How does a Plumber's salary in McAllen compare to the rest of Texas?

McAllen's cost of living index is 81 vs. the national average of 100, so salaries are adjusted downward accordingly. A Plumber earning the city-adjusted median of $49,856 earns $5,856 more than the median household income in McAllen ($44,000).

Plumber Salary in McAllen, TX — 2026 Guide

Estimated salaries are adjusted for McAllen's cost of living (index: 81). National data from BLS OEWS 2024; city adjustments reflect local market conditions.

Plumber Salary in McAllen — Key Numbers

$49,856

Median Salary

$36,555

25th Percentile

$66,874

75th Percentile

$85,860

90th Percentile

National median (Plumber)$61,550

vs. National median-19.0%

McAllen median household income$44,000

vs. City household income+13.3%

Cost of Living in McAllen

Cost of Living Index

81(100 = avg)

Median Monthly Rent$880/mo

Rent-to-Income Ratio21.2%

Annual rent cost$10,560

Median Home Price$185,000

Home Price / Salary3.7×

20% Down Payment$37,000

Years to save (20% rate)3.7 yrs

Rent-to-income below 28% is considered affordable; above 35% is cost-burdened. Home price multiple below 3× is affordable; above 5× is expensive by traditional guidelines.

Job Market in McAllen

6.8%

Unemployment Rate

900,000

Metro Population

21 min

Avg Commute

29.4

Median Age

McAllen has a metro population of 900,000, offering a sizeable job market with strong opportunities across key sectors. The 6.8% unemployment rate is above the national average, which may reflect broader economic conditions in the region.

Financial Calculators for McAllen

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Cost of Living — McAllen

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Plumber Salary in Texas

Statewide salary breakdown

Other Professions in McAllen

Physician$185,733 Chief Executive Officer$170,100 Dentist$142,163 IT Manager$137,303 Marketing Manager$127,672 Lawyer$118,066

Plumber Salary — Other Texas Cities

Houston, TX$62,166 Dallas, TX$64,628 San Antonio, TX$56,626 Austin, TX$74,476 Fort Worth, TX$60,935

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Plumber make in McAllen, TX?

The estimated median salary for a Plumber in McAllen is $49,856 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $61,550 adjusted by McAllen's cost of living index (81). The typical salary range runs from $36,555 (25th percentile) to $66,874 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $85,860.

Is McAllen affordable for a Plumber?

On a $49,856 annual salary, a Plumber in McAllen would spend approximately 21.2% of gross monthly income on median rent ($880/month). This is well within the 28% affordability threshold, making McAllen relatively affordable for this profession. The median home price of $185,000 is 3.7× the annual salary.

How does a Plumber's salary compare to McAllen's overall income?

McAllen's median household income is $44,000. A Plumber earning the city-adjusted median of $49,856 earns 13.3% more than the typical McAllen household — placing them solidly in the middle-to-upper income tier for the city.

Explore More Salary Data

Plumber — National Plumber in Texas All Salary Guides

Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS, 2024 release. City salary estimates adjusted by cost of living index. City data from Census Bureau, BLS, Zillow, and ApartmentAdvisor (2024–2025). Last updated: March 2026.