Plumber Salary in San Francisco, CA: $111,976 (2026)

Plumber Pay in San Francisco: What to Expect (2026)

San Francisco offers a median plumber salary of $111,976, which is $26,348 above the California state average of $85,628. Compared to the national median of $59,880, San Francisco pays above average for this role.

However, San Francisco's cost of living index is 182%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $111,976 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $61,525. Housing, transportation, and food costs in San Francisco should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for plumbers in San Francisco spans from $68,068 at the 10th percentile to $185,504 at the 90th percentile — a $117,436 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $63,580, while senior plumbers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $172,040. As a major metro area with a population of 873,965, San Francisco typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Plumber Salary in San Francisco by Experience

In San Francisco, an entry-level plumber earns around $63,580, while experienced professionals earn up to $172,040 per year. The local cost of living index is 182% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$63,580

+$29,580 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$112,200

+$52,200 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$172,040

+$80,040 vs national

Percentile	San Francisco	CA State	National
10th Percentile	$68,068	$52,052	$36,400
25th Percentile	$85,646	$65,494	$45,800
Median (50th)	$111,976	$85,628	$59,880
75th Percentile	$146,234	$111,826	$78,200
90th Percentile	$185,504	$141,856	$99,200

Percentile

San Francisco

10th Percentile

$68,068

25th Percentile

$85,646

Median (50th)

$111,976

75th Percentile

$146,234

90th Percentile

$185,504

How to Become a Plumber in San Francisco

Education

Most plumber positions require a high school diploma + apprenticeship. San Francisco and the surrounding California area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Pipe FittingBlueprint ReadingPlumbing CodeTroubleshootingSoldering/WeldingCustomer Service

Job Outlook

Nationally, plumber employment is projected to grow 2% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in San Francisco may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Plumber Salary in San Francisco

How much does a Plumber make in San Francisco, CA? ▼

The median plumber salary in San Francisco, California is $111,976 per year, which is 87.0% above the national median of $59,880. Salaries range from $68,068 (10th percentile) to $185,504 (90th percentile).

How much does a Plumber make per hour in San Francisco? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $111,976, a plumber in San Francisco earns approximately $54 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does San Francisco compare to the California state average for plumber pay? ▼

San Francisco's median plumber salary of $111,976 is 30.8% above the California state average of $85,628. The local cost of living index is 182% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in San Francisco, CA? ▼

San Francisco has a cost of living index of 182% compared to the national average. This means a plumber salary of $111,976 in San Francisco has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a plumber in San Francisco? ▼

Most plumber positions in San Francisco require a high school diploma + apprenticeship. Key skills include Pipe Fitting, Blueprint Reading, Plumbing Code, Troubleshooting. The job market is projected to grow 2% nationally over the next decade.

Plumber Salary in San Francisco, California