Plumber Salary in Downey, CA: $66,353 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time plumber in Downey, CA earns a median $66,353/year (≈ $31.90/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 47-2152). Once you factor in Downey's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $58,668 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.3% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Downey, California, the current trend indicates a competitive plumber salary in Downey, projected to reach $66,353 by 2026. This figure reflects a notable edge over the national median of $65,408, illustrating how a unionized workforce has established a robust salary framework that often eclipses non-union rates. The salary range for plumbers in the area spans from $42,647 at the lower end to $102,847 for top earners, highlighting the disparity within the field. Local estimates derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional economic factors, paint a picture of a demand-driven market where the value of specialized skills, particularly in unionized roles, shapes compensation trends. Given this context, Downey's job market remains primarily influenced by the division between union pipefitters and non-union service plumbers, reinforcing the importance of union affiliation in securing higher pay.
About the Downey Market
Salary estimated from California average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,647 | $20.50 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52,104 | $25.05 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $66,353 | $31.90 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $84,932 | $40.83 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $102,847 | $49.45 |
Median Salary Position
1.44% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Downey
In Downey, CA, the plumber salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $60,200 (2026 est.). At $66,353, the local median is 1.44% above the national median of $65,408.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Downey: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Downey Plumber Pay Compares
Downey median: $66,353/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Downey Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $65,501 | +1.30% more |
| National Average | $65,408 | +1.44% more |
Plumbers in Downey, CA earn a median of $66,353 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.44% higher than the national median of $65,408 and 1.30% above the California state average of $65,501.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Downey has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Downey, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $66,353 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $58,668 — a 11.58% reduction.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$55,957
2025 BLS Actual
$64,722
2026 Current Est.
$66,353
2019–2027 Growth
+21.6%
Salary Trajectory for Plumbers in Downey (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.52% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $55,957 | Actual |
| 2020 | $57,144 | Actual |
| 2021 | $60,745 | Actual |
| 2022 | $60,958 | Actual |
| 2023 | $62,439 | Actual |
| 2024 | $93,905 | Actual |
| 2025 | $64,722 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $66,353 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $68,025 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Downey metropolitan area, the median plumber salary grew 15.7% from $55,957 (2019) to $64,722 (2025). At a 2.52% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $68,025 by 2027 — a total increase of $12,068 (21.57%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Downey 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $42,647 – $52,104 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $52,104 – $66,353 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $66,353 – $84,932 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $84,932 – $102,847 |
Plumber salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual plumber compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Plumber Job Market in Downey
With only 22 plumbers currently employed in Downey, the job market for plumbing professionals is relatively small yet steady. The cost of living index in the area stands at 113.1, signaling that while wages may be higher, take-home purchasing power is impacted by local expenses. Among employers, UA union plumbing contractors generally pay the highest, followed closely by industrial maintenance teams in manufacturing, where specialized skills can command a premium. The pay spectrum largely reflects the differences between union and non-union labor, specialty credentials—such as medical gas and backflow prevention certifications—and various employment structures like commission-based gigs at major service companies (e.g., Roto-Rooter). Aspiring plumbers in Downey should consider gaining diverse credentials and exploring self-employment options, as these avenues can enhance earning potential through flexible income or a focus on high-demand specialties.
More salary data for Downey, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do plumbers make in Downey, CA in 2026?
Is Downey, CA a good place to work as a plumber?
Can plumbers make $100K in Downey?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted plumber salary in Downey?
How much does a plumber make per hour in Downey?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in California
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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $64,722 for plumbersin the Downey metropolitan area. A 2.52% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Downey 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