Can A Plumber Afford Rent in Mercer Island, WA?
Rent-burdened — rent takes 43.8% of gross income.
Mercer Island rent: July 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (Washington 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 Washington cities have lower median rent than Mercer Island, which improves the affordability math on a plumber salary:
Compare with full rent data for Mercer Island
View full rent data for Mercer Island, WA →Frequently asked questions
Can a plumber afford rent in Mercer Island, WA?
Median rent in Mercer Island is $2,746 a month. A typical plumber in Washington earns about $75,152 a year, which makes that rent 43.8% 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 Mercer Island?
Using the 30% rule, a plumber salary in Washington (~$75,152/yr) supports up to $1,879 a month in rent. Mercer Island's current median rent is $2,746/mo, which is $867/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a plumber work to cover rent in Mercer Island?
At an hourly equivalent of about $36 an hour, a plumber in Washington works roughly 76 hours a month to cover Mercer Island's median rent of $2,746.
Where is rent cheaper than Mercer Island for a plumber?
Nearby Washington cities with lower median rent include Spanaway ($2,744/mo), Spanaway ($2,744/mo), Maple Valley ($2,742/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a plumber salary.