Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters Salary in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA
In Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA, helpers--pipelayers, plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters earn $52,770 at the median — $25.37 an hour. The range runs from $40K at the entry level to $66K for experienced workers. Prices run high here (RPP 109.9), so that salary is closer to $48,016 in real purchasing power. A 2-bedroom apartment runs $4,214/month — about 122.3% of take-home, which is tight.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $53K get you in Santa Cruz-Watsonville?
About helpers--pipelayers, plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA
Entry-level helpers--pipelayers, plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters (10th percentile) start around $40K. Mid-career wages sit at $53K.Top earners bring in $66K or more - a $25K spread from bottom to top.
Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washington | $58K | +48% | 820 |
| Hawaii | $56K | +42% | N/A |
| Alaska | $54K | +38% | 30 |
| North Dakota | $52K | +31% | 50 |
| California | $50K | +27% | 2,230 |
| Massachusetts | $49K | +24% | N/A |
| Michigan | $47K | +20% | 220 |
| Missouri | $47K | +19% | N/A |
| Maine | $47K | +19% | 330 |
| New Hampshire | $46K | +16% | 140 |
| Utah | $45K | +14% | 240 |
| Montana | $45K | +14% | 70 |
| District of Columbia | $44K | +13% | N/A |
| New York | $44K | +11% | 3,520 |
| Nebraska | $43K | +11% | N/A |
Track helpers--pipelayers, plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when Santa Cruz-Watsonville numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do helpers--pipelayers, plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters make in Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA?
The median is $52,770 a year - that works out to about $25.37 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $40,350, and experienced helpers--pipelayers, plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters can clear $65,730. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $53K enough to live in Santa Cruz-Watsonville?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $3,582/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $4,214/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 117.6% of your paycheck. That's above the 30% rule of thumb - housing will be a stretch at the median salary, though you can manage with roommates or a smaller place.
How far does a helpers--pipelayers, plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters salary go in Santa Cruz-Watsonville?
Santa Cruz-Watsonville has a Regional Price Parity of 109.9 (100 is the national average). Prices are above average here, so your dollar buys less than the same salary would in a cheaper metro. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median helpers--pipelayers, plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters salary is worth about $48,016 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do helpers--pipelayers, plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.