2026 State Salary Guide
Plumber Salary in California 2026:
$72,400 Average ($34.81/hr)
Updated 17 April 2026
California plumbers earn $9,430 above the national median of $62,970. Here is the full breakdown by metro, experience level, and licensing.
California Median
$72,400/yr
Hourly Rate
$34.81/hr
vs National
+$9,430
Top 10% Earn
$108,600+
Where California Ranks Nationally
National Rank (Raw Pay)
#7
of 50 states
Cost of Living Index
142
100 = national average
COL-Adjusted Salary
$50,986
purchasing power equiv.
Plumber Pay by Metro Area in California
Wages vary significantly within the state. Major metros with strong union presence tend to pay the most.
| Metro Area | Median Annual |
|---|---|
| San Francisco Bay Area | $96,400 |
| Los Angeles Metro | $78,200 |
| San Jose Metro | $94,600 |
| Sacramento Metro | $71,200 |
| San Diego Metro | $70,400 |
Source: BLS OES May 2024 Metropolitan Area data. Figures are estimates based on available MSA data.
Pay by Experience Level in California
Career stage matters more than any other factor except geography. Here is what each level earns in California.
| Career Level | Hourly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Apprentice (Year 1) | $22 - $28/hr | $45,000 - $58,000 |
| Apprentice (Year 4) | $30 - $38/hr | $62,000 - $79,000 |
| Journeyman | $38 - $52/hr | $79,000 - $108,000 |
| Master Plumber (Employee) | $46 - $60/hr | $96,000 - $125,000 |
| Self-Employed Owner | $100 - $200/hr billed | $90,000 - $250,000+ net |
California Plumbing License Requirements
To work legally as a plumber in California, you must hold the appropriate state license. Here is what is required.
Licensing Authority
California Contractors State License Board (CSLB)
Journeyman Requirement
4 years of on-the-job training
Master Plumber Requirement
4 years as journeyman plus passing the contractor exam
Reciprocity
No reciprocity; must apply through CSLB
Exam Fee
$150 exam fee; $400 initial contractor license fee
Full 50-state licensing matrix: plumbing license requirements by state.
Union Plumbers in California
UA Local 38 (San Francisco), UA Local 393 (San Jose), UA Local 761 (Los Angeles), UA Local 582 (Fresno). ~35% of plumbers in California are union.
Union plumbers in California typically earn 25 to 40 percent more in total compensation (base wages plus health insurance, pension, and annuity) compared to non-union plumbers at the same experience level. See the full comparison at union vs non-union plumber pay.
Job Outlook in California
California has high demand driven by population density, aging infrastructure in older metros, and massive new construction in tech hub areas. The high cost of living reduces purchasing power despite high nominal wages; cost-of-living-adjusted, California ranks lower than Illinois or Michigan for real plumber income.
Biggest Employers in California
- +Hathaway Dinwiddie
- +DPR Construction
- +Turner Construction
- +Swinerton
- +Numerous large mechanical contractors in Bay Area and LA