Plumber Salary in Anaheim, CA: $74,200 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time plumber in Anaheim, CA earns a median $74,200/year (≈ $35.68/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 47-2152). Once you factor in Anaheim's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $65,606 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 13.2% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, plumber salary in Anaheim, CA is projected to reach a noteworthy median of $74,200, representing a 13.44% advantage over the national median of $65,408. Local industry dynamics reveal a salary range that spans from $48,273 at the 10th percentile (P10) to $115,010 at the 90th percentile (P90), indicating a diverse market with substantial earning potential. These figures are derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost variations, reflecting not only the labor dynamics but also the higher cost of living index in Anaheim, which sits at 113.1. In this market, the disparity in pay is often influenced by the distinction between union pipefitters associated with the United Association (UA) and non-union service plumbers; the former typically command a higher wage due to specialized training and certification.
About the Anaheim Market
Salary estimated from California average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,273 | $23.21 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $55,994 | $26.92 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $74,200 | $35.68 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $94,976 | $45.66 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $115,010 | $55.29 |
Median Salary Position
13.44% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Anaheim
In Anaheim, CA, the plumber salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $66,737 (2026 est.). At $74,200, the local median is 13.44% above the national median of $65,408.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Anaheim: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Anaheim Plumber Pay Compares
Anaheim median: $74,200/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Anaheim Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $65,548 | +13.20% more |
| National Average | $65,408 | +13.44% more |
Plumbers in Anaheim, CA earn a median of $74,200 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.44% higher than the national median of $65,408 and 13.20% above the California state average of $65,548.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Anaheim has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Anaheim, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $74,200 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $65,606 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$62,575
2025 BLS Actual
$72,376
2026 Current Est.
$74,200
2019–2027 Growth
+21.6%
Salary Trajectory for Plumbers in Anaheim (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.52% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $62,575 | Actual |
| 2020 | $63,902 | Actual |
| 2021 | $67,929 | Actual |
| 2022 | $68,167 | Actual |
| 2023 | $69,824 | Actual |
| 2024 | $99,112 | Actual |
| 2025 | $72,376 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $74,200 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $76,070 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Anaheim metropolitan area, the median plumber salary grew 15.7% from $62,575 (2019) to $72,376 (2025). At a 2.52% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $76,070 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,495 (21.57%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Anaheim 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) | $48,273 – $55,994 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $55,994 – $74,200 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $74,200 – $94,976 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $94,976 – $115,010 |
Plumber salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual plumber compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Plumber Job Market in Anaheim
Focusing on the job market context, Anaheim hosts approximately 51 plumbers, contributing to a competitive environment driven by various sectors, including residential, light commercial, and industrial projects. The cost of living in the region impacts take-home pay significantly, particularly for non-union plumbers operating in a variable income structure, such as those working with large service companies like Roto-Rooter or ARS. For those looking to maximize earnings, pursuing advanced certifications such as medical gas installation, along with obtaining a master plumbing license, can create opportunities for higher wage brackets. Additionally, self-employed plumbers benefit from commission structures and the ability to set rates independently, though achieving consistent income may require robust client relationships and effective marketing strategies. Overall, understanding the local employment landscape and competitive pay factors can help plumbers navigate their financial prospects in Anaheim, CA effectively.
More salary data for Anaheim, 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
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 $72,376 for plumbersin the Anaheim 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 Anaheim 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