Plumber in California: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start

Skilled trades

California employs 47,660 plumbers, with a statewide median of $72,830 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact California licensing picture, and where to train.

What Plumbers Earn in California (May 2025)

California median pay: $72,830 (May 2025)
Starting range (10th percentile): $47,350
Experienced (75th percentile): $100,200
Top earners (90th percentile): $131,100
Employed in California: 47,660
U.S. median (for comparison): $62,970 (May 2024)

Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for plumbers in major California markets:

San Jose / Silicon Valley: $107,560 (3,830 employed)
San Francisco Bay Area: $77,880 (5,660 employed)
San Diego: $72,510 (5,100 employed)
Los Angeles: $71,110 (15,690 employed)
Sacramento: $65,210 (3,120 employed)
Fresno: $64,400 (970 employed)
Riverside–San Bernardino: $63,920 (4,510 employed)

What That Pay Is Worth in California

Prices in California run about 11% above the national average (cost-of-living index 110.7 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $72,830 median is worth closer to $65,790 once higher local prices are factored in.

Job Outlook in California (2024–2034)

California is projected to grow plumbers employment +8.6%, faster than the +4.5% projected nationally. The state expects about 4,870 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.

California License and Certification Requirements

None at journeyman level (local/union credentials); CSLB C-36 Plumbing Contractor to run a business — regulated by the No state journeyman license — contractors need CSLB C-36.

Unlike Texas, California has no state plumber's license below contractor level — training runs through union apprenticeships (UA locals) or employer experience, and some cities have local certification.
A UA apprenticeship (~5 years, paid) is the strongest route: free training, benefits, and journeyman wages far above non-union rates in most metros.
To run your own plumbing business: CSLB C-36 contractor license — 4 years of journeyman-level experience (education can substitute up to 3), two exams, $25,000 bond.

Official requirements: No state journeyman license — contractors need CSLB C-36 →

Training in California

UA locals in Los Angeles (78, 761), San Francisco (38), San Diego (230), and Sacramento (447) run respected apprenticeships. Non-union shops hire trainees directly — ask about a path to journeyman pay before accepting.

Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in California include:

American River College — Certificate / Associate
Bakersfield College — Certificate
City College of San Francisco — Certificate
College of San Mateo — Certificate

Is This the Right Move for You?

Best for: People who want durable demand and do not mind dirty, physical work.

Think twice if: You need clean environments, predictable hours, or low physical strain.

Why it's resilient: Plumbing is local, licensed, physical, urgent, and full of unpredictable building-specific constraints.

First Steps

Search state plumbing apprenticeship requirements and local union/non-union programs.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do plumbers make in California?

The median wage for plumbers in California is $72,830 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $47,350, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $131,100. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.

What license or certification do you need to become a Plumber in California?

None at journeyman level (local/union credentials); CSLB C-36 Plumbing Contractor to run a business, overseen by the No state journeyman license — contractors need CSLB C-36. Unlike Texas, California has no state plumber's license below contractor level — training runs through union apprenticeships (UA locals) or employer experience, and some cities have local certification.

Is being a Plumber a good career in California?

Plumbing is local, licensed, physical, urgent, and full of unpredictable building-specific constraints.

Which California metros pay plumbers the most?

Among California metro areas, San Jose / Silicon Valley leads at $107,560, followed by San Francisco Bay Area ($77,880), San Diego ($72,510). Local pay tracks regional demand and cost of living, so the highest-paying metro isn't always the best net move.

Where can I train to become a Plumber in California?

Real California options include American River College, Bakersfield College, City College of San Francisco. Most plumbers start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.

Is Plumber a growing career in California?

California projects plumbers employment to change +8.6% from 2024 to 2034, with about 4,870 openings a year — a growing field in the state.

Sources and Verification

Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), California statewide and metro estimates for SOC 47-2152. Licensing summary compiled from the No state journeyman license — contractors need CSLB C-36 (2026-06-11). Requirements change — always confirm current rules with the board and verify program costs and outcomes before enrolling.

BLS Occupational Outlook · O*NET California wages · California licensing/certification source

Employment projections: Projections Central / BLS Employment Projections (2024–2034); Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities.

Pay percentiles describe current workers, not entry-level offers; training costs and local demand vary, so verify locally before committing money or quitting a job.