Plumber Salary in California
Based on 48K+ workers in California
Median Annual Salary (CA)
$72,830
$35.01/hr
vs National Average
$68,560
+6.2% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$47K – $131K
48K employed in California
The plumber salary in California averages $72,830 per year, positioning the state as an attractive market for skilled trades professionals. With over 47,660 plumbers currently employed across California, the state's median salary sits approximately 6% above the national average, reflecting strong demand for plumbing services in the region's competitive job market.
Plumber salary in California varies significantly based on experience level, ranging from $47,350 for entry-level positions to $131,100 for highly experienced professionals. Geographic location within the state, specialization in specific plumbing systems, licensing certifications, and the ability to handle complex commercial projects all influence earning potential in this field.
Salary Distribution — Plumber in California
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $47,350 |
| 25th percentile | $58,980 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $72,830 |
| 75th percentile | $100,200 |
| 90th percentile | $131,100 |
Top-Paying Industries for Plumber (U.S.)
Which industries pay Plumbers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Plumbers in California tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Utilities | $90,750 | 8K |
| Transportation and Warehousing | $87,730 | 2K |
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $76,510 | 3K |
| Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | $74,810 | 2K |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $71,660 | 17K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Plumber in California vs National
| Year | Median Salary (California) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $62,660 |
| 2023 | $62,990 |
| 2024 | $68,390 |
| 2025 | $72,830 |
| 2026 (projected) | $77,200 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | California Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $62,660 | $61,508 |
| 2023 | $62,990 | $64,205 |
| 2024 | $68,390 | $65,674 |
| 2025 | $72,830 | $68,560 |
| 2026 (projected) | $77,200 | $72,674 |
Plumber Salary by Experience Level in California
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $58,980 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $72,830 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $100,200 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $131,100 |
Plumber Salary in Other States
Related Plumber Salaries in California
How other high-demand occupations in California compare to Plumber ($72,830 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Plumber | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airline Pilot in CA | $353,900 | +385.9% | $170.14/hr |
| Construction Supervisor in CA | $97,680 | +34.1% | $46.96/hr |
| Electrician in CA | $76,160 | +4.6% | $36.62/hr |
| Automotive Service Technician in CA | $64,980 | -10.8% | $31.24/hr |
| Air Traffic Controller in CA | $62,600 | -14.0% | $30.10/hr |
| Construction Laborer in CA | $60,270 | -17.2% | $28.98/hr |
| Maintenance and Repair Worker in CA | $57,000 | -21.7% | $27.40/hr |
| Graphic Designer in CA | $75,130 | +3.2% | $36.12/hr |
| Training and Development Specialist in CA | $75,790 | +4.1% | $36.44/hr |
| Insurance Sales Agent in CA | $76,120 | +4.5% | $36.60/hr |
| Property and Real Estate Manager in CA | $77,030 | +5.8% | $37.03/hr |
| Paralegal in CA | $77,390 | +6.3% | $37.21/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do plumbers make in California?
- The median salary for plumbers in California is $72,830 per year, or $35 per hour. This is 6.2% higher than the national average for plumbers.
What is the salary range for plumbers in California?
- Plumber salaries in California range from $47,350 on the lower end to $131,100 on the higher end, representing significant earning potential depending on experience and specialization.
How many plumbers work in California?
- There are approximately 47,660 plumbers currently employed in California, making it a substantial job market for the trade.
Is being a plumber in California better paid than the national average?
- Yes, California plumbers earn 6.2% more than the national average, with a median salary of $72,830 compared to lower national figures, making it one of the better-paying states for this trade.