Plumber Salary in San Clemente, CA: $65,169 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time plumber in San Clemente, CA earns a median $65,169/year (≈ $31.33/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 47-2152). Once you factor in San Clemente's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $57,621 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.6% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For plumbers in San Clemente, California, projected figures for 2026 indicate a median annual salary of $65,169, which is slightly lower than the national median of $65,408. Local salary estimates reflect a range that varies significantly, from $43,133 at the lower end (P10) to $101,012 for the top earners (P90). These numbers are influenced by both regional cost adjustments and the distinct labor market in the area. Notably, the unionized UA (United Association) pipefitters tend to command a pay premium over non-union service plumbers, leading to a competitive advantage for those affiliated with unions. With the plumbing workforce in San Clemente relatively small—only 10 employed plumbers—the potential for higher pay through specialization or union affiliation becomes even more critical in this vibrant housing market.
About the San Clemente Market
Salary estimated from California average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,133 | $20.74 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51,839 | $24.92 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $65,169 | $31.33 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $83,416 | $40.11 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $101,012 | $48.56 |
Median Salary Position
0.37% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in San Clemente
In San Clemente, CA, the plumber salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $57,879 (2026 est.). At $65,169, the local median is 0.37% below the national median of $65,408.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in San Clemente: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How San Clemente Plumber Pay Compares
San Clemente median: $65,169/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | San Clemente Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $65,562 | -0.60% less |
| National Average | $65,408 | -0.37% less |
Plumbers in San Clemente, CA earn a median of $65,169 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.37% lower than the national median of $65,408 and 0.60% below the California state average of $65,562.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
San Clemente has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
San Clemente, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $65,169 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $57,621 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$54,959
2025 BLS Actual
$63,567
2026 Current Est.
$65,169
2019–2027 Growth
+21.6%
Salary Trajectory for Plumbers in San Clemente (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.52% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $54,959 | Actual |
| 2020 | $56,124 | Actual |
| 2021 | $59,661 | Actual |
| 2022 | $59,871 | Actual |
| 2023 | $61,325 | Actual |
| 2024 | $92,230 | Actual |
| 2025 | $63,567 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65,169 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66,811 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the San Clemente metropolitan area, the median plumber salary grew 15.7% from $54,959 (2019) to $63,567 (2025). At a 2.52% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $66,811 by 2027 — a total increase of $11,852 (21.57%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the San Clemente 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) | $43,133 – $51,839 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $51,839 – $65,169 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $65,169 – $83,416 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $83,416 – $101,012 |
Plumber salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual plumber compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Plumber Job Market in San Clemente
In terms of job market dynamics, the relatively high cost of living in San Clemente, reflected in a cost-of-living index of 113.1, suggests that take-home pay may not stretch as far as it might in areas with lower living costs. Unionized plumbers typically enjoy superior wages, as the union pipefitter ranks, particularly in roles requiring specialized skills like medical gas or backflow prevention, pay significantly more than their non-union counterparts. Conversely, self-employed plumbers or those working for larger service companies like Roto-Rooter and ARS may experience variable income based on commission structures. The wide salary range often comes down to differences in employer type, specialty skills, and whether workers hold advanced licenses needed for higher-paying jobs. For those looking to maximize their plumber pay in San Clemente, pursuing union affiliation, acquiring additional certifications, and exploring roles within high-demand specialty areas could significantly influence earnings in this competitive and evolving market.
More salary data for San Clemente, 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 $63,567 for plumbersin the San Clemente 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 San Clemente 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