct_note": "This figure is an industry-wide benchmark, not a per-trade measurement: the same value is published for 7 trade or segment records in this dataset. Read it as the specialty-trade baseline, not as a finding that distinguishes this trade from another.", "revenue_per_employee_usd_source_access": "url", "billable_utilization_pct_source_access": "url" }, "retainage_liens": { "retainage_year": "2024" }, "search_interest": { "yoy_search_change_pct": 18, "yoy_search_change_pct_confidence": "adjudicated" }, "seasonality_econ": { "peak_period_note": "Demand for mechanical, HVAC, and plumbing contracting services is generally higher in the second and third calendar quarters due to increased construction activity and increased equipment utilization during warmer months. Revenue and operating results are typically lowest during the winter months (first calendar quarter) due to reduced construction activity and project slowdowns caused by inclement weather.", "peak_period_note_source": "Comfort Systems USA, Inc. Form 10-K (2024), https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/1035983/000103598325000008/fix-20241231.htm", "cyclicality_note": "Demand for commercial plumbing and mechanical contracting is significantly influenced by macroeconomic conditions and cyclical non-residential construction spending. Weather conditions create dual exposure: severe winter weather disrupts productivity and shifts construction revenue recognition into later periods, whereas severe or extreme weather increases demand for maintenance, emergency repairs, and time-and-materials services.", "cyclicality_note_source": "Limbach Holdings, Inc. Form 10-K (2024), https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/1606268/000160626825000018/lmb-20241231.htm", "peak_period_note_source_access": "url", "cyclicality_note_source_access": "url" } }, "industrial": { "bad_debt": { "bad_debt_write_off_pct": 0.1, "bad_debt_write_off_pct_source": "Comfort Systems USA, Inc. 2024 Form 10-K (https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/0001035983/000110465925016024/fix-20241231x10k.htm) reporting bad debt expense of $6.95M on $6.97B total revenue (0.10%); cross-checked with EMCOR Group, Inc. 2024 Form 10-K (https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/0000105608/000010560825000011/eme-20241231.htm) reporting net write-offs of $4.85M on $14.57B total revenue (0.03%) and provision for credit losses of $17.30M (0.12%).", "bad_debt_write_off_pct_research_pass_count": 3, "bad_debt_write_off_pct_confidence": "high-primary", "bad_debt_year": "2024", "bad_debt_write_off_pct_shared_across": 5, "bad_debt_write_off_pct_note": "This figure is an industry-wide benchmark, not a per-trade measurement: the same value is published for 5 trade or segment records in this dataset. Read it as the specialty-trade baseline, not as a finding that distinguishes this trade from another.", "bad_debt_write_off_pct_source_access": "url" }, "cash_cycle_detail": { "dso_days": 83.56, "dso_days_source": "CFMA 2024 Construction Financial Benchmarker, Construction Financial Management Association (2024), https://cfma.org/benchmarker", "dso_days_research_pass_count": 2, "dso_days_confidence": "med", "dpo_days": 30.93, "dpo_days_source": "GuruFocus / SEC Data for Comfort Systems USA, Inc. (2024) - https://www.gurufocus.com/term/days_payable/FIX", "dpo_days_research_pass_count": 3, "dpo_days_confidence": "med", "cash_conversion_cycle_days": 69.5, "cash_conversion_cycle_days_derived": true, "cash_conversion_cycle_days_source": "Trade Economy Index research synthesis: median of 2 cited research inputs: EMCOR Group, Inc. Form 10-K Financial Benchmarks (Finbox 2025 Analysis) - https://finbox.com | Comfort Systems USA, Inc. FY 2023 Form 10-K Annual Report (2023), calculated as DSO (108 days) minus DPO (37 days), https://www.sec.gov; cross-checked against EMCOR Group, Inc. FY 2023 Form 10-K Annual Report (Cash Conversion Cycle of 58 days), https://www.sec.gov", "cash_conversion_cycle_days_research_pass_count": 2, "cash_conversion_cycle_days_confidence": "med", "cash_cycle_year": "2025", "dso_days_source_access": "url", "dpo_days_source_access": "url", "cash_conversion_cycle_days_source_access": "url" }, "cost_structure": { "labor_pct_of_revenue": 24.8, "labor_pct_of_revenue_source": "IBISWorld Industry Report 23822b: Plumbers in the US (2019), https://www.ibisworld.com/united-states/market-research-reports/plumbers-industry", "labor_pct_of_revenue_research_pass_count": 3, "labor_pct_of_revenue_confidence": "low", "materials_pct_of_revenue": 41.7, "materials_pct_of_revenue_source": "IBISWorld Industry Report 23822b: Plumbers in the US (2019), https://www.ibisworld.com/united-states/market-research-reports/plumbers-industry", "materials_pct_of_revenue_research_pass_count": 3, "materials_pct_of_revenue_confidence": "low", "sga_overhead_pct": 10.1, "sga_overhead_pct_source": "EMCOR Group, Inc. Form 10-K for the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2025, https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/105608/000010560826000009/eme-20251231.htm", "sga_overhead_pct_research_pass_count": 3, "sga_overhead_pct_confidence": "med", "cost_structure_year": "2025", "materials_pct_of_revenue_shared_across": 6, "materials_pct_of_revenue_note": "This figure is an industry-wide benchmark, not a per-trade measurement: the same value is published for 6 trade or segment records in this dataset. Read it as the specialty-trade baseline, not as a finding that distinguishes this trade from another.", "labor_pct_of_revenue_source_access": "url", "materials_pct_of_revenue_source_access": "url", "sga_overhead_pct_source_access": "url" }, "demand_drivers": { "installed_base_units": 5900000, "installed_base_units_source": "U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), Commercial Buildings Energy Consumption Survey (CBECS), 2022, https://www.eia.gov/consumption/commercial", "installed_base_units_research_pass_count": 3, "installed_base_units_confidence": "high-primary", "replacement_vs_new_note": "Maintenance, repair, and retrofit work on existing building structures accounts for over 50.0% of total trade revenue, providing a stable revenue floor during economic downturns, while new residential and nonresidential construction installation accounts for the remaining share.", "replacement_vs_new_note_source": "IBISWorld, Plumbers in the US Industry Report, 2026, https://www.ibisworld.com/united-states/market-research-reports/plumbers-industry", "demand_drivers_note": "Key demand drivers for industrial and commercial plumbing trade services include nonresidential construction spending, industrial production activity, routine and emergency maintenance on aging building stock, and regulatory updates enforcing water conservation and environmental standards.", "demand_drivers_note_source": "IBISWorld, Plumbers in the US Industry Report, 2026, https://www.ibisworld.com/united-states/market-research-reports/plumbers-industry", "installed_base_units_shared_across": 15, "installed_base_units_note": "This figure is an industry-wide benchmark, not a per-trade measurement: the same value is published for 15 trade or segment records in this dataset. Read it as the specialty-trade baseline, not as a finding that distinguishes this trade from another.", "installed_base_units_source_access": "url", "replacement_vs_new_note_source_access": "url", "demand_drivers_note_source_access": "url" }, "macro_correlation": { "housing_correlation_note": "Demand for plumbing products, piping, and fixtures in the United States is strongly cyclical and correlates directly with residential construction activity and housing starts. The residential market represents the largest individual segment for plumbing product demand, where fluctuations in new single-family and multi-family housing starts directly lead initial installation demand, supplemented by ongoing residential repair and remodeling activity.", "housing_correlation_note_source": "U.S. Census Bureau and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development via FRED (2026) - https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/HOUST", "commercial_correlation_note": "Commercial and industrial plumbing demand tracks closely with nonresidential construction spending put in place. Nonresidential building projects, including manufacturing plants, commercial offices, healthcare facilities, and warehouses, require specialized commercial-grade plumbing systems, high-capacity piping, and backflow preventer assemblies, making total nonresidential construction spending a key macro benchmark for commercial plumbing product volume.", "commercial_correlation_note_source": "U.S. Census Bureau via FRED (2026) - https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/TLNRESCONS", "climate_sensitivity_note": "Plumbing systems and maintenance demand display sharp sensitivity to severe winter climate events and freeze snaps. Freezing temperatures cause trapped water in uninsulated or exterior-wall pipes to expand by roughly 9%, generating pressures exceeding 2,000 pounds per square inch that lead to pipe joint failures and structural bursts. From 2024 through June 2025, State Farm processed over 20,000 claims for frozen pipe and freeze-related water damage totaling more than $628 million in paid losses, driving immediate surge demand for emergency pipe replacement, fittings, and plumbing contractor services.", "climate_sensitivity_note_source": "State Farm (2026) - https://newsroom.statefarm.com", "housing_correlation_note_source_access": "url", "commercial_correlation_note_source_access": "url", "climate_sensitivity_note_source_access": "url" }, "margins": { "gross_margin_pct": 22.4, "gross_margin_pct_source": "CFMA Construction Financial Benchmarker (Specialty Trade Contractors - NAICS 238220), 2024, https://cfma.org", "gross_margin_pct_research_pass_count": 3, "gross_margin_pct_confidence": "adjudicated", "operating_margin_pct": 7.1, "operating_margin_pct_source": "CFMA Construction Financial Benchmarker (Specialty Trade Contractors - NAICS 238220), 2024, https://cfma.org", "operating_margin_pct_research_pass_count": 3, "operating_margin_pct_confidence": "med", "net_margin_pct": 6.91, "net_margin_pct_source": "EMCOR Group, Inc. 2024 Form 10-K Annual Report (SEC.gov), https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/105634/000010563425000008/eme-20241231.htm", "net_margin_pct_research_pass_count": 3, "net_margin_pct_confidence": "med", "margin_year": "2024", "gross_margin_pct_shared_across": 9, "gross_margin_pct_note": "This figure is an industry-wide benchmark, not a per-trade measurement: the same value is published for 9 trade or segment records in this dataset. Read it as the specialty-trade baseline, not as a finding that distinguishes this trade from another.", "operating_margin_pct_shared_across": 14, "operating_margin_pct_note": "This figure is an industry-wide benchmark, not a per-trade measurement: the same value is published for 14 trade or segment records in this dataset. Read it as the specialty-trade baseline, not as a finding that distinguishes this trade from another.", "gross_margin_pct_source_access": "url", "operating_margin_pct_source_access": "url", "net_margin_pct_source_access": "url" }, "productivity": { "revenue_per_employee_usd": 252898, "revenue_per_employee_usd_source": "U.S. Census Bureau 2022 Economic Census (Table EC2223BASIC, NAICS 238220 Plumbing, Heating, and Air-Conditioning Contractors: $297.6B total receipts / 1,176,759 paid employees); cross-checked with IBISWorld U.S. Plumbing Contractors Report 2024 ($222,000 per employee), https://data.census.gov", "revenue_per_employee_usd_research_pass_count": 3, "revenue_per_employee_usd_confidence": "adjudicated", "productivity_year": "2022", "revenue_per_employee_usd_source_access": "url" }, "retainage_liens": { "typical_retainage_pct": 10, "typical_retainage_pct_source": "Construction Financial Management Association (CFMA), 2023, https://www.cfma.org", "typical_retainage_pct_research_pass_count": 1, "typical_retainage_pct_confidence": "med", "payment_dispute_pct": 47, "payment_dispute_pct_source": "Construction Financial Management Association (CFMA), 2023, https://www.cfma.org", "payment_dispute_pct_research_pass_count": 1, "payment_dispute_pct_confidence": "med", "retainage_year": "2023", "typical_retainage_pct_shared_across": 11, "typical_retainage_pct_note": "This figure is an industry-wide benchmark, not a per-trade measurement: the same value is published for 11 trade or segment records in this dataset. Read it as the specialty-trade baseline, not as a finding that distinguishes this trade from another.", "typical_retainage_pct_source_access": "url", "payment_dispute_pct_source_access": "url" }, "search_interest": { "yoy_search_change_pct": 20, "yoy_search_change_pct_derived": true, "yoy_search_change_pct_source": "Trade Economy Index research synthesis: median of 2 cited research inputs: Ambscallcenter (2025) and AMRA & ELMA (2025, https://www.amraandelma.com/plumber-marketing-statistics/) | LocaliQ (2026), '2025 Search Ad Benchmarks for Home Services', https://localiq.com/blog/home-services-search-advertising-benchmarks", "yoy_search_change_pct_research_pass_count": 2, "yoy_search_change_pct_confidence": "low", "yoy_search_change_pct_source_access": "url" }, "seasonality_econ": { "peak_period_note": "Demand for commercial and industrial mechanical and plumbing installation and replacement services is typically lowest in the first calendar quarter (Q1 / winter months) due to reduced construction activity caused by inclement weather. Demand and revenue generally peak during the second and third calendar quarters (Q2 and Q3) due to increased construction activity and higher summer usage and installation of climate control and air conditioning systems.", "peak_period_note_source": "Comfort Systems USA, Inc. Form 10-K Annual Report for the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2025 (2026), SEC EDGAR, https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/1035983/000103598326000014/fix-20251231.htm", "cyclicality_note": "Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) contracting is subject to overall economic business cycle fluctuations, where new construction, expansion, and major renovation projects face volume declines during broader periods of economic weakness. Weather conditions also create operational variability: severe winter weather slows job site productivity and shifts project revenue recognition to later quarters, whereas severe weather events can temporarily surge demand for emergency maintenance and time-and-materials repair services.", "cyclicality_note_source": "Limbach Holdings, Inc. Form 10-K Annual Report for the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2025 (2026), SEC EDGAR, https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/1606163/000160616326000009/lmb-20251231.htm", "peak_period_note_source_access": "url", "cyclicality_note_source_access": "url" } } }, "segments": { "bands": [ { "band": "0-1M", "band_label": "under $1M annual revenue (owner-operator / very small shop)", "metrics": { "gross_margin_pct": { "value": 22.4, "source": "Construction Financial Management Association (CFMA) 2024 https://cfma.org", "confidence": "med", "basis": "Gross profit margin percentage for Specialty Trade contractors (NAICS 238220)", "source_access": "url" }, "collection_rate_pct": { "value": 85.1, "source": "Level 2026 https://levelcfo.com", "confidence": "low", "basis": "Median cash collection rate percentage across benchmarked trade contractors", "source_access": "url" }, "dso_days": { "value": 56.6, "source": "Construction Financial Management Association (CFMA) 2024 https://cfma.org", "confidence": "med", "basis": "Days sales outstanding (DSO) average for specialty trade contractors", "source_access": "url" }, "recurring_rev_pct": { "value": 15, "source": "Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association (PHCC) 2024 https://www.phccweb.org", "confidence": "high", "basis": "Baseline share of total revenue from service and maintenance agreements for small plumbing shops under $1M revenue", "source_access": "url" } } }, { "band": "1-5M", "band_label": "$1M to $5M annual revenue (small established contractor)", "metrics": { "gross_margin_pct": { "value": 22.4, "source": "Construction Financial Management Association (CFMA) 2024 Financial Benchmarker (https://www.cfma.org)", "confidence": "med", "basis": "Average gross profit margin for Specialty Trade contractors (NAICS 238220 Plumbing, Heating, and Air-Conditioning)", "source_access": "url" }, "collection_rate_pct": { "value": 85.1, "source": "Level CFO 2026 Contractor Collection Rate Benchmarks (https://levelcfo.com)", "confidence": "low", "basis": "Median collection rate (cash collected vs billed) across trade and construction contractors", "source_access": "url" }, "dso_days": { "value": 57, "source": "CFMA Construction Financial Benchmarker", "confidence": "low", "basis": "Average Days Sales Outstanding for specialty trade contractors including plumbing", "source_access": "citation-text-only" }, "recurring_rev_pct": { "value": 30, "source": "YourExitValue 2026 Plumbing Industry Benchmarks (https://yourexitvalue.com)", "confidence": "low", "basis": "Target recurring service agreement revenue share for established plumbing contractors", "source_access": "url" } } }, { "band": "5-20M", "band_label": "$5M to $20M annual revenue (mid-market, multi-crew)", "metrics": { "gross_margin_pct": { "value": 22.4, "source": "CFMA 2025 Construction Financial Benchmarker Executive Summary (https://www.cfma.org)", "confidence": "med", "basis": "Specialty trade contractors gross profit margin from CFMA 2025 Financial Benchmarker (2024 fiscal year)", "source_access": "url" }, "collection_rate_pct": { "value": 85.1, "source": "Level CFO analysis of 464 contractors, https://levelcfo.com/benchmarks/contractor", "confidence": "low", "basis": "Median cash collected as a percentage of amounts billed, n=464 companies", "source_access": "url" }, "dso_days": { "value": 57, "source": "CFMA Construction Financial Benchmarker", "confidence": "med", "basis": "Days sales outstanding (DSO) for trade contractors including plumbing, HVAC, and electrical", "source_access": "citation-text-only" }, "recurring_rev_pct": { "value": 35, "source": "CT Acquisitions 2026 Commercial Mechanical & Plumbing Study (https://www.ctacquisitions.com)", "confidence": "med", "basis": "Mid-market plumbing and mechanical contractor recurring service agreement revenue share", "source_access": "url" } } }, { "band": "20M+", "band_label": "over $20M annual revenue (large / regional / PE-backed)", "metrics": { "gross_margin_pct": { "value": 22.4, "source": "Construction Financial Management Association (CFMA) 2025 https://cfma.org", "confidence": "low", "basis": "Gross profit margin for Specialty Trade contractors (NAICS 238220 Plumbing/HVAC)", "source_access": "url" }, "collection_rate_pct": { "value": 85.1, "source": "Level CFO analysis of 464 contractors, https://levelcfo.com/benchmarks/contractor", "confidence": "low", "basis": "Median cash collected as a percentage of amounts billed, n=464 companies", "source_access": "url" }, "dso_days": { "value": 56.6, "source": "Construction Financial Management Association (CFMA) 2024 https://cfma.org", "confidence": "low", "basis": "Average days sales outstanding (DSO) in accounts receivable for Specialty Trade contractors", "source_access": "url" } } } ] }, "geo": { "states": [ { "name": "Alabama", "where": "AL", "median_hourly_wage_usd": 24.36, "wage_differential_vs_national_pct": -19.52, "median_wage_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/2023/may/oes_al.htm", "license_regime": "State-level license required. The Alabama Plumbers and Gas Fitters Examining Board regulates the plumbing trade statewide under Code of Alabama Title 34, Chapter 37. Licensure tiers include Registered Apprentice, Journeyman Plumber (requires 2 years of apprentice experience and passing the journeyman examination), and Master Plumber (requires 1 year of experience as a journeyman plumber and passing the master examination). A certified Master Plumber must serve as the active principal for a business entity to contract plumbing work or pull permits.", "license_source": "Alabama Plumbers and Gas Fitters Examining Board, 2024, https://pgfb.alabama.gov", "bonding_requirement": "Statewide surety bond requirements (formerly $2,000) were repealed under Act 2015-496. To register as a principal master plumber and operate a contracting business, the board requires proof of general liability insurance ($100,000 general liability / $300,000 property damage coverage) and workers' compensation coverage for businesses with 5 or more employees; local municipalities may enforce local permit bonding.", "bonding_source": "Alabama Plumbers and Gas Fitters Examining Board / Code of Alabama Title 34 Chapter 37, 2023, https://pgfb.alabama.gov", "market_size_or_density_note": "Alabama has 7,250 employed Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters (SOC 47-2152) with an occupational density of 3.531 per 1,000 jobs and a location quotient of 1.23 relative to national trade concentration.", "market_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/2023/may/oes_al.htm", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_basis": "Computed as (state median hourly wage 24.36 minus the national median 30.27) / 30.27. The national figure is the one published on this trade's page.", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes472152.htm", "median_wage_source_access": "url", "license_source_access": "url", "bonding_source_access": "url", "market_source_access": "url", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source_access": "url" }, { "name": "Alaska", "where": "AK", "median_hourly_wage_usd": 39.26, "wage_differential_vs_national_pct": 29.7, "median_wage_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), OEWS May 2023 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates - Alaska, 2024, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_ak.htm", "license_regime": "State-level licensing is required in Alaska for both individual plumbers and plumbing contracting businesses. At the individual level, the Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development (DOLWD) Mechanical Inspection Section regulates tradespersons across tiers including Plumber Trainee/Apprentice, Journeyman Plumber (requires 8,000 hours of experience and passing the Journeyman Plumber exam), and Restricted Plumber (Gas or Utility). At the business level, contracting companies offering plumbing services must register as a Mechanical Contractor or Specialty Contractor with the Alaska Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development (DCCED) Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing (CBPL) under AS 08.18 and designate a licensed Mechanical Administrator (Plumbing endorsement) under AS 08.40.", "license_source": "Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development / Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing, 2024", "bonding_requirement": "Mechanical Contractors and Specialty Contractors registering with the Alaska DCCED Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing are required under AS 08.18.071 and AS 08.18.101 to maintain a $10,000 surety bond (or $25,000 for General Contractors), public liability insurance of at least $50,000 for bodily injury/death to one person and $100,000 for injury/death to multiple persons, property damage liability coverage of at least $20,000, and statutory workers' compensation insurance.", "bonding_source": "Alaska Statutes Title 08 Chapter 18 (AS 08.18.071, AS 08.18.101) / Alaska Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing, 2024, https://www.commerce.alaska.gov/web/cbpl/ProfessionalLicensing/Contractors.aspx", "market_size_or_density_note": "According to the BLS OEWS dataset, Alaska employed approximately 960 Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters (SOC 47-2152), representing an occupational density of 3.070 jobs per 1,000 total jobs in the state and a Location Quotient (LQ) of 1.07 compared to national averages.", "market_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), OEWS May 2023 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates - Alaska, 2024, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_ak.htm", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_basis": "Computed as (state median hourly wage 39.26 minus the national median 30.27) / 30.27. The national figure is the one published on this trade's page.", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes472152.htm", "median_wage_source_access": "url", "license_source_access": "citation-text-only", "bonding_source_access": "url", "market_source_access": "url", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source_access": "url" }, { "name": "Arizona", "where": "AZ", "median_hourly_wage_usd": 27.35, "wage_differential_vs_national_pct": -9.65, "median_wage_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_az.htm", "license_regime": "A state-level license issued by the Arizona Registrar of Contractors (AZ ROC) is required for plumbing work exceeding $1,000 in labor and materials or requiring a permit. Arizona issues trade licenses at the state level (rather than city/county) across three primary tiers: Specialty Commercial Plumbing (C-37), Specialty Residential Plumbing (R-37 / R-37R), and Specialty Dual License Plumbing (CR-37, covering both commercial and residential).", "license_source": "Arizona Registrar of Contractors (AZ ROC), 2024, https://roc.az.gov", "bonding_requirement": "License holders must maintain a surety bond or cash deposit with AZ ROC, with amounts based on license class and estimated annual gross volume. Specialty residential bonds (R-37) range from $4,250 (volume under $375,000) to $7,500 ($375,000+); specialty commercial bonds (C-37) range from $2,500 (volume under $150,000) up to $50,000+. Residential contractors must also contribute to the Residential Contractors' Recovery Fund or post an additional $200,000 surety bond.", "bonding_source": "Arizona Revised Statutes § 32-1152, 2023, https://www.azleg.gov/ars/32/01152.htm", "market_size_or_density_note": "Arizona has 9,640 employed Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters (SOC 47-2152), with an occupational density of 3.082 jobs per 1,000 total state jobs and a Location Quotient of 1.07 relative to the national average.", "market_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_az.htm", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_basis": "Computed as (state median hourly wage 27.35 minus the national median 30.27) / 30.27. The national figure is the one published on this trade's page.", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes472152.htm", "median_wage_source_access": "url", "license_source_access": "url", "bonding_source_access": "url", "market_source_access": "url", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source_access": "url" }, { "name": "Arkansas", "where": "AR", "median_hourly_wage_usd": 22.82, "wage_differential_vs_national_pct": -24.61, "median_wage_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2023 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates - Arkansas, 2024, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_ar.htm and May 2023 National Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates, 2024, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_nat.htm", "license_regime": "Statewide license required. Individual plumber credentials are administered at the state level by the Arkansas Department of Health, Plumbing and Natural Gas Section, under Arkansas Code Title 17 Chapter 38. License tiers include Apprentice Plumber, Journeyman Plumber, Master Plumber Restricted (residential only), and Master Plumber Unrestricted (all occupancies). Additionally, plumbing contracting businesses performing projects valued at $50,000 or more must obtain a Plumbing specialty contractor license from the Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board (ACLB).", "license_source": "Arkansas Department of Health, Plumbing and Natural Gas Section / Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board, 2024, https://aclb.arkansas.gov/ and https://www.healthy.arkansas.gov", "bonding_requirement": "Individual plumbing licenses do not require a state surety bond. However, plumbing contractors licensed through the Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board for projects of $50,000 or more are required to maintain a $10,000 corporate surety bond pursuant to A.C.A. § 17-25-401.", "bonding_source": "Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board, A.C.A. § 17-25-401, 2022, https://aclb.arkansas.gov", "market_size_or_density_note": "According to IBISWorld, the Arkansas Plumbers industry revenue is $1.3 billion in 2026, with 1,401 industry businesses. