Plumber Hourly Pay in Novato, CA: $31.67 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a plumber working in Novato, CA runs $31.67 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $65,869 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 47-2152). Weighted against Novato's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $28.00 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $39,522 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Novato, California, the projected plumber hourly pay for 2026 stands at $31.67, slightly above the national average of $31.45. This rate provides substantial earning potential for part-time workers, such as those laboring three days a week, and offers flexibility in various settings, including residential service calls, commercial construction sites, and industrial projects. Entry-level plumbers can expect to earn around $21.51 per hour, while top earners in the profession can make up to $49.09 hourly. These figures illustrate the diverse opportunities within the field, which often rely on estimated data based on longer-term salary trends.
About the Novato Market
Salary estimated from California average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Plumber Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $21.51 | $172.07 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.39 | $195.12 |
| Median (P50) | $31.67 | $253.35 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $40.54 | $324.29 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $49.09 | $392.69 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Novato
Based on $31.67/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.67/hr, a plumber working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Novato, CA can expect to earn approximately $65,870 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $38,002. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Novato.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Novato
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,266.74 | $5,489 | $65,870 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $760.04 | $3,294 | $39,522 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $506.69 | $2,196 | $26,348 |
Compare Plumber Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Plumber (Novato) | $31.67 |
| Electrician (National Avg) | $31.97 |
| HVAC Technician (National Avg) | $28.47 |
| Pipefitter / Steamfitter (National Avg) | $32.85 |
| Construction Laborer (National Avg) | $22.95 |
Plumbers in Novato, CA earn a median of $65,869 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.70% higher than the national median of $65,408 and 0.50% above the California state average of $65,541.
Plumber Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.67/hr = $39,522/year (purchasing power: $34,944).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $65,870/year (purchasing power: $58,241).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$26.71/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.89/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.67/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+21.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Plumbers in Novato (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.52% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.71/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $27.27/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.99/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.09/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.80/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $44.82/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.89/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.67/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.47/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for plumbers in Novato grew 15.7% from $26.71/hr (2019) to $30.89/hr (2025). At a 2.52% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.47/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem plumbers can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Novato metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.52% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Plumber in Novato
For those considering part-time work, a plumber working 24 hours a week would see a significant annual income that is notably lower than their full-time counterparts. Per diem plumbers in Novato, particularly those traveling for industrial projects, can earn between $100 and $175 daily in addition to base rates ranging from $40 to $65 per hour. The variance in hourly rates is influenced by employer type, as union jobs typically offer higher wages compared to non-union service positions. Self-employed plumbers often charge effective rates between $100 and $180 hourly, reflecting their business overhead and the competitive market. As some plumbers prioritize higher pay over benefits, understanding the trade-offs becomes essential. Practical negotiation tactics, such as emphasizing specialized skills or certifications like backflow prevention, can enhance hourly compensation opportunities in Novato's plumbing market.
More salary data for Novato, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Pages
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.52% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for plumbers in Novato. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Novato is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.52%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for plumbers (SOC 47-2152).
Compiled and verified by Samuel Torres, CWP, a licensed plumber with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov