Plumber Cost Per Hour in California
$88 – $158We estimate a plumber in California bills about $88 to $158 an hour, based on the state's median wage of $35.01 from BLS (2025). The U.S. median is $30.67.
Plumbing contractors are licensed by the Contractors State License Board under the C-36 Plumbing Contractor classification.
Metro areas
| Place | Median wage | Billed low | Billed high |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles | $34.19 | $85 | $154 |
| San Francisco | $37.44 | $94 | $168 |
| Riverside | $30.73 | $77 | $138 |
| San Diego | $34.86 | $87 | $157 |
What common jobs cost in California
| Job | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Toilet Replacement | $240 | $970 |
| Faucet Replacement | $170 | $620 |
| Drain Cleaning | $110 | $440 |
| Garbage Disposal Replacement | $190 | $670 |
| Water Heater Replacement | $780 | $2,150 |
| Tankless Water Heater Installation | $1,450 | $4,600 |
| Pipe Repair | $140 | $880 |
| Whole-House Repipe | $3,250 | $14,500 |
| Sewer Line Repair | $1,200 | $6,300 |
| Sump Pump Installation | $480 | $1,950 |
Neighboring states
Sources
General information, not professional advice. Conditions, codes and prices vary. Turn off power, gas or water before any work, and hire a licensed professional when in doubt. Cost figures are our estimates, not quotes.