Thinking about becoming a licensed plumbing contractor in California—or wondering if it’s worth the investment? You’re not alone. Many skilled tradespeople and aspiring entrepreneurs want to know how much a C-36 plumbing contractor makes in California, especially given the state’s high cost of living and competitive construction market. In this guide, we’ll break down real earnings, regional differences, and what actually drives income for licensed C-36 contractors—so you can make an informed decision.
What Is a C-36 Plumbing Contractor License in California?
Before diving into earnings, let’s clarify what a C-36 license actually means. In California, the C-36 classification is issued by the Contractors State License Board (CSLB) and authorizes a contractor to perform any plumbing work, including installation, repair, and maintenance of water, drainage, gas, and sewage systems.
To obtain a C-36 license, you typically need:
- At least 4 years of journeyman-level experience
- Passing a business/law exam and a trade-specific exam
- Proof of liability insurance and a surety bond
This license is mandatory for any plumbing project valued at $500 or more in labor and materials. Without it, you can’t legally operate as a contractor in the state.
💡 Did you know? California does not license individual plumbers—only contracting businesses. That means even solo plumbers must hold a C-36 license to work independently.
Average Salary: How Much Does a C-36 Plumbing Contractor Make in California?
According to 2024 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and industry reports from sources like Indeed, ZipRecruiter, and Salary.com, here’s a realistic breakdown:
| Employee Plumber (non-contractor) | $62,000 – $78,000 |
| Self-Employed C-36 Contractor (solo) | $85,000 – $120,000 |
| C-36 Contractor (owning a small firm, 2–5 employees) | $120,000 – $200,000+ |
| Top 10% Earners (established firms, commercial work) | $250,000+ |
Note: These figures include both residential and commercial plumbing work. Income varies significantly by location, clientele, and business model.
For example, a C-36 contractor in San Francisco or Los Angeles may charge $125–$175/hour for emergency services, while someone in Fresno or Bakersfield might average $85–$110/hour.
What Factors Influence a C-36 Contractor’s Earnings?
Several key variables determine how much a plumbing contractor actually takes home:
1. Geographic Location
Urban coastal areas (e.g., Bay Area, Southern California) offer higher rates but also higher overhead (insurance, permits, vehicle costs). Rural areas have lower demand but less competition.
2. Type of Work
- Residential service calls = steady but lower-margin work.
- New construction plumbing = bulk contracts, lower hourly rates but high volume.
- Commercial/industrial projects = higher pay, but require bonding and more experience.
3. Business Structure
- Sole proprietors keep 100% of profits but handle all operations.
- LLC or S-Corp owners can scale, hire teams, and reduce tax burden—but must manage payroll, marketing, and compliance.
4. Seasonality & Emergency Services
Winter = burst pipes. Summer = irrigation and remodels. Contractors who offer 24/7 emergency services often earn 30–50% more per call.
Real-World Example: A C-36 Contractor’s Monthly Earnings Breakdown
Let’s look at “Mark,” a C-36 licensed contractor in San Diego running a one-person business:
- Service calls: 15–20/week @ avg. $150/call → $9,000–$12,000/month
- Small remodels: 2–3/month @ $3,000–$5,000 → $6,000–$15,000/month
- Overhead (truck, tools, insurance, fuel, software): ~$3,500/month
- Net monthly income: $11,500–$23,500
- Annual net: $138,000–$282,000
Mark reinvests 20% into marketing (Google Ads, referrals), allowing him to maintain a 3–5 week booking waitlist—proof that reputation and visibility directly impact income.
How to Maximize Your Earnings as a C-36 Contractor
Want to join the top earners? Follow these proven steps:
- Specialize: Focus on high-demand niches like tankless water heaters, sewer line replacement, or green plumbing (e.g., greywater systems).
- Get bonded for public works: California offers lucrative municipal contracts for licensed C-36 contractors.
- Leverage digital marketing: 78% of homeowners search online before hiring a plumber (HomeAdvisor, 2024).
- Upsell maintenance plans: Recurring revenue from annual inspections boosts stability.
- Track every dollar: Use accounting software (e.g., QuickBooks) to optimize pricing and reduce waste.
🔗 For more on California’s contractor licensing system, see the California Contractors State License Board overview on Wikipedia .
C-36 Contractor Salary vs. Other Trades in California
How does plumbing compare to other licensed trades?
| C-36 Plumbing | $110,000 – $180,000 |
| C-10 Electrical | $105,000 – $175,000 |
| B General Building | $120,000 – $220,000 |
| C-33 Painting | $75,000 – $110,000 |
Plumbing ranks among the most stable and profitable skilled trades due to constant demand—people will always need working toilets and hot water!
Common Mistakes That Limit Earnings
Avoid these pitfalls if you want to maximize income:
- Undercharging to “get more customers” → attracts price-sensitive clients and erodes profit.
- Skipping continuing education → miss out on new tech (e.g., PEX manifold systems) that command premium pricing.
- Not tracking KPIs → don’t know your cost per lead or customer lifetime value.
- Ignoring online reviews → 92% of consumers read reviews before hiring (BrightLocal, 2024).
FAQ: C-36 Plumbing Contractor Income in California
Q1: Do I need a C-36 license to work as a plumber in California?
A: Yes—if you’re performing plumbing work valued at $500 or more (combined labor + materials), you must hold a C-36 license. Employees working under a licensed contractor don’t need their own license, but independent plumbers do.
Q2: Can a C-36 contractor do gas line work?
A: Yes. The C-36 classification explicitly includes natural gas and LP gas piping, as long as it’s part of a plumbing system. However, some jurisdictions require additional permits for gas work.
Q3: How long does it take to start earning $100K+ as a C-36 contractor?
A: Most solo contractors hit $100K net within 2–3 years of licensing—provided they focus on marketing, customer service, and efficient operations. Those with prior industry connections may reach it faster.
Q4: Are plumbing contractors in high demand in California?
A: Absolutely. With an aging infrastructure, strict water efficiency laws, and constant new construction, demand for licensed plumbers remains strong across all regions. The BLS projects 10% job growth for plumbers nationwide through 2032—higher in California.
Q5: Can I operate in multiple states with a California C-36 license?
A: No. Contractor licenses are state-specific. You’d need to apply for reciprocity or take exams in other states (e.g., Nevada or Arizona offer partial reciprocity with CA).
Q6: What’s the difference between a journeyman plumber and a C-36 contractor?
A: A journeyman is a skilled employee who works under a licensed contractor. A C-36 holder owns or operates a contracting business and is legally responsible for all work performed under their license.
Conclusion
So, how much does a C-36 plumbing contractor make in California? Realistically, between $85,000 and $250,000+ per year, depending on location, business acumen, and specialization. With the right strategy, plumbing isn’t just a trade—it’s a lucrative, recession-resistant career with room for growth, independence, and community impact.
If you’re considering getting licensed or scaling your current business, now is an excellent time. California’s housing boom and infrastructure needs aren’t slowing down anytime soon.
📚 Found this helpful? Share it with a friend or on LinkedIn! Helping more skilled tradespeople succeed strengthens our local economies—and keeps California’s pipes flowing smoothly. 💧
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