How much do plumbers charge per hour?
Most plumbers charge about $70–$150 per hour for labor, plus a one-off call-out or service fee of $75–$200. Master plumbers sit at the top of the range; apprentices and after-hours work vary it.
| Charge | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard hourly labor | $70–$150 / hr | Varies by license & region |
| Call-out / service fee | $75–$200 | Covers travel + first visit |
| Apprentice / helper | $45–$90 / hr | Simpler, supervised work |
| Emergency / after-hours | 1.5x–2x standard | Nights, weekends, urgent |
FAQs
How much do plumbers charge per hour?
About $70–$150 per hour for labor, with master plumbers at the top and apprentices lower. Most also add a $75–$200 call-out or service fee.
Do plumbers charge a call-out fee?
Yes — usually $75–$200 to cover travel and the first period on site, then labor by the hour or a flat-rate price for the job on top.
Why are plumbers so expensive?
The hourly rate covers licensing, insurance, a stocked truck, tools, and overhead — not just wages. Skilled, code-compliant work also prevents costly water damage.