Plumber in Compton, CA

The Salary Picture: Where Compton Stands

Plumbing is a stable, skilled trade with consistent demand, and Compton is no exception. For a plumber considering a move or starting a career here, the compensation data is a critical starting point. The median salary for a plumber in Compton is $66,295/year, which translates to an hourly rate of $31.87/hour. This positions the city just above the national average for plumbers, which sits at $63,350/year. While the difference isn't vast, it's a positive sign, especially when factored against the local cost of living.

The job market itself is modest but steady. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data indicates there are 182 plumbing jobs in the Compton metro area. The 10-year job growth for plumbers is projected at 6%, which is in line with the national average for this trade. This isn't a boomtown for plumbing, but it's a reliable market with consistent need for both new construction and, more importantly, maintenance and repair in an established city.

To understand this data in context, let's break it down by experience level. Salaries in the trades are heavily dependent on your skill set, licensure, and the complexity of jobs you can handle.

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary (Compton, CA)	Key Responsibilities & Qualifications
Entry-Level Apprentice	$45,000 - $55,000	Assisting master plumbers, learning tools, basic installations, and code compliance. Requires a state-issued apprenticeship card.
Mid-Level Journeyman	$65,000 - $80,000	Working independently on most residential/commercial jobs. Requires a CA journeyman plumber license.
Senior/Expert (Master Plumber)	$85,000 - $120,000+	Running crews, designing systems, handling complex commercial projects, and pulling permits. Requires a CA master plumber license.
Specialist (e.g., Medical Gas, Backflow)	$90,000 - $130,000+	Additional certifications for niche, high-demand areas like medical gas systems or commercial backflow prevention.

Compared to other major California cities, Compton offers a distinct middle ground. Los Angeles and San Francisco have higher median salaries ($75,000+), but the cost of living, especially housing, is exponentially higher. San Jose and San Diego also see higher wages, but again, with a steeper cost of living. Compton’s value proposition is a median salary that tracks closely with the national average, in a region with strong trade union presence (like UA Local 364) and a dense housing stock (over 94% of units are multi-family or single-family homes) that requires constant upkeep. It’s a market where a skilled, licensed plumber can build a stable career without the extreme financial pressures of the Bay Area or coastal LA.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A salary of $66,295/year sounds solid, but the real question is what it means for your bottom line in Compton. Let's break down a monthly budget for a single plumber earning the median salary.

First, taxes. California has a progressive state income tax. For a single filer with a $66,295 annual salary, federal and state income taxes, plus FICA (Social Security and Medicare), will take roughly 22-25% off the top. This leaves a net monthly take-home pay of approximately $4,100 - $4,200.

Now, the biggest variable: rent. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Compton is $2,252/month. Let's see what that leaves for other essentials.

Monthly Expense	Estimated Cost	Notes
Net Take-Home Pay	$4,150	Based on 25% total tax on $66,295 salary.
Rent (1BR)	$2,252	Citywide average. Varies by neighborhood.
Utilities (Electric/Gas/Water/Sewer)	$250	Can be lower in newer buildings; older homes may be higher.
Car Payment & Insurance	$400	Essential in Compton; public transit is limited.
Groceries	$400	Based on USDA low-cost food plan.
Health Insurance	$300	Varies widely; this is a rough estimate for an individual plan.
Other (Phone, Personal, etc.)	$300
Remaining	$248	This is your discretionary and savings fund.

Insider Tip: Many plumbers in the area, especially those in unions, have access to better health insurance plans, which can reduce that $300 estimate. Also, sharing a 2-bedroom apartment with a roommate can drastically cut your rent, potentially freeing up $500-$800 per month.

Can they afford to buy a home? This is a significant challenge. The median home price in Compton is approximately $550,000 (as of late 2023/early 2024). For a standard $550,000 home with a 20% down payment ($110,000), a plumber earning $66,295 would have a very difficult time saving that amount while covering living expenses. A 30-year mortgage at 7% interest would have a monthly payment of roughly $2,930 before property taxes and insurance, which would push the monthly housing cost well over $3,500—more than 80% of the net take-home pay. Buying a home on a single plumber's median salary in Compton is not financially feasible without a substantial down payment, a second income, or a long period of aggressive saving. Renting is the more realistic option for most early in their career.

Where the Jobs Are: Compton's Major Employers

The plumbing job market in Compton isn't dominated by a single giant corporation. It's a mix of large contractors, local service companies, and public sector work. Here are the key places to look:

1. Southern California Plumbing & Heating (Local Contractor): A well-established local firm that handles a lot of residential service and repair work in Compton and the South Bay. They often hire journeyman plumbers and are known for providing consistent work. Hiring Trend: Steady demand for service technicians who can troubleshoot quickly.