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics May 2023 OEWS, Arkansas employs 3,520 Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters with a location quotient of 0.96.", "market_source": "IBISWorld, Plumbers in Arkansas Industry Report, 2026, https://www.ibisworld.com/united-states/market-research-reports/ and U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2023 State OEWS Arkansas, 2024, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_ar.htm", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_basis": "Computed as (state median hourly wage 22.82 minus the national median 30.27) / 30.27. The national figure is the one published on this trade's page.", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes472152.htm", "median_wage_source_access": "url", "license_source_access": "url", "bonding_source_access": "url", "market_source_access": "url", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source_access": "url" }, { "name": "California", "where": "CA", "median_hourly_wage_usd": 30.28, "wage_differential_vs_national_pct": 0.03, "median_wage_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2023 OEWS State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates - California, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_ca.htm", "license_regime": "State-level licensing is required in California for any plumbing project exceeding $500 (combined labor and materials). The license is administered at the state level by the California Contractors State License Board (CSLB) under the Department of Consumer Affairs. Licensing is held at the contractor level under the C-36 Plumbing Specialty Contractor classification (Class C Specialty Contractor). Individual journeymen do not hold separate state licenses but must work under a CSLB-licensed contractor; obtaining a C-36 license requires at least 4 years of verifiable journey-level experience and passing CSLB Law & Business and Trade examinations.", "license_source": "California Contractors State License Board (CSLB), 2024, https://www.cslb.ca.gov", "bonding_requirement": "All active licensed contractors in California must maintain a $25,000 contractor license bond on file with the CSLB (increased from $15,000 effective January 1, 2023, pursuant to Senate Bill 607 / BPC §7071.6). Licensees organized as LLCs must additionally hold a $100,000 LLC employee/worker bond and general liability insurance ($1,000,000 to $5,000,000 minimum based on licensee count). Contractors with employees must also carry Workers' Compensation insurance (sole proprietors with no employees may file an exemption).", "bonding_source": "California Contractors State License Board (CSLB) / California Business and Professions Code §7071.6, 2023, https://www.cslb.ca.gov", "market_size_or_density_note": "According to BLS OEWS data, California employed 42,480 Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters (SOC 47-2152), representing an employment density of 2.367 per 1,000 jobs and a location quotient of 0.82 relative to the national average.", "market_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2023 OEWS State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates - California, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_ca.htm", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_basis": "Computed as (state median hourly wage 30.28 minus the national median 30.27) / 30.27. The national figure is the one published on this trade's page.", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes472152.htm", "median_wage_source_access": "url", "license_source_access": "url", "bonding_source_access": "url", "market_source_access": "url", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source_access": "url" }, { "name": "Colorado", "where": "CO", "median_hourly_wage_usd": 29.75, "wage_differential_vs_national_pct": -1.72, "median_wage_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS, May 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_co.htm", "license_regime": "State-level licensing is required in Colorado and administered by the State Plumbing Board under the Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA). License tiers include Plumbing Apprentice (registration required within 30 days of employment), Residential Plumber (requires 3,400 hours / 2 years experience + exam), Journeyman Plumber (requires 6,800 hours / 4 years experience + exam), Master Plumber (requires 8,500 hours / 5 years experience + exam), and Plumbing Contractor (registration requiring a licensed Master Plumber as qualifier).", "license_source": "Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) State Plumbing Board, 2024", "bonding_requirement": "The Colorado State Plumbing Board requires registered Plumbing Contractors to carry commercial general liability insurance and workers' compensation insurance if employing workers. There is no mandatory statewide surety bond requirement set by DORA for plumbing contractor registration, though local surety bonds are mandated by individual municipal building departments (e.g., Fort Collins, Denver).", "bonding_source": "Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) State Plumbing Board, 2024", "market_size_or_density_note": "Colorado employs 9,340 plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters (SOC 47-2152), reflecting an occupational density of 3.299 jobs per 1,000 total state jobs and a Location Quotient (LQ) of 1.15 relative to the national baseline.", "market_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS, May 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_co.htm", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_basis": "Computed as (state median hourly wage 29.75 minus the national median 30.27) / 30.27. The national figure is the one published on this trade's page.", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes472152.htm", "median_wage_source_access": "url", "license_source_access": "citation-text-only", "bonding_source_access": "citation-text-only", "market_source_access": "url", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source_access": "url" }, { "name": "Connecticut", "where": "CT", "median_hourly_wage_usd": 31.04, "wage_differential_vs_national_pct": 2.54, "median_wage_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), May 2023 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates: Connecticut, released April 2024, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_ct.htm (National comparison: BLS OEWS May 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes472152.htm)", "license_regime": "State-level license required statewide through the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) Plumbing and Piping Work Examining Board under Connecticut General Statutes Chapter 393. Main license tiers are P-1 (Unlimited Plumbing Contractor) and P-2 (Unlimited Journeyperson Plumber), along with limited contractor and journeyperson classifications (e.g., P-3, P-4, P-6, P-7, J-1, J-2).", "license_source": "Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection (DCP), Plumbing and Piping Work Examining Board, 2024", "bonding_requirement": "State trade licensure under CGS Chapter 393 does not mandate a state trade-license surety bond, though contracting businesses must carry general liability and workers' compensation insurance. However, plumbing contractors performing residential home improvement work exceeding $200 must maintain a $15,000 surety bond with the DCP pursuant to CGS § 20-426a, and local municipalities enforce permit-specific bond minimums (typically $5,000 to $25,000).", "bonding_source": "Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) / Connecticut General Statutes CGS § 20-426a, 2024, https://portal.ct.gov/dcp", "market_size_or_density_note": "As of May 2023, Connecticut employs 4,310 Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters (SOC 47-2152), representing a concentration of 2.594 jobs per 1,000 total state jobs.", "market_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), May 2023 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates: Connecticut, released April 2024, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_ct.htm", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_basis": "Computed as (state median hourly wage 31.04 minus the national median 30.27) / 30.27. The national figure is the one published on this trade's page.", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes472152.htm", "median_wage_source_access": "url", "license_source_access": "citation-text-only", "bonding_source_access": "url", "market_source_access": "url", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source_access": "url" }, { "name": "Delaware", "where": "DE", "median_hourly_wage_usd": 30.29, "wage_differential_vs_national_pct": 0.07, "median_wage_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) May 2023, 2024, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_de.htm", "license_regime": "Statewide licensing is required in Delaware at the state level. The trade is regulated by the Board of Plumbing, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Examiners under the Delaware Division of Professional Regulation (DPR). License tiers consist of Apprentice Plumber (registered), Journeyman Plumber, and Master Plumber. Only a Master Plumber is authorized to contract independently, obtain plumbing permits, and supervise plumbing work across all Delaware counties.", "license_source": "Delaware Division of Professional Regulation, Board of Plumbing, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Examiners, 2024, https://dpr.delaware.gov", "bonding_requirement": "Delaware requires general liability insurance (minimum $300,000) and workers' compensation insurance for plumbing contractor registration. Non-resident contractors must post a surety bond equal to 6% of contracts totaling $20,000 or more with the Delaware Division of Revenue. Local municipalities and local authorities may impose additional bonding requirements (such as $10,000 Master Plumber bonds or $3,000 bonds in Wilmington).", "bonding_source": "Delaware Division of Revenue, Contractor Licensing and Registration, 2024, https://revenue.delaware.gov", "market_size_or_density_note": "As of May 2023, Delaware employed 1,190 Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters (SOC 47-2152), with an employment density of 2.54 per 1,000 jobs and a location quotient of 0.88, indicating trade concentration slightly below the U.S. national average.", "market_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2023 OEWS State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates: Delaware, 2024, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_de.htm", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_basis": "Computed as (state median hourly wage 30.29 minus the national median 30.27) / 30.27. The national figure is the one published on this trade's page.", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes472152.htm", "median_wage_source_access": "url", "license_source_access": "url", "bonding_source_access": "url", "market_source_access": "url", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source_access": "url" }, { "name": "Florida", "where": "FL", "median_hourly_wage_usd": 24.3, "wage_differential_vs_national_pct": -19.72, "median_wage_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_fl.htm", "license_regime": "Florida requires a state-level contractor license administered by the Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB) under the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). License categories include Certified Plumbing Contractor (authorized to practice statewide across Florida) and Registered Plumbing Contractor (restricted to specific local jurisdictions/counties where local certificates of competency are held). Individual journeyman and master plumber licenses are issued at the county or municipal level.", "license_source": "Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) Construction Industry Licensing Board, 2024", "bonding_requirement": "State-licensed plumbing contractors must maintain general liability insurance with minimum limits of $100,000 for public liability and $25,000 for property damage, along with workers' compensation coverage or an approved exemption. Additionally, applicants with a FICO credit score below 660 must post a surety bond or irrevocable letter of credit ($10,000 for Division II contractors, reducible to $5,000 upon completion of an approved 14-hour financial responsibility course).", "bonding_source": "Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB) / Florida Administrative Code Rule 61G4, 2024", "market_size_or_density_note": "Florida represents one of the largest plumbing trade markets in the U.S. By employment density, BLS OEWS reports 26,730 employed plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters (SOC 47-2152) in Florida in May 2024. IBISWorld reports 11,868 plumbing industry locations and 58,096 total industry workers across Florida.", "market_source": "IBISWorld Plumbers in Florida Report / U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS, 2024, https://www.ibisworld.com/united-states/market-research-reports/ and https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_fl.htm", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_basis": "Computed as (state median hourly wage 24.3 minus the national median 30.27) / 30.27. The national figure is the one published on this trade's page.", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes472152.htm", "median_wage_source_access": "url", "license_source_access": "citation-text-only", "bonding_source_access": "citation-text-only", "market_source_access": "url", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source_access": "url" }, { "name": "Georgia", "where": "GA", "median_hourly_wage_usd": 26.58, "wage_differential_vs_national_pct": -12.19, "median_wage_source": "BLS State OEWS, May 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_ga.htm", "license_regime": "State-level license required. Administered by the Georgia State Construction Industry Licensing Board - Division of Master Plumbers. Tiers: Journeyman Plumber (requires 3 years experience under a licensed master plumber), Master Plumber Class I (Restricted to single-family/two-family dwellings and commercial structures up to 10,000 sq ft; requires 5 years experience including 2 years as journeyman), and Master Plumber Class II (Unrestricted; requires 5 years experience including commercial/industrial work).", "license_source": "Georgia State Construction Industry Licensing Board - Division of Master Plumbers, 2024, https://sos.ga.gov/georgia-state-construction-industry-licensing-board-division-master-plumbers", "bonding_requirement": "Licensed plumbing contractors in Georgia must carry General Liability Insurance (minimums starting at $100,000 bodily injury / $25,000 property damage, up to $300,000-$500,000 depending on contractor license classification) and Workers' Compensation insurance if employing 3 or more employees. Local surety bonds may be required by specific municipalities or counties upon permit issuance.", "bonding_source": "Georgia Secretary of State Professional Licensing Boards / O.C.G.A. Title 43 Chapter 14, 2024, https://sos.ga.gov/georgia-state-construction-industry-licensing-board-division-master-plumbers", "market_size_or_density_note": "According to BLS OEWS May 2023 data, Georgia employed approximately 21,640 plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters (SOC 47-2152), representing an employment density of roughly 1.53 per 1,000 jobs in major metro areas like Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell.", "market_source": "BLS OEWS, May 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_ga.htm", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_basis": "Computed as (state median hourly wage 26.58 minus the national median 30.27) / 30.27. The national figure is the one published on this trade's page.", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes472152.htm", "median_wage_source_access": "url", "license_source_access": "url", "bonding_source_access": "url", "market_source_access": "url", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source_access": "url" }, { "name": "Hawaii", "where": "HI", "median_hourly_wage_usd": 35.62, "wage_differential_vs_national_pct": 17.67, "median_wage_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_hi.htm", "license_regime": "State-level licensing is required in Hawaii. Individual trade workers are licensed by the DCCA Board of Electricians and Plumbers across two primary tiers: Journey Worker Plumber (requires 5 years / 10,000 hours experience and exam) and Master Plumber (requires 2 years as a licensed Journey Worker and exam). To operate a contracting business, entities must hold a C-37 Specialty Plumbing Contractor license issued by the DCCA Contractors License Board.", "license_source": "Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) Professional and Vocational Licensing Division, 2023, https://cca.hawaii.gov/pvl/boards/contractor", "bonding_requirement": "The Hawaii Contractors License Board establishes surety bond requirements on a case-by-case basis with a minimum threshold of $5,000. General liability insurance minimums are $100,000 per person and $300,000 per occurrence for bodily injury, plus $50,000 per occurrence for property damage. Workers' compensation coverage is also mandatory for businesses with employees.", "bonding_source": "Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) Contractors License Board, 2023, https://cca.hawaii.gov/pvl/boards/contractor", "market_size_or_density_note": "Hawaii had an estimated 2,680 employed Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters (SOC 47-2152) in May 2023, representing 4.344 jobs per 1,000 total jobs and a location quotient of 1.51 compared to the national average.", "market_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_hi.htm", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_basis": "Computed as (state median hourly wage 35.62 minus the national median 30.27) / 30.27. The national figure is the one published on this trade's page.", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes472152.htm", "median_wage_source_access": "url", "license_source_access": "url", "bonding_source_access": "url", "market_source_access": "url", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source_access": "url" }, { "name": "Idaho", "where": "ID", "median_hourly_wage_usd": 29.42, "wage_differential_vs_national_pct": -2.81, "median_wage_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_id.htm", "license_regime": "Idaho requires a state-level license administered by the Idaho Plumbing Board within the Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL); local cities and counties do not issue separate trade licenses. Licensing follows a tiered system: Apprentice Plumber (registration required before starting work), Journeyman Plumber (requires 4 years / 8,000 hours of supervised experience and 576 hours of classroom training, plus passing the journeyman exam), and Plumbing Contractor (requires 2.5 years of journeyman experience and passing the contractor exam), alongside specialty tiers (such as appliance plumbing).", "license_source": "Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL) - Plumbing Board, 2023, https://dopl.idaho.gov", "bonding_requirement": "Idaho plumbing contractors must maintain a $2,000 compliance surety bond. In addition, contractors registering with DOPL must hold general liability insurance of at least $300,000 single limit coverage and carry statutory workers' compensation insurance if they have employees.", "bonding_source": "Idaho Administrative Code IDAPA 24.15.01 (Rules of the Idaho Plumbing Board) & Idaho DOPL, 2023, https://adminrules.idaho.gov/rules/current/24/241501.pdf", "market_size_or_density_note": "Idaho has an estimated 3,360 employed plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters (SOC 47-2152) with a location quotient of 1.42 (4.086 per 1,000 jobs vs. 2.872 nationally), reflecting a higher contractor and trade density than the U.S. average.", "market_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_id.htm", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_basis": "Computed as (state median hourly wage 29.42 minus the national median 30.27) / 30.27. The national figure is the one published on this trade's page.", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes472152.htm", "median_wage_source_access": "url", "license_source_access": "url", "bonding_source_access": "url", "market_source_access": "url", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source_access": "url" }, { "name": "Illinois", "where": "IL", "median_hourly_wage_usd": 42.51, "wage_differential_vs_national_pct": 40.44, "median_wage_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes472152.htm", "license_regime": "State-level licensing is mandatory in Illinois under the Illinois Plumbing License Law (225 ILCS 320), administered by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH). Tiers include Apprentice Plumber, Licensed Plumber (fully licensed independent plumber), and Plumbing Contractor (registration/license required to contract plumbing work or run a plumbing business).", "license_source": "Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) Plumbing Program / Illinois General Assembly (225 ILCS 320), 2024, https://dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/environmental-health-protection/plumbing.html", "bonding_requirement": "Plumbing Contractors must file and maintain a $20,000 surety bond or cash deposit with IDPH. General liability insurance minimums are $100,000 per person and $300,000 per occurrence for bodily injury, $50,000 per occurrence for property damage, and Workers' Compensation insurance for businesses with employees.", "bonding_source": "Illinois General Assembly (225 ILCS 320 / Illinois Plumbing License Law) / Illinois Department of Public Health, 2024, https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs3.asp?ActID=1328", "market_size_or_density_note": "Illinois employs approximately 16,940 Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters (SOC 47-2152), representing an employment concentration of 2.82 per 1,000 jobs and a location quotient of 0.98.", "market_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes472152.htm", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_basis": "Computed as (state median hourly wage 42.51 minus the national median 30.27) / 30.27. The national figure is the one published on this trade's page.", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes472152.htm", "median_wage_source_access": "url", "license_source_access": "url", "bonding_source_access": "url", "market_source_access": "url", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source_access": "url" }, { "name": "Indiana", "where": "IN", "median_hourly_wage_usd": 31.2, "wage_differential_vs_national_pct": 3.07, "median_wage_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2023 OEWS State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates (Indiana), https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_in.htm", "license_regime": "Statewide licensing is required for plumbing work in Indiana, administered by the Indiana Plumbing Commission under the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency (IPLA). Plumbing is the only construction trade licensed at the state level in Indiana. License tiers consist of Apprentice Plumber, Journeyman Plumber, and Plumbing Contractor. Licensed plumbing contractors must also register locally with municipal building departments (e.g., Indianapolis BNS) to obtain permits and perform work within specific jurisdictions.", "license_source": "Indiana Professional Licensing Agency - Indiana Plumbing Commission, 2024, https://www.in.gov/pla/professions/plumbing-home", "bonding_requirement": "The Indiana Plumbing Commission does not impose a statewide surety bond requirement to hold a state plumbing license. However, local municipalities (such as Indianapolis, South Bend, and Lafayette) require plumbing contractors to maintain local contractor surety bonds (typically ranging from $5,000 to $25,000) along with general liability and workers' compensation insurance as conditions for local registration and permit issuance.", "bonding_source": "Indiana Professional Licensing Agency & City of Indianapolis Department of Business and Neighborhood Services, 2024, https://www.indy.gov/activity/contractor-licenses", "market_size_or_density_note": "Indiana employed 11,040 plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters (SOC 47-2152) as of May 2023, representing a location quotient of 1.22 and an occupational density of 3.50 jobs per 1,000 total jobs in the state.", "market_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2023 OEWS State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates (Indiana), https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_in.htm", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_basis": "Computed as (state median hourly wage 31.2 minus the national median 30.27) / 30.27. The national figure is the one published on this trade's page.", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes472152.htm", "median_wage_source_access": "url", "license_source_access": "url", "bonding_source_access": "url", "market_source_access": "url", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source_access": "url" }, { "name": "Iowa", "where": "IA", "median_hourly_wage_usd": 29.85, "wage_differential_vs_national_pct": -1.39, "median_wage_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/2023/may/oes_ia.htm", "license_regime": "In Iowa, plumbing is regulated at the state level by the Iowa Plumbing and Mechanical Systems Board (housed under the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing / DIAL). License tiers include Apprentice, Specialty Tradesperson, Journeyperson, Master, and Contractor. Individual state-level licensure is required to practice the trade, and plumbing contractor entities must also hold state contractor registration with DIAL.", "license_source": "Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing (DIAL) / Iowa Plumbing and Mechanical Systems Board, 2024", "bonding_requirement": "Licensed plumbing contractors must maintain a minimum $5,000 surety bond filed with the board (out-of-state contractors require a $25,000 bond) and carry a minimum of $500,000 in public liability insurance.", "bonding_source": "Iowa Code Chapter 105.19 / Iowa Plumbing and Mechanical Systems Board, 2024", "market_size_or_density_note": "According to the May 2023 BLS OEWS dataset, Iowa employs approximately 6,640 plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters (SOC 47-2152), with an employment density of 4.30 jobs per 1,000 occupations and a location quotient of 1.50 (50% higher trade concentration than the national average).", "market_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/2023/may/oes_ia.htm", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_basis": "Computed as (state median hourly wage 29.85 minus the national median 30.27) / 30.27. The national figure is the one published on this trade's page.", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes472152.htm", "median_wage_source_access": "url", "license_source_access": "citation-text-only", "bonding_source_access": "citation-text-only", "market_source_access": "url", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source_access": "url" }, { "name": "Kansas", "where": "KS", "median_hourly_wage_usd": 28.59, "wage_differential_vs_national_pct": -5.55, "median_wage_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS, May 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_ks.htm", "license_regime": "Kansas does not require or issue a state-level plumbing trade or contractor license. Plumbing licensure is administered exclusively at the local municipal or county level (e.g., Sedgwick County/Wichita Metropolitan Area Building and Construction Department, Johnson County Contractor Licensing). Local license tiers typically include Apprentice Plumber, Journeyman Plumber, Master Plumber, and Plumbing Contractor.", "license_source": "Kansas Association of Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors (PHCC Kansas), 2024", "bonding_requirement": "Insurance and surety bond minimums are determined by local municipal and county authorities rather than a state board. For example, Sedgwick County / Wichita requires plumbing contractors to carry a minimum of $300,000 in general liability insurance, while Johnson County requires $1,000,000 in general liability insurance.", "bonding_source": "Kansas Association of Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors (PHCC Kansas), 2024", "market_size_or_density_note": "Kansas employs an estimated 4,360 plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters (SOC 47-2152), representing an occupational density of 3.087 jobs per 1,000 total state jobs and a location quotient of 1.07.", "market_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS, May 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_ks.htm", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_basis": "Computed as (state median hourly wage 28.59 minus the national median 30.27) / 30.27. The national figure is the one published on this trade's page.", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes472152.htm", "median_wage_source_access": "url", "license_source_access": "citation-text-only", "bonding_source_access": "citation-text-only", "market_source_access": "url", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source_access": "url" }, { "name": "Kentucky", "where": "KY", "median_hourly_wage_usd": 29.11, "wage_differential_vs_national_pct": -3.83, "median_wage_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2023 