Plumber salary in California
Plumbers in California earn a median $72,830 a year, 14% above the national median of $63,800. That ranks #17 of 51 states. After taxes, a single filer keeps about $56,518.
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, SOC 47-2152. Taxes for tax year 2026.
| Yearly | Monthly | Every 2 weeks | Hourly | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $72,830 | $6,069 | $2,801 | $35.01 |
| Average pay | $82,320 | $6,860 | $3,166 | $39.58 |
| Take-home (median) | $56,518 | $4,710 | $2,174 | $27.17 |
Where the money goes
| Item | Per year |
|---|---|
| Federal income tax | $7,193 |
| Social Security and Medicare | $5,571 |
| California income tax and state programs | $3,548 |
| Take-home | $56,518 |
California's prices are 11% above the U.S. average, so the median take-home buys what $51,046 buys in an average-priced state. The California minimum wage is $16.90; the median plumber earns 2.1 times that.
Plumber pay in California vs. neighboring states
| State | Median salary | Take-home | Buying power |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | $72,830 | $56,518 | $51,046 |
| Arizona | $62,070 | $50,904 | $50,562 |
| Nevada | $61,610 | $51,684 | $51,694 |
| Oregon | $97,050 | $68,763 | $66,527 |
Frequently asked questions
- How much do plumbers make in California?
- The median salary is $72,830 a year ($35.01 an hour), and the average is $82,320, per BLS data for May 2025.
- How much do plumbers take home in California?
- About $56,518 a year after federal and California taxes, or $2,174 every two weeks, for a single filer at the median salary.
- Do plumbers earn more in California than the national average?
- California ranks #17 of 51 for median pay, 14% above the U.S. median of $63,800. Adjusted for prices and taxes it ranks #39.