Plumber in Lakewood, CA

The Salary Picture: Where Lakewood Stands

Let's get straight to the numbers. As a plumber in Lakewood, you're looking at a median salary of $66,295/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $31.87/hour. That’s slightly above the national average for plumbers, which sits at $63,350/year. In the broader Los Angeles metro area, the plumbing job market is robust, with approximately 156 active jobs listed at any given time. Over the next decade, the field is projected to grow by 6%, a steady pace driven by ongoing construction, aging infrastructure, and the constant need for maintenance and repair.

Here’s how that median salary breaks down by experience level in the Lakewood market. Keep in mind these are estimates based on local job postings and industry data.

Experience Level	Lakewood Salary Range (Estimated)	Key Factors
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$50,000 - $58,000	Apprenticeship pay; focus on residential service calls.
Mid-Career (3-7 years)	$62,000 - $72,000	Journeyman license, independent work, some specialization.
Senior (8-15 years)	$70,000 - $90,000	Master license, project leadership, complex commercial/industrial.
Expert (15+ years)	$85,000+	Business owner, niche expertise (medical gas, MEP systems), consulting.

Insider Tip: Lakewood is a primarily residential city, so the bulk of the work is in single-family homes and apartment complexes. However, its proximity to major employment hubs like Long Beach, Cerritos, and Downey means there’s also steady commercial and light industrial work. The key to moving from the mid-career to the senior bracket is getting your C-36 California Specialty Contractor license for plumbing. It’s a game-changer for pay and autonomy.

Compared to other California cities, Lakewood offers a unique balance. It’s not as expensive as Los Angeles proper or Santa Monica, where a plumber might earn $70,000+ but face rent that’s 30% higher. However, it’s also not as affordable as inland cities like Riverside or Bakersfield, where salaries can dip into the $58,000 range. For a plumber who wants the LA metro job market without the core city’s insane cost of living, Lakewood is a strategic sweet spot.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s run the numbers for a plumber earning the median salary of $66,295/year. We’ll use Lakewood’s current average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment, which is $2,252/month.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Gross vs. Net)

• Gross Monthly Income: $5,524
• Estimated Taxes (Federal, State, FICA): ~$1,380 (25% effective rate for this bracket in CA)
• Net Monthly Take-Home: ~$4,144
• Rent (1BR): $2,252
• Remaining for Utilities, Food, Transport, Savings: ~$1,892

This leaves you with about $1,892 per month for all other expenses. Utilities (water, gas, electric, trash) for a 1BR in Lakewood average $150-$200. Internet is around $60. A monthly auto payment, insurance, and gas (essential in LA County) can easily consume $400-$600. That leaves roughly $1,000 for groceries, healthcare, savings, and discretionary spending. It’s manageable, but tight. You won’t be lavishly saving, but you can live comfortably if you budget wisely.

Can you afford to buy a home? This is the critical question. The median home price in Lakewood is approximately $850,000. With a 20% down payment ($170,000), a 30-year mortgage at current rates would have a monthly payment of over $4,500—which is more than the plumber’s entire net take-home pay. This is the stark reality of the Southern California housing market.

Insider Tip: The path to homeownership for a plumber here isn't about buying a single-family home in Lakewood immediately. It’s a long game. Consider: 1) Buying a duplex or small multi-unit property to live in one unit and rent the other, 2) Looking at more affordable neighboring cities like Signal Hill or parts of Long Beach, or 3) Building equity through 5-10 years of aggressive saving and career advancement to a salary of $85,000+. A master plumber running their own business is a different financial story entirely.

Where the Jobs Are: Lakewood's Major Employers

Lakewood’s job market for plumbers is a mix of large-scale contractors, local service companies, and public institutions. Here are the key players:

