Plumber Hourly Pay in Orange, CA: $31.03 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a plumber working in Orange, CA runs $31.03 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $64,553 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 47-2152). Weighted against Orange's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $27.44 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,729 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Orange, California, plumbers are expected to earn a median hourly rate of $31.03 in 2026, which is slightly below the national median of $31.45. This rate reflects the occupational standards for both full-time and part-time plumbers, especially those working three days a week, where earnings can be significant when calculated hourly. In practical terms, a per-diem worker can anticipate varied compensation based on the type of work performed, whether it's on commercial construction sites, residential service calls, or industrial piping systems. For entry-level positions, hourly pay starts at $21.18, while experienced plumbers can reach up to $48.10, underscoring the earning potential across different skill levels and job sectors in Orange.
About the Orange 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) | $21.18 | $169.45 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.36 | $186.91 |
| Median (P50) | $31.03 | $248.26 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $39.73 | $317.81 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $48.10 | $384.82 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Orange
Based on $31.03/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.03/hr, a plumber working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Orange, CA can expect to earn approximately $64,548 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $37,239. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Orange.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Orange
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,241.31 | $5,379 | $64,548 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $744.79 | $3,227 | $38,729 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $496.52 | $2,152 | $25,819 |
Compare Plumber Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Plumber (Orange) | $31.03 |
| 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 Orange, CA earn a median of $64,553 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.31% lower than the national median of $65,408 and 1.50% below the California state average of $65,536.
Plumber Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.03/hr = $38,729/year (purchasing power: $34,243).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $64,548/year (purchasing power: $57,072).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$26.17/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.27/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.03/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+21.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Plumbers in Orange (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.52% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.17/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.73/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.41/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $28.51/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.20/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $43.92/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.27/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.03/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.81/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for plumbers in Orange grew 15.7% from $26.17/hr (2019) to $30.27/hr (2025). At a 2.52% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.81/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 Orange 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 Orange
Focusing on the financial realities within the plumbing trade in Orange, a part-time plumber working 24 hours per week could bring in an annual income approximately around $38,000, while full-time workers may see higher totals. For electricians and pipefitters who accept per-diem assignments on out-of-town projects, rates can range from $40 to $65 per hour, with potential daily stipends of $100 to $175 to cover travel expenses. Self-employed contractors often command higher rates, with effective hourly earnings reaching between $100 and $180 in high-cost-of-living areas. Ultimately, plumbing workers in Orange must weigh options between union employment, which generally offers higher hourly wages but comes with restrictions, and non-union roles that often provide greater flexibility. Negotiating for higher compensation, especially when offering specialized skills such as medical gas installation, is a critical strategy for those in this profession.
More salary data for Orange, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for plumbers in Orange in 2026?
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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 Orange. 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 Orange 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