Pay data / Plumbers / Salary / California
Plumber Salary
in California
Plumbers in California (CA) earn a median of $78,800 a year, about $38 an hour. That runs roughly 28% above the national median for plumbers, with most earning between $49,900 and $129,500.
Bottom 10%
$49,900
CA Median
$78,800
Top 10%
$129,500
Plumber pay by experience in California
- Apprentice$47,300$23/hr
Working toward a journeyman license over 4-5 years.
- Journeyman$78,800$38/hr
Licensed to work independently.
- Master$106,400$51/hr
Permits, inspections, and running the crew.
Plumber pay in California metros
- Los Angeles$83,000$40/hr
- San Francisco$82,400$40/hr
- San Diego$79,900$38/hr
Licensing in California
Plumbers are state-licensed, moving Apprentice, Journeyman, then Master. A licensed plumber is required to permit and inspect most work.
Frequently asked
- How much do plumbers make in California?
- Plumbers in California earn a median of $78,800 per year, about $38 per hour. That is roughly 28% above the national median. Most earn between $49,900 and $129,500.
- What is the highest-paying place for plumbers in California?
- Among California's major metros, Los Angeles tends to pay plumbers the most, near $83,000 a year.
- Do you need a license to work as a plumber in California?
- Yes. Plumbers are state-licensed, moving Apprentice, Journeyman, then Master. A licensed plumber is required to permit and inspect most work. Licensing in California is handled at the state level, and a licensed person is required to permit and sign off on most work.
Plumber pay in other states
Figures are estimates for 2026, anchored to national wage data and localized for California by cost of living and market conditions. Actual pay varies by employer, certification, and project.