Plumber Salary in Lake Forest, CA: $64,338 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time plumber in Lake Forest, CA earns a median $64,338/year (≈ $30.93/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 47-2152). Once you factor in Lake Forest's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $56,886 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.8% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lake Forest, California, the projected 2026 median salary for plumbers stands at $64,338, slightly below the national median of $65,408. Local wages range from $46,215 for entry-level positions to $99,724 for highly experienced contractors, reflecting a vibrant market influenced by contractor economics. This dynamic offers opportunities for both employed plumbers and self-employed tradespeople, each with distinct financial benefits and challenges. As Lake Forest's plumbing needs grow, especially given the aging infrastructure in California, skilled plumbers are poised to find a variety of employment options that support competitive pay structures.
About the Lake Forest 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) | $50,191 | $24.13 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $64,338 | $30.93 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $82,353 | $39.59 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $99,724 | $47.95 |
Median Salary Position
1.64% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lake Forest
In Lake Forest, CA, the plumber salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $53,509 (2026 est.). At $64,338, the local median is 1.64% below the national median of $65,408.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Lake Forest: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Lake Forest Plumber Pay Compares
Lake Forest median: $64,338/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lake Forest Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $65,518 | -1.80% less |
| National Average | $65,408 | -1.64% less |
Plumbers in Lake Forest, CA earn a median of $64,338 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.64% lower than the national median of $65,408 and 1.80% below the California state average of $65,518.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lake Forest has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Lake Forest, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $64,338 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $56,886 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$54,258
2025 BLS Actual
$62,757
2026 Current Est.
$64,338
2019–2027 Growth
+21.6%
Salary Trajectory for Plumbers in Lake Forest (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.52% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $54,258 | Actual |
| 2020 | $55,409 | Actual |
| 2021 | $58,901 | Actual |
| 2022 | $59,108 | Actual |
| 2023 | $60,544 | Actual |
| 2024 | $91,054 | Actual |
| 2025 | $62,757 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $64,338 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65,960 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lake Forest metropolitan area, the median plumber salary grew 15.7% from $54,258 (2019) to $62,757 (2025). At a 2.52% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $65,960 by 2027 — a total increase of $11,702 (21.57%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lake Forest 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 – $50,191 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $50,191 – $64,338 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $64,338 – $82,353 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $82,353 – $99,724 |
Plumber salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual plumber compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Plumber Job Market in Lake Forest
Analyzing the local job market reveals that there are currently 14 plumbers employed in Lake Forest. The cost of living index, sitting at 113.1, indicates that housing and other expenses are above the national average, potentially impacting take-home pay. Among prominent employers, union plumbing contractors often provide the highest wages due to the premium accorded to UA membership. Conversely, non-union service companies like Roto-Rooter and ARS offer commission-based structures, which can lead to higher earnings for those who excel at sales. Additionally, specialty certifications in areas such as medical gas can significantly enhance earning potential. To maximize plumber pay in Lake Forest, professionals should consider obtaining advanced licenses, joining a union, or pursuing specialties that align with ongoing trends in infrastructure upgrades and residential demand.
More salary data for Lake Forest, 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 $62,757 for plumbersin the Lake Forest 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 Lake Forest 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