Plumber Hourly Pay in Union City, CA: $31.58 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a plumber working in Union City, CA runs $31.58 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $65,677 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 47-2152). Weighted against Union City's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $27.92 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $39,407 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Union City, the plumber hourly pay is set at a median rate of $31.58, slightly above the national average of $31.45. This hourly wage positions plumbers in this area favorably, particularly for those working part-time or on a per-diem basis. For instance, a plumber working three days a week would earn approximately $24,000 annually, presenting an attractive option for those seeking flexibility in their schedules. The hourly range from entry-level positions at $21.32 to highly skilled plumbers making $48.94 reflects the diverse opportunities available—from residential service calls in customer homes to more complex projects in industrial and commercial settings. The compensation structure recognizes not only skill and experience but also the varied nature of plumbing work, whether it's emergency repairs or routine maintenance.
About the Union City 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) | $21.32 | $170.59 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.41 | $203.32 |
| Median (P50) | $31.58 | $252.61 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $40.41 | $323.31 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $48.94 | $391.54 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Union City
Based on $31.58/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.58/hr, a plumber working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Union City, CA can expect to earn approximately $65,678 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $37,891. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Union City.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Union City
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,263.05 | $5,473 | $65,678 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $757.83 | $3,284 | $39,407 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $505.22 | $2,189 | $26,271 |
Compare Plumber Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Plumber (Union City) | $31.58 |
| 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 Union City, CA earn a median of $65,677 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.41% higher than the national median of $65,408 and 0.20% above the California state average of $65,546.
Plumber Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.58/hr = $39,407/year (purchasing power: $34,843).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $65,678/year (purchasing power: $58,071).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$26.63/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.80/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.58/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+21.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Plumbers in Union City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.52% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.63/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $27.19/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.91/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.01/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.71/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $44.69/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.80/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.58/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.37/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for plumbers in Union City grew 15.7% from $26.63/hr (2019) to $30.80/hr (2025). At a 2.52% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.37/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 Union City 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 Union City
Although a part-time plumber in Union City may take home significantly less than their full-time counterparts, the per diem plumber pay in this region can provide an enticing alternative. Travel pipefitters and steamfitters often enjoy higher base rates ranging from $40 to $65 per hour, along with daily per diem allowances of $100 to $175 on out-of-town jobs. This financial model benefits those comfortable with mobility and flexibility. Plumbers in Union City also see differing pay scales based on their employment status; union plumbers often earn 30-50% more due to their specialized skills and benefits, while self-employed contractors can significantly boost their earnings, often charging $100-$180 per hour. Whether one opts for the stability of a full-time position or the independence of freelancing, practical negotiation strategies—such as highlighting unique skills or union certifications—can help secure a favorable contract tailored to individual circumstances.
More salary data for Union City, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Union City. 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 Union City 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