What plumbers should charge in California.
Fair billed labor here runs about $57–$120/hour, about 14% above the median US state. Every number below comes from what plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters actually earn in California; the math is on this page, in the open.
How much should plumbers charge in California?
In California, plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters earn $28.36–$48.17 per hour (median $35.01, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025), about 14% above the median US state for this trade. A legitimate business bills 2–2.5× wages to cover payroll taxes, insurance, equipment, overhead and profit, so fair billed labor in California runs about $57–$120 per hour. For example, water heater replacement (tank) is about $170–$725 in fair labor, before materials.
Fair price by job
Water heater replacement (tank)
That assumes a like-for-like 40–50 gallon tank swap with code-required fittings.
Plus materials: the tank itself is the biggest line on the bid. Ask for the model number and look up its street price.
Typical labor: 3–6 hours at $57–$120/hr billed.
Faucet or fixture replacement
That assumes one kitchen or bath fixture with reachable shutoffs.
Typical labor: 1–2 hours at $57–$120/hr billed.
Main line clog / drain clearing
That assumes cable-machine clearing through an accessible cleanout; camera inspection or excavation is a separate decision.
Typical labor: 2–4 hours at $57–$120/hr billed.
Before you hire in California
Any job of $1,000 or more (labor and materials) requires a CSLB license. The lookup shows classification, bond, workers' comp and disciplinary actions — check all four.
How to verify a California license · how to get comparable bids · track your quotes side by side (free, no account).
Find plumbers near you in California
Other fair price checks in California
Compare plumbers rates across all states · all fair price checks