Pipelayers Salary in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA
The median pay for a pipelayers in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA is $78,880/year ($37.92/hour), per BLS data. The range runs from $50K at the entry level to $100K for experienced workers. Prices run high here (RPP 111.89), so that salary is closer to $70,498 in real purchasing power. A 2-bedroom apartment runs $3,001/month — about 58.3% of take-home, which is tight.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $79K get you in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad?
About pipelayers
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA
Entry-level pipelayers (10th percentile) start around $50K. Mid-career wages sit at $79K.Top earners bring in $100K or more - a $50K spread from bottom to top.
Pipelayers pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska | $94K | +92% | 30 |
| Minnesota | $85K | +74% | 260 |
| Wisconsin | $81K | +67% | 430 |
| Washington | $80K | +65% | 1,360 |
| California | $78K | +60% | 1,720 |
| New York | $76K | +57% | 310 |
| Indiana | $75K | +55% | 1,160 |
| New Jersey | $71K | +45% | 610 |
| Michigan | $64K | +32% | 270 |
| Oregon | $64K | +32% | 590 |
| Nevada | $63K | +29% | 200 |
| Idaho | $63K | +29% | 100 |
| Arizona | $62K | +27% | 700 |
| Massachusetts | $61K | +25% | 130 |
| Pennsylvania | $61K | +25% | 450 |
Track pipelayers salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do pipelayers make in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA?
The median is $78,880 a year - that works out to about $37.92 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $50,080, and experienced pipelayers can clear $99,770. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $79K enough to live in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $5,034/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $3,001/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 59.6% 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 pipelayers salary go in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad?
San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad has a Regional Price Parity of 111.89 (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 pipelayers salary is worth about $70,498 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do pipelayers 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.