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates - Kentucky / National, 2024, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_ky.htm", "license_regime": "State-level licensing is mandatory in Kentucky under KRS Chapter 318, administered by the Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction (DHBC) Division of Plumbing. Credential tiers include Apprentice Plumber, Journeyman Plumber, Master Plumber, and Plumbing Contractor.", "license_source": "Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction, Division of Plumbing, KRS Chapter 318, 2023, https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/statutes/chapter.aspx?id=38827", "bonding_requirement": "Under KRS 318.030, active master plumbers and plumbing contractors must maintain general liability insurance of not less than $250,000 and submit proof of compliance with workers' compensation and unemployment insurance laws. Kentucky does not mandate a statewide surety bond for plumbing licensure, though local municipalities may require local bonding.", "bonding_source": "Kentucky General Assembly, KRS 318.030 (License and general liability insurance required), 2023, https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/statutes/statute.aspx?id=46415", "market_size_or_density_note": "According to BLS data, Kentucky had 5,760 employed Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters (SOC 47-2152), representing an occupational density of 2.935 jobs per 1,000 total state jobs and a location quotient of 1.02.", "market_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2023 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates - Kentucky, 2024, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_ky.htm", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_basis": "Computed as (state median hourly wage 29.11 minus the national median 30.27) / 30.27. The national figure is the one published on this trade's page.", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes472152.htm", "median_wage_source_access": "url", "license_source_access": "url", "bonding_source_access": "url", "market_source_access": "url", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source_access": "url" }, { "name": "Louisiana", "where": "LA", "median_hourly_wage_usd": 30.07, "wage_differential_vs_national_pct": -0.66, "median_wage_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_la.htm and https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes472152.htm", "license_regime": "State-level licensing is required in Louisiana. The State Plumbing Board of Louisiana (SPBLA) issues trade individual licenses across tiers including Apprentice (registration), Tradesman Plumber (residential single- and two-family homes), Journeyman Plumber, and Master Plumber. In addition, for any plumbing work valued at $10,000 or more in labor and materials, contractors must hold a Commercial Contractor License with a Plumbing classification from the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors (LSLBC).", "license_source": "Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors (LSLBC) / State Plumbing Board of Louisiana (SPBLA), 2024", "bonding_requirement": "To maintain an active commercial contractor license with a plumbing classification through the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors (LSLBC), contractors must submit proof of General Liability Insurance with a minimum limit of $100,000 per occurrence and Workers' Compensation coverage (if the business has employees). A general statewide contractor surety bond is not required by LSLBC, though local municipal permits or specific project contracts may require local bonding.", "bonding_source": "Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors (LSLBC), 2024", "market_size_or_density_note": "According to IBISWorld industry research, the Plumbers industry in Louisiana represents an estimated $1.8 billion market with 1,909 businesses as of 2026. Additionally, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS May 2023 data reports 7,180 employed Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters in Louisiana, corresponding to a location quotient of 1.35 and 3.875 jobs per 1,000 total state jobs.", "market_source": "IBISWorld, 2026, https://www.ibisworld.com/united-states/market-research-reports/ and U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS, May 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_la.htm", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_basis": "Computed as (state median hourly wage 30.07 minus the national median 30.27) / 30.27. The national figure is the one published on this trade's page.", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes472152.htm", "median_wage_source_access": "url", "license_source_access": "citation-text-only", "bonding_source_access": "citation-text-only", "market_source_access": "url", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source_access": "url" }, { "name": "Maine", "where": "ME", "median_hourly_wage_usd": 29.61, "wage_differential_vs_national_pct": -2.18, "median_wage_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS, May 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_me.htm", "license_regime": "State-level licensing is required in Maine for the plumbing trade, regulated by the Plumbers' Examining Board under the Department of Professional and Financial Regulation, Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation (OPOR). License tiers comprise Trainee Plumber, Journeyman-in-Training Plumber, Journeyman Plumber, and Master Plumber.", "license_source": "Maine Department of Professional and Financial Regulation, Plumbers' Examining Board, 2024, https://www.maine.gov/pfr/professionallicensing/professions/plumbers-examining-board", "bonding_requirement": "Maine does not mandate a statewide surety bond or general liability insurance as a requirement to obtain or hold a state plumbing license. However, public works construction contracts exceeding $125,000 require 100% performance and payment bonds under 14 M.R.S. § 871, and local municipalities or general contractors may enforce individual insurance/bonding requirements for local permits and jobsites.", "bonding_source": "Maine Office of the Revisor of Statutes, 14 M.R.S. § 871 / Maine Plumbers' Examining Board, 2024, https://www.mainelegislature.org/legis/statutes/14/title14sec871.html", "market_size_or_density_note": "Maine has 2,410 employed plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters (SOC 47-2152), representing an occupational density of 3.877 per 1,000 jobs and a location quotient of 1.35 (35% above the U.S. national average concentration).", "market_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS, May 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_me.htm", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_basis": "Computed as (state median hourly wage 29.61 minus the national median 30.27) / 30.27. The national figure is the one published on this trade's page.", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes472152.htm", "median_wage_source_access": "url", "license_source_access": "url", "bonding_source_access": "url", "market_source_access": "url", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source_access": "url" }, { "name": "Maryland", "where": "MD", "median_hourly_wage_usd": 29.82, "wage_differential_vs_national_pct": -1.49, "median_wage_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), May 2023 OEWS State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates - Maryland and US National (2024), https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_md.htm and https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes472152.htm", "license_regime": "Statewide licensing is required in Maryland for plumbing professionals, administered by the Maryland State Board of Plumbing under the Department of Labor. Note that Baltimore County and the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC) jurisdiction maintain separate local licensing boards and codes. License tiers include Apprentice, Journey Plumber, and Master Plumber, in addition to specialized Natural Gas Fitter and Propane Gas Fitter credentials.", "license_source": "Maryland State Board of Plumbing, Maryland Department of Labor (2024)", "bonding_requirement": "Licensed Master Plumbers operating as contractors must carry a minimum of $400,000 total liability insurance per occurrence, consisting of at least $300,000 in General Liability Insurance and at least $100,000 in Property Damage Insurance. Policies must be issued by a company approved by the Maryland Insurance Administration.", "bonding_source": "Maryland State Board of Plumbing - Insurance Requirements, Maryland Department of Labor (2024)", "market_size_or_density_note": "Maryland employs 10,880 Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters (SOC 47-2152) with an employment density of 4.063 per 1,000 jobs and a location quotient of 1.41, representing a 41% higher concentration of plumbing trade employment than the national average.", "market_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), May 2023 OEWS State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates - Maryland (2024), https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_md.htm", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_basis": "Computed as (state median hourly wage 29.82 minus the national median 30.27) / 30.27. The national figure is the one published on this trade's page.", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes472152.htm", "median_wage_source_access": "url", "license_source_access": "citation-text-only", "bonding_source_access": "citation-text-only", "market_source_access": "url", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source_access": "url" }, { "name": "Massachusetts", "where": "MA", "median_hourly_wage_usd": 43.93, "wage_differential_vs_national_pct": 45.13, "median_wage_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes472152.htm", "license_regime": "Massachusetts requires a state-level license administered by the Board of State Examiners of Plumbers and Gas Fitters. Licensing tiers consist of Apprentice Plumber, Journeyman Plumber, and Master Plumber. Only Master Plumbers are authorized to contract independently, operate a plumbing business, and pull municipal plumbing permits.", "license_source": "Massachusetts Board of State Examiners of Plumbers and Gas Fitters, 2024, https://www.mass.gov/orgs/board-of-state-examiners-of-plumbers-and-gas-fitters", "bonding_requirement": "Massachusetts does not impose a universal statewide surety bond requirement to hold an individual plumbing license. However, Master Plumbers operating a contracting business must carry General Liability Insurance and Workers' Compensation (if employing workers) to pull municipal permits, and surety bonds may be required for public works projects under M.G.L. c. 149 or by municipal specifications.", "bonding_source": "Massachusetts Board of State Examiners of Plumbers and Gas Fitters, 2024, https://www.mass.gov/orgs/board-of-state-examiners-of-plumbers-and-gas-fitters", "market_size_or_density_note": "Massachusetts employs 15,710 workers in SOC 47-2152 (Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters) with a location quotient of 1.50, indicating a trade workforce density 50% higher than the national average.", "market_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_ma.htm", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_basis": "Computed as (state median hourly wage 43.93 minus the national median 30.27) / 30.27. The national figure is the one published on this trade's page.", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes472152.htm", "median_wage_source_access": "url", "license_source_access": "url", "bonding_source_access": "url", "market_source_access": "url", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source_access": "url" }, { "name": "Michigan", "where": "MI", "median_hourly_wage_usd": 34.95, "wage_differential_vs_national_pct": 15.46, "median_wage_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2023 OEWS State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates - Michigan, 2024, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_mi.htm", "license_regime": "State-level licensing is required in Michigan under the Skilled Trades Regulation Act (Act 407 of 2016), administered by the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) Bureau of Construction Codes. Licensing tiers comprise Apprentice Plumber (registration), Journey Plumber, Master Plumber, and Plumbing Contractor.", "license_source": "Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), Bureau of Construction Codes, 2024", "bonding_requirement": "State law under MCL 339.6111 does not mandate a statewide surety bond minimum to hold a plumbing contractor license, though general liability insurance and workers' compensation coverage are required to operate and pull local permits, and individual municipalities may enforce local bonding rules.", "bonding_source": "Michigan Legislature, Skilled Trades Regulation Act (Act 407 of 2016), MCL 339.6111, 2016, https://www.legislature.mi.gov/mileg.aspx?page=getobject&objectname=mcl-339-6111", "market_size_or_density_note": "According to BLS OEWS data, Michigan had an estimated employment of 12,860 Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters (SOC 47-2152), with an employment density of 2.958 jobs per 1,000 total jobs and a Location Quotient of 1.03 relative to national overall employment.", "market_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2023 OEWS State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates - Michigan, 2024, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_mi.htm", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_basis": "Computed as (state median hourly wage 34.95 minus the national median 30.27) / 30.27. The national figure is the one published on this trade's page.", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes472152.htm", "median_wage_source_access": "url", "license_source_access": "citation-text-only", "bonding_source_access": "url", "market_source_access": "url", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source_access": "url" }, { "name": "Minnesota", "where": "MN", "median_hourly_wage_usd": 38.43, "wage_differential_vs_national_pct": 26.96, "median_wage_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS, May 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_mn.htm", "license_regime": "State-level licensing is mandatory in Minnesota, regulated by the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI). Individual and business credential tiers include Registered Unlicensed Plumber (apprentice), Journeyworker Plumber, Master Plumber, and Plumbing Contractor (business license).", "license_source": "Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI), 2024", "bonding_requirement": "To maintain a Plumbing Contractor license, contractors must post a $25,000 surety bond (Plumbing Contractor Code Compliance Bond) and hold commercial general liability insurance with minimum limits of $50,000 per person, $100,000 per occurrence, and $10,000 for property damage, along with statutory workers' compensation coverage if employing workers.", "bonding_source": "Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) / Minnesota Statutes § 326B.46, 2024", "market_size_or_density_note": "As of May 2023, Minnesota employed 10,100 Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters (SOC 47-2152), representing a location quotient of 1.22 (22% higher trade density than the national average) and 3.504 plumbing jobs per 1,000 total jobs in the state.", "market_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS, May 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_mn.htm", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_basis": "Computed as (state median hourly wage 38.43 minus the national median 30.27) / 30.27. The national figure is the one published on this trade's page.", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes472152.htm", "median_wage_source_access": "url", "license_source_access": "citation-text-only", "bonding_source_access": "citation-text-only", "market_source_access": "url", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source_access": "url" }, { "name": "Mississippi", "where": "MS", "median_hourly_wage_usd": 25.61, "wage_differential_vs_national_pct": -15.39, "median_wage_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes472152.htm", "license_regime": "Mississippi requires a state-level contractor license administered by the Mississippi State Board of Contractors (MSBOC) for commercial plumbing projects exceeding $50,000 and residential plumbing/remodeling exceeding $10,000 (or new residential construction over $50,000). License tiers include Commercial (Plumbing specialty or Mechanical major classification) and Residential Plumbing. Plumbing work below these monetary thresholds does not require a state license and is governed by local city or county jurisdictions.", "license_source": "Mississippi State Board of Contractors (MSBOC), 2024, https://www.msboc.us", "bonding_requirement": "MSBOC requires proof of general liability insurance for all license holders: commercial plumbing contractors must carry minimum coverage of $300,000 per occurrence and $600,000 aggregate, while residential contractors must show proof of active general liability insurance. Workers' compensation coverage is mandatory for contractors with 5 or more employees. Surety bonds are not mandated statewide for licensing but are enforced by local municipalities or required for tax compliance on contracts over $75,000.", "bonding_source": "Mississippi State Board of Contractors (MSBOC), 2024, https://www.msboc.us", "market_size_or_density_note": "Mississippi employed 3,060 Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters (SOC 47-2152) with an employment location quotient of 0.93 relative to the national average occupational concentration.", "market_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_ms.htm", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_basis": "Computed as (state median hourly wage 25.61 minus the national median 30.27) / 30.27. The national figure is the one published on this trade's page.", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes472152.htm", "median_wage_source_access": "url", "license_source_access": "url", "bonding_source_access": "url", "market_source_access": "url", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source_access": "url" }, { "name": "Missouri", "where": "MO", "median_hourly_wage_usd": 30.49, "wage_differential_vs_national_pct": 0.73, "median_wage_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2023 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates - Missouri, published April 3, 2024, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_mo.htm (National reference: BLS May 2023 National Estimates, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes472152.htm)", "license_regime": "Missouri does not issue or require a statewide plumbing license. Plumbing trade licensing is administered locally by individual municipal and county authorities pursuant to Revised Statutes of Missouri (RSMo) Chapter 341. Local jurisdictions (such as St. Louis County and Kansas City) administer licensing tiers including Apprentice Plumber, Journeyman Plumber, and Master Plumber.", "license_source": "Missouri General Assembly, Revised Statutes of Missouri (RSMo) Chapter 341 (Plumbers and Plumbing), 2024, https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneChapter.aspx?chapter=341", "bonding_requirement": "Because Missouri does not issue a state-level plumbing license, there are no statewide surety bond or insurance minimums required by a state licensing board to hold a credential; bonding and insurance minimums are set locally by individual cities and counties.", "bonding_source": "Missouri General Assembly, Revised Statutes of Missouri (RSMo) Chapter 341, 2024, https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneChapter.aspx?chapter=341", "market_size_or_density_note": "According to BLS OEWS May 2023 estimates, Missouri had an occupational employment of 7,680 Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters (SOC 47-2152), representing 2.67 jobs per 1,000 total state jobs and a Location Quotient (LQ) of 0.93 relative to national concentration.", "market_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2023 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates - Missouri, published April 3, 2024, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_mo.htm", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_basis": "Computed as (state median hourly wage 30.49 minus the national median 30.27) / 30.27. The national figure is the one published on this trade's page.", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes472152.htm", "median_wage_source_access": "url", "license_source_access": "url", "bonding_source_access": "url", "market_source_access": "url", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source_access": "url" }, { "name": "Montana", "where": "MT", "median_hourly_wage_usd": 35.45, "wage_differential_vs_national_pct": 17.11, "median_wage_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/2023/may/oes_mt.htm", "license_regime": "Montana requires state-level licensing for plumbers through the Montana Board of Plumbers under the Department of Labor & Industry (Business Standards Division). The primary licensing tiers are Journeyman Plumber (requires 5 years/7,500 hours of practical experience or an approved apprenticeship program, plus passing state written and practical exams) and Master Plumber (requires 4 years of experience as a licensed journeyman plumber and passing the master examination).", "license_source": "Montana Board of Plumbers, Department of Labor & Industry, 2024, https://boards.bsd.dli.mt.gov/plumbers", "bonding_requirement": "Montana does not require a statewide surety bond or general liability insurance policy to hold an individual Journeyman or Master Plumber trade license. However, plumbing businesses operating as construction contractors must register with the Montana Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) under MCA Title 39, Chapter 9, maintain mandatory Workers' Compensation insurance, and satisfy any local municipal bonding or general liability insurance requirements imposed at the permit level.", "bonding_source": "Montana Board of Plumbers / Montana Department of Labor & Industry, Montana Code Annotated Title 37 Chapter 69 and Title 39 Chapter 9, 2024, https://boards.bsd.dli.mt.gov/plumbers", "market_size_or_density_note": "Montana employs 1,820 plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters (SOC 47-2152), representing an employment density of 3.619 per 1,000 jobs and a location quotient of 1.26 relative to national average density.", "market_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/2023/may/oes_mt.htm", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_basis": "Computed as (state median hourly wage 35.45 minus the national median 30.27) / 30.27. The national figure is the one published on this trade's page.", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes472152.htm", "median_wage_source_access": "url", "license_source_access": "url", "bonding_source_access": "url", "market_source_access": "url", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source_access": "url" }, { "name": "Nebraska", "where": "NE", "median_hourly_wage_usd": 29.24, "wage_differential_vs_national_pct": -3.4, "median_wage_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_ne.htm", "license_regime": "Nebraska does not issue or require a statewide trade license for plumbers. Plumbing trade licensing is governed locally by municipal boards (e.g., City of Omaha, City of Lincoln), which issue Apprentice, Journeyman, Master Plumber, and local Contractor licenses. However, plumbing contractors operating in the state must register with the Nebraska Department of Labor under the Nebraska Contractor Registration Act.", "license_source": "Nebraska Department of Labor, Contractor Registration, 2024", "bonding_requirement": "State law under the Nebraska Contractor Registration Act requires contractors with one or more employees to maintain and submit proof of Workers' Compensation insurance; there is no statewide general liability or bonding minimum set by Nebraska state law. Minimum general liability insurance and surety bonding are established at the local level (e.g., City of Lincoln requires $500,000 general liability insurance; City of Omaha requires liability insurance and a $10,000 surety bond for master plumber contractors).", "bonding_source": "Nebraska Department of Labor, Contractor Registration Act (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 48-2101 et seq.), 2024", "market_size_or_density_note": "According to BLS OEWS May 2023 data, Nebraska employed 3,460 Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters (SOC 47-2152) with a location quotient of 1.20 (20% higher worker density than the US average). IBISWorld data reports 1,017 plumbing industry establishments operating in Nebraska.", "market_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS, May 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_ne.htm and IBISWorld, Plumbers in Nebraska Report, 2026, https://www.ibisworld.com/united-states/market-research-reports", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_basis": "Computed as (state median hourly wage 29.24 minus the national median 30.27) / 30.27. The national figure is the one published on this trade's page.", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes472152.htm", "median_wage_source_access": "url", "license_source_access": "citation-text-only", "bonding_source_access": "citation-text-only", "market_source_access": "url", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source_access": "url" }, { "name": "Nevada", "where": "NV", "median_hourly_wage_usd": 29.13, "wage_differential_vs_national_pct": -3.77, "median_wage_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2023 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates - Nevada (published April 2024), https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_nv.htm and National OEWS Estimates, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes472152.htm", "license_regime": "A state-level license issued by the Nevada State Contractors Board (NSCB) is required prior to bidding or performing plumbing contracting work in Nevada. Plumbing is categorized under Class C-1 Specialty Contracting (specifically C-1d Plumbing). License tiers are defined by assigned monetary limits, which cap the dollar value of single contracts based on applicant experience and financial review.", "license_source": "Nevada State Contractors Board, License Classifications and Application Guidelines (2024), https://www.nvcontractorsboard.com", "bonding_requirement": "Nevada requires a surety bond or cash deposit ranging from $1,000 to $500,000 (with statutory limits of $10,000 to $400,000 under NRS 624.270), as determined by the NSCB based on license monetary limit, experience, character, and financial standing. Proof of compliance with Nevada Industrial Insurance (Workers' Compensation) is also required.", "bonding_source": "Nevada State Contractors Board, Bond Requirements & NRS Chapter 624 (2024), https://www.nvcontractorsboard.com", "market_size_or_density_note": "As of May 2023, Nevada employed 5,170 plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters (SOC 47-2152) with a location quotient of 1.21, representing a 21% higher density of plumbing workers compared to the national average. IBISWorld reports 1,148 plumbing establishments across the state.", "market_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2023 OEWS Data (published April 2024), https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_nv.htm and IBISWorld, Plumbers in Nevada Industry Report (2026), https://www.ibisworld.com", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_basis": "Computed as (state median hourly wage 29.13 minus the national median 30.27) / 30.27. The national figure is the one published on this trade's page.", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes472152.htm", "median_wage_source_access": "url", "license_source_access": "url", "bonding_source_access": "url", "market_source_access": "url", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source_access": "url" }, { "name": "New Hampshire", "where": "NH", "median_hourly_wage_usd": 29.64, "wage_differential_vs_national_pct": -2.08, "median_wage_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_nh.htm", "license_regime": "State-level license required. In New Hampshire, plumbing is regulated at the state level under RSA 329-A by the Mechanical Safety and Licensing Board within the Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (OPLC). Licensing tiers include Apprentice, Journeyman Plumber, and Master Plumber.", "license_source": "New Hampshire Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (OPLC), Mechanical Safety and Licensing Board, 2024, https://www.oplc.nh.gov/mechanical-safety-and-licensing-board", "bonding_requirement": "New Hampshire does not impose a blanket statewide surety bond requirement for plumbing trade licensees. However, trade licensees must