Salary distribution
Where San Diego plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters fall on the wage curve.
Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)
The middle 50% of workers earn between $55,830 and $86,980, with a median of $66,130.
Typical entry
Education
High school diploma
Experience
None
On-the-job training
Apprenticeship
Top skills (O*NET)
- 4.3 / 5
Building and Construction
Knowledge
- 4.3 / 5
Mechanical
Knowledge
- 3.8 / 5
Design
Knowledge
- 3.8 / 5
Mathematics
Knowledge
- 3.8 / 5
Problem Sensitivity
Ability
- 3.6 / 5
Near Vision
Ability
- 3.6 / 5
Finger Dexterity
Ability
- 3.6 / 5
Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge
Common tasks (O*NET)
- 01
Shut off steam, water, or other gases or liquids from pipe sections, using valve keys or wrenches.
- 02
Install underground storm, sanitary, or water piping systems, extending piping as needed to connect fixtures and plumbing.
- 03
Assemble pipe sections, tubing, or fittings, using couplings, clamps, screws, bolts, cement, plastic solvent, caulking, or soldering, brazing, or welding equipment.
- 04
Locate and mark the position of pipe installations, connections, passage holes, or fixtures in structures, using measuring instruments such as rulers or levels.
- 05
Cut, thread, or hammer pipes to specifications, using tools such as saws, cutting torches, pipe threaders, or pipe benders.
- 06
Lay out full scale drawings of pipe systems, supports, or related equipment, according to blueprints.
- 07
Plan pipe system layout, installation, or repair, according to specifications.
- 08
Review blueprints, building codes, or specifications to determine work details or procedures.
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Explore coursesOther metros in California
How the San Diego metro compares to other major California metro areas for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters.
- San Jose$90,220
- San Francisco$71,700
- Los Angeles$65,110
- Sacramento$63,800
- Riverside$61,640
Frequently asked questions
- What is the median salary for Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters in San Diego, California?
- According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters in the San Diego metropolitan area is $66,130.
- Does San Diego pay more than the California state average for Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters?
- The San Diego metro median is -3.3% versus the California state median of $68,390.
- How does San Diego compare to the national median for Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters?
- The San Diego metro median is -0.5% versus the BLS national figure of $66,431.
- What is the salary range for Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters in San Diego?
- BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $43,980 and the 90th-percentile at $124,400 for the San Diego metro area.
- What education is required for Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters?
- BLS lists the typical entry-level education as High school diploma. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.
Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. BLS metro estimates reflect the San Diego CBSA boundary for the reference year shown and may not match individual offers, employer-specific ranges, or current market conditions. Confirm with a licensed professional before making career or compensation decisions.