Missouri plumbing market report

Public-data snapshot · Updated 2026-06-21 · By J.D. Hartwell, editor

A snapshot of the plumbing market in Missouri: who's licensed, where they work, climate context, and what homeowners typically pay. All data from official US public sources cited below.

Licensed pros

7,740

BLS OES May 2023 - 47-2152 (Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters)

Households

2,477k

US Census ACS 2022

Climate zone

Mixed-Humid

DOE/NOAA climate classification

Typical water heater install/replace

$1,500

National avg adjusted for Missouri cost-of-living

State overview

Missouri has approximately 2,477k households (US Census ACS 2022) and is in a mixed-humid climate zone (DOE/NOAA classification). The state employs roughly 7,740 plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters per the BLS Occupational Employment Statistics for code 47-2152, or about 3.1 pros per 1,000 households.

Licensing

Plumbing pros in Missouri are typically regulated by the Missouri (local jurisdiction). Before hiring, verify the contractor's license number, that the license is active and in good standing, and that the licensee is bonded and insured to operate in Missouri. License lookup is typically free at the board's public website.

Top 5 cities by listed pros

St Louis — 5 listed
Bridgeton — 2 listed
University City — 2 listed
Clayton — 2 listed
Kansas City — 2 listed

Seasonal demand pattern

Steady year-round with modest winter spike.

Typical cost range in Missouri

Based on national HomeAdvisor and Angi 2024-2026 averages adjusted to Missouri cost-of-living, a typical water heater install/replace in Missouri runs around $1,500. See the full cost calculator suite for service-by-service ranges. Always get a written quote before committing to work.

Find a verified pro in Missouri

Browse our Missouri state hub or jump to a city: St Louis, Bridgeton, University City.

See all Missouri plumbing pros →

Data sources. Employment: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2023 (bls.gov/oes), occupation code 47-2152 (Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters). Households: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2022 1-year estimates (census.gov/acs). Climate zone: U.S. Department of Energy Building America Climate Zones (energy.gov) / NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (noaa.gov). Licensing: Missouri (local jurisdiction). Cost ranges: HomeAdvisor 2024 True Cost Reports (homeadvisor.com), Angi 2024 cost guides (angi.com). All figures are estimates; verify before relying on for any decision.