Plumber Hourly Pay in Garden Grove, CA: $32.22 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a plumber working in Garden Grove, CA runs $32.22 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $67,014 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 47-2152). Weighted against Garden Grove's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $28.49 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $40,213 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Garden Grove, California, the plumber hourly pay stands at a median rate of $32.22, slightly above the national average of $31.45. This rate is favorable for both full-time professionals and those seeking part-time or per-diem opportunities, reflecting the competitive nature of the local job market. For part-time plumbers working three days a week, this translates to a significant earning potential even with a reduced schedule, allowing for a balanced work-life scenario. The hourly earnings range significantly, beginning around $21.21 for entry-level positions and including top earners reaching $49.94 per hour. Such variance supports diverse work environments, from commercial construction sites and residential service calls to specialized settings such as hospital mechanical rooms and manufacturing plants.
About the Garden Grove Market
Salary estimated from California average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Plumber Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $21.21 | $169.69 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.46 | $195.69 |
| Median (P50) | $32.22 | $257.78 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $41.24 | $329.95 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $49.94 | $399.50 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Garden Grove
Based on $32.22/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $32.22/hr, a plumber working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Garden Grove, CA can expect to earn approximately $67,022 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $38,666. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Garden Grove.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Garden Grove
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,288.88 | $5,585 | $67,022 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $773.33 | $3,351 | $40,213 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $515.55 | $2,234 | $26,809 |
Compare Plumber Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Plumber (Garden Grove) | $32.22 |
| Electrician (National Avg) | $31.97 |
| HVAC Technician (National Avg) | $28.47 |
| Pipefitter / Steamfitter (National Avg) | $32.85 |
| Construction Laborer (National Avg) | $22.95 |
Plumbers in Garden Grove, CA earn a median of $67,014 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.46% higher than the national median of $65,408 and 2.30% above the California state average of $65,508.
Plumber Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $32.22/hr = $40,213/year (purchasing power: $35,555).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $67,022/year (purchasing power: $59,259).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$27.17/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$31.43/hr
2026 Current Est.
$32.22/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+21.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Plumbers in Garden Grove (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.52% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27.17/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $27.75/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.50/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.60/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $30.32/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $45.60/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $31.43/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32.22/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33.03/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for plumbers in Garden Grove grew 15.7% from $27.17/hr (2019) to $31.43/hr (2025). At a 2.52% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $33.03/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem plumbers can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Garden Grove 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.
Working as an Hourly Plumber in Garden Grove
Examining the earning dynamics reveals further nuances in plumber compensation in Garden Grove. A part-time plumber working approximately 24 hours a week can expect an annual income that reflects their reduced hours compared to a full-time schedule. Many professionals may consider per-diem opportunities, particularly for travel assignments, where pay ranges from $100 to $175 in addition to an hourly rate of $40 to $65. Self-employed plumbers often benefit from higher effective rates, typically ranging from $100 to $180 per hour, particularly in high-cost-of-living markets. The distinction between union and non-union jobs also affects pay rates, with union positions (such as those affiliated with the United Association) offering premiums significantly above non-union compensation. As plumbers in Garden Grove navigate their career paths, they must weigh factors like benefits against hourly wages, making informed decisions based on their priorities. Skills such as medical gas certification or backflow prevention can also provide competitive advantages in this robust market.
More salary data for Garden Grove, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.52% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for plumbers in Garden Grove. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Garden Grove 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