Plumber in Chino, CA

The Salary Picture: Where Chino Stands

As a local, I can tell you that Chino’s plumbing market is stable and competitive. The cost of living is high, but so is the demand for skilled trades. Using the most recent regional data, here’s how a plumber’s earnings break down in the Inland Empire area, which directly applies to Chino.

The median salary for a plumber in the Chino area is $64,851/year, which translates to an hourly rate of $31.18/hour. This is slightly above the national average of $63,350/year, a solid indicator that the region values skilled plumbing work. However, your actual earnings will vary significantly based on experience, specialization, and whether you work for a large firm or run your own operation. The 10-year job growth is projected at 6%, with approximately 186 plumbing jobs active in the metro area at any given time. This growth is steady, driven by Chino’s ongoing residential expansion and the maintenance needs of its existing housing stock.

To give you a clearer picture, here’s a breakdown of salary expectations by experience level within the local market:

Experience-Level Salary Breakdown

Experience Level	Typical Years in Trade	Estimated Annual Salary Range	Key Factors in Chino
Entry-Level Plumber	0-2 years	$45,000 - $55,000	Apprentice work, new construction, basic repairs. Often starts under a licensed journeyman.
Mid-Level Plumber	3-7 years	$60,000 - $75,000	Licensed journeyman, can work independently on most residential/commercial jobs.
Senior Plumber	8-15 years	$75,000 - $95,000+	Specialized skills (e.g., medical gas, complex commercial systems), leads crews, project management.
Expert/Owner-Operator	15+ years	$100,000 - $150,000+	Business owner, master plumber, consultant. Income heavily depends on business volume and profit margins.

Insider Tip: The jump from mid-level to senior is where you see the biggest salary increase. Specializing early in areas like hydronic heating or backflow prevention can get you to that senior tier faster. Many local companies in Chino are willing to pay a premium for plumbers who can handle both the new subdivisions off Pipeline Ave and the older homes near Central Avenue.

When you compare Chino to other California cities, the picture gets more nuanced. While Chino’s median of $64,851 is healthy, it’s notably lower than coastal metros. For example, a plumber in San Francisco might command a median of over $100,000, but the cost of living there is astronomically higher. Compared to nearby cities like Ontario or Rancho Cucamonga, Chino’s pay is competitive and often aligns closely with the Inland Empire’s regional average. The jobs in the metro (186) indicate a steady demand, but it’s not the explosive growth you might see in a tech hub. For a plumber, this means stability rather than a frenzy of jobs, which can be preferable for work-life balance.

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The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about the numbers. A median salary of $64,851 sounds decent, but after California’s state taxes and the region’s housing costs, your take-home pay tells a different story. Using Chino’s specific cost of living data, here’s a realistic monthly budget for a single plumber earning the median wage.

Income: $64,851 annual salary (pre-tax)
Estimated Monthly Take-Home Pay (after federal/state taxes & standard deductions): ~$3,900 - $4,100/month.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Plumber Earning $64,851)

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes for Chino
Rent (1BR Apartment)	$2,104	Chino average. Older complexes near the 71 freeway may be closer to $1,900; new builds in Chino Hills can be $2,400+.
Utilities (Electric/Gas/Water/Sewer)	$250 - $350	Highly variable. Summer AC costs spike. Many apartments include water/trash.
Health Insurance	$300 - $500	If not fully covered by employer. This is a significant cost.
Car Payment/Insurance/Gas	$600 - $800	Chino is car-dependent. Insurance rates are high in CA.
Groceries & Household	$400 - $500	Basic needs. Chino has affordable grocery options like Stater Bros. and Walmart.
Miscellaneous (Phone, etc.)	$200 - $300
DISCRETIONARY/SAVINGS	$100 - $500	This is the tightest part of the budget.

Can they afford to buy a home? On a single plumber’s median income, buying a home in Chino is a significant challenge. The median home price in Chino is approximately $650,000 - $700,000. A 20% down payment ($130,000+) is out of reach for most. Even with a lower down payment, the monthly mortgage, taxes, and insurance would likely exceed $3,500, which is not sustainable on the take-home pay of a single median-earner. Insider Tip: This is why many local plumbers in Chino either live with family, rent with roommates, or have a spouse/partner with dual income. Some successful owner-operators eventually buy homes, but it often takes 10+ years of building a business.

