Plumber Hourly Pay in San Mateo, CA: $31.84 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a plumber working in San Mateo, CA runs $31.84 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $66,226 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 47-2152). Weighted against San Mateo's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $28.15 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $39,740 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In San Mateo, California, the current plumber hourly pay stands at $31.84, showcasing a slight edge over the national hourly median of $31.45. This competitive rate means that part-time plumbers working a 3-day schedule can expect to earn approximately $2,050 monthly, offering a viable option for those balancing other commitments. Opportunities in this field range from residential service calls to industrial construction sites, allowing flexibility for both part-time and per-diem workers. Entry-level plumbers may see hourly rates starting at $20.46, while top earners can reach up to $49.35, reflecting significant pay variations based on experience and specific job settings such as hospitals or manufacturing facilities. These figures provide insight into the earning potential in various roles, including self-employed positions in service trucks or on-the-job tasks in mechanical rooms.
About the San Mateo 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) | $20.46 | $163.70 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.62 | $204.96 |
| Median (P50) | $31.84 | $254.74 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $40.75 | $326.01 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $49.35 | $394.83 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in San Mateo
Based on $31.84/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.84/hr, a plumber working full-time (40 hr/wk) in San Mateo, CA can expect to earn approximately $66,233 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $38,211. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in San Mateo.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in San Mateo
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,273.71 | $5,519 | $66,233 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $764.23 | $3,312 | $39,740 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $509.48 | $2,208 | $26,493 |
Compare Plumber Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Plumber (San Mateo) | $31.84 |
| 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 San Mateo, CA earn a median of $66,226 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.25% higher than the national median of $65,408 and 1.10% above the California state average of $65,505.
Plumber Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.84/hr = $39,740/year (purchasing power: $35,137).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $66,233/year (purchasing power: $58,561).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$26.85/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$31.06/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.84/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+21.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Plumbers in San Mateo (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.52% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.85/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $27.42/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.15/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.25/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.96/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $45.06/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $31.06/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.84/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.65/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for plumbers in San Mateo grew 15.7% from $26.85/hr (2019) to $31.06/hr (2025). At a 2.52% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.65/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 San Mateo 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 San Mateo
Part-time plumbers prioritizing flexibility can see substantial differences in their annual earnings compared to those working full-time. For example, a plumber on a 3-day week schedule collecting the median hourly pay would take home around $49,200 yearly, significantly less than their full-time counterparts. The per diem reality often benefits those in specialized contracts; for instance, traveling pipefitters may secure daily rates between $100 and $175, combined with a robust hourly wage of $40-$65. Self-employed plumbers in high-cost areas might effectively charge $100-$180 per hour, a necessary consideration for skilled workers facing varying demands. Additionally, hourly rates can fluctuate depending on whether plumbers work for unionized contractors versus open-shop businesses, with union positions typically offering premiums for benefits. When negotiating, plumbers should consider trade-offs between hourly wages and benefits like medical insurance, crafting a compensation package that aligns with their financial goals while balancing work-life choices in the dynamic San Mateo plumbing market.
More salary data for San Mateo, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for plumbers in San Mateo in 2026?
How much do part-time plumbers make in San Mateo?
Are plumbers in San Mateo paid hourly or salary?
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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
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 San Mateo. 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 San Mateo 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