Plumber Salary in California
Plumbers in California earn an average of $74,349 per year across 6 metro areas. This is +16.9% higher than the national average.
Average Salary
$74,349
per year
Hourly Rate
$35.75
per hour
vs National
+16.9%
$63,580 national
Salary Range
$48,129
to $107,396
Cost of Living Adjusted Salary
Nominal Salary
$74,349
Cost of Living Index
142
100 = national average
Adjusted Salary
$52,358
purchasing power equivalent
After adjusting for California's cost of living (above average), a Plumber's salary of $74,349 has the purchasing power of $52,358 in an average-cost area.
Plumber Salary by City in California
| City | Median Salary | Hourly Rate | Entry Level (P10) | Senior (P90) | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $88,194 | $42.40/hr | $57,819 | $131,760 | 590 |
| San Jose, CA | $85,381 | $41.05/hr | $54,454 | $121,343 | 484 |
| Los Angeles, CA | $72,106 | $34.67/hr | $45,387 | $102,999 | 658 |
| San Diego, CA | $70,551 | $33.92/hr | $46,518 | $98,761 | 464 |
| Sacramento, CA | $64,970 | $31.24/hr | $43,501 | $96,379 | 380 |
| Riverside, CA | $64,893 | $31.20/hr | $41,094 | $93,133 | 363 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS Survey, 2026. Sorted by median salary (highest first).
California vs National Average
Plumber Salary Comparison
Employment in California
There are approximately 2,939 Plumbers employed across 6 metro areas in California.
Key Industries: Technology, Entertainment & Media, Agriculture
State Income Tax: 1% - 13.3%
Plumber Salary Range in California
Entry Level (10th Percentile)
$48,129
Starting salary for new Plumbers
Median (50th Percentile)
$74,349
Mid-career Plumber salary
Senior (90th Percentile)
$107,396
Top earners in the field
Related Occupations in California
Plumber Salary in Neighboring States
Compare Plumber salaries in California with nearby states to find the best opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Plumber salary in California?
The average Plumber salary in California is $74,349 per year ($35.75/hour) based on 2026 data across 6 metro areas. This is 16.9% above the national average of $63,580.
What is the highest paying city for Plumbers in California?
San Francisco, CA is the highest paying city for Plumbers in California, with a median salary of $88,194 per year. The lowest paying metro area is Riverside, CA at $64,893.
What is the salary range for Plumbers in California?
Plumber salaries in California range from $48,129 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $107,396 (experienced, 90th percentile). The median salary is $74,349 per year.
About This Data
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey. State-level averages are calculated from metro area data within California. Figures represent 2026 estimates and may not reflect all employers or self-employed workers. Cost of living adjustments use regional indices to provide purchasing power context.