As a professional in the field of construction and labor economics, I've had the opportunity to study the various factors that influence the wages of different trades, including plumbers. It's important to note that the hourly rate for a plumber can vary greatly depending on a number of factors such as geographical location, experience level, the size of the company they work for, and whether they are self-employed or working for someone else.

Geographical Location: The cost of living in different areas can significantly affect the wages of plumbers. For instance, plumbers in urban areas or cities with a higher cost of living, such as New York or San Francisco, tend to earn more than those in rural areas.

Experience Level: Just like any other profession, experience plays a crucial role in determining the pay scale. A journeyman plumber, who has completed an apprenticeship and is licensed to work independently, will typically earn more than an apprentice plumber who is still in training.

Company Size: Plumbers working for larger companies or corporations may receive a more stable income and benefits package, which can sometimes offset a lower hourly wage compared to those who are self-employed.

Self-Employment: Self-employed plumbers have the potential to earn more since they can set their own rates, but they also take on the risk and responsibility of running a business.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters was $53,910 as of May 2019, which translates to approximately $26.42 per hour. However, the lowest 10 percent earned less than $32,090, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $94,710.

It's also worth noting that the BLS projects a faster than average growth rate of 14 percent for plumbers from 2019 to 2029, which could potentially lead to increased demand and higher wages in the future.

Now, let's consider the data you provided, which states that the median pay for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters was $47,000 in 2010, equating to $22.43 per hour. While this data is a bit outdated, it does give us a baseline to work from. Since 2010, there have been changes in the economy and the construction industry, which could have influenced plumbers' wages. For example, a recovering housing market post-2008 recession could have led to an increased demand for plumbing services, potentially raising wages.

In comparison, electricians earned almost the same at $48,000, and carpenters earned $40,000. This suggests that there is a relatively small wage gap between these trades, which are all essential to the construction and maintenance of buildings.

In conclusion, while it's difficult to pin down an exact hourly wage for plumbers without considering the various factors mentioned above, we can say that plumbers in the U.S. can expect to earn a median wage of around $26.42 per hour as of 2019, with the potential for higher earnings based on experience, location, and employment status.

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Plumber salaries are discussed above, but note that the median pay in 2010 for plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters was $47,000, which is $22.43 per hour (note: the average pay is slightly higher than the median). In comparison, electricians earned almost the same at $48,000 and carpenters earned $40,000.read more >>