Plumber Salary in Lakewood, CA: $63,866 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time plumber in Lakewood, CA earns a median $63,866/year (≈ $30.70/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 47-2152). Once you factor in Lakewood's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $56,469 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.5% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
The plumber salary in Lakewood, CA, is projected to reach a median of $63,866 in 2026. This figure is slightly below the national median of $65,408, indicating a competitive but challenging market for plumbing professionals. Salaries in the area range significantly, with entry-level positions starting at approximately $45,393, while highly experienced plumbers can earn up to $98,992. Local estimates derived from the 2025 BLS data show that union pipefitters generally secure higher wages compared to non-union service plumbers, which tends to influence the overall pay landscape in Lakewood. In this context, those considering a career in plumbing or seeking to negotiate pay should be aware of the dynamics at play in this market.
About the Lakewood Market
Salary estimated from California average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,393 | $21.83 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $49,264 | $23.68 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $63,866 | $30.70 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $81,748 | $39.31 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $98,992 | $47.59 |
Median Salary Position
2.36% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lakewood
In Lakewood, CA, the plumber salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $53,599 (2026 est.). At $63,866, the local median is 2.36% below the national median of $65,408.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Lakewood: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Lakewood Plumber Pay Compares
Lakewood median: $63,866/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lakewood Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $65,503 | -2.50% less |
| National Average | $65,408 | -2.36% less |
Plumbers in Lakewood, CA earn a median of $63,866 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.36% lower than the national median of $65,408 and 2.50% below the California state average of $65,503.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lakewood has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Lakewood, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $63,866 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $56,469 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$53,860
2025 BLS Actual
$62,296
2026 Current Est.
$63,866
2019–2027 Growth
+21.6%
Salary Trajectory for Plumbers in Lakewood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.52% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53,860 | Actual |
| 2020 | $55,002 | Actual |
| 2021 | $58,468 | Actual |
| 2022 | $58,673 | Actual |
| 2023 | $60,099 | Actual |
| 2024 | $90,386 | Actual |
| 2025 | $62,296 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63,866 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65,475 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lakewood metropolitan area, the median plumber salary grew 15.7% from $53,860 (2019) to $62,296 (2025). At a 2.52% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $65,475 by 2027 — a total increase of $11,615 (21.57%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lakewood 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) | $45,393 – $49,264 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $49,264 – $63,866 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $63,866 – $81,748 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $81,748 – $98,992 |
Plumber salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual plumber compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Plumber Job Market in Lakewood
In Lakewood, the employment landscape for plumbers includes roughly 19 individuals currently in the field, which suggests a relatively small but essential workforce. A cost-of-living index of 113.1 reflects that expenses in the area are higher than the national average, impacting the effective purchasing power of ongoing salaries. Among the highest-paying employers are union plumbing contractors affiliated with the UA, which typically offer a premium of 30-50% over their non-union counterparts. Plumbers with specialties, such as medical gas or backflow prevention, can command even higher rates due to limited workforce availability in those areas. Additionally, self-employed plumbers may find flexibility in setting their wages, although they must navigate market competition. Maximizing income in Lakewood involves not only obtaining necessary state plumbing licenses and certifications but also leveraging specialties or considering positions within larger service companies that operate on a commission basis, offering the potential for enhanced earnings through overtime and call-out premiums.
More salary data for Lakewood, 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 $62,296 for plumbersin the Lakewood 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 Lakewood 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