Plumber Salary in Modesto, CA: $64,875 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time plumber in Modesto, CA earns a median $64,875/year (≈ $31.19/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 47-2152). Once you factor in Modesto's price level (4% above national, BEA RPP 104.1), that paycheck buys what $62,315 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.0% below the California state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, plumbers in Modesto, California, can expect a median annual salary of $64,875, slightly under the national average of $65,408. The salary range for plumbers in this area spans from $48,451 at the lower end (P10) to a substantial $117,396 for top earners (P90). This data is derived from official BLS OEWS surveys, which highlight the disparity in pay between union pipefitters and non-union service plumbers. On average, union workers affiliated with the UA (United Association) command a premium, often earning significantly more than their non-union counterparts. The Modesto job market is also underpinned by various plumbing sectors, including residential service, commercial contracts, and industrial maintenance, shaping a diverse income potential.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,451 | $23.29 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $57,052 | $27.43 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $64,875 | $31.19 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $81,022 | $38.96 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $117,396 | $56.44 |
Median Salary Position
0.81% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Modesto
In Modesto, CA, the plumber salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $68,945 (2026 est.). At $64,875, the local median is 0.81% below the national median of $65,408.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Modesto: You'd be in the entry-level range
How Modesto Plumber Pay Compares
Modesto median: $64,875/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Modesto Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $65,530 | -1.00% less |
| National Average | $65,408 | -0.81% less |
Plumbers in Modesto, CA earn a median of $64,875 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.81% lower than the national median of $65,408 and 1.00% below the California state average of $65,530.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Modesto has a cost of living 4.11% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Modesto, CA has a cost-of-living index of 104.108 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $64,875 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $62,315 — a 3.95% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$64,000
2025 BLS Actual
$63,280
2026 Current Est.
$64,875
2019–2027 Growth
+3.9%
Salary Trajectory for Plumbers in Modesto (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.52% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $64,000 | Actual |
| 2020 | $67,740 | Actual |
| 2021 | $59,380 | Actual |
| 2022 | $59,080 | Actual |
| 2023 | $61,200 | Actual |
| 2024 | $61,310 | Actual |
| 2025 | $63,280 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $64,875 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66,509 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Modesto metropolitan area, the median plumber salary grew -1.1% from $64,000 (2019) to $63,280 (2025). At a 2.52% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $66,509 by 2027 — a total increase of $2,509 (3.92%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Modesto 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) | $48,451 – $57,052 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $57,052 – $64,875 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $64,875 – $81,022 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $81,022 – $117,396 |
Plumber salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual plumber compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Plumber Job Market in Modesto
The local job market supports approximately 470 plumbers, contributing to a competitive environment despite a cost-of-living index of 104.108, indicating that living expenses are above the national average. This elevated cost can affect take-home pay and purchasing power, especially for those in lower pay brackets. Among employers, union contractors typically provide the highest compensation, as union rates often exceed those of non-union and open-shop contractors. The variance in plumber pay in Modesto can be attributed to factors such as specialty certifications—like medical gas and backflow prevention, along with ownership licenses and commission-based earnings in service companies. To maximize earnings, pursuing advanced licenses, gaining experience in high-demand specialties, and exploring opportunities with unionized or large service firms are advised strategies for those navigating the plumbing job landscape in Modesto, CA.
More salary data for Modesto, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 $63,280 for plumbersin the Modesto 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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