Plumber Salary in Fullerton, CA: $67,317 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time plumber in Fullerton, CA earns a median $67,317/year (≈ $32.37/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 47-2152). Once you factor in Fullerton's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $59,520 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.7% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Fullerton, California, plumbers are projected to earn a median annual salary of $67,317 in 2026, which represents a slight increase over the national median salary of $65,408. Those within the trade can expect compensation to range from $44,804 at the lower end (10th percentile) to around $104,341 for the most experienced professionals (90th percentile). This pay scale highlights the choice between being self-employed or part of a plumbing service—a decision that significantly impacts income potential. With 25 plumbers working in the area, Fullerton’s market reflects local economic conditions shaped by evolving demand, such as the aging infrastructure and a plumber workforce averaging over 50 years of age.
About the Fullerton Market
Salary estimated from California average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,804 | $21.54 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51,485 | $24.75 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $67,317 | $32.37 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $86,165 | $41.43 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $104,341 | $50.16 |
Median Salary Position
2.92% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Fullerton
In Fullerton, CA, the plumber salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $59,537 (2026 est.). At $67,317, the local median is 2.92% above the national median of $65,408.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Fullerton: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Fullerton Plumber Pay Compares
Fullerton median: $67,317/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Fullerton Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $65,547 | +2.70% more |
| National Average | $65,408 | +2.92% more |
Plumbers in Fullerton, CA earn a median of $67,317 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.92% higher than the national median of $65,408 and 2.70% above the California state average of $65,547.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Fullerton has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Fullerton, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $67,317 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $59,520 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$56,770
2025 BLS Actual
$65,662
2026 Current Est.
$67,317
2019–2027 Growth
+21.6%
Salary Trajectory for Plumbers in Fullerton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.52% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $56,770 | Actual |
| 2020 | $57,974 | Actual |
| 2021 | $61,628 | Actual |
| 2022 | $61,844 | Actual |
| 2023 | $63,346 | Actual |
| 2024 | $95,269 | Actual |
| 2025 | $65,662 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $67,317 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $69,013 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Fullerton metropolitan area, the median plumber salary grew 15.7% from $56,770 (2019) to $65,662 (2025). At a 2.52% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $69,013 by 2027 — a total increase of $12,243 (21.57%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Fullerton 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) | $44,804 – $51,485 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $51,485 – $67,317 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $67,317 – $86,165 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $86,165 – $104,341 |
Plumber salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual plumber compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Plumber Job Market in Fullerton
Given the cost of living index in Fullerton is 113.1, which is above the national average, take-home pay is essential for maintaining a comfortable lifestyle. Employers that can offer higher remuneration include union plumbing contractors like those affiliated with the UA, alongside larger service companies such as Roto-Rooter and ARS/Rescue Rooter. The wide salary spectrum stems from various factors, including the differences between union and non-union wages, with union pipefitters and steamfitters often earning 30-50% more than their non-union peers. For plumbers looking to maximize their earnings, gaining specialties in areas like medical gas or backflow prevention can provide a competitive edge. Additionally, pursuing master or contractor licenses can unlock higher pay and greater project opportunities within the diverse plumbing landscape of Fullerton, CA.
More salary data for Fullerton, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can plumbers make $100K in Fullerton?
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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 $65,662 for plumbersin the Fullerton 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 Fullerton 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