Ever tried to find a plumber in California on short notice? It’s like hunting for cheap avocado toast in LA—good luck. The state is seeing real shortages, with some plumbing companies begging for new hires. Why is this happening? It’s not just about clogged drains. California’s population keeps growing, old water lines are cracking, and there aren’t enough young folks learning the trade.

If you’re considering a change, or looking to switch from classroom learning to hands-on work, this is probably the best time in decades to get into plumbing. There’s steady demand from big cities (think San Francisco, Sacramento, LA) to smaller towns desperate for reliable tradespeople. In fact, some schools and training centers have long waiting lists for their plumbing courses now.

• Why Plumbers Are Needed Now More Than Ever
• What’s Driving the Plumber Shortage in California
• Hotspots: Where Plumbers Are Most in Demand
• Real Pay: What Plumbers Make in California
• How to Get Licensed and Trained
• Tips for Getting Started in the Plumbing Trade

Why Plumbers Are Needed Now More Than Ever

California isn't just a place with big cities – it's one of the fastest growing states, which means more houses, apartments, and businesses popping up day after day. Every single new building needs plumbing installed, and every older building needs repairs or upgrades to keep up with new codes (especially with all those earthquakes and droughts pushing water system changes).

Now, here's where it gets serious: around 30% of plumbers in California are at retirement age. Not enough young people are stepping in to fill these shoes. In 2024, the California Employment Development Department listed plumbing as one of the top trades with worker shortages. That means waiting days—or even weeks—for repairs in some cities.

Check out how quick the demand for plumbers has grown. These numbers don’t lie:

Environmental laws are adding pressure. Cities are switching to water-saving fixtures and enforcing strict new building codes. Plumbers are needed to upgrade old pipes, install rainwater systems, and handle urgent repairs after leaks or floods. Without enough hands in the field, property owners get stuck waiting while minor drips turn into major headaches.

• Frequent heat waves are straining old water systems.
• Wildfires often damage pipes and backflow systems, needing fast fixes.
• Tech offices and rental developments are in a building boom, all relying on fresh plumbing crews to open on time.

Plumber demand California is not just a trend—it’s turning into a full-blown career gap. Skilled plumbers aren’t just fixing pipes; they’re keeping homes safe and businesses running.

What’s Driving the Plumber Shortage in California

The plumber shortage in California isn’t just hype—it’s happening, and there are a few big reasons why. Let’s break down what’s behind it.

First, a ton of plumbers are retiring. According to the California Department of Industrial Relations, the average age of a licensed plumber in the state is now close to 50, and about one in five will retire in the next five years. That’s a lot of openings with not enough new folks stepping in.

Second, not enough young people are joining up. High schools have pushed college degrees for ages, so fewer students even hear about trades like plumbing. This shows up in enrollment: plumbing apprenticeships in California get fewer applications now than they did ten years ago, even though the demand keeps climbing.

Third, California’s old water pipes and constant building spur demand. Cities from LA to Chico have serious infrastructure problems, with pipes from the 1950s or earlier breaking down. Add to that all the new housing being built? It’s a recipe for needing more hands than we have.

The numbers back it up. Here’s a breakdown of what’s happening:

Some rules and fees also make it harder for people to get into the trade. For example, California requires at least four years of work experience before you can even take the licensing test. And training can cost serious money upfront—community college courses are cheaper, but private schools can charge thousands.

If you’re eyeing a career where jobs aren’t disappearing, plumber demand California is real. The shortage isn’t going anywhere soon, which means anyone willing to put in the effort has a pretty solid shot at steady work and good pay.

Hotspots: Where Plumbers Are Most in Demand

If you’re eyeing plumber jobs in California, location really matters. Not every city is the same. The plumber demand California is highest in the busy spots and places growing like crazy. The Bay Area comes out on top—San Francisco, Oakland, and San Jose always need plumbers because of constant construction, more apartments, and a whole lot of older buildings with pipes that cry for attention.

Jump down to Los Angeles and you’ll find no shortage of calls for tradespeople. Big repairs, soaring rents, and an endless stream of renovations make LA and Orange County magnets for people with plumbing skills. Sacramento is an underrated hot zone too. With tons of families moving in and new homes rising everywhere, plumbing companies can’t fill jobs fast enough.

Riverside and San Bernardino counties are wildcards. Their populations keep climbing but the number of licensed plumbers isn’t keeping up. If you’re willing to travel a bit for steady work, these Inland Empire areas offer solid pay and, honestly, less competition for incoming apprentices and trainees.

It’s not just the big cities, either. Many smaller towns between San Diego and Central Valley are starving for plumbers simply because older tradespeople are retiring and younger locals either head for tech or leave the area. This gap is real, and it’s opening doors for anyone willing to learn and get certified.

