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How much do plumbers make?

October 29, 2008 on 3:43 pm | In politics, salary | No Comments

The man known as Joe the Plumber has made news recently after he asked Sen. Barack Obama about his possible tax policy if he becomes president.

In the coverage there was some confusion about how much someone like Joe the Plumber actually makes in a year. I’m certainly curious about it. Fortunately some writers at PayScale.com looked into it.

According to the article “‘Joe the Plumber’ and Middle-Class Paychecks,” plumbers in Ohio (where Joe lives) make an average salary of $47,500 per year. Top-earners in that category make $81K.

The article also discusses the nebulous problem of defining “middle class.” In some parts of the country you can make a six-figure salary and still consider yourself middle class, whereas others would call you rich.

But it does seem fair to say that people who make $250K or more per year are among the top earners in this country. And cutting their taxes is not on Obama’s agenda (nor should it be).