Plumber Salary in Santa Monica, CA: $66,233 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time plumber in Santa Monica, CA earns a median $66,233/year (≈ $31.84/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 47-2152). Once you factor in Santa Monica's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $58,561 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.1% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the plumber salary in Santa Monica is projected to reach a median annual figure of $66,233, slightly above the national average of $65,408. This data reflects a salary range from $45,575 at the 10th percentile to as high as $102,661 for those at the 90th percentile. Local estimates derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost factors highlight a competitive marketplace, particularly influenced by the significant pay gap that exists between union pipefitters, who are often members of the UA (United Association), and non-union service plumbers. This dynamic shapes the earnings potential for plumbing professionals in Santa Monica, establishing a distinct hierarchy in pay structures across different segments of the plumbing industry.
About the Santa Monica Market
Salary estimated from California average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,575 | $21.91 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51,465 | $24.74 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $66,233 | $31.84 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $84,778 | $40.76 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $102,661 | $49.35 |
Median Salary Position
1.26% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Santa Monica
In Santa Monica, CA, the plumber salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $57,086 (2026 est.). At $66,233, the local median is 1.26% above the national median of $65,408.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Santa Monica: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Santa Monica Plumber Pay Compares
Santa Monica median: $66,233/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Santa Monica Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $65,512 | +1.10% more |
| National Average | $65,408 | +1.26% more |
Plumbers in Santa Monica, CA earn a median of $66,233 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.26% higher than the national median of $65,408 and 1.10% above the California state average of $65,512.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Santa Monica has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Santa Monica, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $66,233 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $58,561 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$55,856
2025 BLS Actual
$64,605
2026 Current Est.
$66,233
2019–2027 Growth
+21.6%
Salary Trajectory for Plumbers in Santa Monica (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.52% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $55,856 | Actual |
| 2020 | $57,041 | Actual |
| 2021 | $60,636 | Actual |
| 2022 | $60,848 | Actual |
| 2023 | $62,327 | Actual |
| 2024 | $93,735 | Actual |
| 2025 | $64,605 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $66,233 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67,902 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Santa Monica metropolitan area, the median plumber salary grew 15.7% from $55,856 (2019) to $64,605 (2025). At a 2.52% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $67,902 by 2027 — a total increase of $12,046 (21.57%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Santa Monica 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) | $45,575 – $51,465 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $51,465 – $66,233 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $66,233 – $84,778 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $84,778 – $102,661 |
Plumber salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual plumber compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Plumber Job Market in Santa Monica
The local job market for plumbers in Santa Monica reflects some unique characteristics, with approximately 20 plumbers currently employed in the area. The cost of living index stands at 113.1, indicating a higher price tag for housing and services compared to the national average, which impacts take-home purchasing power. Union plumbing contractors typically offer the most lucrative wages, with UA signatories often enjoying pay premiums of 30-50% over their non-union counterparts. Factors like specialization in areas such as medical gas installation and required certifications, including backflow prevention, further enhance earning capabilities. Moreover, self-employed plumbers and those working for larger service companies like Roto-Rooter or ARS can maximize their pay through commission structures, overtime, and call-out premiums. To optimize earnings in Santa Monica’s competitive environment, plumbers should consider pursuing additional licenses and certifications, specializing in high-demand areas, and actively seeking opportunities in unionized settings.
More salary data for Santa Monica, 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
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 $64,605 for plumbersin the Santa Monica 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 Santa Monica 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