Plumber Salary in San Mateo, CA: $66,226 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time plumber in San Mateo, CA earns a median $66,226/year (≈ $31.84/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 47-2152). Once you factor in San Mateo's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $58,555 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.1% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the plumber salary in San Mateo reaches a median annual figure of $66,226, which is slightly above the national average of $65,408. Plumbers in this area can expect a salary range from $42,565 at the 10th percentile to $102,650 at the 90th percentile. These figures represent local estimates derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for California's living costs. San Mateo's job market, characterized by its demand for skilled workers, particularly in specialized fields like medical gas installation and industrial plumbing, drives competitive wages. This situation highlights significant earning potential, especially for those with advanced credentials or union affiliations.
About the San Mateo Market
Salary estimated from California average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,565 | $20.46 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $53,288 | $25.62 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $66,226 | $31.84 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $84,769 | $40.75 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $102,650 | $49.35 |
Median Salary Position
1.25% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in San Mateo
In San Mateo, CA, the plumber salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $60,085 (2026 est.). At $66,226, the local median is 1.25% above the national median of $65,408.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in San Mateo: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How San Mateo Plumber Pay Compares
San Mateo median: $66,226/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | San Mateo Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $65,505 | +1.10% more |
| National Average | $65,408 | +1.25% more |
Plumbers in San Mateo, CA earn a median of $66,226 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.25% higher than the national median of $65,408 and 1.10% above the California state average of $65,505.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
San Mateo has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
San Mateo, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $66,226 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $58,555 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$55,850
2025 BLS Actual
$64,598
2026 Current Est.
$66,226
2019–2027 Growth
+21.6%
Salary Trajectory for Plumbers in San Mateo (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.52% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $55,850 | Actual |
| 2020 | $57,035 | Actual |
| 2021 | $60,629 | Actual |
| 2022 | $60,842 | Actual |
| 2023 | $62,320 | Actual |
| 2024 | $93,726 | Actual |
| 2025 | $64,598 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $66,226 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67,895 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the San Mateo metropolitan area, the median plumber salary grew 15.7% from $55,850 (2019) to $64,598 (2025). At a 2.52% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $67,895 by 2027 — a total increase of $12,045 (21.57%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the San Mateo 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) | $42,565 – $53,288 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $53,288 – $66,226 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $66,226 – $84,769 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $84,769 – $102,650 |
Plumber salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual plumber compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Plumber Job Market in San Mateo
The local job market for plumbers in San Mateo consists of only 21 plumbers, reflecting a tight labor supply that can influence potential earnings. With a cost of living index of 113.1, which is higher than the national average, these figures underscore the importance of purchasing power in compensation negotiations for plumber pay in San Mateo, CA. Employers that tend to pay the highest include union plumbing contractors affiliated with the United Association, known for better compensation compared to non-union outfits. Factors contributing to the disparity in salaries include licensing levels, types of specialty work performed, and whether a plumber is employed by a large service company or operates independently. To maximize earnings, plumbers should consider obtaining union membership, pursuing additional certifications in specialties like medical gas, and honing their skills in high-demand areas like industrial maintenance or commercial service work. This strategic approach not only enhances income potential but also positions them well within the evolving plumbing market in San Mateo.
More salary data for San Mateo, 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 $64,598 for plumbersin the San Mateo 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 Mateo 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