San Diego vs Riverside: Plumber Salary (2026)
Compare plumber salaries between San Diego, CA and Riverside, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | San Diego, CA | Riverside, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $74,337▲ | $65,531 |
| Hourly Rate | $35.74▲ | $31.50 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,190 | $50,143▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $62,937▲ | $54,520 |
| 75th Percentile | $96,861▲ | $83,297 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $131,010▲ | $118,247 |
| Total Employed | 5,100▲ | 4,510 |
Verdict
San Diego, CA offers better overall compensation for plumbers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Riverside.
The salary gap between San Diego and Riverside is $8,806 (13.44%). San Diego's median is +13.65% compared to the US national median of $65,408.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in San Diego spans $83,820,Riverside spans $68,104. San Diego has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, San Diego ($66,439 effective) pays 7.92% more than Riverside ($61,565 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose San Diego if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($74,337/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($131,010)
- ✓Larger job market (5,100 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $66,439)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Riverside if…
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, plumber salaries in San Diego grew 31.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 15.9% growth in Riverside over the same period.
San Diego, CA
$55,240 (2019) → $72,510 (2025)
Riverside, CA
$55,150 (2019) → $63,920 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
San Diego, CA
Riverside, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays plumbers more: San Diego or Riverside?
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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