Plumber Salary in Los Angeles
Metro area wage data from the BLS OEWS program (May 2025), with Davis-Bacon journey-level scale from UA Local 78, effective September 2025.
Wage figures reflect all plumbers across all employment types, union and non-union, residential and commercial, apprentice through master.
California prevailing wage and a district-wide master agreement define the LA plumber market.
The Los Angeles metro operates under a master agreement negotiated by Southern California Pipe Trades District Council No. 16, covering UA Local 78 alongside several other Southern California locals under one wage scale. Plumber and pipefitter classifications share an identical rate under this agreement, confirmed against the underlying wage determination. California's prevailing wage requirements on public projects set a strong floor, and sustained commercial construction, water infrastructure work, and residential density keep demand consistent.
- →UA Local 78 — Los Angeles/Long Beach, founded 1892, ~2,000 members
- →California prevailing wage on public works projects
- →District-wide master agreement covers multiple Southern California locals
- →Plumber and Pipefitter classifications share one CBA rate
UA Local 78 journeyman plumber Journey-Level Rate
Union scale reflects the UA Local 78 journeyman plumber journey-level rate from the applicable Davis-Bacon wage determination. The BLS area median reflects all plumbers across all employment types and experience levels.
| Training Center | Los Angeles Metropolitan Plumbers JATC |
| Address | 1111 W. James M. Wood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90015 |
| Website | uaplumber78.com |
| Minimum Score | No minimum |
Applying to UA Local 78?
The aptitude test is required for all applicants to UA Local 78. See what to expect and how to prepare.
What to expect →All plumbers, union and non-union, all experience levels
All plumbers, union and non-union, all experience levels. Wage figures only, employer-paid benefits, pension contributions, and health and welfare are not included.
| Annual Median Wage | $71,110 |
| Annual Mean Wage | $80,230 |
| Hourly Median Wage | $34.19 |
| Hourly Mean Wage | $38.57 |
| Total Employed | 15,690 |
| Area Type | Metropolitan Area |
Journey-level rates below are sourced from Davis-Bacon wage determinations, state prevailing wage determinations, or, where a local publishes one directly, its own collective bargaining agreement. Union density and market conditions vary significantly by region.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 - SOC 47-2152 (Plumbers and Pipefitters) - Cross-Industry, All Ownership
Cost of living data provided by the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center (MERIC). The data has been modified for use from its original source, which is the State of Missouri. THE STATE OF MISSOURI MAKES NO REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTY AS TO THE COMPLETENESS, ACCURACY, TIMELINESS, OR CONTENT OF ANY DATA MADE AVAILABLE THROUGH THIS SITE. THE STATE OF MISSOURI EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, WHETHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. Data is subject to change as modifications and updates are complete. Use at your own risk.