Plumber Salary in Stockton, CA: $64,485 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time plumber in Stockton, CA earns a median $64,485/year (≈ $31.00/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 47-2152). Once you factor in Stockton's price level (5% above national, BEA RPP 105.1), that paycheck buys what $61,362 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.6% below the California state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, plumbers in Stockton, California, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $64,485. This figure showcases a competitive marketplace, with salaries ranging from $47,815 at the 10th percentile to $101,413 at the 90th percentile. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS data, these estimates reflect the evolving dynamics in the plumbing trade, where self-employed contractors often grapple with variable income compared to those in steady employment with service companies. Given the complexity and expertise required in plumbing—from service jobs to specialized work such as medical gas installations—understanding these economic factors is essential for navigating career paths in Stockton.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,815 | $22.98 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $59,923 | $28.81 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $64,485 | $31.00 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $82,129 | $39.49 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $101,413 | $48.76 |
Median Salary Position
1.41% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Stockton
In Stockton, CA, the plumber salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $53,598 (2026 est.). At $64,485, the local median is 1.41% below the national median of $65,408.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Stockton: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Stockton Plumber Pay Compares
Stockton median: $64,485/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Stockton Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $65,534 | -1.60% less |
| National Average | $65,408 | -1.41% less |
Plumbers in Stockton, CA earn a median of $64,485 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.41% lower than the national median of $65,408 and 1.60% below the California state average of $65,534.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Stockton has a cost of living 5.09% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Stockton, CA has a cost-of-living index of 105.089 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $64,485 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $61,362 — a 4.84% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$70,740
2025 BLS Actual
$62,900
2026 Current Est.
$64,485
2019–2027 Growth
+-6.5%
Salary Trajectory for Plumbers in Stockton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.52% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $70,740 | Actual |
| 2020 | $77,910 | Actual |
| 2021 | $62,290 | Actual |
| 2022 | $61,910 | Actual |
| 2023 | $59,450 | Actual |
| 2024 | $61,970 | Actual |
| 2025 | $62,900 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $64,485 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66,110 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Stockton metropolitan area, the median plumber salary grew -11.1% from $70,740 (2019) to $62,900 (2025). At a 2.52% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $66,110 by 2027 — a total increase of $-4,630 (-6.55%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Stockton 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) | $47,815 – $59,923 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $59,923 – $64,485 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $64,485 – $82,129 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $82,129 – $101,413 |
Plumber salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual plumber compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Plumber Job Market in Stockton
The local job market for plumbers in Stockton remains robust, employing approximately 690 professionals. The cost of living, indexed at 105.089, highlights the need for competitive wages to maintain purchasing power in this area. Among the highest compensators are union plumbing contractors affiliated with the United Association, who often offer premiums for their skilled workforce. Conversely, non-union service plumbing firms may provide variable pay structures based on commissions, which can yield high earnings but come with less predictability. Factors contributing to the pay range include trade specialization, certifications like medical gas and backflow prevention credentials, and the distinction between service and industrial roles. To maximize earnings in Stockton's plumbing landscape, pursuing continuous education, obtaining a master license, and considering union affiliation are strategic advantages that can significantly impact overall plumber pay in Stockton, CA.
More salary data for Stockton, 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 $62,900 for plumbersin the Stockton 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