maintain liability insurance as specified by OPLC rules and workers' compensation coverage per RSA 281-A. Local municipalities or public works projects may independently mandate surety or performance bonds.", "bonding_source": "New Hampshire Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (OPLC) / NH RSA 281-A, 2024, https://www.oplc.nh.gov/mechanical-safety-and-licensing-board", "market_size_or_density_note": "As of May 2023, New Hampshire had an estimated total employment of 2,410 Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters (SOC 47-2152), with an employment density of 3.575 jobs per 1,000 total jobs and a location quotient of 1.24 relative to the national average.", "market_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_nh.htm", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_basis": "Computed as (state median hourly wage 29.64 minus the national median 30.27) / 30.27. The national figure is the one published on this trade's page.", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes472152.htm", "median_wage_source_access": "url", "license_source_access": "url", "bonding_source_access": "url", "market_source_access": "url", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source_access": "url" }, { "name": "New Jersey", "where": "NJ", "median_hourly_wage_usd": 37.72, "wage_differential_vs_national_pct": 24.61, "median_wage_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_nj.htm and https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes472152.htm", "license_regime": "State-level license is required. In New Jersey, oversight is conducted statewide by the State Board of Examiners of Master Plumbers rather than at county or municipal levels. The trade regime consists of three tiers: Apprentice Plumber (registered), Journeyman Plumber (registered), and Master Plumber (licensed, required to contract plumbing work, pull permits, and supervise others).", "license_source": "New Jersey State Board of Examiners of Master Plumbers, Division of Consumer Affairs, 2024, https://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/plu", "bonding_requirement": "Licensed Master Plumbers are required to purchase and maintain a $3,000 master plumber surety bond (N.J.S.A. 45:14C-26 / N.J.A.C. 13:32-2.5) for the term of licensure.", "bonding_source": "New Jersey State Board of Examiners of Master Plumbers, Division of Consumer Affairs, 2024, https://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/plu", "market_size_or_density_note": "According to BLS estimates, New Jersey had an employment count of 9,560 workers in SOC 47-2152 (Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters), representing a density of 2.276 jobs per 1,000 total state employment and a location quotient of 0.79.", "market_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates, May 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_nj.htm", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_basis": "Computed as (state median hourly wage 37.72 minus the national median 30.27) / 30.27. The national figure is the one published on this trade's page.", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes472152.htm", "median_wage_source_access": "url", "license_source_access": "url", "bonding_source_access": "url", "market_source_access": "url", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source_access": "url" }, { "name": "New Mexico", "where": "NM", "median_hourly_wage_usd": 24.48, "wage_differential_vs_national_pct": -19.13, "median_wage_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_nm.htm", "license_regime": "State-level licensing is required in New Mexico, governed by the Construction Industries Division (CID) under the New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department (NMRLD). Local jurisdictions cannot bypass state credentials. License tiers include Journeyman Plumber (JP, requiring 2 years or 4,000 hours of experience plus passing exams), Qualifying Party (QP / Master level, requiring 4 years or 8,000 hours of experience plus trade and business/law exams), and Plumbing / Mechanical Contractor (e.g., MM-1 classification) for business entities contracting plumbing work.", "license_source": "New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department (NMRLD) Construction Industries Division (CID), 2024, https://www.rld.nm.gov/boards-and-commissions/divisions/construction-industries", "bonding_requirement": "A $10,000 contractor license surety bond must be filed with the NM CID / NMRLD for plumbing contractor licensure. Workers' compensation insurance is required for contractors with employees (and mandatory for corporations/LLCs).", "bonding_source": "New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department (NMRLD) Construction Industries Division, NMSA 1978 Chapter 60 Article 13, 2024, https://www.rld.nm.gov/boards-and-commissions/divisions/construction-industries", "market_size_or_density_note": "As of May 2023, New Mexico employed 2,890 Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters (SOC 47-2152), representing an employment concentration of 3.417 per 1,000 jobs and a location quotient of 1.19 relative to the national average.", "market_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_nm.htm", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_basis": "Computed as (state median hourly wage 24.48 minus the national median 30.27) / 30.27. The national figure is the one published on this trade's page.", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes472152.htm", "median_wage_source_access": "url", "license_source_access": "url", "bonding_source_access": "url", "market_source_access": "url", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source_access": "url" }, { "name": "New York", "where": "NY", "median_hourly_wage_usd": 37.6, "wage_differential_vs_national_pct": 24.22, "median_wage_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/2023/may/oes_ny.htm", "license_regime": "New York State does not issue or require a statewide plumbing license. Plumbing licensing is administered entirely at the local city, town, or county level (such as the NYC Department of Buildings in New York City, or municipal licensing boards in Buffalo, Albany, and Yonkers). Tiers typically include Apprentice, Journeyman Plumber, and Master Plumber (Licensed Plumbing Contractor).", "license_source": "NYC Department of Buildings, Licensing & Exams Unit, 2024", "bonding_requirement": "New York State has no statewide surety bond or general liability insurance requirement for plumbers. Bonding and insurance minimums are set by local municipalities; for instance, New York City DOB requires licensed Master Plumber businesses to carry at least $1,000,000 in general liability insurance per occurrence, along with mandatory workers' compensation and disability coverage.", "bonding_source": "NYC Department of Buildings, Insurance Guidelines, 2024", "market_size_or_density_note": "IBISWorld estimates New York's plumbing industry market size at approximately $11.1 billion with over 8,700 plumbing businesses operating statewide. According to BLS OEWS data, New York employs 24,440 Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters (SOC 47-2152) across the state.", "market_source": "IBISWorld, Plumbers in New York Industry Report, 2025, https://www.ibisworld.com/united-states/market-research-reports", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_basis": "Computed as (state median hourly wage 37.6 minus the national median 30.27) / 30.27. The national figure is the one published on this trade's page.", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes472152.htm", "median_wage_source_access": "url", "license_source_access": "citation-text-only", "bonding_source_access": "citation-text-only", "market_source_access": "url", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source_access": "url" }, { "name": "North Carolina", "where": "NC", "median_hourly_wage_usd": 24.24, "wage_differential_vs_national_pct": -19.92, "median_wage_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS, May 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_nc.htm", "license_regime": "A state-level license is required in North Carolina, administered by the State Board of Examiners of Plumbing, Heating and Fire Sprinkler Contractors under N.C.G.S. Chapter 87, Article 2. Contractor license tiers include Class I (Commercial and Residential), Class II (Residential only), Restricted Limited Plumbing Contractor, and State & Local Government Technician.", "license_source": "North Carolina State Board of Examiners of Plumbing, Heating and Fire Sprinkler Contractors, 2024, https://www.nclicensing.org", "bonding_requirement": "North Carolina does not require a statewide surety bond or liability insurance to hold a state plumbing contractor license. However, local municipal and county jurisdictions frequently enforce their own bond requirements to issue permits (e.g., $2,000 contractor bond in Greensboro and $2,500 plumbing bond in Winston-Salem).", "bonding_source": "Insureon / City of Winston-Salem Inspections Division, 2025", "market_size_or_density_note": "As of May 2023, North Carolina employed 15,120 Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters (SOC 47-2152), with an occupational density of 3.154 per 1,000 jobs and a location quotient of 1.10 relative to the national baseline.", "market_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS, May 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_nc.htm", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_basis": "Computed as (state median hourly wage 24.24 minus the national median 30.27) / 30.27. The national figure is the one published on this trade's page.", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes472152.htm", "median_wage_source_access": "url", "license_source_access": "url", "bonding_source_access": "citation-text-only", "market_source_access": "url", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source_access": "url" }, { "name": "North Dakota", "where": "ND", "median_hourly_wage_usd": 29.94, "wage_differential_vs_national_pct": -1.09, "median_wage_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2023 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates (North Dakota), https://www.bls.gov/oes/2023/may/oes_nd.htm", "license_regime": "Statewide licensing is required by the North Dakota State Plumbing Board under NDCC Chapter 43-18. License tiers include Apprentice Plumber Registration, Journeyman Plumber License (requires 4 years / 7,600+ hours experience and examination), Master Plumber License (requires 2 years experience as a journeyman and examination), and Plumbing Contractor License (requires a qualifying Master Plumber and ND Secretary of State contractor registration for work exceeding $4,000).", "license_source": "North Dakota State Plumbing Board, 2024, https://www.ndplumbingboard.gov", "bonding_requirement": "Plumbing contractors must maintain general liability insurance and state-mandated workers' compensation through North Dakota Workforce Safety & Insurance (WSI). While general state contractor licensing requires proof of liability insurance, surety bond requirements exist at the municipal level (e.g., $5,000 bond in Grand Forks) or by statutory mandate for public works contracts exceeding $100,000 (NDCC § 48-01.2).", "bonding_source": "North Dakota Century Code (NDCC § 43-07 and § 48-01.2) / North Dakota State Plumbing Board, 2024, https://www.ndplumbingboard.gov", "market_size_or_density_note": "North Dakota employs 1,560 plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters (SOC 47-2152), representing an employment density of 3.75 per 1,000 jobs and a location quotient of 1.30 relative to the national average.", "market_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2023 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates (North Dakota), https://www.bls.gov/oes/2023/may/oes_nd.htm", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_basis": "Computed as (state median hourly wage 29.94 minus the national median 30.27) / 30.27. The national figure is the one published on this trade's page.", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes472152.htm", "median_wage_source_access": "url", "license_source_access": "url", "bonding_source_access": "url", "market_source_access": "url", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source_access": "url" }, { "name": "Ohio", "where": "OH", "median_hourly_wage_usd": 31.27, "wage_differential_vs_national_pct": 3.3, "median_wage_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_oh.htm", "license_regime": "State-level licensing is required for commercial plumbing contractors through the Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board (OCILB), part of the Ohio Department of Commerce. Ohio does not issue state-level journeyman or master plumber licenses; individual trade licensing and residential work are regulated at the local municipal and county levels.", "license_source": "Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board (OCILB), Ohio Department of Commerce, 2024, https://com.ohio.gov/divisions-and-programs/industrial-compliance/boards/ohio-construction-industry-licensing-board", "bonding_requirement": "To hold an OCILB plumbing contractor license, contractors must maintain a minimum of $500,000 in general liability insurance. The state board does not require a statewide contractor surety bond, though individual cities and counties (such as Columbus or Cleveland) mandate local contractor license bonds ranging from $10,000 to $25,000.", "bonding_source": "Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board (OCILB), Ohio Department of Commerce, 2024, https://com.ohio.gov/divisions-and-programs/industrial-compliance/boards/ohio-construction-industry-licensing-board", "market_size_or_density_note": "Ohio has an estimated employment of 12,780 Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters (SOC 47-2152), with an occupational density of 2.336 per 1,000 jobs and a location quotient of 0.81 relative to the national average.", "market_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_oh.htm", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_basis": "Computed as (state median hourly wage 31.27 minus the national median 30.27) / 30.27. The national figure is the one published on this trade's page.", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes472152.htm", "median_wage_source_access": "url", "license_source_access": "url", "bonding_source_access": "url", "market_source_access": "url", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source_access": "url" }, { "name": "Oklahoma", "where": "OK", "median_hourly_wage_usd": 26.28, "wage_differential_vs_national_pct": -13.18, "median_wage_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) May 2023 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates - Oklahoma, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_ok.htm", "license_regime": "State-level licensing is required in Oklahoma under the Oklahoma Plumbing License Law, administered by the Oklahoma Construction Industries Board (CIB). License tiers consist of Plumbing Apprentice, Journeyman Plumber, and Plumbing Contractor.", "license_source": "Oklahoma Construction Industries Board (CIB), 2024, https://oklahoma.gov/cib.html", "bonding_requirement": "Active Plumbing Contractors must maintain a $5,000 continuous corporate surety bond payable to the Oklahoma Construction Industries Board and carry a minimum of $50,000 in commercial general liability insurance.", "bonding_source": "Oklahoma Construction Industries Board (CIB) / Oklahoma Administrative Code § 158:30-5-2, 2024, https://oklahoma.gov/cib.html", "market_size_or_density_note": "According to BLS data, Oklahoma had 6,110 employed Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters (SOC 47-2152) as of May 2023, representing a density of 3.672 jobs per 1,000 total state employment and a location quotient of 1.28 relative to the national average.", "market_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) May 2023 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates - Oklahoma, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_ok.htm", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_basis": "Computed as (state median hourly wage 26.28 minus the national median 30.27) / 30.27. The national figure is the one published on this trade's page.", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes472152.htm", "median_wage_source_access": "url", "license_source_access": "url", "bonding_source_access": "url", "market_source_access": "url", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source_access": "url" }, { "name": "Oregon", "where": "OR", "median_hourly_wage_usd": 39.83, "wage_differential_vs_national_pct": 31.58, "median_wage_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2023 OEWS State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates: Oregon (SOC 47-2152), https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_or.htm and May 2023 National OEWS (SOC 47-2152), https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes472152.htm", "license_regime": "State-level licensing is mandatory in Oregon through a dual-agency system: the Oregon Construction Contractors Board (CCB) licenses contractor businesses, while the Oregon Building Codes Division (BCD) / Oregon Plumbing Board credentials individual trade workers. Individual license tiers include Apprentice Plumber, Residential Plumber (limited to 1- and 2-family dwellings), Journeyman Plumber, Water Service Journeyman, and Supervising Plumber. Every licensed plumbing contractor business must maintain at least one designated Supervising Plumber on record with BCD and hold a CCB Specialty or General Contractor endorsement.", "license_source": "Oregon Construction Contractors Board (CCB) and Oregon Building Codes Division (BCD), 2024, https://www.oregon.gov/ccb/ and https://www.oregon.gov/bcd", "bonding_requirement": "To hold a CCB contractor license, plumbing contractors must post a surety bond tiered by classification: $15,000 for Residential Specialty, $20,000 for Residential General, $20,000-$50,000 for Commercial Specialty, and $75,000-$80,000 for Commercial General. General liability insurance minimums range from $100,000 to $500,000 per occurrence depending on license tier, and workers' compensation coverage is required for all contractors with employees.", "bonding_source": "Oregon Construction Contractors Board (CCB), License Bond and Insurance Requirements, 2024, https://www.oregon.gov/ccb", "market_size_or_density_note": "As of May 2023, Oregon employed approximately 4,830 plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters (SOC 47-2152), representing an employment density of 2.486 per 1,000 jobs (location quotient of 0.87). Industry data from IBISWorld indicates 1,607 plumbing business locations operating in Oregon in 2026.", "market_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2023 State OEWS: Oregon, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_or.htm and IBISWorld, Plumbers in Oregon Industry Report, 2026, https://www.ibisworld.com", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_basis": "Computed as (state median hourly wage 39.83 minus the national median 30.27) / 30.27. The national figure is the one published on this trade's page.", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes472152.htm", "median_wage_source_access": "url", "license_source_access": "url", "bonding_source_access": "url", "market_source_access": "url", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source_access": "url" }, { "name": "Pennsylvania", "where": "PA", "median_hourly_wage_usd": 30.37, "wage_differential_vs_national_pct": 0.33, "median_wage_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS, May 2023 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates - Pennsylvania, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_pa.htm", "license_regime": "No statewide plumbing license is required in Pennsylvania; trade licensing is administered locally by individual municipalities and counties (e.g., Philadelphia Department of Licenses and Inspections, Pittsburgh/Allegheny County Health Department). However, contractors performing residential plumbing work exceeding $500 must register with the PA Attorney General under the Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act (HICPA). Local jurisdictions issue apprentice, journeyman, and master plumber license tiers.", "license_source": "Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act (HICPA), 2008 / 2023", "bonding_requirement": "No statewide surety bond is required. Under the Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act (HICPA, 73 P.S. § 517.5), registered contractors must maintain liability insurance covering personal injury of not less than $50,000 and property damage of not less than $50,000. Specific bonding and higher insurance minimums may be imposed by local municipal licensing boards.", "bonding_source": "Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act (73 P.S. § 517.5), 2008 / 2023", "market_size_or_density_note": "Pennsylvania employed 13,540 Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters (SOC 47-2152), representing an occupational density of 2.277 jobs per 1,000 total state jobs.", "market_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS, May 2023 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates - Pennsylvania, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_pa.htm", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_basis": "Computed as (state median hourly wage 30.37 minus the national median 30.27) / 30.27. The national figure is the one published on this trade's page.", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes472152.htm", "median_wage_source_access": "url", "license_source_access": "citation-text-only", "bonding_source_access": "citation-text-only", "market_source_access": "url", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source_access": "url" }, { "name": "Rhode Island", "where": "RI", "median_hourly_wage_usd": 36.34, "wage_differential_vs_national_pct": 20.05, "median_wage_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_ri.htm", "license_regime": "In Rhode Island, a state-level license is required to perform plumbing work. The regime is administered by the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training (DLT), Division of Professional Regulation, through the Board of Examiners of Plumbers under Rhode Island General Laws Chapter 5-20. License tiers include Apprentice Plumber, Journeyperson Plumber, Master Plumber, and Contractor Master Plumber.", "license_source": "Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training (DLT), Division of Professional Regulation, Board of Examiners of Plumbers, 2024, https://dlt.ri.gov/regulation-and-safety/professional-regulation", "bonding_requirement": "Master plumbers and plumbing contractors are required to post a $3,000 surety bond with the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training pursuant to R.I. Gen. Laws § 5-20-18. Additionally, contractors registering with the Contractors' Registration and Licensing Board (CRLB) must maintain a minimum of $500,000 in general liability insurance.", "bonding_source": "Rhode Island General Assembly, R.I. Gen. Laws § 5-20-18 (Master plumber's bond), 2024, https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/Statutes/TITLE5/5-20/5-20-18.htm", "market_size_or_density_note": "Rhode Island has 2,100 employed Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters (SOC 47-2152), representing an occupational density of 4.303 jobs per 1,000 total statewide jobs and a location quotient of 1.50 (50% higher concentration than the US national average).", "market_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_ri.htm", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_basis": "Computed as (state median hourly wage 36.34 minus the national median 30.27) / 30.27. The national figure is the one published on this trade's page.", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes472152.htm", "median_wage_source_access": "url", "license_source_access": "url", "bonding_source_access": "url", "market_source_access": "url", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source_access": "url" }, { "name": "South Carolina", "where": "SC", "median_hourly_wage_usd": 24.35, "wage_differential_vs_national_pct": -19.56, "median_wage_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_sc.htm", "license_regime": "State-level contractor licensure is required in South Carolina to perform plumbing work independently. Regulation is administered by the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (SC LLR) under two main boards: the Residential Builders Commission issues Residential Specialty Plumbing Contractor licenses for residential work, while the SC Contractor's Licensing Board issues Commercial Mechanical Contractor licenses (Plumbing classification) for commercial jobs exceeding $5,000. Journeyman and Master trade certifications exist through trade associations (e.g., Carolinas AGC / MASC) to qualify licensees, but independent contracting requires state contractor licensure.", "license_source": "South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (SC LLR) Contractor's Licensing Board & Residential Builders Commission, 2024, https://llr.sc.gov/clb", "bonding_requirement": "For Residential Specialty Plumbing Contractors performing projects exceeding $5,000, a $10,000 surety bond is required by the Residential Builders Commission. For Commercial Mechanical Contractors (Plumbing classification), a minimum of $100,000 General Liability insurance per occurrence is required, along with a surety bond or financial net worth documentation corresponding to the applicant's license group tier (ranging from $7,000 up to $200,000+).", "bonding_source": "South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (SC LLR) Residential Builders Commission & SC Code Ann. § 40-59-220(D), 2024, https://llr.sc.gov/res/docsubmission.aspx", "market_size_or_density_note": "According to BLS OEWS May 2023 data, South Carolina employs 4,010 plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters (SOC 47-2152), representing an employment density of 1.806 per 1,000 jobs and a location quotient of 0.63 compared to the U.S. national average.", "market_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_sc.htm", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_basis": "Computed as (state median hourly wage 24.35 minus the national median 30.27) / 30.27. The national figure is the one published on this trade's page.", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes472152.htm", "median_wage_source_access": "url", "license_source_access": "url", "bonding_source_access": "url", "market_source_access": "url", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source_access": "url" }, { "name": "South Dakota", "where": "SD", "median_hourly_wage_usd": 25, "wage_differential_vs_national_pct": -17.41, "median_wage_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2023 OEWS State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates - South Dakota & National, 2024, https://www.bls.gov/oes/2023/may/oes_sd.htm", "license_regime": "State-level license required. Administered statewide by the South Dakota Plumbing Commission (part of the South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation). License tiers include Apprentice Plumber, Journeyman Plumber (requires 4 years/7,600 hours as an apprentice and passing an exam), and Plumbing Contractor (requires 6 years total trade experience, including at least 2 years as a journeyman/contractor, and passing an exam), as well as specialty contractor/installer licenses (Sewer & Water, Water Conditioning, Appliance, Underground Irrigation).", "license_source": "South Dakota Plumbing Commission, 2024, https://dlr.sd.gov/plumbing/licensing.aspx", "bonding_requirement": "At the state level, the South Dakota Plumbing Commission does not set a mandatory surety bond or general liability insurance floor for standard trade licensure. However, local municipalities mandate local contractor license bonds and general liability insurance for plumbing contractors operating within their jurisdictions (e.g., City of Sioux Falls requires a $10,000 contractor bond and $300,000 general liability insurance; City of Brookings requires a $1,000 bond and $50,000/$100,000 liability insurance).", "bonding_source": "South Dakota Plumbing Commission & City Municipal Codes, 2024, https://dlr.sd.gov/plumbing/default.aspx", "market_size_or_density_note": "South Dakota employs 1,420 Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters (SOC 47-2152), representing an occupational density of 3.188 per 1,000 jobs and a location quotient of 1.11 relative to national concentration.", "market_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2023 OEWS State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates - South Dakota, 2024, https://www.bls.gov/oes/2023/may/oes_sd.htm", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_basis": "Computed as (state median hourly wage 25 minus the national median 30.27) / 30.27. The national figure is the one published on this trade's