• San Francisco Bay Area: High cost of living, but also top pay rates and endless jobs.
• Los Angeles & Orange County: Steady repairs, lots of construction, and demand never really drops.
• Sacramento: Growing fast; every new home needs pipes and maintenance.
• Riverside/San Bernardino: Less competition, rising demand, and plenty of suburban growth.
• Central Valley & Small Towns: Hidden opportunities with less competition and aging infrastructure.

Check local job boards or talk to local shops. You’ll quickly see which hotspots are begging for help. If moving is an option, landing a job in any of these areas could pay off big time.

Real Pay: What Plumbers Make in California

Let’s talk numbers, since paychecks usually matter more than promises. Right now in California, plumbers are not just scraping by—they’re doing well. The plumber demand California trend is actually pushing salaries up, especially in busy metro areas and tech-fueled regions.

Here’s a quick look at what licensed plumbers are making this year, with real data pulled from job boards and local union stats:

That’s just base pay—lots of plumbers also pick up overtime, bonuses, or even their own clients on the side. Some unionized shops throw in sick pay and good health insurance. And if you’re willing to travel for emergency calls or night shifts, expect even fatter paychecks.

Salaries do change depending on where you’re working. Bay Area plumbers often earn 10–20% more than folks in the Central Valley, mainly because of the higher cost of living. LA, San Diego, and Silicon Valley are all especially hot spots for jobs—and wages.

One last thing: these jobs aren’t going away soon. Even with talk about “smart homes” and fancy gadgets, every building needs pipes fixed and water running. So if you want a solid career with room for growth and a real shot at a six-figure income, plumbing in California delivers.

How to Get Licensed and Trained

If you want to work as a plumber in California, you can’t just grab a wrench and start fixing pipes. Here, plumbers need a state license—it’s the law. The most important thing is getting a C-36 Plumbing Contractor License from the Contractors State License Board (CSLB) if you plan on starting your own business or taking jobs over $500. If you're working under a licensed contractor, you still need to register as an apprentice or journeyman, and those rules are strict.

Here’s the basic path:

1. Finish high school or get your GED. You need this as a minimum education.
2. Join an apprenticeship program. These last about 4 to 5 years and combine classroom learning with paid, on-the-job training. Most folks start as apprentices—either through a local union, a trade school, or an employer.
3. Log enough hours. California requires about 8,000 hours of field experience under a licensed plumber before you can take the journeyman test. That’s roughly four years of full-time work.
4. Take and pass the journeyman plumber exam, which focuses on safety, plumbing codes, and practical skills. When you pass, you’ll get a journeyman card—basically your golden ticket to better pay and more responsibility.
5. If you want to own a plumbing business or offer services directly to the public, take the CSLB C-36 Plumbing exam. You’ll need to prove your experience, pass a business and law exam, and pay application fees.

Training programs are everywhere—from union halls in LA to community colleges in Fresno. Some offer night classes, so you can work while you learn. These programs usually cover pipefitting, safety, state codes, reading blueprints, and how to use the latest tools. If you speak Spanish, you’ll find programs designed just for you, since so much of the workforce is bilingual nowadays.

One thing people always ask—do you need a college degree? Nope. Finishing your apprenticeship and passing the tests is what matters. Plus, you get paid during training, which beats racking up college debt any day.

If you want the inside scoop, talk to actual plumbers in your area. Most are happy to share tips about where they trained and what they wish they’d known in the beginning. And remember, the demand for plumber demand California just keeps growing—so the sooner you start, the faster you’ll land good gigs.

Tips for Getting Started in the Plumbing Trade

Jumping into plumbing in California doesn’t mean you need a college degree, but you do have to follow certain steps. Here's what actually works if you want to get hired and stick around in the business:

• Start with a real interest in hands-on work. If you hate the idea of crawling under sinks or getting your hands dirty, plumbing isn't for you.
• Finish high school or get your GED. California law requires it for most apprentice programs and trade schools.
• Find a solid apprenticeship. You might start with a union like UA Local 38 or a major plumbing company. Apprenticeships usually last 4-5 years and pay you while you learn.
• Sign up for a state-approved plumbing training program if you want extra classroom time. These cover California building codes, safety, and the science behind the pipes—not just fixing leaks.
• Pass the journeyman exam. After those years of work and study, you'll need to show you know your stuff. Once you pass, you can work legally on your own.

Here’s a quick table with the rough timeline and costs in 2025:

Don’t just pick any training program—stick with state-licensed schools listed on the California Department of Industrial Relations website. That way, you know your hours count toward licensing.

Networking helps. If you already know a plumber, ask them to refer you or let you shadow them for a day. It’s a lot easier than cold calling companies and shows real initiative.

“Trades like plumbing are crying out for young, dedicated workers. If you show up, work hard, and learn, you’ll have opportunities for life,” says Mike Rowe, the Dirty Jobs guy, who’s been big on spreading the word about trades training.

Lastly, always keep safety front and center. California has strict safety codes—learn them early so you build good habits. Stick with it and you’ll have a shot at the plumber demand California is experiencing right now.