Plumber Hourly Pay in Oakland, CA: $39.25 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a plumber working in Oakland, CA runs $39.25 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $81,660 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 47-2152). Weighted against Oakland's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $34.71 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $48,990 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Oakland, California, the 2026 median plumber hourly pay stands at $39.25, significantly surpassing the national hourly median of $31.45. This competitive rate reflects the region's higher cost of living, with the hourly wages for plumbers ranging from $25.88 for entry-level positions to approximately $60.86 for top earners. Such a median hourly rate makes part-time work appealing; for those looking to work three days a week, significant earnings can be achieved across various settings like commercial construction sites, residential service calls, and specialized environments such as hospital mechanical rooms. The hourly earnings offer flexibility for self-employed contractors who utilize service trucks and respond to urgent calls in diverse locations, often needing to navigate the intricacies of pricing based on market demand.
About the Oakland 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) | $25.88 | $207.01 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $29.85 | $238.83 |
| Median (P50) | $39.25 | $314.04 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $50.26 | $402.04 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $60.86 | $486.85 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Oakland
Based on $39.25/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $39.25/hr, a plumber working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Oakland, CA can expect to earn approximately $81,650 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $47,106. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Oakland.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Oakland
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,570.20 | $6,804 | $81,650 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $942.12 | $4,083 | $48,990 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $628.08 | $2,722 | $32,660 |
Compare Plumber Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Plumber (Oakland) | $39.25 |
| 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 Oakland, CA earn a median of $81,660 per year (2026 est.), which is 24.85% higher than the national median of $65,408 and 24.60% above the California state average of $65,538.
Plumber Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $39.25/hr = $48,990/year (purchasing power: $43,316).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $81,650/year (purchasing power: $72,193).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$33.10/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$38.29/hr
2026 Current Est.
$39.25/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+21.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Plumbers in Oakland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.52% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33.10/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $33.81/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $35.94/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $36.06/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $36.94/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $47.88/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $38.29/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39.25/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40.24/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for plumbers in Oakland grew 15.7% from $33.10/hr (2019) to $38.29/hr (2025). At a 2.52% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $40.24/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 Oakland 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 Oakland
When analyzing the earning potential for plumbers in various roles, a 3-day workweek, totaling about 24 hours, can yield substantial annual income, but it is essential to compare this to full-time earnings for a complete perspective. Per diem plumbers often take advantage of travel opportunities, earning additional allowances ranging from $100 to $175 per day, combined with base pay averaging $40 to $65 per hour. In Oakland, compensation varies broadly depending on employer type—union contracts typically offer a higher rate compared to non-union companies, and self-employed plumbers often charge between $100 and $180 per hour. The decision between lower hourly rates with benefits and higher rates without is common, highlighting the trade-offs in the sector. For those negotiating pay, understanding market dynamics, knowing industry benchmarks, and leveraging personal qualifications can lead to improved hourly rates in a competitive job market.
More salary data for Oakland, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for plumbers in Oakland in 2026?
How much do part-time plumbers make in Oakland?
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How much does a full-time plumber make per year in Oakland?
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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 Oakland. 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 Oakland 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