Plumber Salary in Fontana, CA: $68,147 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time plumber in Fontana, CA earns a median $68,147/year (≈ $32.77/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 47-2152). Once you factor in Fontana's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $60,254 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.0% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For 2026, plumber salaries in Fontana, California, are projected to reach a median annual income of $68,147, which reflects an appealing 4.19% above the national median of $65,408. Salaries in this market demonstrate a substantial spread; within the expected range, plumbers can earn as little as $43,488 at the 10th percentile, and up to $105,628 at the 90th percentile. These estimates are shaped by localized data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, incorporating adjustments for the regional cost of living. As the demand for skilled plumbing services continues to grow, especially for those with specialty certifications such as medical gas and industrial qualifications, the competitive nature of the Fontana job market presents numerous opportunities for advancement.
About the Fontana Market
Salary estimated from California average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,488 | $20.90 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50,776 | $24.41 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $68,147 | $32.77 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $87,228 | $41.94 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $105,628 | $50.78 |
Median Salary Position
4.19% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Fontana
In Fontana, CA, the plumber salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $62,140 (2026 est.). At $68,147, the local median is 4.19% above the national median of $65,408.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Fontana: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Fontana Plumber Pay Compares
Fontana median: $68,147/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Fontana Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $65,526 | +4.00% more |
| National Average | $65,408 | +4.19% more |
Plumbers in Fontana, CA earn a median of $68,147 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.19% higher than the national median of $65,408 and 4.00% above the California state average of $65,526.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Fontana has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Fontana, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $68,147 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $60,254 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$57,470
2025 BLS Actual
$66,472
2026 Current Est.
$68,147
2019–2027 Growth
+21.6%
Salary Trajectory for Plumbers in Fontana (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.52% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $57,470 | Actual |
| 2020 | $58,689 | Actual |
| 2021 | $62,388 | Actual |
| 2022 | $62,607 | Actual |
| 2023 | $64,128 | Actual |
| 2024 | $96,445 | Actual |
| 2025 | $66,472 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $68,147 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $69,864 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Fontana metropolitan area, the median plumber salary grew 15.7% from $57,470 (2019) to $66,472 (2025). At a 2.52% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $69,864 by 2027 — a total increase of $12,394 (21.57%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Fontana 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) | $43,488 – $50,776 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $50,776 – $68,147 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $68,147 – $87,228 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $87,228 – $105,628 |
Plumber salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual plumber compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Plumber Job Market in Fontana
In Fontana, 32 plumbers are currently employed, a number that highlights a focused yet significant sector within the local economy. The cost of living index at 113.1 indicates that expenses are notably higher than the national average, which means that take-home pay does not stretch quite as far. Employers that typically offer the highest wages include union plumbing contractors affiliated with the United Association, as well as industrial maintenance teams operating in manufacturing plants. The significant earnings gap can often be attributed to the differences in employment settings, where union positions generally pay at least 30-50% more compared to non-union roles. Additionally, specialties like medical gas work and those holding a master plumber license can command premiums. To maximize pay in Fontana, aspiring plumbers should consider pursuing union affiliation, acquiring diverse licenses, and exploring both residential service and industrial opportunities for optimal compensation within the prevailing market structure.
More salary data for Fontana, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can plumbers make $100K in Fontana?
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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 $66,472 for plumbersin the Fontana 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 Fontana 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