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Where the Jobs Are: Chino's Major Employers

Chino’s job market for plumbers is anchored by large-scale construction and institutional facilities. You won’t find the high-density commercial contracts of downtown LA, but you’ll find consistent work in residential tracts, schools, and healthcare. Here are the specific employers a plumber should know:

1. The Home Builders (Pulte Homes, KB Home, Lennar): These giants are actively building in Chino’s newer developments like The Preserve at Chino and Crossroads. They hire plumbers for new construction, offering steady hours and benefits. Hiring is cyclical, tied to housing market demand, but the current pipeline is strong.

2. Chino Valley Unified School District (CVUSD): With over 30 schools, the district has a full-time maintenance and facilities team. These are union jobs (often with the CA State Employees’ Association), offering excellent benefits, pensions, and job security. They handle everything from emergency leaks to full remodels. Positions are posted on the district’s EdJoin website.

3. Chino Valley Fire District: While not a direct plumbing employer, their stations and administrative buildings require maintenance. Plumbers can find work through the city’s facilities management for public buildings or as contractors for fire station upgrades.

4. San Antonio Regional Hospital: Located just east in Upland, this is the major medical center for Chino residents. Hospitals require specialized plumbers for medical gas systems, backflow prevention, and high-pressure water systems. These jobs often pay a premium ($40+/hour) and require specific certifications.

5. City of Chino Public Works: The city itself employs plumbers for municipal water and sewer infrastructure. These are stable, government jobs with strong benefits. They are highly competitive and typically require a Class C or D license from the state’s Department of Water Resources (DWR).

6. Local Plumbing Contractors (e.g., Rooter-Man, Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, and smaller shops like Chino Plumbing Co.): These are the bedrock of the market. They handle residential and commercial service calls, repairs, and remodels. For a journeyman, joining an established local firm is the fastest way to get steady work. Many have their own fleets and offer commission-based pay for service technicians, which can push earnings above the median.

Hiring Trend: There’s a noticeable shift toward plumbers who are comfortable with both traditional pipe work and modern PEX/Uponor systems. Knowledge of trenchless sewer repair is also a growing plus, as many Chino homes from the 70s/80s have aging cast iron lines.

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Getting Licensed in CA

California’s licensing is strict, but the path is clear. The Contractors State License Board (CSLB) is your governing body. You cannot legally advertise, bid, or contract for work over $500 without a license.

The Path:

1. Apprenticeship (4-5 years): You must complete 4,800 hours of on-the-job training and 360 hours of classroom instruction through a state-approved program (like the United Association Local 364 in the Inland Empire or an IBEW/ABC apprenticeship).
2. Journeyman Plumber License (C-36): After apprenticeship, you must pass a state exam. You can now work for a licensed contractor. In Chino, a journeyman can expect to earn the $60,000-$75,000 range.
3. Master Plumber/Contractor License (C-36): To start your own business, you need a C-36 license. This requires:
   • 4 years of journeyman-level experience.
   • Passing the state law and business exam and the trade exam.
   • A $15,000 surety bond.
   • Liability insurance.

Costs & Timeline:

• Apprenticeship: Often free or low-cost (union dues), paid while you work.
• Journeyman Exam Fee: ~$300.
• Contractor License Fees: ~$550 for application and initial license.
• Total Timeline: Minimum 4-5 years from apprentice to journeyman, then 4+ more years for contractor-level. Insider Tip: The Inland Empire has a strong network of union and non-union apprenticeship programs. Start by contacting the Inland Empire Plumbing & Heating Association or visiting the California State Apprenticeship Council website for listings.

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Best Neighborhoods for Plumbers

Where you live in Chino affects your commute, lifestyle, and rent. Here’s a breakdown from a local’s perspective:

1. Central Chino (91710): The heart of the city, with older homes (1950s-80s) and many apartment complexes. Rent for a 1BR: $1,800 - $2,100. Excellent for service plumbers—close to major employers like the school district and city hall. Commute is minimal if you work in-town.

2. Chino Hills (91709): Upscale, family-oriented, with newer homes and higher prices. Rent for a 1BR: $2,200 - $2,600. You’ll find more remodel work and high-end residential service here. The commute to Chino is easy (10-15 mins via Chino Ave), but traffic on the 71 can add time if you’re coming from the eastern hills.

3. The Preserve Area (91710): The newest development. Mostly single-family homes and newer apartments. Rent for a 1BR: $2,100 - $2,400. Perfect if you work for one of the major builders. The area is clean, safe, and has easy freeway access to the 71 and 60.

4. Near the 71 Freeway (Pipeline Ave Corridor): Mix of commercial and residential. Rent for a 1BR: $1,900 - $2,200. Ideal for commuters working in nearby cities like Ontario or Riverside. Traffic is thick during rush hour, but you can’t beat the convenience for accessing the Inland Empire job market.

