Plumber · Salary Comparison · 2026
Plumber Salary: Phoenix, AZ vs Boston, MA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Plumbers in Phoenix, AZ and Boston, MA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Boston, MA
$61,000 vs $78,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Phoenix, AZ
$59,223 vs $48,148
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Phoenix, AZ
$53,354 vs $42,264
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Phoenix, AZ | Boston, MA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $61,000 | $78,000▲ | -$17,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $46,970 | $60,060▲ | -$13,090 |
| 75th Percentile | $78,080 | $99,840▲ | -$21,760 |
| 90th Percentile | $97,600 | $124,800▲ | -$27,200 |
| Cost of Living Index | 103 | 162 | -59 |
| State Income Tax | 2.5%▲ | 5% | -2.5% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $59,223▲ | $48,148 | +$11,075 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $54,955 | $68,468▲ | -$13,513 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $53,354▲ | $42,264 | +$11,090 |
| Total Employment | 37,500 | 63,000 | -25,500 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Phoenix, AZ minus Boston, MA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Boston, MA pays $17,000 more (median: $61,000 vs $78,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 103 vs 162), Phoenix, AZ provides better purchasing power ($59,223 vs $48,148 equivalent). Phoenix, AZ has the lower state tax rate (2.5% vs 5%).
Data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS · 2026 · Cost-of-living indices from composite metro area data. Take-home estimates approximate only — consult a tax professional for accurate figures.