Brea vs San Diego: Plumber Salary (2026)
Compare plumber salaries between Brea, CA and San Diego, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Brea, CA | San Diego, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $62,174 | $74,337▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $29.89 | $35.74▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,844 | $47,190▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $49,598 | $62,937▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $79,583 | $96,861▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $96,370 | $131,010▲ |
| Total Employed | 10 | 5,100▲ |
Verdict
San Diego, CA offers better overall compensation for plumbers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Brea.
The salary gap between Brea and San Diego is $12,163 (19.56%). San Diego's median is +13.65% compared to the US national median of $65,408.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Brea spans $51,526,San Diego spans $83,820. San Diego has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced plumbers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, San Diego ($66,439 effective) pays 20.86% more than Brea ($54,973 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Brea if…
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose San Diego if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($74,337/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($131,010)
- ✓Larger job market (5,100 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $66,439)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, plumber salaries in Brea grew -31.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 31.3% growth in San Diego over the same period.
Brea, CA
$87,991 (2024) → $60,646 (2025)
San Diego, CA
$55,240 (2019) → $72,510 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
San Diego, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays plumbers more: Brea or San Diego?
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Written by Samuel Torres, CWP
Career Analyst
Samuel Torres has 10 years of experience in plumbing. He specializes in residential plumbing systems. He has worked with several home improvement companies.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.52% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Samuel Torres, CWP, a licensed plumber with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov