How Much Does Joe the Plumber Really Make?

It's not every day that an average joe gets his name mentioned multiple times during a presidential debate. That's exactly what happened in the final debate when both John McCain and Barak Obama referenced "Joe the Plumber" as an example of a small business owner. Of course, Joe the Plumber is an actual guy, otherwise known as Joe Wurzelbacher, a resident of Ohio who questioned Obama about his tax plan while he was campaigning in the state. Since the debate, the media has raised questions about Joe the Plumber - is he even licensed as a plumber? - but, regardless of Joe Wurzelbacher's credentials, Joe the Plumber is intended to represent the average American. Understandably, both presidential candidates are eager to appeal to working and middle class American voters. Joe Wurzelbacher may (or may not) be enjoying his 15 minutes of fame, but the experience that Joe the Plumber represents is that of many hardworking Americans who are struggling in the current economy. At issue in Joe Wurzelbacher's chat with Obama was the business that he hopes to buy - a business that in his estimation could increase his income to around $250,000. With all the attention the debate has brought to Joe the Plumber, many people have questioned whether someone earning a salary that high can really be a symbol of the middle class experience. On the other hand, a recent 'New York Times' article about Joe the Plumber pointed out that working as a plumber can often be very lucrative; old stereotypes about plumbers don't necessarily hold true today. So how much does "Joe the Plumber" really make?

Plumber Salary Survey Data

There's no question that even plumbers who are successful business owners have their roots in a blue-collar industry. In that sense, it's fairly accurate to use "Joe the Plumber" as the catchphrase for working class Americans. By looking at PayScale's plumber salary data, we can get an idea of what the average Joe the Plumber is actually earning. As in other industries, a plumber pay scale will vary depending on location, employer, experience level and other factors. Measuring a Plumber Salary by City shows that Chicago currently offers a much higher median salary than many other cities. If you fit the description of Joe the Plumber, moving to Chicago for a higher plumber salary might sound like a great idea. Before packing your bags, though, use PayScale's Cost of Living Calculator to get a cost of living and salary comparison by city. You can compare the cost of living between your current city and other locations and find plumber salary data for cities across the U.S. For instance, a Cost of Living and Plumber Salary Comparison between Chicago and Cleveland, Ohio reveals that, while the typical Joe the Plumber might earn less in Cleveland, he also enjoys a cost of housing that is 30 percent lower. This is just one example of why careful research can be so important, whether you're searching for plumber salaries or wages for any other profession.

As in most other jobs, a Joe the Plumber who is just starting out can expect to earn less than more experienced plumbers. Working as a plumber is definitely hands-on work (many plumbers complete on-the-job training or apprenticeships to learn the trade), and each year of experience will generally lead to higher salaries. This is indicated in the chart measuring the median Plumber Salary by Years Experience, which shows that the typical plumber salary increases steadily over time. When it comes to the job outlook for Joe the Plumber, prospects are good. Plumbing is a part of daily life and, as long as new buildings are built, bathrooms are remodeled, and fixes are needed, plumbers will be in demand. Plumbers can choose to work in a variety of settings, but Joe Wurzelbacher might have the right idea by wanting to own his own business; the Plumber Salary by Employer Type chart shows that a self-employed Joe the Plumber tends to earn more than plumbers working in many other employment settings.