1. City of Lakewood Public Works: The city maintains its own water, sewer, and infrastructure systems. They hire plumbers and maintenance workers for municipal projects. This is a stable, unionized (in some cases) job with great benefits and a pension. Hiring is competitive and often posted on government job boards.
2. Long Beach Municipal Water Department: While based in Long Beach, this major utility serves Lakewood and the surrounding area. They employ plumbers, pipefitters, and maintenance crews for the massive water distribution network. It’s a top-tier employer with excellent pay and job security.
3. Turner Construction / PCL Construction: These national construction giants have ongoing projects in the Lakewood area, including the Cerritos Town Center, local school expansions, and medical facilities. They hire plumbers for large-scale commercial and institutional work. This is where you get experience on complex, high-value projects.
4. Roto-Rooter, Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, Mr. Rooter: The big national home service franchisers have a strong presence in Lakewood. They are almost always hiring service plumbers for residential calls. The work is fast-paced, customer-facing, and often involves a commission-based pay structure that can boost earnings for motivated techs.
5. St. Francis Medical Center (Lynwood) & Long Beach Memorial Medical Center: Major hospitals require licensed plumbers for medical gas systems, backflow prevention, and facility maintenance. These positions are highly specialized and pay a premium ($70,000-$90,000). They often post directly on their careers pages.
6. Local GCs and Specialty Contractors: Dozens of small to mid-sized general contractors operate in Lakewood. Companies like R.B. Construction or Lakewood Plumbing & Rooter (hypothetical names for a common type of local business) are the backbone. They handle residential remodels, small commercial jobs, and service calls. The best way to find these jobs is through networking at local supply houses like Ferguson Enterprises or HD Supply.

Insider Tip: The hiring cycle for public institutions and large GCs is slow. For private service companies, you can often get hired in a week. A smart strategy: start with a service company to get your foot in the door and learn the local housing stock, then leverage that experience to apply for a municipal or hospital job for long-term stability.

Getting Licensed in CA

California’s plumbing licensing is strict and well-defined. It’s the single most important step for career advancement.

1. Apprenticeship (4-5 Years): You must complete a state-approved apprenticeship program (like those offered by the United Association Local 364 in Los Angeles or through community colleges). This includes on-the-job training and classroom instruction (~480 hours/year).
2. Journeyman Plumber License (C-36): After completing your apprenticeship and passing the state exam, you can work as a licensed journeyman. This allows you to perform plumbing work under a contractor’s license. Exam fee: ~$300. Total apprenticeship cost (varies): Often free if union-sponsored, or ~$5,000-$10,000 for non-union programs.
3. Contractor License (C-36): To own a business or bid on jobs, you need a contractor’s license. Requirements: 4 years of journeyman-level experience, passing the state trade and law exams, and a $15,000 bond. Exam fees: ~$600. Bond cost: ~$500/year.

Timeline: From day one as an apprentice, it takes a minimum of 4-5 years to become a journeyman. Another 4+ years of journeyman experience is required before you can sit for the contractor’s license exam. Total time to a full contractor’s license: 8-10 years.

Insider Tip: The most direct path in Lakewood is to apply for the UA Local 364 apprenticeship program. It’s competitive, but offers the best training, benefits, and starting wage. If you go non-union, be extremely diligent in choosing a registered program; some are less rigorous and can hurt your exam prospects.

Best Neighborhoods for Plumbers

Where you live affects your commute, budget, and lifestyle. Here’s a breakdown of Lakewood and nearby areas suited for a plumber’s budget and work patterns.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent	Why It's Good for Plumbers
Lakewood (Central)	Classic suburban. Central location to most employers. 10-20 min commute.	$2,150	Close to everything. No need to cross major freeways daily. Easy access to Bellflower Blvd.
Bellflower (East)	More affordable, working-class. Strong community feel. 10-25 min commute.	$1,850	Significantly cheaper rent puts more money in your pocket. Direct access to the 91 freeway for commercial jobs.
Cerritos (North)	Upscale, quiet, clean. Home to major employers (Cerritos College, Auto Square). 15-30 min commute.	$2,350	Higher rent, but very safe and professional. Great for those who want to live where the commercial work is.
Signal Hill (Northwest)	Tiny enclave with panoramic views. More urban, less suburban. 15-35 min commute.	$2,100	A hidden gem. Lower density means less traffic in the neighborhood. Close to Long Beach job market.
Long Beach (Eastside)	Urban, diverse, lively. Can be noisy. 20-40 min commute depending on traffic.	$1,950	Cheaper than Lakewood, with a massive and diverse housing stock (old apartments, bungalows) that keep plumbers busy.

Insider Tip: Avoid the core of downtown Long Beach for a plumber’s commute; the surface street traffic is brutal. If you work primarily in Lakewood or Cerritos, living in Bellflower saves you real money. If you land a job with the City of Lakewood, any central Lakewood neighborhood is ideal.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Stagnating as a service plumber at $66,295 is the trap. To break through, you need to specialize.

