Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters Salary in California
The median pay for a plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters in California is $68,390/year ($32.88/hour), per BLS data. The range runs from $45K at the entry level to $127K for experienced workers.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $68K get you in California?
About plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, California
Entry-level plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters (10th percentile) start around $45K. Mid-career wages sit at $68K.Top earners bring in $127K or more - a $81K spread from bottom to top.
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois | $96K | +53% | 18,730 |
| Oregon | $93K | +48% | 6,080 |
| Minnesota | $83K | +32% | 8,520 |
| Massachusetts | $83K | +32% | 15,670 |
| Alaska | $83K | +32% | 870 |
| District of Columbia | $82K | +30% | 640 |
| Washington | $79K | +26% | 12,210 |
| Hawaii | $79K | +25% | 2,640 |
| Wisconsin | $79K | +25% | 9,120 |
| New York | $78K | +25% | 22,630 |
| Montana | $78K | +24% | 1,810 |
| New Jersey | $77K | +23% | 9,840 |
| Michigan | $77K | +22% | 12,830 |
| Connecticut | $73K | +16% | 4,180 |
| California | $68K | +9% | 45,460 |
Track plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when California numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters make in California?
The median is $68,390 a year - that works out to about $32.88 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $45,480, and experienced plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters can clear $126,790. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $68K enough to live in California?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $4,494/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom in this state rents for about $2,201/month (median of metro areas), which eats 49% 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 plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters salary go in California?
California has a Regional Price Parity of 100 (100 is the national average). That's right at the national average. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters salary is worth about $68,390 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do 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.