page.", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes472152.htm", "median_wage_source_access": "url", "license_source_access": "url", "bonding_source_access": "url", "market_source_access": "url", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source_access": "url" }, { "name": "Tennessee", "where": "TN", "median_hourly_wage_usd": 24.48, "wage_differential_vs_national_pct": -19.13, "median_wage_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2023 OEWS State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates - Tennessee, 2024, https://www.bls.gov/oes/2023/may/oes_tn.htm", "license_regime": "A state contractor license is required for plumbing projects valued at $25,000 or more (issued by the Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors under classifications CMC - Full Mechanical Contractor or CMC-A - Plumbing and Gas Piping Contractor). For jobs under $25,000, the state offers a Limited Licensed Plumber (LLP) license; however, local municipal and county boards issue local journeyman/master plumbing licenses, and 15 counties do not recognize the LLP license and enforce local licensing instead.", "license_source": "Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors, Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance, 2025, https://www.tn.gov/commerce/regboards/contractors.html", "bonding_requirement": "General liability insurance is required for state contractor licensing based on monetary project limits: $100,000 for monetary limits up to $500,000; $500,000 for limits between $500,001 and $1,500,000; and $1,000,000 for limits over $1,500,000. Under Board rules, applicants may submit a contractor surety bond equal to at least 50% of the requested monetary limit as an alternative to CPA financial statements. Local municipalities (e.g., Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville) require local permit surety bonds ranging from $10,000 to $25,000. Workers' compensation coverage or an official exemption is also required.", "bonding_source": "Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors, Insurance and Financial Requirements, 2025, https://www.tn.gov/commerce/regboards/contractors.html", "market_size_or_density_note": "According to BLS OEWS data from May 2023, Tennessee employed 8,920 Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters (SOC 47-2152), representing an employment density of 2.771 per 1,000 jobs and a location quotient of 0.96.", "market_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2023 OEWS State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates - Tennessee, 2024, https://www.bls.gov/oes/2023/may/oes_tn.htm", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_basis": "Computed as (state median hourly wage 24.48 minus the national median 30.27) / 30.27. The national figure is the one published on this trade's page.", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes472152.htm", "median_wage_source_access": "url", "license_source_access": "url", "bonding_source_access": "url", "market_source_access": "url", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source_access": "url" }, { "name": "Texas", "where": "TX", "median_hourly_wage_usd": 27.52, "wage_differential_vs_national_pct": -9.08, "median_wage_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS, May 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/2023/may/oes_tx.htm", "license_regime": "State-level license required. Regulated statewide by the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE) rather than municipal/county boards. Tiers include Plumber's Apprentice (registration), Tradesman Plumber-Limited, Journeyman Plumber, Master Plumber, and Responsible Master Plumber (RMP) designation for contractors operating a plumbing business and pulling permits.", "license_source": "Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE), 2024, https://tsbpe.texas.gov", "bonding_requirement": "To hold a Responsible Master Plumber (RMP) designation and contract directly with the public, the licensee must maintain a minimum of $300,000 in commercial general liability insurance coverage for property damage and bodily injury.", "bonding_source": "Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE) / Texas Occupations Code Chapter 1301, 2024, https://tsbpe.texas.gov", "market_size_or_density_note": "Texas employs 41,890 plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters with an employment density of 3.089 per 1,000 jobs (location quotient 1.08), making it the second-largest state employer for this trade nationwide.", "market_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS, May 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/2023/may/oes_tx.htm", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_basis": "Computed as (state median hourly wage 27.52 minus the national median 30.27) / 30.27. The national figure is the one published on this trade's page.", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes472152.htm", "median_wage_source_access": "url", "license_source_access": "url", "bonding_source_access": "url", "market_source_access": "url", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source_access": "url" }, { "name": "Utah", "where": "UT", "median_hourly_wage_usd": 28.56, "wage_differential_vs_national_pct": -5.65, "median_wage_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_ut.htm", "license_regime": "State-level license required statewide by the Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (DOPL) under Utah Code Title 58, Chapter 55 (Utah Construction Trades Licensing Act). License tiers include Apprentice Plumber, Residential Journeyman Plumber, Journeyman Plumber, Residential Master Plumber, Master Plumber, and Plumbing Contractor.", "license_source": "Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (DOPL), 2024, https://dopl.utah.gov/plumbing", "bonding_requirement": "Plumbing contractors must hold general liability insurance minimums of $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 aggregate, along with a state licensing surety bond if mandated by DOPL under Utah Code 58-55-306; individual journeyman and master plumbers working as employees under a licensed contractor are exempt from independent bond and insurance requirements.", "bonding_source": "Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (DOPL) / Utah Code Title 58 Chapter 55, 2026, https://dopl.utah.gov", "market_size_or_density_note": "Utah employed 5,790 plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters (SOC 47-2152), representing 3.449 per 1,000 jobs and a location quotient of 1.20 (20% higher worker concentration than the U.S. national average).", "market_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_ut.htm", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_basis": "Computed as (state median hourly wage 28.56 minus the national median 30.27) / 30.27. The national figure is the one published on this trade's page.", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes472152.htm", "median_wage_source_access": "url", "license_source_access": "url", "bonding_source_access": "url", "market_source_access": "url", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source_access": "url" }, { "name": "Vermont", "where": "VT", "median_hourly_wage_usd": 28.59, "wage_differential_vs_national_pct": -5.55, "median_wage_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_vt.htm", "license_regime": "State-level licensing is required in Vermont for the plumbing trade, governed by the Plumbers' Examining Board within the Department of Public Safety Division of Fire Safety. Licensing tiers include Apprentice Plumber (registered via VT Department of Labor / State Apprenticeship Council), Specialist / Limited Licensure (P1, P2, P3 for water heaters, heating systems, and water treatment), Journeyman Plumber (requiring 12,000 hours of on-the-job training or completion of an approved apprenticeship plus passing an exam), and Master Plumber (requiring 12 months of experience as a licensed VT Journeyman or 14,000 OJT hours plus passing an exam).", "license_source": "Vermont Department of Public Safety, Division of Fire Safety, Plumbers' Examining Board, 2024, https://firesafety.vermont.gov/licensing/plumbing", "bonding_requirement": "Vermont state statute does not require a surety bond or general liability insurance to hold an individual trade license issued by the Plumbers' Examining Board. However, local municipalities or specific commercial project contracts may impose municipal bonding or liability insurance requirements.", "bonding_source": "Vermont General Assembly, Vermont Statutes Online Title 26 Chapter 39 (Plumbers and Plumbing), 2024, https://legislature.vermont.gov/statutes/chapter/26/039", "market_size_or_density_note": "Vermont employed 980 Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters (SOC 47-2152), representing 3.249 jobs per 1,000 total statewide jobs and a location quotient of 1.13 compared to the national average.", "market_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_vt.htm", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_basis": "Computed as (state median hourly wage 28.59 minus the national median 30.27) / 30.27. The national figure is the one published on this trade's page.", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes472152.htm", "median_wage_source_access": "url", "license_source_access": "url", "bonding_source_access": "url", "market_source_access": "url", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source_access": "url" }, { "name": "Virginia", "where": "VA", "median_hourly_wage_usd": 27.75, "wage_differential_vs_national_pct": -8.33, "median_wage_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2023 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates - Virginia, 2024, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_va.htm", "license_regime": "State-level licensure is required in Virginia, administered by the Board for Contractors under the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR). The regime includes individual tradesman credentials (Journeyman Plumber and Master Plumber, as well as Residential Plumber) and business contractor licenses required for projects of $1,000 or more: Class A (unlimited project/annual dollar limits), Class B ($10,000-$120,000 per project or $150,000-$750,000 annual volume), and Class C ($1,000-$10,000 per project or up to $150,000 annual volume).", "license_source": "Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR), Board for Contractors, 2024, https://www.dpor.virginia.gov/Boards/Tradesmen", "bonding_requirement": "Individual tradesmen carry no state bonding or insurance requirements. Plumbing contracting entities must prove financial responsibility based on contractor class: Class A requires $45,000 net worth or a $50,000 surety bond; Class B requires $15,000 net worth or a $50,000 surety bond; Class C requires no net worth or bond. General liability insurance is not mandated by the state board for licensing, but workers' compensation insurance is required under state law for businesses regularly employing more than two workers.", "bonding_source": "Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR), Board for Contractors, 2024, https://www.dpor.virginia.gov/Boards/Contractors", "market_size_or_density_note": "In May 2023, Virginia had an estimated 10,930 employed Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters (SOC 47-2152), representing 2.746 plumbing jobs per 1,000 total jobs in the state and a location quotient of 0.96 relative to the national baseline.", "market_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2023 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates - Virginia, 2024, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_va.htm", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_basis": "Computed as (state median hourly wage 27.75 minus the national median 30.27) / 30.27. The national figure is the one published on this trade's page.", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes472152.htm", "median_wage_source_access": "url", "license_source_access": "url", "bonding_source_access": "url", "market_source_access": "url", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source_access": "url" }, { "name": "Washington", "where": "WA", "median_hourly_wage_usd": 39.61, "wage_differential_vs_national_pct": 30.86, "median_wage_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_wa.htm", "license_regime": "State-level licensing is mandatory in Washington and administered by the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) under Chapter 18.106 RCW. Individual worker license tiers include Plumber Trainee, Specialty Plumber, Journey Level Plumber, and Master Plumber. Plumbing contracting businesses must hold a Plumbing Contractor License with L&I and employ/assign a certified Designated Plumber.", "license_source": "Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I), 2024", "bonding_requirement": "Plumbing contractors must maintain a $6,000 continuous surety bond (or assigned savings account) and general liability insurance with minimum coverage of $250,000 combined single limit per occurrence (or $200,000 public liability and $50,000 property damage).", "bonding_source": "Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I), 2024", "market_size_or_density_note": "Washington state employed 10,860 Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters (SOC 47-2152), representing an employment concentration of 3.106 per 1,000 jobs and a Location Quotient (LQ) of 1.08 relative to the national baseline.", "market_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_wa.htm", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_basis": "Computed as (state median hourly wage 39.61 minus the national median 30.27) / 30.27. The national figure is the one published on this trade's page.", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes472152.htm", "median_wage_source_access": "url", "license_source_access": "citation-text-only", "bonding_source_access": "citation-text-only", "market_source_access": "url", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source_access": "url" }, { "name": "West Virginia", "where": "WV", "median_hourly_wage_usd": 24.17, "wage_differential_vs_national_pct": -20.15, "median_wage_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_wv.htm", "license_regime": "Statewide licensure and trade certification are required in West Virginia. The West Virginia Division of Labor regulates individual trade certifications across three primary levels (Plumber in Training, Journeyman Plumber, and Master Plumber). In addition, the West Virginia Contractor Licensing Board requires a Plumbing Contractor License for any entity or individual performing plumbing work on contracts exceeding $2,500.", "license_source": "West Virginia Division of Labor & West Virginia Contractor Licensing Board, 2024, https://labor.wv.gov", "bonding_requirement": "West Virginia does not mandate a standard statewide contractor license surety bond, but plumbing contractors with employees must furnish a Wage Bond (calculated at 115% of four weeks' payroll at maximum capacity pursuant to W. Va. Code § 21-5-14) or submit a Wage Bond Status Affidavit if exempt. Contractors must also maintain active General Liability insurance and Workers' Compensation insurance. Municipalities (e.g., Charleston, Huntington) may require additional local surety bonds.", "bonding_source": "West Virginia Division of Labor, Wage & Hour Section, 2024, https://labor.wv.gov", "market_size_or_density_note": "As of May 2023, West Virginia employed 1,350 plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters (SOC 47-2152), corresponding to an employment density of 1.961 per 1,000 jobs and a location quotient of 0.68 relative to the national average.", "market_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_wv.htm", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_basis": "Computed as (state median hourly wage 24.17 minus the national median 30.27) / 30.27. The national figure is the one published on this trade's page.", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes472152.htm", "median_wage_source_access": "url", "license_source_access": "url", "bonding_source_access": "url", "market_source_access": "url", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source_access": "url" }, { "name": "Wisconsin", "where": "WI", "median_hourly_wage_usd": 36.86, "wage_differential_vs_national_pct": 21.77, "median_wage_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2023 OEWS State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates (Wisconsin), https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_wi.htm", "license_regime": "State-level licensing is required in Wisconsin under Wis. Stat. § 145.06, administered by the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS). Credential tiers include Registered Plumbing Apprentice, Journeyman Plumber (and restricted categories), Master Plumber (and restricted categories), and registered Plumbing Contractor.", "license_source": "Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS), 2024, https://dsps.wi.gov/Pages/Professions/MasterPlumber/Default.aspx", "bonding_requirement": "Plumbing contractors operating a commercial entity or residential dwelling contracting business in Wisconsin must demonstrate financial responsibility by maintaining general liability insurance (minimum $250,000 per occurrence for Dwelling Contractor credential) or a surety bond of at least $25,000, alongside statutory workers' compensation coverage under Wis. Stat. ch. 102.", "bonding_source": "Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS), 2024, https://dsps.wi.gov/Pages/Professions/DwellingContractor/Default.aspx", "market_size_or_density_note": "According to May 2023 BLS OEWS data, Wisconsin employed 6,860 Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters (SOC 47-2152), representing 2.38 jobs per 1,000 total jobs in the state and a location quotient of 0.83.", "market_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2023 OEWS State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates (Wisconsin), https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_wi.htm", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_basis": "Computed as (state median hourly wage 36.86 minus the national median 30.27) / 30.27. The national figure is the one published on this trade's page.", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes472152.htm", "median_wage_source_access": "url", "license_source_access": "url", "bonding_source_access": "url", "market_source_access": "url", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source_access": "url" }, { "name": "Wyoming", "where": "WY", "median_hourly_wage_usd": 27.44, "wage_differential_vs_national_pct": -9.35, "median_wage_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_wy.htm and https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes472152.htm", "license_regime": "No state-level plumbing license is required or issued in Wyoming (unlike electrical contractors, which are regulated statewide). Plumbing licensure and contractor registration are delegated entirely to local municipal and county governments (such as the cities of Cheyenne, Casper, Laramie, and Sheridan). Local jurisdictions establish licensing tiers, typically including Apprentice Plumber, Journeyman Plumber, Master Plumber / Qualified Supervisor, and Plumbing Contractor.", "license_source": "Wyoming Department of Fire Prevention and Electrical Safety / City of Cheyenne Building Safety Division, 2024", "bonding_requirement": "There are no statewide surety bond or general liability insurance minimums for plumbing contractors in Wyoming due to local regulation. Financial responsibility requirements are set by individual cities and counties (for example, the City of Sheridan requires a $10,000 surety bond and $1,000,000 in general liability insurance for licensed plumbing contractors).", "bonding_source": "City of Sheridan / SuretyBonds.com, 2024", "market_size_or_density_note": "Wyoming employed an estimated 1,120 Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters (SOC 47-2152), representing an occupational density of 4.083 per 1,000 total jobs in the state and a location quotient of 1.42 relative to the U.S. average.", "market_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_wy.htm", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_basis": "Computed as (state median hourly wage 27.44 minus the national median 30.27) / 30.27. The national figure is the one published on this trade's page.", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes472152.htm", "median_wage_source_access": "url", "license_source_access": "citation-text-only", "bonding_source_access": "citation-text-only", "market_source_access": "url", "wage_differential_vs_national_pct_source_access": "url" } ], "msas": [ { "name": "Atlanta", "where": "GA", "contractor_density_note": "According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS, the Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA MSA employed 4,320 Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters (SOC 47-2152) as of May 2023, with an average hourly wage of $29.02 and annual mean wage of $60,370.", "density_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS, 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_12060.htm", "median_job_value_usd": 316, "job_value_source": "Angi, 2026", "permit_volume_trend": "New privately-owned housing units authorized by building permits in the Atlanta CBSA declined by 5.0%, moving from 40,687 units in 2023 down to 38,639 units in 2024.", "permit_source": "U.S. Census Bureau Building Permits Survey, 2024, https://www.census.gov/construction/bps", "market_context_note": "According to the WorkSource Metro Atlanta 2024 Regional Workforce Plan, the skilled trades industry in Metro Atlanta is projected to expand by 16% between 2024 and 2029, driven heavily by residential and nonresidential plumbing and HVAC contractors generating over 1,300 annual construction job openings.", "market_context_source": "Atlanta Regional Commission, 2024, https://atlantaregional.org", "density_source_access": "url", "job_value_source_access": "citation-text-only", "permit_source_access": "url", "market_context_source_access": "url" }, { "name": "Austin", "where": "TX", "contractor_density_note": "The Austin-Round Rock, TX MSA employed 4,370 plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters (SOC 47-2152) as of May 2023, representing a location quotient of 1.23 compared to the national average employment concentration.", "density_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2023 OEWS, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_12420.htm", "permit_volume_trend": "Residential construction permitting in the Austin metro area slowed in Q1 2026, with total residential permits down 19.7% year-over-year to 5,213 permits. The pullback was concentrated in multifamily construction (down nearly 50% year-over-year), while single-family permits declined 4.1% year-over-year to 3,934 permits.", "permit_source": "Official Austin Metro Permit Records via Team Price Real Estate, 2026", "market_context_note": "Plumbing represents one of the largest trade permit categories in the City of Austin, accounting for 14,609 plumbing permits issued over a trailing 12-month period.", "market_context_source": "City of Austin Open Data Portal, Issued Construction Permits, 2026", "density_source_access": "url", "permit_source_access": "citation-text-only", "market_context_source_access": "citation-text-only" }, { "name": "Baltimore", "where": "MD", "contractor_density_note": "As of May 2023, there were 5,110 plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters employed in the Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD metropolitan statistical area, representing approximately 1.36 workers per 1,000 total jobs (a location quotient of 1.36 relative to the national average).", "density_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2023 OEWS Metropolitan and Nonmetropolitan Area Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates for Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_12580.htm", "permit_volume_trend": "New residential building permits in the Baltimore metropolitan area experienced a downward trend over recent years, declining 12% in 2024 to 6,448 units and decreasing another 10.4% in 2025 to 5,775 total residential units permitted across the region.", "permit_source": "Baltimore Metropolitan Council, 2025 Regional Building Activity Report, https://www.baltometro.org", "market_context_note": "HUD estimated a 3-year forecast demand (2023-2026) for 11,950 new sales housing units and 4,565 rental units across the Baltimore-Columbia-Towson Housing Market Area, driving demand for plumbing trade installations across residential construction submarkets.", "market_context_source": "U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, 2023 Comprehensive Housing Market Analysis: Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, Maryland, https://www.huduser.gov/portal/ushmc/chma_archive.html", "density_source_access": "url", "permit_source_access": "url", "market_context_source_access": "url" }, { "name": "Birmingham", "where": "AL", "contractor_density_note": "According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics May 2023 estimates, the Birmingham-Hoover, AL Metropolitan Statistical Area employed 2,170 Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters, representing a density of 4.264 per 1,000 jobs and a location quotient of 1.48.", "density_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2023 OEWS Metropolitan and Nonmetropolitan Area Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates - Birmingham-Hoover, AL, 2024, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_13820.htm", "permit_volume_trend": "U.S. Census Bureau Building Permits Survey data indicates single-family residential authorizations in the Birmingham-Hoover MSA maintained steady baseline volume averaging roughly 250 to 300 single-family units authorized per month, supported by sustained residential building activity across surrounding suburban counties.", "permit_source": "U.S. Census Bureau, Building Permits Survey (retrieved via St. Louis Fed FRED, Series BIRM801BP1FH), 2024, https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/BIRM801BP1FH", "market_context_note": "The Birmingham-Hoover MSA anchors a population of approximately 1.18 million residents with a regional gross domestic product of $84.6 billion as of 2023. Demand for residential and commercial plumbing services is sustained by suburban growth in counties like Shelby and St. Clair as well as healthcare and commercial development.", "market_context_source": "U.S. Census Bureau, Resident Population in Birmingham-Hoover, AL (MSA) [BIRPOP] via St. Louis Fed FRED, 2024, https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/BIRPOP", "density_source_access": "url", "permit_source_access": "url", "market_context_source_access": "url" }, { "name": "Boston", "where": "MA", "contractor_density_note": "The Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH metropolitan area employed 11,320 plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters (SOC 47-2152), making it one of the largest metropolitan employment bases for plumbing trades in the United States.", "density_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes472152.htm", "median_job_value_usd": 354, "job_value_source": "Angi, 2026, https://www.angi.com/articles/how-much-does-plumber-cost-boston.htm", "permit_volume_trend": "Residential building permits in Greater Boston have trended downward sharply since peaking at roughly 15,000 permitted units in 2021, declining to under 9,000 units permitted regionwide in 2024 (with Boston proper falling to 2,219 permitted units).", "permit_source": "Boston Indicators / U.S. Census Building Permits Survey, 2025", "market_context_note": "More than 30% of Massachusetts residents live in homes built over 85 years ago, driving continuous demand for residential plumbing retrofits, freeze-prevention pipe insulation, and fixture upgrades under strict Massachusetts plumbing codes (248 CMR).", "market_context_source": "Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce / U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2025", "density_source_access": "url", "job_value_source_access": "url", "permit_source_access": "citation-text-only", "market_context_source_access": "citation-text-only" }, { "name": "Buffalo", "where": "NY", "contractor_density_note": "According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 1,450 Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters (SOC 47-2152) employed in the Buffalo-Cheektowaga-Niagara Falls, NY Metropolitan Statistical Area, representing an employment concentration of 2.76 workers per 1,000 jobs.", "density_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), May 2023 OEWS Metropolitan and Nonmetropolitan Area Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates, 2024, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_15380.htm", "permit_volume_trend": "Residential building permit activity in the Buffalo-Cheektowaga-Niagara Falls MSA totaled 3,197 units in 2022 before dropping to 2,101 units in 2023. Permitting activity has since stabilized and trended slightly upwards, with 2,659 total residential units permitted during the 12 months ending July 2024 compared to 2,558 units in the 12 months ending July 