• Specialty Premiums:

  • Medical Gas (ASSE 6010): Requires additional certification. Can add $10-$15/hour to your rate. Hospitals and clinics pay top dollar.
  • Backflow Prevention: Certification for testing and installing backflow devices. A requirement for many commercial properties; often a side-hustle or a dedicated role.
  • Gas Line Expertise: For restaurants, dry cleaners, and residential appliances. High liability, high pay.
  • Pipe Threading & Fabrication: Skilled in cutting and threading large-diameter pipe for industrial settings.

• Advancement Paths:

  1. Service Tech to Service Manager: Move from the truck to the office, managing other techs and scheduling.
  2. Journeyman to Foreman: Lead a small crew on construction projects.
  3. Journeyman to Business Owner: Get your C-36 license. Start small with residential service, then bid on commercial contracts. This is where income can jump to $100,000+.
  4. Public Sector Management: Work up the ladder in a city or water district to a supervisory or director role.

10-Year Outlook: The 6% job growth is steady but not explosive. The real growth will be in specialization. Plumbers who can handle smart home water systems, complex cross-connection control, and sustainable water systems (like greywater recycling) will be in highest demand. The aging of the LA County infrastructure (pipes laid in the 1950s-70s) guarantees constant replacement and upgrade work for decades.

The Verdict: Is Lakewood Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Salary vs. Cost: Median wage is solid relative to the cost of living compared to core LA.	Housing Affordability: Homeownership is extremely difficult on a single plumber's salary.
Steady Demand: Dense, aging suburbs mean constant repair and remodel work.	Traffic: Commuting from neighboring cities can be challenging.
Employer Diversity: Mix of public, private, commercial, and residential work.	High Competition: You’re competing with apprentices from the entire LA metro area for union slots.
Location: Central to a massive job market (LA, OC, Long Beach).	Licensing Hurdle: The 8-10 year path to a contractor's license is long and demanding.
Lifestyle: Safe, suburban communities if you choose Lakewood or Cerritos.	Union vs. Non-Union Divide: Can be a cultural and career choice with long-term implications.

Final Recommendation: Lakewood is an excellent choice for a plumber at the mid-career stage (journeyman license in hand) who is looking to advance without immediately relocating to a prohibitively expensive city. It offers a balanced, manageable lifestyle with access to a diverse, robust job market. It is tough for an apprentice just starting out, as the high cost of living and competitive apprenticeship slots create a high barrier to entry. If you can get your foot in the door, however, Lakewood provides the foundation for a long, stable, and potentially lucrative plumbing career in Southern California.

FAQs

Q: Is it better to join a union or go non-union in Lakewood?
A: For apprentices, the union (UA Local 364) offers a structured, well-paid path with excellent benefits and pension. Non-union shops can be great for learning residential service quickly, but pay and benefits are often lower. If you aim for commercial or institutional work, union membership is a significant advantage.

Q: How bad is the traffic for my commute?
A: It’s Southern California; it’s bad. A 10-mile commute can take 30 minutes in rush hour. Live as close to your primary employer as possible. Using the 405, 605, or 91 freeways during peak hours is a major time sink. Many plumbers opt for early starts (5:00-6:00 AM) to beat the worst of it.

Q: Can a plumber specializing in residential service make a good living here?
A: Yes, but your earnings will be heavily tied to your ability to generate business (for yourself) or earn commissions (as an employee). The median salary reflects a mix of hourly, salaried, and commission-based workers. The top earners in residential service are those who build a loyal client base or work for a company with a strong, steady call volume.

Q: What’s the biggest mistake new plumbers make in the Lakewood area?
A: Underestimating the importance of networking with supply houses and local building inspectors. The best jobs (especially in the commercial sector) are often filled through personal connections, not just online postings. Building a professional reputation at places like Ferguson Enterprises or HD Supply in nearby Cerritos can lead to referrals.

Q: Are there opportunities for side work?
A: Absolutely. With the high cost of living, many licensed plumbers take on side work. However, California law requires a C-36 contractor’s license for any job over $500 in labor and materials (that you don’t hold a license for). As a journeyman, you can do small jobs under a licensed contractor’s umbrella, but be aware of liability and insurance requirements. Always get it in writing.