Home / Pay by state / Plumber / California
47-2152 / PLUMBERS, PIPEFITTERS, AND STEAMFITTERS / CALIFORNIA
Plumber salary in California
California vs. U.S. plumber pay
| Measure | California, annual | California, hourly | U.S., annual | U.S., hourly |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $47,350 | $22.76 | $44,150 | $21.22 |
| 25th percentile | $58,980 | $28.36 | $50,190 | $24.13 |
| Median | $72,830 | $35.01 | $63,800 | $30.67 |
| 75th percentile | $100,200 | $48.17 | $85,110 | $40.92 |
| 90th percentile | $131,100 | $63.03 | $108,420 | $52.13 |
| Mean (average) | $82,320 | $39.58 | $72,170 | $34.70 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 47-2152 (Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters), cross-industry. Data as of May 2025. BLS OEWS tables | BLS state data file (May 2025) | BLS national data file (May 2025).
California plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters earned a mean of $82,320 a year in May 2025, about $10,150 (14%) above the U.S. mean of $72,170. Half earned less than $72,830 and half earned more. By mean annual wage, California ranks 12th of 51 areas (states and D.C.) with published data for this occupation. BLS location quotient for plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters in California is 0.87, where 1.00 is the national average share of jobs.
These figures cover all plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters in the state, from newer workers to experienced ones. They are not entry-level offers or a pay promise, and they leave out employer-paid benefits. Pay varies by employer, metro area, union status and license level.
How people become plumbers and pipefitters
- Most plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters learn on the job through an apprenticeship. Some attend a vocational-technical school first.
- Most states and some localities require plumbers to be licensed.
Source: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters (national information; page last modified August 28, 2025; figures there use a 2024 base). Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent. Typical training: Apprenticeship. Projected job growth 2024 to 2034: 4% (as fast as average). BLS OOH: Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters. Find programs on Apprenticeship.gov. Confirm California licensing rules with the state board; this page does not state them.