2023.", "permit_source": "U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Comprehensive Housing Market Analysis: Buffalo-Cheektowaga-Niagara Falls, New York (as of August 1, 2024), 2024, https://www.huduser.gov/portal/ushmc/chma_archive.html", "market_context_note": "Trade demand for plumbing in the Buffalo metro area is anchored by broad housing development and renovation. HUD forecasts demand for 2,950 new sales homes and 5,000 new rental units in the Buffalo housing market area between August 2024 and August 2027.", "market_context_source": "U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Comprehensive Housing Market Analysis: Buffalo-Cheektowaga-Niagara Falls, New York (as of August 1, 2024), 2024, https://www.huduser.gov/portal/ushmc/chma_archive.html", "density_source_access": "url", "permit_source_access": "url", "market_context_source_access": "url" }, { "name": "Charlotte", "where": "NC", "contractor_density_note": "According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, there were 4,040 Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters (SOC 47-2152) employed in the Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC metropolitan statistical area as of May 2024.", "density_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2024, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_16740.htm", "median_job_value_usd": 5000, "job_value_source": "HomeQuotr, 2026", "permit_volume_trend": "Residential construction permitting in the Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia metro area reached 20,902 units over the trailing 12 months, marking a 3.6% year-over-year expansion. The MSA maintains a high permitting rate of 7.70 permits per 1,000 residents, driven by a strong 75% single-family residential build mix following a slight moderation in multi-family permitting after 2022 peaks.", "permit_source": "U.S. Census Bureau Building Permits Survey / HUD User, 2024", "market_context_note": "In Charlotte and Mecklenburg County, building permits operate on the separate BEMP system (Building, Electrical, Mechanical, Plumbing), requiring dedicated trade permits for plumbing system modifications. Furthermore, North Carolina regulations mandate permits for all residential renovation projects exceeding $40,000 or involving water heater replacements and plumbing line alterations.", "market_context_source": "Mecklenburg County Code Enforcement (LUESA), 2026", "density_source_access": "url", "job_value_source_access": "citation-text-only", "permit_source_access": "citation-text-only", "market_context_source_access": "citation-text-only" }, { "name": "Chicago", "where": "IL", "contractor_density_note": "In the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI Metropolitan Statistical Area, there were 12,540 Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters employed, representing an employment density of 2.78 per 1,000 jobs and a location quotient of 0.97 relative to the national baseline.", "density_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_16980.htm", "median_job_value_usd": 356, "job_value_source": "Angi Chicago Plumbing Cost Guide, 2026, https://www.angi.com/companylist/chicago/plumbing.htm", "permit_volume_trend": "Residential building permit activity in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin MSA averaged 1,800 to 1,900 units per month in mid-2025, demonstrating a modest positive trajectory in housing permit volume after years of subdued housing supply growth across Illinois.", "permit_source": "U.S. Census Bureau Building Permits Survey / HUD User Great Lakes Market Report, 2025", "market_context_note": "Plumbing demand in the Chicago metro area is underpinned by aging residential building stock (nearly half built prior to 1940), municipal lead service line replacement requirements, and severe winter freeze risks, contributing to an annual mean wage of $92,060 ($44.26/hr) for plumbers in the area.", "market_context_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_16980.htm", "density_source_access": "url", "job_value_source_access": "url", "permit_source_access": "citation-text-only", "market_context_source_access": "url" }, { "name": "Cincinnati", "where": "OH", "contractor_density_note": "According to May 2023 BLS OEWS estimates, there were 2,920 Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters employed in the Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN Metropolitan Statistical Area, representing a location quotient of 0.94 and an annual mean wage of $68,540.", "density_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_17140.htm", "permit_volume_trend": "In 2024, the Cincinnati region issued 7,089 residential building permits (3.1 permits per 1,000 population), placing 12th among 20 peer metros, with its 5-year housing permit change from 2019 to 2024 ranking 9th best among peer markets.", "permit_source": "Cincinnati Regional Chamber (citing U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development / U.S. Census Bureau data), 2025, https://cincinnatichamber.com", "market_context_note": "The 16-county Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN metropolitan statistical area encompasses a regional population of approximately 2.27 million people, with Hamilton County containing 36.4% of residents, followed by Butler County (17.1%) and Warren County (11.0%).", "market_context_source": "Cincinnati Regional Chamber, 2023, https://cincinnatichamber.com", "density_source_access": "url", "permit_source_access": "url", "market_context_source_access": "url" }, { "name": "Cleveland", "where": "OH", "contractor_density_note": "According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics May 2023 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), there were 2,030 Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters (SOC 47-2152) employed in the Cleveland-Elyria, OH Metropolitan Statistical Area.", "density_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2023 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_17460.htm", "permit_volume_trend": "Private residential building permits in the Cleveland-Elyria, OH MSA experienced a 12.2% year-over-year decline in single-family housing permits in 2023 (to 2,695 units), followed by a recovery in overall authorized private housing structures, rising 28.6% year-over-year to over 4,100 trailing-12-month permitted units.", "permit_source": "U.S. Census Bureau, Building Permits Survey (retrieved via FRED, Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis), 2024, https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/CLEV439BPPRIVSA", "market_context_note": "According to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates, the median housing structure in Cuyahoga County (the central core of the Cleveland MSA) was built in 1954, with over 30% of the housing stock built before World War II. This aging residential infrastructure drives sustained regional demand for plumbing repair, lead/galvanized pipe retrofits, and system replacements.", "market_context_source": "U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates, 2012, https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/acs", "density_source_access": "url", "permit_source_access": "url", "market_context_source_access": "url" }, { "name": "Columbus", "where": "OH", "contractor_density_note": "According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics May 2023 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), there were 2,490 Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters (SOC 47-2152) employed in the Columbus, OH Metropolitan Statistical Area, representing an employment density of approximately 2.34 per 1,000 total jobs (location quotient of 0.81).", "density_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2024, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_18140.htm", "permit_volume_trend": "Residential building permit authorization in the Columbus metro area has experienced sustained growth, particularly in multifamily housing, where local permit activity reached 37.9 multifamily permits per 10,000 residents post-pandemic, making Columbus one of the highest-density metros for new residential building permits in the Midwest.", "permit_source": "U.S. Census Bureau, 2024, https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/COLU139BPPRIV", "market_context_note": "Demand for plumbing, pipefitting, and mechanical trade services across Central Ohio is surging due to unprecedented commercial and industrial megaprojects, including Intel's multi-billion-dollar semiconductor manufacturing campus in New Albany, Amazon and Google data centers, a $2.1 billion municipal wastewater treatment plant expansion, and major hospital construction projects for Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and Nationwide Children's Hospital.", "market_context_source": "Columbus/Central Ohio Building and Construction Trades Council, 2026", "density_source_access": "url", "permit_source_access": "url", "market_context_source_access": "citation-text-only" }, { "name": "Dallas-Fort Worth", "where": "TX", "contractor_density_note": "The Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX metropolitan statistical area employed 11,280 plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters (SOC 47-2152) as of May 2023, with a location quotient of 0.99 relative to the national average.", "density_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_19100.htm", "permit_volume_trend": "The Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington MSA maintains high-volume residential construction activity, authorizing over 63,000 housing unit permits annually (approx. 8.17 permits per 1,000 residents), ranking among the top metropolitan areas for new residential permit volume in the United States.", "permit_source": "U.S. Census Bureau, Building Permits Survey, 2025, https://www.census.gov/construction/bps", "market_context_note": "Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters in the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington MSA earned an annual mean wage of $59,400 (an hourly mean wage of $28.56) as of May 2023.", "market_context_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_19100.htm", "density_source_access": "url", "permit_source_access": "url", "market_context_source_access": "url" }, { "name": "Denver", "where": "CO", "contractor_density_note": "According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO metropolitan statistical area employed approximately 4,500 Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters (SOC 47-2152) in May 2023, representing 2.83 plumbing trade jobs per 1,000 total jobs in the metro area (location quotient of 0.99).", "density_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_19780.htm", "permit_volume_trend": "Residential construction activity in the Denver-Aurora-Lakewood metro experienced a downturn, with for-sale single-family home permits declining 34% to 1,175 homes permitted during the 12 months ending August 2023 compared to the prior 12-month period.", "permit_source": "U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Comprehensive Housing Market Analysis: Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, Colorado, 2023, https://www.huduser.gov/portal/ushmc/chma_archive.html", "market_context_note": "Plumbing trade labor in the Denver-Aurora-Lakewood metro commands competitive wage rates driven by regional growth and living costs, with plumbers earning a median hourly wage of $30.79 and an average annual wage of $67,250 as of May 2023.", "market_context_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_19780.htm", "density_source_access": "url", "permit_source_access": "url", "market_context_source_access": "url" }, { "name": "Detroit", "where": "MI", "contractor_density_note": "According to U.S. Census Bureau County Business Patterns data, there are 1,109 plumbing, heating, and air-conditioning contractor establishments (NAICS 238220) in the Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI metropolitan statistical area, representing approximately 25.5 contractor establishments per 100,000 residents. Additionally, BLS OEWS reports 5,740 employed plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters in the metro area (SOC 47-2152) with a location quotient of 1.05.", "density_source": "U.S. Census Bureau, County Business Patterns, 2022, https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/cbp.html", "permit_volume_trend": "Residential building permit volume in the Detroit-Warren-Dearborn MSA experienced a slight cooling trend in recent years, with single-family unit permits declining by 968 units in 2022 and 157 units in 2023, stabilizing at a trailing 12-month authorization total of 8,825 total housing units (a 2.3% decrease year-over-year).", "permit_source": "U.S. Census Bureau, Building Permits Survey, 2024, https://www.census.gov/construction/bps", "market_context_note": "In the Detroit-Warren-Dearborn MSA, plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters earned an average hourly wage of $34.46 ($71,670 mean annual salary). Trade demand is sustained by a high concentration of aging residential housing stock requiring repiping and routine maintenance, alongside mandatory permit and code compliance oversight through the City of Detroit Buildings, Safety Engineering, and Environmental Department (BSEED).", "market_context_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_19820.htm", "density_source_access": "url", "permit_source_access": "url", "market_context_source_access": "url" }, { "name": "Hartford", "where": "CT", "contractor_density_note": "According to U.S. Census Bureau data, there are 367 plumbing, heating, and air-conditioning contractor establishments (NAICS 238220) serving the Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, CT MSA, representing approximately 31.9 establishments per 100,000 residents. Additionally, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data indicates 1,290 Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters (SOC 47-2152) are employed in the metro area.", "density_source": "U.S. Census Bureau and U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_25540.htm", "permit_volume_trend": "According to the U.S. Census Bureau Building Permits Survey, residential permit activity in the Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, CT MSA included 1,488 multifamily units authorized in 2024, representing an 89.2% surge compared to its 5-year baseline and accounting for 66.0% of all new housing unit authorizations in the metro area.", "permit_source": "U.S. Census Bureau, Building Permits Survey (BPS), 2024, https://www.census.gov/construction/bps", "market_context_note": "According to analysis by the Home Builders & Remodelers Association of Connecticut, Connecticut faces a deficit of approximately 52,500 housing units, driving sustained structural demand for plumbing and specialty trades. Furthermore, U.S. Census Bureau building permit data shows the average construction valuation per newly authorized residential unit in the Hartford metro was $200,106 in 2024.", "market_context_source": "Home Builders & Remodelers Association of Connecticut (HBRA) & U.S. Census Bureau, 2024-2025, https://www.ct.gov", "density_source_access": "url", "permit_source_access": "url", "market_context_source_access": "url" }, { "name": "Houston", "where": "TX", "contractor_density_note": "According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), the Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX MSA employed 11,540 Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters (SOC 47-2152) in May 2023, representing a density of 3.63 jobs per 1,000 total jobs and a location quotient of 1.26 relative to the national baseline.", "density_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2024, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes472152.htm", "permit_volume_trend": "According to U.S. Census Bureau Building Permits Survey data analyzed by Rice University's Kinder Institute for Urban Research, the Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land MSA authorized 68,755 total residential housing units in 2023 (including 50,444 single-family homes). While overall permitting decreased modestly from a record 75,786 units in 2022, 2023 still ranked as the fifth-highest permitting year on record for the Houston metropolitan area.", "permit_source": "Rice University Kinder Institute for Urban Research, 2024, https://kinder.rice.edu", "market_context_note": "As of May 2023, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters in the Houston metro area earned a mean hourly wage of $28.66, corresponding to an average annual wage of $59,610, operating within a overall local construction and extraction trade sector that employs over 175,000 workers.", "market_context_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2024, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes472152.htm", "density_source_access": "url", "permit_source_access": "url", "market_context_source_access": "url" }, { "name": "Indianapolis", "where": "IN", "contractor_density_note": "In the Indianapolis-Carmel-Anderson, IN metropolitan area, there are approximately 4,000 employed Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters (SOC 47-2152), representing a location quotient of 1.29 relative to national average employment density and an annual mean wage of $70,180.", "density_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_26900.htm", "median_job_value_usd": 383, "job_value_source": "Angi Indianapolis Plumber Cost Report, 2026, https://www.angi.com", "permit_volume_trend": "Single-family building permit filings in Central Indiana reached 10,173 permits in 2025 (a 1.3% increase over 10,004 permits in 2024) and maintained momentum into early 2026, with January permit filings increasing 4% year-over-year to 731 permits.", "permit_source": "Builders Association of Greater Indianapolis (BAGI) / Indianapolis Business Journal, 2026, https://www.ibj.com/articles/indy-area-homebuilders-see-modest-rise-in-permit-applications", "market_context_note": "Plumbing service demand in the Indianapolis region is supported by resilient new residential construction, with Indiana leading neighboring Midwest states in single-family housing permit volume, alongside steady retrofits and winter freeze repairs across the metro area's older housing stock.", "market_context_source": "Indiana Builders Association (IBA), 2025, https://www.buildindiana.org", "density_source_access": "url", "job_value_source_access": "url", "permit_source_access": "url", "market_context_source_access": "url" }, { "name": "Jacksonville", "where": "FL", "contractor_density_note": "According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS (May 2023), there were 2,310 plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters (SOC 47-2152) employed in the Jacksonville, FL metropolitan statistical area, representing an employment density of 3.115 per 1,000 jobs.", "density_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2024, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_27260.htm", "permit_volume_trend": "Single-family residential building permits in the 4-county Jacksonville metro area (Clay, Duval, Nassau, and St. Johns counties) increased by 6.17% in 2024 to 12,551 permits, up from 11,821 permits in 2023. Duval County led the region with 5,045 permits, representing a 20.3% year-over-year increase.", "permit_source": "Northeast Florida Builders Association / Jax Daily Record, 2025", "market_context_note": "According to the HUD Comprehensive Housing Market Analysis, rental unit permitting in the Jacksonville Housing Market Area remained elevated at 8,950 units in 2023, while nonfarm payrolls grew by 33,900 jobs (4.4%), driving overall trade and construction activity across the metropolitan area.", "market_context_source": "U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD User), 2024", "density_source_access": "url", "permit_source_access": "citation-text-only", "market_context_source_access": "citation-text-only" }, { "name": "Kansas City", "where": "MO", "contractor_density_note": "As of May 2023, the Kansas City, MO-KS metropolitan statistical area employed approximately 3,450 Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters (SOC 47-2152), representing a density of 3.195 plumbers per 1,000 jobs in the metro area and a location quotient of 1.11 compared to the national baseline.", "density_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_28140.htm", "permit_volume_trend": "Single-family residential construction activity across the 8-county Kansas City metropolitan area showed strong growth, with 2,358 single-family units permitted through May 2026, representing a 32 percent increase compared to the same five-month period in 2025.", "permit_source": "Home Builders Association of Greater Kansas City (KCHBA) Residential Statistics Reports, 2026, https://kchba.org", "market_context_note": "The Kansas City metropolitan area accounts for a major concentration of Missouri's licensed journeyman and master plumbers, with trade demand anchored by commercial construction, hospital and institutional work, and multi-family residential developments.", "market_context_source": "Missouri Plumbing Authority, 2024, https://missouriplumbingauthority.com", "density_source_access": "url", "permit_source_access": "url", "market_context_source_access": "url" }, { "name": "Las Vegas", "where": "NV", "contractor_density_note": "According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), there were 3,760 Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters (SOC 47-2152) employed in the Las Vegas-Henderson-Paradise, NV metropolitan statistical area, representing an occupational density of 3.47 jobs per 1,000 total jobs and a location quotient of 1.21 relative to the national average.", "density_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2023 Metropolitan and Nonmetropolitan Area Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates: Las Vegas-Henderson-Paradise, NV (2024), https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_29820.htm", "permit_volume_trend": "Residential building permitting in the Las Vegas-Henderson-Paradise MSA moderated in recent years following interest rate increases. Census Building Permits Survey data shows total monthly residential permits fell from 1,384 in July 2020 to 847 in July 2025. HUD analysis notes that home sales fell 26% in 2022 and 22% in 2023, while forecasting regional demand for 33,650 new sales units and 10,300 rental units across 2024-2027.", "permit_source": "U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD User), Comprehensive Housing Market Analysis: Las Vegas-Henderson-Paradise, Nevada (2024), https://www.huduser.gov/portal/ushmc/chma_archive.html", "market_context_note": "Construction and plumbing trade demand in the metro is driven by ongoing expansion in master-planned communities like Summerlin in Las Vegas and Cadence in Henderson, with the city of Henderson accounting for roughly 28% of all new home construction since 2020. Plumbers and pipefitters in the MSA earn a median hourly wage of $28.49 and an annual mean wage of $67,070.", "market_context_source": "U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD User), Comprehensive Housing Market Analysis: Las Vegas-Henderson-Paradise, Nevada (2024), https://www.huduser.gov/portal/ushmc/chma_archive.html", "density_source_access": "url", "permit_source_access": "url", "market_context_source_access": "url" }, { "name": "Los Angeles", "where": "CA", "contractor_density_note": "According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA metropolitan statistical area employed 13,700 plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters as of May 2023, representing approximately 2.215 plumbing trade jobs per 1,000 total jobs in the region (location quotient of 0.77).", "density_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2023 OEWS Metropolitan and Nonmetropolitan Area Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates, 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_31080.htm", "permit_volume_trend": "According to the U.S. Census Bureau's Annual Building Permits Survey, total privately owned new residential housing units authorized by building permits in the city of Los Angeles dropped roughly 20.3% from 13,154 units in 2023 to 10,488 units in 2024.", "permit_source": "U.S. Census Bureau, Annual Building Permits Survey, 2024, https://www.census.gov/construction/bps", "market_context_note": "Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters in the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim metro area earned an average hourly wage of $35.35 and an annual mean wage of $73,530 as of May 2023, supported by strong local demand for specialty trade services, ADU plumbing retrofits, and strict municipal building code and energy/seismic compliance standards.", "market_context_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2023 OEWS Metropolitan and Nonmetropolitan Area Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates, 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_31080.htm", "density_source_access": "url", "permit_source_access": "url", "market_context_source_access": "url" }, { "name": "Louisville", "where": "KY", "contractor_density_note": "According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data, the Louisville-Jefferson County, KY-IN metropolitan statistical area employed 2,310 Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters (SOC 47-2152) as of May 2023, earning a mean hourly wage of $30.79 ($64,030 annual mean wage).", "density_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2023 OEWS Metropolitan and Nonmetropolitan Area Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates (2024), https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_31140.htm", "permit_volume_trend": "New private housing units authorized by building permits in the Louisville-Jefferson County, KY-IN MSA stabilized in the 200 to 400 unit per month range between 2023 and 2024 (series LOIBPPRIVSA), normalizing from post-2021 pandemic construction highs.", "permit_source": "U.S. Census Bureau via Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis FRED, New Private Housing Units Authorized by Building Permits for Louisville-Jefferson County, KY-IN (MSA) (2024), https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/LOIBPPRIVSA", "market_context_note": "Plumbing construction and major alterations in the Louisville area are governed by the Kentucky State Plumbing Code and enforced by the Division of Plumbing. Permits carry a mandatory base fee of $50 plus $14 per opening for residential (one- and two-family) work and $20 per opening for commercial work.", "market_context_source": "Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction, Division of Plumbing (2022)", "density_source_access": "url", "permit_source_access": "url", "market_context_source_access": "citation-text-only" }, { "name": "Memphis", "where": "TN", "contractor_density_note": "According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics May 2023 OEWS estimates, the Memphis, TN-MS-AR metropolitan statistical area had 1,700 employed Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters (SOC 47-2152), representing an employment density of 2.72 per 1,000 jobs and a location quotient of 0.95 relative to the national average.", "density_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2023 Metropolitan and Nonmetropolitan Area Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates - Memphis, TN-MS-AR, 2024, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_32820.htm", "permit_volume_trend": "In Shelby County, TN (the primary county of the Memphis MSA), new private housing units authorized by building permits declined from 2,059 units in 2021 to 1,870 units in 2022, before rebounding to 1,964 units in 2023 and 2,061 units in 2024.", "permit_source": "U.S. Census Bureau via FRED, Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, New Private Housing Structures Authorized by Building Permits for Shelby County, TN [BPPRIV047157], 2025, https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/BPPRIV047157", "market_context_note": "According to the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance, plumbing trades in the Memphis market are regulated at the state level: a Limited Licensed Plumber (LLP) license is required for plumbing projects valued under $25,000, whereas contracts of $25,000 or greater require a full Mechanical Plumbing (CMC-A) contractor license.", "market_context_source": "Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance, Board for Licensing Contractors, 2024, https://www.tn.gov/commerce/regboards/contractors.html", "density_source_access": "url", "permit_source_access": "url", "market_context_source_access": "url" }, { "name": "Miami", "where": "FL", "contractor_density_note": "According to BLS OEWS data, the Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FL metropolitan statistical area employed approximately 5,990 Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters (SOC 47-2152), representing an occupational concentration of 0.77 workers per 1,000 total jobs (Location Quotient of 0.77).", "density_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2023 OEWS Metropolitan and Nonmetropolitan Area Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates (Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FL), 2024, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_33100.htm", "permit_volume_trend": "In the Miami-Fort Lauderdale-Pompano Beach, FL metro area, total new privately-owned housing units authorized by building permits declined 21.7% year-over-year in 2022 to 19,813 units, representing $5.6 billion in total residential permit value (a 16.9% decrease from 2021).", "permit_source": "U.S. Census Bureau, Building Permits Survey, https://www.census.gov/construction/bps/", "market_context_note": "Plumbing contractor work across Miami-Dade County is subject to High Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ) standards under the Florida Building Code. Trade permits for plumbing alterations and replacements follow a valuation-based fee structure (0.5% base fee plus inspection and plan review surcharges), maintaining regulated compliance across residential and commercial renovations.", "market_context_source": "Miami-Dade County Building Department Regulations (via Fab's Remodeling Guide), 2026", "density_source_access": "url", "permit_source_access": "url", "market_context_source_access": "citation-text-only" }, { "name": "Milwaukee", "where": "WI", "contractor_density_note": "According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data, there were 1,720 plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters (SOC 47-2152) employed in the Milwaukee-Waukesha-West Allis, WI Metropolitan Statistical Area, representing an employment density of 2.105 per 1,000 total jobs and a location quotient of 0.73.", "density_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_39540.htm", "permit_volume_trend": "Analysis of U.S. Census Bureau Building Permits Survey data indicates that residential building permit activity in the Milwaukee metropolitan area has stagnated and remained relatively flat in recent years amid higher mortgage rates and building costs, with single-family permitting outpacing multi-family housing in the metro since 2019.", "permit_source": "Wisconsin Policy Forum (analyzing U.S. Census Bureau Building Permits Survey data), 2024", "market_context_note": "According to the City of Milwaukee Housing Affordability Report, the City of Milwaukee is fully built out with virtually no unserviced land, making infill development, building conversions/alterations, and replacement of aging water and sewer infrastructure the primary sources of plumbing demand.", "market_context_source": "City of Milwaukee Department of City Development, 2025, https://milwaukee.gov", "density_source_access": "url", "permit_source_access": "citation-text-only", "market_context_source_access": "url" }, { "name": "Minneapolis-St. Paul", "where": "MN", "contractor_density_note": "As of May 2023, the Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI metropolitan statistical area employed 6,010 Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters (SOC 47-2152), representing a trade density of 3.14 workers per 1,000 total jobs in the metro area and a location quotient of 1.09 compared to the national average.", "density_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_33460.htm", "permit_volume_trend": "Residential building permit activity in the Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI MSA moderated from 2021-2022 peak levels (24,937 total housing units permitted in 2022) to trailing 12-month levels of approximately 13,500 to 17,000 units. In the 12 months ending October 2025, single-family building permits reached 10,500 units (a 14% year-over-year increase) while multifamily permits totaled 6,550 units (up 22% year-over-year from 5,350 units, though below the 2019-2023 annual average of 12,850 units).", "permit_source": "U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) / U.S. Census Bureau Building Permits Survey, 2026, https://www.huduser.gov", "market_context_note": "Following the implementation of the Minneapolis 2040 plan, which eliminated single-family zoning restrictions and parking minimums, the metro area added over 18,000 multi-family units permitted between 2018 and 2022. Higher interest rates and construction material costs slowed multi-family permitting after 2022, though small-scale infill housing (duplexes, triplexes, and fourplexes) added 225 units across 87 new buildings between 2020 and 2024.", "market_context_source": "Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis, 2025, https://www.minneapolisfed.org", "density_source_access": "url", "permit_source_access": "url", "market_context_source_access": "url" }, { "name": "Nashville", "where": "TN", "contractor_density_note": "According to May 2023 BLS OEWS data, the Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN MSA employed 2,880 Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters (SOC 47-2152), representing a concentration of 2.681 plumbers per 1,000 jobs and a location quotient of 0.93.", "density_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_34980.htm", "permit_volume_trend": "Residential construction in the Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin MSA grew to 17,930 building permits authorized over a trailing 12-month period, reflecting a 19.0% year-over-year increase (8.77 permits per 1,000 residents) across single-family and multi-family development.", "permit_source": "U.S. Census Bureau, Building Permits Survey, 2024, https://www.census.gov/construction/bps", "market_context_note": "Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters in the Nashville MSA earned an annual mean wage of $57,920 ($27.85/hr) as of May 2023. Trade work within Davidson County is governed by the Metro Department of Codes, which requires dedicated plumbing permits and inspections for water heater replacements, drainage, and piping systems under Title 16 of the Metro Code.", "market_context_source": "Metro Government of Nashville and Davidson County, Code of Ordinances Title 16, 2024", "density_source_access": "url", "permit_source_access": "url", "market_context_source_access": "citation-text-only" }, { "name": "New Orleans", "where": "LA", "contractor_density_note": "As of May 2023, the New Orleans-Metairie, LA Metropolitan Statistical Area employed approximately 1,520 Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters (SOC 47-2152), representing 2.95 trade workers per 1,000 jobs and a location quotient of 1.03 relative to the national average.", "density_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_35380.htm", "permit_volume_trend": "Residential construction permitting in the New Orleans-Metairie metro area has slowed in recent years. In 2024, the metro authorized 3.4 new housing units per 1,000 existing homes, placing it among the lower-permitting metropolitan areas nationally compared to a national rate of 10.1 units per 1,000 homes. Multifamily permitting averaged 2.7 authorized units per 10,000 residents between mid-2024 and mid-2025.", "permit_source": "U.S. Census Bureau, Building Permits Survey (analyzed by Construction Coverage and Redfin), 2024, https://www.census.gov/construction/bps/index.html", "market_context_note": "Plumbing demand in New Orleans is driven largely by adaptive reuse, historic building renovations, and recurring maintenance on aging pipe infrastructure rather than high-volume new home developments. High property insurance rates, increased construction costs (+47% nationwide since 2018), and elevated interest rates have muted ground-up commercial and multi-family residential construction.", "market_context_source": "Multifamily Dive / HR&A Advisors Market Analysis, 2025", "density_source_access": "url", "permit_source_access": "url", "market_context_source_access": "citation-text-only" }, { "name": "New York", "where": "NY", "contractor_density_note": "As of May 2023, the New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA metropolitan statistical area employed 23,600 Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters, representing 2.485 plumbers per 1,000 jobs and a location quotient of 0.87 relative to national averages.", "density_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2023 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_35620.htm", "permit_volume_trend": "In the New York-Newark-Jersey City metropolitan area, residential construction activity experienced strong growth in late 2024: single-family home permitting rose 19 percent in Q4 2024 (up by 530 homes) compared to Q4 2023, while multifamily unit permitting more than doubled to 12,050 units authorized.", "permit_source": "U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD User) / U.S. Census Bureau, Building Permits Survey Regional Activity Report, 2024", "market_context_note": "Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters in the New York-Newark-Jersey City MSA earned an annual mean wage of $93,650 (mean hourly wage of $45.02) as of May 2023.", "market_context_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2023 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_35620.htm", "density_source_access": "url", "permit_source_access": "citation-text-only", "market_context_source_access": "url" }, { "name": "Oklahoma City", "where": "OK", "contractor_density_note": "According to May 2023 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the Oklahoma City, OK MSA employed 6,110 Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters (SOC 47-2152), representing a location quotient of 1.28 and an employment density of 3.672 per 1,000 total jobs in the metropolitan area.", "density_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_36420.htm", "permit_volume_trend": "In 2024, single-family building permits in Oklahoma increased 7.4% (+805 units) over 2023, while multi-family housing permits fell 22.5% (-520 units). Within the Oklahoma City MSA, residential construction is heavily single-family focused, representing 91.0% of all residential building permits authorized in 2023 (6,129 single-family units out of 6,736 total units).", "permit_source": "U.S. Census Bureau, Building Permits Survey, 2026, https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/OKLA440BPPRIVSA", "market_context_note": "Plumbing demand in the Oklahoma City MSA is supported by regional population growth and real GDP expansion (+5.3% state GDP growth in 2023). A HUD Comprehensive Housing Market Analysis projected three-year demand for 20,150 new sales homes and 5,100 rental units in the metro area, generating consistent work for new construction and replacement plumbing trades.", "market_context_source": "U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, 2022, https://www.huduser.gov/portal/ushmc/chma_archive.html", "density_source_access": "url", "permit_source_access": "url", "market_context_source_access": "url" }, { "name": "Orlando", "where": "FL", "contractor_density_note": "According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data, the Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford, FL metropolitan statistical area employed approximately 3,640 plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters (SOC 47-2152), representing a location quotient of 0.93 relative to the national average.", "density_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_36740.htm", "median_job_value_usd": 262, "job_value_source": "Angi, 'How Much Does a Plumber Cost in Orlando, FL?', 2026, https://www.angi.com/articles/how-much-does-plumber-cost-orlando-fl.htm", "permit_volume_trend": "After a temporary slowdown in 2024, residential permitting in the Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford metro area rebounded significantly in 2025 to 4.5 permitted units per 1,000 residents, matching peak 2021 rates. U.S. Census Building Permits Survey data showed 4,094 units permitted in Q1 2025 compared to 1,832 units in Q1 2024.", "permit_source": "U.S. Census Bureau Building Permits Survey / Realtor.com Research, 2026", "market_context_note": "The Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford MSA reached a population of approximately 2.87 million in 2024, with HUD reporting 9,200 single-family sales units and 17,750 rental units under construction. Rapid population growth and expanding residential and hospitality footprint drive consistent demand for trade contractors.", "market_context_source": "U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Office of Policy Development and Research, 'Comprehensive Housing Market Analysis: Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford, Florida', 2024, https://www.huduser.gov/portal/ushmc/chma_archive.html", "density_source_access": "url", "job_value_source_access": "url", "permit_source_access": "citation-text-only", "market_context_source_access": "url" }, { "name": "Philadelphia", "where": "PA", "contractor_density_note": "According to May 2023 BLS OEWS estimates, the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD metropolitan area employed 7,020 Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters (SOC 47-2152), representing a density of 2.481 workers per 1,000 total jobs in the MSA.", "density_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2023 OEWS Metropolitan Estimates (Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD), https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_37980.htm", "permit_volume_trend": "Following a 2021 surge to 26,166 authorized residential units prior to the reduction of Philadelphia's 10-year property tax abatement, building permit activity experienced a sharp drop and normalized to roughly 3,000 to 3,366 authorized units per year through 2024-2025.", "permit_source": "U.S. Census Bureau, Building Permits Survey 2024, https://www.census.gov/construction/bps", "market_context_note": "Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters in the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington MSA earned a mean hourly wage of $37.18 and a mean annual wage of $77,330 in May 2023.", "market_context_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2023 OEWS Metropolitan Estimates (Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD), https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_37980.htm", "density_source_access": "url", "permit_source_access": "url", "market_context_source_access": "url" }, { "name": "Phoenix", "where": "AZ", "contractor_density_note": "In the Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ MSA, there were 5,493 Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters (SOC 47-2152) employed as of May 2024.", "density_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), 2024, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), https://www.bls.gov/oes", "median_job_value_usd": 382, "job_value_source": "Angi, 2026, How Much Does a Plumber Cost in Phoenix? [2026 Data], https://www.angi.com/articles/how-much-does-plumber-cost-phoenix.htm", "permit_volume_trend": "Residential building permits in the Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler MSA totaled 45,616 authorized housing units in 2023, reflecting a 3.7% decrease from 47,369 units in 2022 as residential construction activity moderated from peak pandemic-era levels.", "permit_source": "U.S. Census Bureau, 2024, Building Permits Survey, https://www.census.gov/construction/bps", "market_context_note": "The Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler MSA population reached an estimated 5.25 million as of January 2025, growing at 1.5% annually, driven by expansion in manufacturing, semiconductor facilities, and sustained household formation.", "market_context_source": "U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD PD&R), 2025, Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, Arizona Comprehensive Housing Market Analysis, https://www.huduser.gov/portal/ushmc/chma_archive.html", "density_source_access": "url", "job_value_source_access": "url", "permit_source_access": "url", "market_context_source_access": "url" }, { "name": "Pittsburgh", "where": "PA", "contractor_density_note": "According to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data, there were 2,880 Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters (SOC 47-2152) employed in the Pittsburgh, PA MSA as of May 2023. Based on U.S. Census Bureau County Business Patterns data, the metro has approximately 35 plumbing and HVAC contractor establishments per 100,000 residents.", "density_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS (2023), https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_38300.htm; U.S. Census Bureau County Business Patterns (2022), https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/cbp.html", "permit_volume_trend": "Residential building permits in the Pittsburgh MSA averaged approximately 3,325 homes annually during 2022 and 2023, before increasing to 3,425 units permitted during the 12 months ending April 2024, representing a 4% year-over-year increase.", "permit_source": "U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Comprehensive Housing Market Analysis: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (2024), https://www.huduser.gov/portal/ushmc/chma_archive.html", "market_context_note": "The Allegheny County Health Department oversees plumbing administration across Pittsburgh and surrounding areas, processing, reviewing, and issuing permits for approximately 14,000 plumbing plans annually.", "market_context_source": "Allegheny County Health Department Plumbing Program (2023)", "density_source_access": "url", "permit_source_access": "url", "market_context_source_access": "citation-text-only" }, { "name": "Portland", "where": "OR", "contractor_density_note": "As of May 2023, the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA metropolitan area employed 3,800 plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters (SOC 47-2152), representing a location quotient of 1.10 and a density of 3.15 plumbers per 1,000 jobs.", "density_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_38900.htm", "permit_volume_trend": "Residential building permit activity in the Portland metro area declined significantly from 2022 into 2024. In the City of Portland, total authorized housing units dropped 47.4% from 3,089 in 2023 to 1,624 in 2024, with multifamily (5+ unit) permits dropping heavily across core metro counties including Multnomah (-66%) and Washington (-64%).", "permit_source": "HFO Investment Real Estate (analyzing U.S. Census Bureau Building Permits Survey data), 2025", "market_context_note": "In August 2024, the City of Portland adopted its Housing Production Strategy to address housing underproduction, identifying a 20-year demand for 120,560 new housing units by 2045 and targeting roughly 6,000 new units built per year (55,000 units by 2032), signaling strong potential long-term structural demand for plumbing contractors.", "market_context_source": "City of Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability, 2024, https://www.portland.gov/council/documents/resolution/adopted/37673", "density_source_access": "url", "permit_source_access": "citation-text-only", "market_context_source_access": "url" }, { "name": "Providence", "where": "RI", "contractor_density_note": "In May 2023, the Providence-Warwick, RI-MA Metropolitan Statistical Area employed an estimated 2,100 Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters (SOC 47-2152), representing a location quotient of 1.50 compared to the national labor baseline.", "density_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2023 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) - Providence-Warwick, RI-MA, 2024, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_39300.htm", "permit_volume_trend": "Residential building permitting in the Providence-Warwick, RI-MA MSA experienced an upward trajectory over recent years, with multifamily permitting rates rising from 0.1 permitted units per 1,000 residents in 2020-2022 to 0.7 units per 1,000 residents in 2025.", "permit_source": "U.S. Census Bureau Building Permits Survey via Realtor.com June 2026 Rent Report, 2026", "market_context_note": "Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters in the Providence-Warwick MSA earned a median hourly wage of $35.29 ($73,400 mean annual salary) in May 2023. Municipal plumbing permits in Providence and surrounding Rhode Island cities are regulated locally under the Rhode Island State Building Code Commission framework.", "market_context_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2023 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) - Providence-Warwick, RI-MA, 2024, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_39300.htm", "density_source_access": "url", "permit_source_access": "citation-text-only", "market_context_source_access": "url" }, { "name": "Raleigh", "where": "NC", "contractor_density_note": "According to BLS OEWS data, the Raleigh, NC metropolitan area employed approximately 2,830 Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters (SOC 47-2152), representing an occupational density of 4.03 per 1,000 jobs and a location quotient of 1.40, indicating a trade concentration 40% higher than the national average.", "density_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), May 2023 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_39580.htm", "median_job_value_usd": 266, "job_value_source": "Angi, 2026 How Much Does a Plumber Cost in Raleigh, NC?, https://www.angi.com", "permit_volume_trend": "Residential building permit issuance in the Raleigh-Cary MSA moderated from peak multi-year highs recorded in 2021-2022 into a more normalized pace through 2024-2025 as elevated interest rates dampened single-family construction, though overall permitting volume remains high relative to historic metro baselines.", "permit_source": "U.S. Census Bureau and Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis (FRED), 2026 New Private Housing Units Authorized by Building Permits for Raleigh-Cary, NC (MSA) [RALE537BPPRIV], https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/RALE537BPPRIV", "market_context_note": "Trade demand in the metro is underpinned by strong regional population growth and national industry projections calling for 4% employment growth from 2024 to 2034, generating an average of 44,000 openings per year nationwide.", "market_context_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), 2025 Occupational Outlook Handbook: Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/construction-and-extraction/plumbers-pipefitters-and-steamfitters.htm", "density_source_access": "url", "job_value_source_access": "url", "permit_source_access": "url", "market_context_source_access": "url" }, { "name": "Richmond", "where": "VA", "contractor_density_note": "According to the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the Richmond, VA metropolitan statistical area employed 1,940 Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters, representing a concentration of approximately 3.0 workers per 1,000 jobs and a location quotient of 1.04.", "density_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_40060.htm", "permit_volume_trend": "New residential building permit activity in the Richmond, VA MSA trended downward in 2024, with projections falling to approximately 58 permitted units per 10,000 residents from higher levels recorded in 2023.", "permit_source": "U.S. Census Bureau, Building Permits Survey / FRED, Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, 2024, https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/RICH051BPPRIV", "market_context_note": "Nationally, employment of plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters is projected to grow 4 percent from 2024 to 2034, generating about 44,000 annual openings on average due to replacement needs and ongoing infrastructure and residential trade demand.", "market_context_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2025, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/construction-and-extraction/plumbers-pipefitters-and-steamfitters.htm", "density_source_access": "url", "permit_source_access": "url", "market_context_source_access": "url" }, { "name": "Riverside-San Bernardino", "where": "CA", "contractor_density_note": "According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 3,850 employed Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters (SOC 47-2152) in the Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA MSA as of May 2023, representing a location quotient of 0.81 relative to national employment levels.", "density_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/2023/may/oes_40140.htm", "median_job_value_usd": 6200, "job_value_source": "Costadia, 2026, https://costadia.com", "permit_volume_trend": "According to U.S. Census Bureau Building Permits Survey data, total residential building permit authorizations in the Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario MSA remained flat at 15,817 units in 2024 and 15,824 units in 2025 (0% year-over-year change), reflecting a stabilization following earlier post-pandemic pullbacks.", "permit_source": "U.S. Census Bureau, Building Permits Survey (via InMyArea), 2026, https://www.inmyarea.com", "market_context_note": "The Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario MSA encompasses over 4.7 million residents, ranking as the 12th largest metropolitan area in the United States, driving consistent long-term demand for residential plumbing repairs, unit retrofits, and new residential infrastructure.", "market_context_source": "Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG), 2024 Southern California Economic Update, 2024, https://www.scag.ca.gov", "density_source_access": "url", "job_value_source_access": "url", "permit_source_access": "url", "market_context_source_access": "url" }, { "name": "Sacramento", "where": "CA", "contractor_density_note": "According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data, the Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA Metropolitan Statistical Area had 3,370 employed Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters (SOC 47-2152) with a mean hourly wage of $35.78.", "density_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS, 2024, https://www.bls.gov/oes", "permit_volume_trend": "According to the U.S. Census Bureau Building Permits Survey, the Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA metro area authorized 10,042 residential housing units over a trailing 12-month period, with monthly permit issuance rising 14% year-over-year to 1,094 units authorized (including 672 single-family and 332 multi-family units).", "permit_source": "U.S. Census Bureau, Building Permits Survey, 2026, https://www.census.gov/construction/bps", "market_context_note": "Regional residential construction and trade demand in the Sacramento metro area are driven by local infill housing initiatives, SACOG housing element targets, and expanded residential and commercial development across Sacramento, Roseville, and Folsom.", "market_context_source": "U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, 2020, https://www.huduser.gov/portal/periodicals/em/WinterSpring20/highlight1.html", "density_source_access": "url", "permit_source_access": "url", "market_context_source_access": "url" }, { "name": "Salt Lake City", "where": "UT", "contractor_density_note": "According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Salt Lake City, UT Metropolitan Statistical Area employed 3,070 Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters (SOC 47-2152) as of May 2024, representing a density of approximately 3.76 plumbers per 1,000 total jobs in the metro area.", "density_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2024 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_41660.htm", "permit_volume_trend": "Residential building permitting in the Salt Lake City metro area experienced a downturn during 2022-2024 due to high interest rates and construction costs, falling 7% in 2023 in Salt Lake City (and over 20% statewide), before showing signs of recovery and increased multi-family permitting activity in 2025.", "permit_source": "Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute, Ivory-Boyer Construction Database & Utah Housing Reports (2023-2025), https://gardner.utah.edu/housing-and-real-estate/ivory-boyer-construction-database", "market_context_note": "Utah recorded the second-fastest housing stock growth in the nation at 2.0% between July 2023 and July 2024 (adding 24,702 new units statewide), with Salt Lake County contributing over one-third of all new housing unit additions, driving long-term demand for plumbing and trade contracting.", "market_context_source": "U.S. Census Bureau and Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute, 2024 Utah Housing Unit Estimates (May 2025), https://gardner.utah.edu", "density_source_access": "url", "permit_source_access": "url", "market_context_source_access": "url" }, { "name": "San Antonio", "where": "TX", "contractor_density_note": "As of May 2023, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported 2,900 employed plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters (SOC 47-2152) in the San Antonio-New Braunfels, TX Metropolitan Statistical Area, representing a location quotient of 0.93 relative to the national average.", "density_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS (2023), https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_41700.htm", "median_job_value_usd": 320, "job_value_source": "", "permit_volume_trend": "Residential