Plumbers, Pipefitters & Steamfitters Salary in Kansas

Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters in Kansas earn a median salary of $62,820 annually or $30.20 per hour. Entry-level workers (10th percentile) start around $39,260, while experienced professionals (90th percentile) can earn up to $104,300. The middle 50% earn between $47,840 and $82,740, showing solid earning potential as you gain experience. Pay varies significantly based on specialization—steamfitters and pipefitters typically earn more than residential plumbers. Union membership can boost wages by 15-20%, with the United Association (UA) being the primary trade union. Metropolitan areas like Kansas City and Wichita generally offer higher wages than rural areas. With Kansas's lower cost of living (factor of 0.904), your purchasing power is equivalent to earning $69,491 nationally. The trade offers excellent job security with consistent demand for new construction, infrastructure maintenance, and system upgrades. Career advancement opportunities include becoming a master plumber, contractor, or specializing in industrial systems, HVAC, or green energy installations.

Kansas requires plumbers to obtain a journeyman license through the state. The typical path starts with a 4-5 year apprenticeship program combining 8,000-10,000 hours of on-the-job training with classroom instruction. United Association (UA) locals in Kansas City, Wichita, and Topeka offer structured apprenticeships with progressive pay scales—starting at 40-50% of journeyman wages and increasing every six months. Non-union apprenticeships are available through contractors and community colleges like Johnson County Community College and Kansas City Kansas Community College. During apprenticeship, expect to earn $16,000-$25,000 initially, reaching $35,000-$45,000 in the final year. After completing your apprenticeship, you must pass the Kansas state journeyman exam covering codes, safety, and trade knowledge. Kansas recognizes licenses from some other states through reciprocity agreements. Some community colleges offer pre-apprenticeship programs that can give you an edge in getting selected for competitive apprenticeships. The Kansas Department of Labor oversees apprenticeship standards, while individual cities may have additional licensing requirements for contractors.

The $65,040 gap between the 10th percentile ($39,260) and 90th percentile ($104,300) reflects several key factors. Experience is the biggest driver—apprentices and new journeymen start at the bottom, while master plumbers with 15+ years command top wages. Specialization matters significantly: residential service plumbers typically earn on the lower end, while industrial pipefitters, steamfitters, and those working on complex commercial systems earn toward the higher percentiles. Union membership typically pushes workers into the 75th percentile ($82,740) or higher due to negotiated wage scales and better benefits. Geographic location within Kansas also impacts pay—the Kansas City metro area generally offers wages 10-15% above the state median, while rural areas may be 10-20% below. Workers in the top percentiles often combine multiple factors: union membership, specialized skills (medical gas systems, high-pressure steam), supervisory responsibilities, or business ownership.