2. A.O. Smith (Manufacturing in nearby Carson): While not a plumbing company per se, this major water heater manufacturer has a significant presence in the region. They employ plumbers and technicians for their R&D, testing facilities, and installation support. Hiring Trend: Technical roles that often require a combination of plumbing and electrical knowledge.

3. Compton Unified School District (Public Sector): A major employer that maintains thousands of bathrooms, kitchens, and boilers across its facilities. Public sector jobs offer excellent benefits, pensions, and job security. Hiring Trend: They post openings for maintenance plumbers on their district website; turnover is low, so openings are competitive but not frequent.

4. UA Local 364 (Union Hall): The United Association Local 364 covers plumbers and pipefitters in the South Bay and Compton area. Going through the union apprenticeship is a premier path to a high-paying career. They have connections to massive projects, including the Port of Los Angeles/Long Beach and major commercial construction. Hiring Trend: The union hall is the best source for large-scale commercial and industrial projects. Apprenticeship applications are competitive and open periodically.

5. Roto-Rooter (National Service Franchise): The Compton franchise is a major employer for service plumbers. It's an excellent place to gain experience in high-volume residential and commercial drain cleaning, repairs, and installations. Hiring Trend: Constant need for licensed journeyman plumbers and apprentice helpers, especially during peak seasons (holidays, rainy season).

6. Carpenter & Contractor Inc. (Local Supply House): While not an employer for plumbers directly, this is a major supply house and a hub for local contractors. Building a relationship here can lead to job leads, as foremen and project managers are always in and out. Hiring Trend: As a barometer for the local construction market, their order volume reflects the health of new construction and remodeling projects.

Insider Tip: The most lucrative and stable jobs often come through the union or large commercial contractors working on projects in the greater LA area, not just Compton itself. A plumber with a CA journeyman license is eligible to work on projects in the entire metro area, dramatically expanding your job pool.

Getting Licensed in California

California has a rigorous licensing process administered by the Contractors State License Board (CSLB) and the Department of Consumer Affairs. There are two main licenses for plumbers:

1. C-36 Plumbing License (Contractor): This allows you to bid on jobs, pull permits, and run your own business. To get it, you need:

   • 4 years of journeyman-level experience (at least 2 years as a journeyman).
   • Proof of experience (w-2s, tax returns, project lists).
   • Pass a two-part exam (law and trade).
   • A $25,000 bond and proof of workers' compensation insurance (if you have employees).
   • Cost: The license fee is $450. Exam fees are $300. The bond costs vary but can be $1,500-$3,000 for a 2-year term. Total initial cost can be $3,000 - $5,000.

2. Journeyman Plumber License (Employee): This is the license you work under for a contractor. You do not bid on jobs. Requirements are set by the state's Department of Consumer Affairs, but the process typically involves:

   • 4 years of documented work as an apprentice (2,000 hours per year).
   • Completion of a state-approved apprenticeship program (like one through the union or a college).
   • Passing a state journeyman plumber exam.
   • Cost: Exam fee is $225. Apprenticeship programs themselves may have nominal fees or be free through union sponsorship.

Timeline: The journeyman path is 4 years from day one of your apprenticeship. The contractor path adds at least another 2 years of working as a journeyman to gain the required experience. It's a long, structured path, but it leads to high earning potential.

Best Neighborhoods for Plumbers in Compton

Choosing where to live in Compton affects your commute, lifestyle, and budget. Here’s a local’s breakdown:

1. North Compton (Near the 91 Freeway):

   • Vibe: More residential, with a mix of single-family homes and apartments. Closer to the freeway, making commutes to Long Beach, Carson, or Downtown LA more manageable.
   • Rent (1BR): $2,000 - $2,400/month.
   • Best For: Plumbers who work on commercial projects across the South Bay and want a quicker commute.

2. East Compton (Near Willowbrook):

   • Vibe: Home to the Compton Creek and the Martin Luther King Jr. Transit Center. More public transit options, including the Metro Silver Line. Gentrification is slowly creeping in from the east.
   • Rent (1BR): $1,900 - $2,300/month.
   • Best For: Those who rely on public transit or work in nearby cities like Lynwood or South Gate.

3. Central Compton (Downtown Area):

   • Vibe: The historic heart of the city, with a denser mix of apartments and commercial spaces. It's the most walkable area, with local shops and the Compton Transit Center.
   • Rent (1BR): $1,850 - $2,200/month.
   • Best For: Plumbers who want to minimize commute time and appreciate a more urban, connected environment.

4. West Compton (Near the I-110 Freeway):

   • Vibe: A quieter, predominantly residential area. It's further from the core but offers more space and a slightly slower pace. Close to the city of Carson and its amenities.
   • Rent (1BR): $2,100 - $2,500/month (slightly higher due to proximity to Carson).
   • Best For: Plumbers working at industrial sites in Carson or who prefer a more suburban feel.

Insider Tip: Drive through each neighborhood at different times of the day. Pay attention to traffic on key arteries like Compton Blvd, Santa Fe Ave, and Alondra Blvd. A short distance can mean a long commute during rush hour.

The Long Game: Career Growth

A plumber's career in Compton isn't just about fixing leaks; it's about specialization and advancement.

• Specialty Premiums: The biggest pay jumps come from certifications:

  • Medical Gas Installer Certification: Critical for hospitals and clinics. This can add $10-$15/hour to your wage. With hospitals like St. Francis Medical Center in nearby Lynwood and Kaiser Permanente facilities in the region, this is a valuable niche.
  • Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester: Required for commercial properties and irrigation systems. This is a state-certified specialty that allows you to perform annual tests, creating a recurring revenue stream.
  • Green Plumbing/Water Efficiency: Expertise in low-flow systems, greywater, and water heater efficiency is increasingly in demand as California pushes for conservation.

• Advancement Paths:

  1. Service Technician to Service Manager: Move from the field to a managerial role, overseeing dispatch, scheduling, and customer service for a local company.
  2. Journeyman to Foreman: On large commercial or union jobs, a foreman oversees a crew, plans daily work, and liaises with project managers. This comes with a significant pay bump.
  3. Journeyman to Business Owner: With a C-36 license, you can start your own small service company. This carries the highest risk but also the highest potential reward. Many successful local plumbers in Compton started with a truck and a cell phone.

10-Year Outlook (6% Growth): The 6% job growth is driven by a few key factors. First, an aging infrastructure in Compton’s older housing stock (much of it built post-WWII) guarantees constant repair and replacement work. Second, the push for water efficiency and green building codes will create demand for plumbers skilled in modern systems. Third, the retirement of the Baby Boomer generation of plumbers is creating a skills gap that new, well-trained plumbers can fill. The outlook is positive, but success will favor those who continuously update their skills and obtain specialty licenses.

The Verdict: Is Compton Right for You?

Compton presents a unique set of opportunities and challenges for a plumber. It’s not the highest-paying market in California, but it offers a realistic entry point into a major metro area without the crushing costs of the core.

Pros	Cons
Stable, Steady Demand: Dense housing stock and established infrastructure ensure constant repair and maintenance work.	High Cost of Living: Rent and general expenses are high relative to the median wage, leaving little room for error.
Proximity to Major Markets: Easy access to jobs in Long Beach, Carson, and Downtown LA expands your opportunities.	Competitive Job Market: While there are jobs, you’re competing with a large pool of qualified tradespeople in the greater LA area.
Union Presence (UA 364): A clear path to high wages, benefits, and pension on large-scale projects.	Buying a Home is Difficult: The path to homeownership on a single plumber's median salary is very challenging.
Diverse Work Environment: You'll work on everything from single-family homes to commercial kitchens and light industrial sites.	Competition from Unlicensed Operators: The area has a significant informal economy, which can undercut prices for licensed professionals.

Final Recommendation: Compton is a good fit for a mid-career, licensed journeyman plumber who is skilled, reliable, and possibly seeking union affiliation or a lower entry point into the LA metro market. It’s an ideal launchpad for someone willing to commute to higher-paying jobs in Carson or Long Beach while living in a more affordable (by LA standards) city. It is less ideal for an apprentice just starting out, as the apprenticeship wages are low and the cost of living is high. For those with the patience and skill to obtain a C-36 contractor license, Compton can be a viable place to build a small business serving the local community.

FAQs

Q: Is it worth joining the union in Compton?
A: Absolutely, if you can get in. The UA Local 364 apprenticeship provides top-tier training, and union journeyman plumbers on prevailing wage projects often earn $45-$60/hour plus benefits, far above the median. The competition for apprenticeship spots is fierce, so have a solid resume and be prepared for a wait.

Q: How do I find an apprenticeship in Compton?
A: Start with the UA Local 364 website and visit their hall in Carson. Also, check with Compton College and Cerritos College for state-approved apprenticeship programs. The key is persistence and networking.

Q: What’s the biggest challenge for plumbers in Compton?
A: Beyond the cost of living, many plumbers point to traffic and logistics. The Compton area is a web of major freeways