Costa Mesa vs Sacramento: Plumber Salary (2026)
Compare plumber salaries between Costa Mesa, CA and Sacramento, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Costa Mesa, CA | Sacramento, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $65,844 | $66,853▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $31.66 | $32.14▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,072 | $47,795▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $51,103 | $57,739▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $84,281 | $87,491▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $102,059 | $134,404▲ |
| Total Employed | 23 | 3,120▲ |
Verdict
Sacramento, CA offers better overall compensation for plumbers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Costa Mesa.
The salary gap between Costa Mesa and Sacramento is $1,009 (1.53%). Sacramento's median is +2.21% compared to the US national median of $65,408.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Costa Mesa spans $56,987,Sacramento spans $86,609. Sacramento has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced plumbers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Sacramento ($62,673 effective) pays 7.65% more than Costa Mesa ($58,218 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Costa Mesa if…
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Sacramento if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($66,853/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($134,404)
- ✓Larger job market (3,120 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $62,673)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, plumber salaries in Costa Mesa grew -31.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 13.4% growth in Sacramento over the same period.
Costa Mesa, CA
$93,186 (2024) → $64,226 (2025)
Sacramento, CA
$57,480 (2019) → $65,210 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Costa Mesa, CA
Sacramento, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays plumbers more: Costa Mesa or Sacramento?
What is the hourly rate difference between Costa Mesa and Sacramento?
Should I relocate from Costa Mesa to Sacramento as a plumber?
What do entry-level plumbers earn in Costa Mesa vs Sacramento?
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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
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.52% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Samuel Torres, CWP, a licensed plumber with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov