Plumber Salary in Alameda, CA: $63,642 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time plumber in Alameda, CA earns a median $63,642/year (≈ $30.60/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 47-2152). Once you factor in Alameda's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $56,271 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.9% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, plumbers in Alameda, California, can expect to earn a median salary of $63,642, which reflects a slightly lower rate compared to the national median of $65,408. This local figure encompasses a salary range that spans from $44,884 at the lower end (10th percentile) to $98,646 at the upper end (90th percentile). These estimates, derived from BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional cost of living, indicate a robust market for plumbing professionals. Particularly, plumbers specializing in medical gas or industrial systems may command higher wages, given the expertise these areas require. Understanding the local dynamics can better position professionals ready to capitalize on the opportunities available in Alameda's plumbing sector.
About the Alameda Market
Salary estimated from California average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,884 | $21.58 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50,221 | $24.14 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $63,642 | $30.60 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $81,462 | $39.16 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $98,646 | $47.43 |
Median Salary Position
2.7% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Alameda
In Alameda, CA, the plumber salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $53,762 (2026 est.). At $63,642, the local median is 2.7% below the national median of $65,408.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Alameda: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Alameda Plumber Pay Compares
Alameda median: $63,642/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Alameda Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $65,543 | -2.90% less |
| National Average | $65,408 | -2.70% less |
Plumbers in Alameda, CA earn a median of $63,642 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.70% lower than the national median of $65,408 and 2.90% below the California state average of $65,543.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Alameda has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Alameda, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $63,642 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $56,271 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$53,671
2025 BLS Actual
$62,078
2026 Current Est.
$63,642
2019–2027 Growth
+21.6%
Salary Trajectory for Plumbers in Alameda (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.52% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53,671 | Actual |
| 2020 | $54,810 | Actual |
| 2021 | $58,264 | Actual |
| 2022 | $58,468 | Actual |
| 2023 | $59,889 | Actual |
| 2024 | $90,070 | Actual |
| 2025 | $62,078 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63,642 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65,246 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Alameda metropolitan area, the median plumber salary grew 15.7% from $53,671 (2019) to $62,078 (2025). At a 2.52% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $65,246 by 2027 — a total increase of $11,575 (21.57%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Alameda 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $44,884 – $50,221 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $50,221 – $63,642 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $63,642 – $81,462 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $81,462 – $98,646 |
Plumber salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual plumber compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Plumber Job Market in Alameda
Focusing on the job market in Alameda reveals that only 12 plumbers are currently employed here, contributing to a competitive environment and a potential for higher wages, especially for those with specialized skills. The local cost-of-living index sits at 113.1, indicating that expenses are above the national average, which can influence take-home pay. Employers such as union plumbing contractors significantly boost compensation, often paying 30-50% more than their non-union counterparts for experienced pipefitters due to the benefits and training tied to union affiliation. Moreover, specialties in medical gas or those holding advanced credentials like a master license can further enhance earning potential. Strategically, plumbers looking to improve their pay in this specific market should consider targeting roles in unionized positions or acquiring additional certifications to differentiate themselves from the competition.
More salary data for Alameda, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do plumbers make in Alameda, CA in 2026?
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Can plumbers make $100K in Alameda?
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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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $62,078 for plumbersin the Alameda metropolitan area. A 2.52% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Alameda 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