Entry-Level Plumber Salary in Daly City, CA: $44,672 (2026)
Quick Answer:New plumbers entering the Daly City, CA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $44,672 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 47-2152, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Daly City's local price level (BEA RPP 113.1 — 13% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $39,498 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($67,258) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Job seekers entering the plumbing industry in Daly City, California, can expect an entry-level plumber salary in 2026 around $44,672. This figure is significantly lower than the median annual salary of $67,258 for plumbers in the area, highlighting the salary gap that new graduates experience as they transition from training to full-time employment. However, the potential for growth exists within the first several years, with salaries typically rising through percentiles as apprentices gain experience and skills—climbing to around $51,370 at the 25th percentile before reaching the overall median. Given the ongoing demand for plumbing services, driven by both aging infrastructure and a seasoned workforce nearing retirement, Daly City presents a promising market for new plumbing graduates, providing ample opportunities to advance and increase earning potential.
About the Daly City Market
Salary estimated from California average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Daly City
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Daly City
Entry-level plumbers in Daly City, CA typically start between $44,672 and $51,370 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $59,579 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $67,258 — 2.83% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average plumbing program cost in California of $18,000 represents just 40.29% of the starting plumber pay ($44,672/year) in Daly City. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates reflect apprenticeship-based training (primarily paid OJT) with union dues, tools, books, and related technical instruction fees. Non-union/trade school pathways cost more. Actual costs vary by local UA chapter and state licensing requirements.
Plumber Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Daly City
- 1Research the Daly City market: entry-level plumber pay ranges from $44,672 to $51,370, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the plumbing field — employers in CA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Daly City, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Daly City for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Factor in Daly City's above-average cost of living (index: 113.1) when evaluating offers — a slightly lower salary in a nearby affordable area may provide better purchasing power.
Plumber Compensation Range
The plumber wage spread in Daly City is $59,579 ( 133.37%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $44,672, experienced hygienists can earn up to $104,251.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$32,264
2025 BLS Actual
$43,574
2026 Current Est.
$44,672
2019–2027 Growth
+41.9%
Salary Trajectory for Plumbers in Daly City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.52% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32,264 | Actual |
| 2020 | $33,023 | Actual |
| 2021 | $36,221 | Actual |
| 2022 | $36,764 | Actual |
| 2023 | $38,185 | Actual |
| 2024 | $58,917 | Actual |
| 2025 | $43,574 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $44,672 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $45,798 | Projected |
Entry-level plumber compensation (10th percentile) in Daly City, CA grew 35.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $32,264 in 2019 to $43,574 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $45,798. New graduates entering the Daly City job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Daly City metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.52% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your plumbing Career in Daly City
Employers in Daly City often seek out entry-level plumbers through various channels, including UA Local apprenticeship programs that involve several years of hands-on training supported by formal application processes. Non-union contractors also hire apprentices directly, offering real-world experience. For those looking at larger service companies like Roto-Rooter and ARS, commission structures can incentivize performance, but be prepared for variable income. Aspiring plumbers should consider obtaining additional credentials such as the journeyman plumbing license, which can enhance job prospects and pay. The first few years are crucial for developing skill sets; those focusing on high-demand specializations, such as medical gas installations or backflow prevention, could leverage their credentials to command higher starting salaries. Graduates may realistically expect a consistent increase in pay as they establish their careers, especially given the aging workforce and the expected growth in demand for plumbing services across CA.
More salary data for Daly City, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Pages
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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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new plumbing graduates. A 2.52% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Daly City. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Daly City is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.52%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for plumbers (SOC 47-2152).
Compiled and verified by Samuel Torres, CWP, a licensed plumber with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov