From the
Bureau of Labor Statistics "Occupational Outlook Handbook":
"Pipelayers, plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters are among the highest paid construction occupations. In May 2004, median hourly earnings of pipelayers were $13.68. The middle 50 percent earned between $11.05 and $18.69. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $9.19, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $25.07. Also in May 2004, median hourly earnings of plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters were $19.85. The middle 50 percent earned between $15.01 and $26.67. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $11.62, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $33.72. Median hourly earnings in the industries employing the largest numbers of plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters in May 2004 were as follows: Natural gas distribution $23.86 Nonresidential building construction 21.55 Building equipment contractors 19.85 Utility system construction 18.29 Local government 16.30."
So: $33.72/hour, 40 hours a week (unlikely), 50 weeks a year = $67,440 a year. To earn $250,000 a year, a plumber would have to charge $125/hour.
