📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Plumber Salary in California (2026)

California · 42.0% above national average · High Demand

Average
$87,870
per year
Median
$85,030
per year
Hourly
$42.25
per hour
🏛️ Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
📅 Dataset: OES May 2025
🔄 Published: May 2026
📍 Coverage: All 50 States + DC
📊
Salary Range & Percentiles
Pay distribution across experience levels
10th Percentile — Entry Level$57,471
25th Percentile — Junior$74,749
50th Percentile — Median$85,030
75th Percentile — Senior$113,625
90th Percentile — Top Earners$128,380
💡 Top-earning Plumbers in California make up to $128,380 per year. The job market in California is rated very strong, with key industries including Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture.
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Salary Growth Trend (2021–2026)
Six-year compensation trajectory
$74.7k
2021
$77.2k
2022
$79.7k
2023
$82.3k
2024
$85.1k
2025
$87.9k
2026
📈 Plumber salaries in California have followed the national trend with 3.3% annual growth. The strong demand in California's job market supports continued salary increases.
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Plumber Salary by City in California
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Los Angeles $136,198 +55.0% High
San Diego $130,048 +48.0% High
San Jose $151,136 +72.0% High
San Francisco $162,560 +85.0% High
Fresno $94,900 +8.0% High
Sacramento $107,201 +22.0% High
Long Beach $127,412 +45.0% High
Bakersfield $94,900 +8.0% High
Anaheim $124,775 +42.0% High
Santa Ana $123,018 +40.0% High
Riverside $112,474 +28.0% High
Stockton $103,687 +18.0% High
Irvine $136,198 +55.0% High
San Bernardino $103,687 +18.0% High
Modesto $98,414 +12.0% High
Fontana $107,201 +22.0% High
Moreno Valley $101,050 +15.0% High
Glendale $130,048 +48.0% High
Fremont $140,592 +60.0% High
🔍
Plumber Job Market in California
Key factors affecting compensation

California is home to a very strong job market for Plumbers. The state's key industries — Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $87,870 per year, California's Plumber salaries are 42.0% higher than the national average.

The cost of living in California (index: 1.42) justifies the higher pay scale. Entry-level professionals in California can expect to earn $57,471–$74,749, while experienced Plumbers can command $113,625–$128,380.

Looking ahead, the Plumber profession in California is projected to grow at 3.3% annually. Major employers are actively hiring, and the state's investment in Technology continues to drive new opportunities for qualified candidates.

🏛️ U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) · May 2025
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Compare with Similar Jobs
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
  • The average Plumber salary in California is $87,870 per year in 2026, which is 42.0% above the national average of $61,880.
  • San Francisco and San Jose typically pay Plumbers the highest wages in California due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
  • California has a very strong job market with major industries in Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture. This makes it one of the better states for Plumber employment.
  • At $87,870/year, California Plumber salaries are 42.0% higher than the national average of $61,880/year.