Plumber Salary in Carson, CA: $64,224 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time plumber in Carson, CA earns a median $64,224/year (≈ $30.88/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 47-2152). Once you factor in Carson's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $56,785 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.0% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, plumbers in Carson, California, are projected to earn a median salary of $64,224, which is slightly below the national median of $65,408. This local salary reflects the economic conditions and cost of living adjustments in the area, with earnings ranging from $46,215 at the lower end (10th percentile) to as much as $99,547 for the top earners (90th percentile). These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, accounting for local market conditions and the region's overall economic environment. With various pathways to employment, whether through union affiliations or independent contracting, the job market is competitive yet offers robust opportunities for growth.
About the Carson Market
Salary estimated from California average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,215 | $22.22 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51,371 | $24.70 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $64,224 | $30.88 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $82,207 | $39.52 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $99,547 | $47.86 |
Median Salary Position
1.81% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Carson
In Carson, CA, the plumber salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $53,332 (2026 est.). At $64,224, the local median is 1.81% below the national median of $65,408.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Carson: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Carson Plumber Pay Compares
Carson median: $64,224/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Carson Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $65,534 | -2.00% less |
| National Average | $65,408 | -1.81% less |
Plumbers in Carson, CA earn a median of $64,224 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.81% lower than the national median of $65,408 and 2.00% below the California state average of $65,534.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Carson has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Carson, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $64,224 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $56,785 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$54,161
2025 BLS Actual
$62,645
2026 Current Est.
$64,224
2019–2027 Growth
+21.6%
Salary Trajectory for Plumbers in Carson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.52% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $54,161 | Actual |
| 2020 | $55,310 | Actual |
| 2021 | $58,796 | Actual |
| 2022 | $59,002 | Actual |
| 2023 | $60,436 | Actual |
| 2024 | $90,893 | Actual |
| 2025 | $62,645 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $64,224 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65,842 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Carson metropolitan area, the median plumber salary grew 15.7% from $54,161 (2019) to $62,645 (2025). At a 2.52% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $65,842 by 2027 — a total increase of $11,681 (21.57%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Carson 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) | $46,215 – $51,371 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $51,371 – $64,224 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $64,224 – $82,207 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $82,207 – $99,547 |
Plumber salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual plumber compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Plumber Job Market in Carson
The plumber market in Carson comprises a workforce of 21 employed plumbers, reflecting a localized demand for plumbing services amid a higher-than-average cost of living index of 113.1. This represents a determinant factor in take-home pay, emphasizing the need for plumbers to effectively manage their earning potential. Those working with union contractors may benefit from higher wages, with a notable difference compared to non-union positions, particularly in specialties like medical gas installation and industrial maintenance. Large service companies often implement commission structures that provide substantial earning potential, albeit with variable income based on performance. For plumbers aiming to maximize compensation, acquiring advanced certifications or licenses can open doors to higher-paying opportunities, especially in specialized fields. With an aging workforce and infrastructure, skills tailored to meet evolving market demands will further enhance job security and income prospects in the local plumbing industry.
More salary data for Carson, 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 $62,645 for plumbersin the Carson 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 Carson 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