Chico vs San Francisco: Plumber Salary (2026)
Compare plumber salaries between Chico, CA and San Francisco, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chico, CA | San Francisco, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $62,260 | $79,843▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $29.94 | $38.38▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,369 | $49,763▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $51,311 | $64,229▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $83,769 | $124,839▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $102,038 | $159,244▲ |
| Total Employed | 180 | 5,660▲ |
Verdict
San Francisco, CA offers better overall compensation for plumbers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Chico.
The salary gap between Chico and San Francisco is $17,583 (28.24%). San Francisco's median is +22.07% compared to the US national median of $65,408.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Chico spans $53,669,San Francisco spans $109,481. San Francisco 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 Francisco ($69,061 effective) pays 12.25% more than Chico ($61,524 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Chico if…
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose San Francisco if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($79,843/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($159,244)
- ✓Larger job market (5,660 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $69,061)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, plumber salaries in Chico grew 52.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 0.1% growth in San Francisco over the same period.
Chico, CA
$39,850 (2019) → $60,730 (2025)
San Francisco, CA
$77,800 (2019) → $77,880 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
San Francisco, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays plumbers more: Chico or San Francisco?
What is the hourly rate difference between Chico and San Francisco?
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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