Can A Plumber Afford Rent in Sterling, VA?
Rent-burdened — rent takes 47.1% of gross income.
Sterling rent: July 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (Virginia state estimate).
About rent and a plumber salary
Plumber pay sits comfortably above the US median household income and covers affordable rent in most US metros. At the national-average plumber salary, the 30% rule supports about $1,678 a month in rent. The per-city pages combine local rent with local plumber-pay estimates so renters can see where the math works.
Cheaper rent nearby
These Virginia cities have lower median rent than Sterling, which improves the affordability math on a plumber salary:
Compare with full rent data for Sterling
View full rent data for Sterling, VA →Frequently asked questions
Can a plumber afford rent in Sterling, VA?
Median rent in Sterling is $2,689 a month. A typical plumber in Virginia earns about $68,442 a year, which makes that rent 47.1% of gross monthly income. Under the 30% rule, the answer is no — rent exceeds the 30% threshold.
How much rent can a plumber afford in Sterling?
Using the 30% rule, a plumber salary in Virginia (~$68,442/yr) supports up to $1,711 a month in rent. Sterling's current median rent is $2,689/mo, which is $978/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a plumber work to cover rent in Sterling?
At an hourly equivalent of about $33 an hour, a plumber in Virginia works roughly 81.7 hours a month to cover Sterling's median rent of $2,689.
Where is rent cheaper than Sterling for a plumber?
Nearby Virginia cities with lower median rent include McLean ($2,686/mo), McLean ($2,682/mo), Stafford ($2,664/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a plumber salary.