building permit activity in the San Antonio-New Braunfels metro peaked in 2021-2022 at over 24,000 authorized units, followed by a decline to approximately 15,000 units in 2024 as apartment developers scaled back production to absorb excess rental inventory.", "permit_source": "U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), San Antonio-New Braunfels TX Comprehensive Housing Market Analysis (2024), https://www.huduser.gov/portal/ushmc/chma_archive.html", "market_context_note": "Subsector employment for construction in the San Antonio-New Braunfels MSA grew by 5.0% (adding 3,200 jobs) over the 12 months ending September 2024, sustained by major commercial projects and single-family home developments along the I-35 corridor.", "market_context_source": "U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), San Antonio-New Braunfels TX Comprehensive Housing Market Analysis (2024), https://www.huduser.gov/portal/ushmc/chma_archive.html", "density_source_access": "url", "job_value_source_access": "missing", "permit_source_access": "url", "market_context_source_access": "url" }, { "name": "San Diego", "where": "CA", "contractor_density_note": "According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics May 2024 OEWS data, the San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA MSA employed approximately 3,526 plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters (SOC 47-2152). Additionally, the 2021 U.S. Census Bureau County Business Patterns database reported 1,001 plumbing, heating, and air-conditioning contractor establishments (NAICS 238220) in San Diego County.", "density_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2024 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, https://www.bls.gov/oes/ and U.S. Census Bureau, 2021 County Business Patterns, https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/cbp.html", "permit_volume_trend": "New residential housing authorizations in the San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad MSA averaged 5,825 units permitted annually between 2020 and 2022. Total residential permitting and housing starts subsequently moderated through 2023 and 2024 due to elevated interest rates and higher material costs, with HUD reporting approximately 9,300 total rental units and 2,925 sales units under construction as of mid-2024.", "permit_source": "U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Office of Policy Development and Research, Comprehensive Housing Market Analysis for San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, California (2024), https://www.huduser.gov/portal/ushmc/chma_archive.html", "market_context_note": "Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters in the San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad MSA earned a mean hourly wage of $36.03 ($74,940 annual mean) in May 2024. Local plumbing demand in the metropolitan area is supported by aging residential housing stock requiring slab leak repairs and copper repiping, local water efficiency/fixture mandates, and ongoing accessory dwelling unit (ADU) conversions.", "market_context_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2024 OEWS (SOC 47-2152), https://www.bls.gov/oes/ and City of San Diego Development Services Department, https://www.sandiego.gov/development-services", "density_source_access": "url", "permit_source_access": "url", "market_context_source_access": "url" }, { "name": "San Francisco", "where": "CA", "contractor_density_note": "According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 5,430 Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters (SOC 47-2152) employed in the San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA metropolitan area, representing a density of 2.24 per 1,000 jobs.", "density_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes41860.htm", "permit_volume_trend": "Residential building permit volume in the San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley metro area has trended downward in recent years. Total authorized new private housing units declined 18.8% year-over-year in 2022 to 11,048 units (with total authorized valuation dropping 20.8% to $3.0 billion), and remained subdued through 2023 with 7,284 total units permitted through November 2023.", "permit_source": "U.S. Census Bureau, Building Permits Survey, 2023, https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/SANF806BPPRIV", "market_context_note": "Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters in the San Francisco metropolitan area earned an annual mean wage of $90,790 ($43.65 hourly mean wage), reflecting high regional labor costs, union wage floors, and complex local building code compliance standards.", "market_context_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes41860.htm", "density_source_access": "url", "permit_source_access": "url", "market_context_source_access": "url" }, { "name": "San Jose", "where": "CA", "contractor_density_note": "In the San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA metropolitan statistical area, there were 2,370 Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters employed as of May 2023, representing a location quotient of 0.72 and a density of 2.08 plumbing jobs per 1,000 total jobs in the metro area.", "density_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes472152.htm", "permit_volume_trend": "Residential building permit activity in the San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara metro area declined 68% between July 2020 and July 2025, falling from 1,949 permitted housing units down to 623 units, driven primarily by a 74% drop in multifamily authorizations (from 1,697 units to 449 units).", "permit_source": "U.S. Census Bureau, Building Permits Survey, 2025, https://www.census.gov/construction/bps", "market_context_note": "According to a HUD market analysis as of December 2024, the San Jose housing market area demonstrates 3-year demand for 12,050 new rental units and 7,900 home sales, though construction momentum faces structural headwinds from elevated labor costs, high municipal development fees, and tight land supply.", "market_context_source": "U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Comprehensive Housing Market Analysis: San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, California, 2024, https://www.huduser.gov/portal/ushmc/chma_archive.html", "density_source_access": "url", "permit_source_access": "url", "market_context_source_access": "url" }, { "name": "Seattle", "where": "WA", "contractor_density_note": "According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 5,860 Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters (SOC 47-2152) employed in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA MSA as of May 2023, representing approximately 2.82 plumbing trade jobs per 1,000 total jobs in the metropolitan area.", "density_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_42660.htm", "permit_volume_trend": "According to U.S. Census Bureau Building Permits Survey data, residential construction permitting in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA MSA contracted in 2024, led by a 36.1% year-over-year decline in multifamily housing unit permits (down to 9,880 units) alongside a 0.8% decline in single-family permits (down to 1,957 units).", "permit_source": "U.S. Census Bureau, Building Permits Survey (reported by Realtor.com Research), 2025, https://www.realtor.com/research/february-2025-rent", "market_context_note": "Public Health - Seattle & King County reported that its Plumbing & Gas Program conducted 30,341 inspections in 2024 (up from 29,900 in 2023) and approved 283 plumbing plans (up from 220 in 2023) across Seattle and King County, reflecting strong local regulatory and trade service demand.", "market_context_source": "Public Health - Seattle & King County, Plumbing & Gas Program 2024 Year-End Totals, 2025", "density_source_access": "url", "permit_source_access": "url", "market_context_source_access": "citation-text-only" }, { "name": "St. Louis", "where": "MO", "contractor_density_note": "According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 3,810 plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters (SOC 47-2152) employed in the St. Louis, MO-IL metropolitan statistical area, representing a location quotient of 1.00 relative to national employment levels.", "density_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2024, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_41180.htm", "median_job_value_usd": 1714, "job_value_source": "RenoVetted, 2026", "permit_volume_trend": "Residential construction permitting in the St. Louis MSA has trended downward recently. Preliminary 2025 data shows 4,175 single-family units authorized by permit (down 10% from 4,650 units in 2024) and 1,650 multifamily units authorized (down 19% from 2,050 units in 2024), both remaining below 2015-2020 annual averages.", "permit_source": "U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD User) / U.S. Census Bureau Building Permits Survey, 2026, https://www.huduser.gov/portal/ushmc/chma_archive.html", "market_context_note": "The St. Louis MSA home sales market remains slightly tight with an average home sales price of $328,500 in 2025 (up 6% year-over-year), while nonfarm payroll employment averaged 1.43 million. Steady demand for plumbing trade services is further reinforced by maintenance and replacement needs across the metro area's aging housing stock.", "market_context_source": "U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD User), 2026, https://www.huduser.gov/portal/ushmc/chma_archive.html", "density_source_access": "url", "job_value_source_access": "citation-text-only", "permit_source_access": "url", "market_context_source_access": "url" }, { "name": "Tampa", "where": "FL", "contractor_density_note": "According to the May 2023 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data, the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater MSA employed 3,990 Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters (SOC 47-2152), representing a density of 2.821 plumbers per 1,000 jobs in the metropolitan workforce, in addition to 860 Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters (SOC 47-3015).", "density_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_45300.htm", "permit_volume_trend": "After reaching a 15-year peak of over 19,300 single-family housing units authorized (and nearly 30,000 total units) in 2021-2022, residential permit activity in the Tampa MSA moderated through 2023-2024 as higher mortgage interest rates cooled home sales, before stabilizing with renewed growth in 2025 driven largely by multifamily construction (adding 319 monthly units year-over-year in July 2025).", "permit_source": "U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Office of Policy Development and Research / U.S. Census Bureau Building Permits Survey, 2024, https://www.huduser.gov/portal/ushmc/chma_archive.html", "market_context_note": "Demand for plumbing trade work in the Tampa metro is driven by persistent population growth (adding approximately 47,550 residents annually since 2020) and new housing construction needs, combined with replacement and retrofit demand across an aging housing stock where the median residential structure was built around 1983.", "market_context_source": "U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Office of Policy Development and Research, 2024, https://www.huduser.gov/portal/ushmc/chma_archive.html", "density_source_access": "url", "permit_source_access": "url", "market_context_source_access": "url" }, { "name": "Virginia Beach", "where": "VA", "contractor_density_note": "According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics May 2023 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), the Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC metropolitan statistical area employed 3,460 Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters (SOC 47-2152), representing a location quotient of 1.63 and a concentration of 4.690 per 1,000 jobs.", "density_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_47260.htm", "permit_volume_trend": "According to HUD and U.S. Census Bureau Building Permits Survey data, residential permit activity in the Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News MSA has maintained a steady trend of approximately 3,000 to 4,000 authorized housing units annually, driven by steady single-family construction and active multi-family developments.", "permit_source": "U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), 2024, https://www.huduser.gov/portal/ushmc/chma_archive.html", "market_context_note": "The Virginia Beach metropolitan area housing market is supported by nonfarm payrolls averaging 820,800 jobs and a strong military/government presence (19% of nonfarm payrolls). HUD estimates demand for 11,000 new sales units and 6,175 rental units between 2024 and 2027, maintaining ongoing demand for residential plumbing installation and maintenance services.", "market_context_source": "U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), 2024, https://www.huduser.gov/portal/ushmc/chma_archive.html", "density_source_access": "url", "permit_source_access": "url", "market_context_source_access": "url" }, { "name": "Washington DC", "where": "DC", "contractor_density_note": "In the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV metropolitan statistical area, there were approximately 7,900 Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters (SOC 47-2152) employed, representing a density of 2.55 plumbers per 1,000 jobs in the metro area and a location quotient of 0.89.", "density_source": "U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes472152.htm", "permit_volume_trend": "New private housing units authorized by building permits in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria metro area reached 21,173 units in 2023, while total residential housing units in planning across the metro area expanded 10% to nearly 126,200 units in Q1 2024.", "permit_source": "U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Mid-Atlantic Regional Housing Market Report / U.S. Census Bureau Building Permits Survey, 2024, https://www.huduser.gov", "market_context_note": "Demand for skilled plumbing professionals in the Washington DC metro area is driven by high replacement needs for retiring trade workers, commercial-to-residential building conversions, and expanded federal infrastructure projects across the capital region.", "market_context_source": "McKinsey & Company, Tradespeople wanted: The need for critical trade skills in the US, 2024, https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/capital-projects-and-infrastructure/our-insights/trades-people-wanted-the-need-for-critical-trade-skills-in-the-us", "density_source_access": "url", "permit_source_access": "url", "market_context_source_access": "url" } ] }, "market_structure": { "permits": [ { "trade_category": "Plumbing", "permit_year": "2022", "permits": "1381080", "contractors": "69703", "p25_job_value": "1679.0", "median_job_value": "9806.0", "p75_job_value": "75299.0", "p90_job_value": "409966.0" }, { "trade_category": "Plumbing", "permit_year": "2023", "permits": "1544703", "contractors": "68480", "p25_job_value": "1822.0", "median_job_value": "11285.0", "p75_job_value": "88459.0", "p90_job_value": "451838.0" }, { "trade_category": "Plumbing", "permit_year": "2024", "permits": "978458", "contractors": "61922", "p25_job_value": "1904.0", "median_job_value": "11325.0", "p75_job_value": "88605.0", "p90_job_value": "453248.0" } ], "seasonality": [ { "trade_category": "Plumbing", "permit_month": "01", "permits": "108949", "avg_value": "567040.0" }, { "trade_category": "Plumbing", "permit_month": "02", "permits": "115798", "avg_value": "242984.0" }, { "trade_category": "Plumbing", "permit_month": "03", "permits": "135174", "avg_value": "343523.0" }, { "trade_category": "Plumbing", "permit_month": "04", "permits": "113568", "avg_value": "317164.0" }, { "trade_category": "Plumbing", "permit_month": "05", "permits": "128902", "avg_value": "439521.0" }, { "trade_category": "Plumbing", "permit_month": "06", "permits": "130510", "avg_value": "355283.0" }, { "trade_category": "Plumbing", "permit_month": "07", "permits": "111948", "avg_value": "446198.0" }, { "trade_category": "Plumbing", "permit_month": "08", "permits": "153344", "avg_value": "603966.0" }, { "trade_category": "Plumbing", "permit_month": "09", "permits": "122190", "avg_value": "341271.0" }, { "trade_category": "Plumbing", "permit_month": "10", "permits": "144676", "avg_value": "309860.0" }, { "trade_category": "Plumbing", "permit_month": "11", "permits": "145934", "avg_value": "318198.0" }, { "trade_category": "Plumbing", "permit_month": "12", "permits": "133710", "avg_value": "344626.0" } ], "size_tiers": [ { "trade_category": "Plumbing", "size_tier": "Micro (5-19)", "contractors": "43929", "avg_total_value_m": "2.87" }, { "trade_category": "Plumbing", "size_tier": "Small (20-99)", "contractors": "21130", "avg_total_value_m": "12.42" }, { "trade_category": "Plumbing", "size_tier": "Mid (100-499)", "contractors": "5340", "avg_total_value_m": "52.13" }, { "trade_category": "Plumbing", "size_tier": "Large (500+)", "contractors": "1024", "avg_total_value_m": "268.98" } ], "top_states": [ { "trade_category": "Plumbing", "state": "CA", "permits": "486876", "contractors": "24799", "median_job_value": "8471.0" }, { "trade_category": "Plumbing", "state": "FL", "permits": "476250", "contractors": "20506", "median_job_value": "2738.0" }, { "trade_category": "Plumbing", "state": "TX", "permits": "468350", "contractors": "15229", "median_job_value": "2897.0" }, { "trade_category": "Plumbing", "state": "OR", "permits": "188123", "contractors": "4489", "median_job_value": "1423.0" }, { "trade_category": "Plumbing", "state": "NC", "permits": "187751", "contractors": "10392", "median_job_value": "62297.0" }, { "trade_category": "Plumbing", "state": "CO", "permits": "186499", "contractors": "4221", "median_job_value": "8050.0" }, { "trade_category": "Plumbing", "state": "WI", "permits": "146521", "contractors": "1854", "median_job_value": "3857.0" }, { "trade_category": "Plumbing", "state": "GA", "permits": "133253", "contractors": "3013", "median_job_value": "49738.0" }, { "trade_category": "Plumbing", "state": "AZ", "permits": "118942", "contractors": "3576", "median_job_value": "129924.0" }, { "trade_category": "Plumbing", "state": "MA", "permits": "108485", "contractors": "6436", "median_job_value": "10671.0" } ] }, "reputation": { "available": true, "source": "Public business-review listings (aggregated April 2026). Aggregate only; no individual business identified.", "n_businesses": 11748, "avg_rating": 3.92, "rating_p25": 3.1, "rating_median": 4.2, "rating_p75": 4.9, "avg_reviews": 18.89, "reviews_median": 7, "reviews_p90": 41, "claimed_pct": 68.7, "closed_pct": 4.8, "top_states": [ { "state": "CA", "n": 3001 }, { "state": "TX", "n": 943 }, { "state": "FL", "n": 868 }, { "state": "IL", "n": 533 }, { "state": "NY", "n": 465 } ], "source_access": "citation-text-only" }, "firmographics": { "available": false, "note": "Insufficient firmographic coverage to publish a reliable per-trade size/revenue aggregate." }, "level_published": { "slug": "plumbing", "trade": "Plumbing", "page": "https://levelcfo.com/benchmarks/plumbing/", "public_company_comps": [ "Comfort Systems USA (FIX)", "Limbach (LMB)", "IES Holdings (IESC)" ], "benchmarks": [ { "tier": "A", "metric": "Plumber median wage (SOC 47-2152)", "value": "$62,970/yr", "detail": "Mean $69,940, ~456,000 employed, median hourly ~$30.27; 10th pct $40,670, 90th $105,150.", "source": "BLS OEWS, May 2024", "url": "https://www.bls.gov/oes/tables.htm", "source_access": "citation-text-only" }, { "tier": "A", "metric": "MEP public-company gross margin (plumbing exposure)", "value": "21% to 28%", "detail": "Comfort Systems 21-24%, Limbach 26-28% (FY2024-2025). Diversified MEP with plumbing/piping.", "source": "SEC 10-K filings (FIX, LMB)", "url": "https://www.sec.gov/cgi-bin/browse-edgar?action=getcompany&CIK=0001035983&type=10-K", "source_access": "citation-text-only" }, { "tier": "A", "metric": "MEP public-company net margin", "value": "6% to 11%", "detail": "Limbach ~6%, Comfort Systems 7-11% (FY2024-2025).", "source": "SEC 10-K filings", "url": "https://www.sec.gov/cgi-bin/browse-edgar?action=getcompany&CIK=0001624794&type=10-K", "source_access": "citation-text-only" }, { "tier": "B", "metric": "All-contractor net profit before tax", "value": "6.3% (top quartile ~11.9%)", "detail": "The reality-check on what a healthy contractor nets.", "source": "CFMA 2024 Construction Financial Benchmarker (n=1,290)", "url": "https://cfma.org/benchmarker", "source_access": "citation-text-only" }, { "tier": "B", "metric": "US plumbing contractor market size", "value": "~$124-191B, ~129,000 firms", "detail": "Fragmented; no firm above ~5% share. Range reflects differing report scopes.", "source": "IBISWorld, Plumbers (2026)", "url": "https://www.ibisworld.com/united-states/industry/plumbers/1946/", "source_access": "citation-text-only" } ], "key_stat": { "value": "$62,970", "label": "median plumber wage (BLS OEWS, SOC 47-2152, May 2024)" }, "hero_stats": [ { "value": "$62,970", "caption": "Median plumber wage", "label": "BLS OEWS, SOC 47-2152, May 2024" }, { "value": "21-28%", "caption": "Gross margin", "label": "MEP public companies with plumbing exposure" }, { "value": "6.3%", "caption": "Net margin (before tax)", "label": "all-contractor, CFMA; top quartile ~11.9%" }, { "value": "~$124-191B", "caption": "US market size", "label": "plumbing contractors (IBISWorld)" } ], "segment_reads": { "title": "What the public mechanical and plumbing contractors actually earn", "note": "n/d = not disclosed at that cut. Limbach discloses revenue and gross profit by segment; SG&A and net are consolidated only.", "rows": [ { "company": "Limbach (LMB)", "scope": "ODR (direct-to-owner service), FY2024", "gross": "31.2%", "operating": "n/d", "net": "n/d", "note": "The direct-to-owner service arm. FY2023 was 29.0%." }, { "company": "Limbach (LMB)", "scope": "GCR (subcontract construction), FY2024", "gross": "21.1%", "operating": "n/d", "net": "n/d", "note": "The subcontract arm, ~10 pts thinner than ODR. FY2023 was 17.0%." }, { "company": "Comfort Systems USA (FIX)", "scope": "Consolidated, FY2025", "gross": "24.1%", "operating": "14.4%", "net": "~11.2%", "note": "Large diversified MEP with plumbing/piping." }, { "company": "IES Holdings (IESC)", "scope": "Consolidated, FY2025", "gross": "25.5%", "operating": "11.4%", "net": "n/d", "note": "Diversified electrical + mechanical." } ] }, "true_margin_bridge": { "headline": "The repair job looked like a 60% margin. After the fully-burdened plumber and the drive time, it is closer to 35%.", "method": "Reproduce it on your own book: start from the quoted gross margin, subtract the fully-burdened plumber hours (BLS SOC 47-2152 median $30.27/hr times about 1.3 for taxes, workers' comp, and benefits), then the truck, drive, and dispatch time the job never gets charged for, then the callback rate on that job type. The gap between the quoted margin and what actually lands is where service plumbers quietly lose money on jobs that look great on the invoice.", "chart": { "title": "Where a residential plumbing repair's apparent margin goes", "unit": "%", "sample": "Level analysis; labor anchored to BLS SOC 47-2152 wage + statutory burden", "points": [ { "name": "Apparent gross margin", "value": 60 }, { "name": "Less fully-burdened plumber", "value": 47 }, { "name": "Less truck / drive / dispatch", "value": 40 }, { "name": "True margin after callback", "value": 35 } ] } }, "findings": [ { "headline": "Direct-to-owner service beat subcontracted construction by 10 points, inside the same company.", "insight": "Limbach, a public mechanical contractor with a plumbing/piping arm, reports its book two ways. In FY2024 its owner-directed service arm ran 31.2% gross versus 21.1% for its subcontracted construction arm, a 10-point gap for the same company. Management has been shifting deliberately: owner-direct work went from 51% of revenue in FY2023 to 75% in FY2025. Limbach's book is mostly mechanical, not plumbing, so read this as the STRUCTURAL proof, the mechanism travels to plumbing because service is the same kind of diagnostic-labor-heavy, low-pass-through work. The plumbing-specific numbers below confirm the direction.", "source": "Limbach FY2024 10-K", "url": "https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1606163/000162828025011745/lmb-20241231.htm", "chart": { "title": "Limbach gross margin: owner-direct (ODR) vs GC-subcontract (GCR), FY2024", "unit": "%", "sample": "Limbach FY2024 10-K, segment gross margin", "points": [ { "name": "ODR (direct-to-owner service)", "value": 31.2 }, { "name": "GCR (subcontract construction)", "value": 21.1 } ] }, "source_access": "citation-text-only" }, { "headline": "Service and repair carries far higher gross margin than new-construction plumbing.", "insight": "Independent operator sources put plumbing service and repair around 55 to 65% gross versus roughly 22 to 40% on new construction. Repair work is diagnostic-labor-heavy with little pass-through material, so it structurally out-earns bid new-construction. Directional industry figures, consistent in direction across sources.", "source": "Build-Folio, RunClockwork 2026 (directional)", "chart": { "title": "Gross margin by job type (directional, industry sources)", "unit": "%", "sample": "Directional: Build-Folio, RunClockwork (2026)", "points": [ { "name": "Service / repair", "value": 58 }, { "name": "Remodel", "value": 40 }, { "name": "New construction", "value": 30 } ] }, "source_access": "citation-text-only" }, { "headline": "The plumber wage spans about $20 to $51 an hour; the top decile costs more than double the bottom.", "insight": "Employee wages, not fully-loaded cost. Add roughly 30% for taxes, workers' comp, and benefits to get true cost per hour. In high-cost metros the P90 rate is effectively the floor, which is why the same job priced off a national average quietly loses money in those markets.", "source": "BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics, May 2024, SOC 47-2152", "chart": { "title": "Plumber hourly wage percentiles (BLS OEWS, May 2024)", "unit": "", "sample": "BLS OEWS May 2024, SOC 47-2152 (n=455,940)", "points": [ { "name": "P10", "value": 19.55 }, { "name": "P25", "value": 23.49 }, { "name": "Median", "value": 30.27 }, { "name": "P75", "value": 39.37 }, { "name": "P90", "value": 50.55 } ] }, "source_access": "citation-text-only" } ], "_license": "https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ (free to cite with attribution to Level, levelcfo.com)", "_publisher": "Level" }, "comps": [ { "ticker": "AOS", "name": "A. O. Smith Corporation", "return_6m_pct": -23.9, "return_1y_pct": -16.7, "gross_margin_pct": 38.77, "ev_ebitda": 10.88, "market_cap_billions": 8.26, "market_snapshot_date": "2026-07-23", "fiscal_period": "TTM ended Q1 2026 (March 31, 2026)", "publication_status": "historical", "current_comparison_eligible": false, "comparison_scope": "historical-reference-only" }, { "ticker": "CNM", "name": "Core & Main, Inc.", "return_6m_pct": -19.2, "return_1y_pct": -32.4, "gross_margin_pct": 27.06, "ev_ebitda": 12.02, "market_cap_billions": 8.75, "market_snapshot_date": "2026-07-23", "fiscal_period": "TTM Q1 FY2026", "publication_status": "historical", "current_comparison_eligible": false, "comparison_scope": "historical-reference-only" }, { "ticker": "FELE", "name": "Franklin Electric Co., Inc.", "return_6m_pct": 5.1, "return_1y_pct": 7, "gross_margin_pct": 35.24, "ev_ebitda": 14.36, "market_cap_billions": 4.76, "market_snapshot_date": "2026-07-23", "fiscal_period": "TTM Q1 2026", "publication_status": "historical", "current_comparison_eligible": false, "comparison_scope": "historical-reference-only" }, { "ticker": "FTDR", "name": "Frontdoor, Inc.", "return_6m_pct": 5.1, "return_1y_pct": 18.6, "gross_margin_pct": 55.24, "ev_ebitda": 11.76, "market_cap_billions": 5.15, "market_snapshot_date": "2026-07-23", "fiscal_period": "TTM Q1 2026", "publication_status": "historical", "current_comparison_eligible": false, "comparison_scope": "historical-reference-only" }, { "ticker": "ROL", "name": "Rollins, Inc.", "return_6m_pct": -28.6, "return_1y_pct": -23.1, "gross_margin_pct": 52.6, "ev_ebitda": 26.36, "market_cap_billions": 21.72, "market_snapshot_date": "2026-07-23", "fiscal_period": "TTM", "publication_status": "historical", "current_comparison_eligible": false, "comparison_scope": "historical-reference-only" }, { "ticker": "WTS", "name": "Watts Water Technologies, Inc.", "return_6m_pct": 3.9, "return_1y_pct": 23.3, "gross_margin_pct": 49.25, "ev_ebitda": 20.23, "market_cap_billions": 11.39, "market_snapshot_date": "2026-07-23", "fiscal_period": "TTM (Q1 2026)", "publication_status": "historical", "current_comparison_eligible": false, "comparison_scope": "historical-reference-only" }, { "ticker": "ZWS", "name": "Zurn Elkay Water Solutions Corporation", "return_6m_pct": -6.9, "return_1y_pct": 4.7, "gross_margin_pct": 45.38, "ev_ebitda": 21.31, "market_cap_billions": 8.1, "market_snapshot_date": "2026-07-23", "fiscal_period": "TTM (Q1 2026)", "publication_status": "historical", "current_comparison_eligible": false, "comparison_scope": "historical-reference-only" } ] }