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Plumber Salary in Portland, ME β€” 2026 Guide

Estimated salaries are adjusted for Portland's cost of living (index: 119). National data from BLS OEWS 2024; city adjustments reflect local market conditions.

Plumber Salary in Portland β€” Key Numbers

$73,245
Median Salary
$53,705
25th Percentile
$98,246
75th Percentile
$126,140
90th Percentile
National median (Plumber)$61,550
vs. National median+19.0%
Portland median household income$72,600
vs. City household income+0.9%

Cost of Living in Portland

Cost of Living Index
119(100 = avg)
Median Monthly Rent$1,850/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio30.3%
Annual rent cost$22,200
Median Home Price$480,000
Home Price / Salary6.6Γ—
20% Down Payment$96,000
Years to save (20% rate)6.6 yrs

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

Job Market in Portland

3.0%
Unemployment Rate
550,000
Metro Population
22 min
Avg Commute
40.4
Median Age

Portland has a metro population of 550,000, offering a sizeable job market with strong opportunities across key sectors. The 3.0% unemployment rate is below the national average, suggesting a tight labor market favorable to job seekers.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Plumber make in Portland, ME?

The estimated median salary for a Plumber in Portland is $73,245 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $61,550 adjusted by Portland's cost of living index (119). The typical salary range runs from $53,705 (25th percentile) to $98,246 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $126,140.

Is Portland affordable for a Plumber?

On a $73,245 annual salary, a Plumber in Portland would spend approximately 30.3% of gross monthly income on median rent ($1,850/month). This is approaching the 30–35% cost-burden threshold; careful budgeting is recommended. The median home price of $480,000 is 6.6Γ— the annual salary.

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

Portland's median household income is $72,600. A Plumber earning the city-adjusted median of $73,245 earns 0.9% more than the typical Portland household β€” placing them solidly in the middle-to-upper income tier for the city.

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.