Plumber Hourly Pay in San Rafael, CA: $31.97 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a plumber working in San Rafael, CA runs $31.97 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $66,487 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 47-2152). Weighted against San Rafael's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $28.26 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $39,893 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In San Rafael, the plumber hourly pay stands at a median rate of $31.97, which exceeds the national hourly median of $31.45. This rate provides flexibility for part-time operations, offering a solid income for those working three days a week, or in per-diem roles across various settings, including residential service, commercial construction, and specialized medical gas systems. For entry-level plumbers beginning their careers, hourly wages typically start around $22.20, while seasoned professionals can earn up to $49.55. This range reflects the diverse economic factors in San Rafael, notably its elevated cost of living index of 113.1, which is above the national average. These hourly rates are derived from annual salary projections to represent the potential earnings for plumbers operating in this competitive market.
About the San Rafael 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) | $22.20 | $177.56 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.98 | $199.87 |
| Median (P50) | $31.97 | $255.73 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $40.92 | $327.33 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $49.55 | $396.38 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in San Rafael
Based on $31.97/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.97/hr, a plumber working full-time (40 hr/wk) in San Rafael, CA can expect to earn approximately $66,489 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $38,359. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in San Rafael.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in San Rafael
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,278.63 | $5,541 | $66,489 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $767.18 | $3,324 | $39,893 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $511.45 | $2,216 | $26,595 |
Compare Plumber Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Plumber (San Rafael) | $31.97 |
| 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 Rafael, CA earn a median of $66,487 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.65% higher than the national median of $65,408 and 1.50% above the California state average of $65,505.
Plumber Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.97/hr = $39,893/year (purchasing power: $35,273).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $66,489/year (purchasing power: $58,788).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$26.96/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$31.18/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.97/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+21.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Plumbers in San Rafael (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.52% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.96/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $27.53/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.26/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.37/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $30.08/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $45.24/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $31.18/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.97/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.77/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for plumbers in San Rafael grew 15.7% from $26.96/hr (2019) to $31.18/hr (2025). At a 2.52% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.77/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 Rafael 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 Rafael
Part-time plumbers working 24 hours a week under the current hourly pay rate would earn approximately $39,862 annually, demonstrating the feasibility of a sustainable work-life balance. Those engaging in per-diem work, such as travel pipefitters working on out-of-town projects, can expect daily rates of $100 to $175 in addition to hourly rates ranging from $40 to $65. Self-employed plumbers often command a rate between $100 and $180 per hour, enhancing their income potential in a high-cost area like San Rafael. Hourly rates for plumbers vary depending on the employing entity—union-operated contractors, such as those under UA, tend to offer a premium over non-union shops. While some plumbers may opt for positions with lower hourly rates in exchange for health benefits, freelance workers frequently negotiate for higher rates without employer contributions. To excel in this environment, knowing when to leverage union benefits against direct hourly compensation is vital for maximizing income in the plumbing field.
More salary data for San Rafael, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for plumbers in San Rafael in 2026?
How much do part-time plumbers make in San Rafael?
Are plumbers in San Rafael paid hourly or salary?
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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 Rafael. 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 Rafael 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