Riverside vs Santa Maria: Plumber Salary (2026)
Compare plumber salaries between Riverside, CA and Santa Maria, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Riverside, CA | Santa Maria, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $65,531▲ | $62,537 |
| Hourly Rate | $31.50▲ | $30.07 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $50,143 | $55,443▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $54,520 | $57,811▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $83,297▲ | $81,391 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $118,247▲ | $113,705 |
| Total Employed | 4,510▲ | 740 |
Verdict
Riverside, CA offers better overall compensation for plumbers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Santa Maria.
The salary gap between Riverside and Santa Maria is $2,994 (4.79%). Riverside's median is +0.19% compared to the US national median of $65,408.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Riverside spans $68,104,Santa Maria spans $58,262. Riverside has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Riverside ($61,565 effective) pays 7.11% more than Santa Maria ($57,480 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Riverside if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($65,531/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($118,247)
- ✓Larger job market (4,510 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $61,565)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Santa Maria if…
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, plumber salaries in Riverside grew 15.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -1.8% growth in Santa Maria over the same period.
Riverside, CA
$55,150 (2019) → $63,920 (2025)
Santa Maria, CA
$62,130 (2019) → $61,000 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Riverside, CA
Santa Maria, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays plumbers more: Riverside or Santa Maria?
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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