5. Rental Tip: Look for older apartment complexes off Central Ave or Ramona Ave. They often have better square footage for the price. Avoid the immediate vicinity of the 60/71 interchange if you hate traffic noise.

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The Long Game: Career Growth

In Chino, career growth isn’t about climbing a corporate ladder; it’s about expanding your skill set and business network.

• Specialty Premiums: Adding these credentials can boost your hourly rate by $5-$15/hour:

  • Medical Gas Certification: Crucial for hospital work.
  • Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester (ASSE 5110): Required for many commercial properties. State law mandates testing.
  • Cross-Connection Control Specialist: High demand from municipal water departments.

• Advancement Paths:

  1. Service Technician: High-pressure sales/commission role. Top performers can earn $80,000+.
  2. Project Foreman: Oversee crews for new construction or large remodels. Requires leadership skills.
  3. Business Owner: The ultimate goal. A successful one-person shop in Chino can net $100,000 - $150,000 after expenses, but it requires hustling for clients and managing overhead.

• 10-Year Outlook: The 6% job growth is solid. Chino’s population is growing, and the housing stock from the 80s/90s is reaching an age where major plumbing overhauls are needed. The push for water efficiency (low-flow fixtures, drought-tolerant landscaping) will also create steady work. Insider Tip: Building relationships with local real estate agents and home inspectors in Chino can be a goldmine for referral business, especially for buyers needing pre-purchase sewer scope inspections.

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The Verdict: Is Chino Right for You?

Here’s a balanced look at the pros and cons of making Chino your plumbing base.

Pros	Cons
Stable Demand: Steady work from new construction and existing home maintenance.	High Cost of Living: Rent and taxes eat into the median salary. Homeownership is difficult on a single income.
Strategic Location: Easy access to the entire Inland Empire job market and LA County.	Car-Centric: Public transit is limited. A reliable vehicle is a mandatory tool and expense.
Lower Competition (vs. LA/OC): Fewer plumbers per capita, meaning more pricing power.	Union vs. Non-Union Divide: Strong union presence (UA 364) can create a divide in the market.
Good Work-Life Balance: Less frantic pace than major metros.	Seasonal Work: New construction can slow during economic downturns.
Community Feel: It’s a family-oriented city with strong local networks.	Licensing Hurdle: The journey to a contractor license is long and expensive.

Final Recommendation: Chino is an excellent choice for a plumber who is already licensed (journeyman or above) and values stable, long-term work over high-risk, high-reward opportunities. It’s particularly attractive for those considering starting a family, as the community is safe and schools are decent. For an entry-level apprentice, the path is clear but you’ll need to be budget-conscious. Owner-operators with a strong business plan can thrive, especially if they tap into the remodel market in Chino Hills. If your primary goal is to maximize raw income and you’re willing to commute, you might look closer to LA, but for balance and community, Chino is a solid bet.

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FAQs

1. How competitive is the job market for plumbers in Chino?
The market is moderately competitive. With 186 jobs in the metro, there’s steady demand, but employers can be selective. Licensed journeymen with clean driving records and no criminal history have the best prospects. The 6% growth means opportunities are opening, but not so fast that you can be picky.

2. Is the union strong in Chino?
Yes. United Association Local 364 has a significant presence in the Inland Empire. Union jobs (school district, public works, some large contractors) offer superior benefits but may require you to travel for apprenticeship training. Non-union shops are plentiful and offer more flexibility, but benefits are often less comprehensive.

3. Can I make a living as a solo plumber in Chino?
It’s challenging but possible. You’ll need your C-36 contractor license, a solid business plan, and a marketing strategy to get clients. The median salary of $64,851 is an employee average; a solo operator’s income is highly variable and can be anything from $40,000 to $150,000+ depending on effort and business savvy. Start by working for a reputable local shop to build a client list.

4. What’s the biggest challenge for plumbers new to Chino?
The biggest challenge is building a client base. Chino is a “word-of-mouth” city. Newcomers should join the Inland Empire Plumbing & Heating Association and attend local business networking events. Also, understanding the specific codes for the Chino Valley Municipal Water District is crucial for water-efficient installations.

5. How do I get started with an apprenticeship in Chino?
Your best first step is to contact the California Apprenticeship Council or the United Association Local 364 directly. Many local contractors also hire apprentices directly. Be prepared to apply to multiple programs—there’s more demand than there are immediate spots. Having a clean driving record and a willingness to learn is key.