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Plumber Salary in Bakersfield, CA β€” 2026 Guide

Estimated salaries are adjusted for Bakersfield's cost of living (index: 104). National data from BLS OEWS 2024; city adjustments reflect local market conditions.

Plumber Salary in Bakersfield β€” Key Numbers

$64,012
Median Salary
$46,935
25th Percentile
$85,862
75th Percentile
$110,240
90th Percentile
National median (Plumber)$61,550
vs. National median+4.0%
Bakersfield median household income$65,200
vs. City household income-1.8%

Cost of Living in Bakersfield

Cost of Living Index
104(100 = avg)
Median Monthly Rent$1,350/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio25.3%
Annual rent cost$16,200
Median Home Price$340,000
Home Price / Salary5.3Γ—
20% Down Payment$68,000
Years to save (20% rate)5.3 yrs

Rent-to-income below 28% is considered affordable; above 35% is cost-burdened. Home price multiple below 3Γ— is affordable; above 5Γ— is expensive by traditional guidelines.

Job Market in Bakersfield

6.8%
Unemployment Rate
910,000
Metro Population
25 min
Avg Commute
31.2
Median Age

Bakersfield has a metro population of 910,000, offering a sizeable job market with strong opportunities across key sectors. The 6.8% unemployment rate is above the national average, which may reflect broader economic conditions in the region.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Plumber make in Bakersfield, CA?

The estimated median salary for a Plumber in Bakersfield is $64,012 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $61,550 adjusted by Bakersfield's cost of living index (104). The typical salary range runs from $46,935 (25th percentile) to $85,862 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $110,240.

Is Bakersfield affordable for a Plumber?

On a $64,012 annual salary, a Plumber in Bakersfield would spend approximately 25.3% of gross monthly income on median rent ($1,350/month). This is well within the 28% affordability threshold, making Bakersfield relatively affordable for this profession. The median home price of $340,000 is 5.3Γ— the annual salary.

How does a Plumber's salary compare to Bakersfield's overall income?

Bakersfield's median household income is $65,200. A Plumber earning the city-adjusted median of $64,012 earns 1.8% less than the typical Bakersfield household income. This may reflect that the profession is entry-level or that Bakersfield has a particularly high median household income due to high-earning industries.

Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS, 2024 release. City salary estimates adjusted by cost of living index. City data from Census Bureau, BLS, Zillow, and ApartmentAdvisor (2024–2025). Last updated: March 2026.