Plumbing and HVAC These skilled trades require specialized training programs or apprenticeships, but the earning potential is substantial. Experienced plumbers and HVAC technicians can command high hourly rates, especially in areas with a high demand for their services.
California: $58,139 per year.
High-income skills are specialized abilities or expertise that are in high demand in the job market and lead to higher compensation. Some examples of high-income skills include software development, digital marketing, financial analysis and video editing.
The highest paying skilled trades include electricians, plumbers, HVAC technicians, aircraft mechanics, and welders. Specializations and regional demand significantly influence their earning potential, with experienced professionals often commanding top salaries.
The best Plumbing jobs can pay up to $107,000 per year.
These are typically for industrial operations, such as at manufacturing or power plants or gas pipelines. Steamfitters perform similar jobs, installing, maintaining and repairing piping that carries steam or other pressurized materials.
Plumbers can expect to earn anywhere from $29,500 on the low end to $100,000 on the high end.
HVAC technician, plumber, and electrician salary comparison
As you can see, electricians and plumbers are nearly identical in terms of salary while HVAC technicians make around $10,000 less.
On average, many construction managers, electricians, and welders earn more than $100,000 per year. For the trades skills, there is no necessity for two years or less of advanced education. You can place yourself on the path to earning over six figures.
Our Plumbing Service Tech - Residential Plumber earns top pay of up to $200,000 per year, depending on work experience. The typical work schedule for this position is Monday-Friday with some weekends…
In 2021, it reported that you're in the top 1% if you earned $819,324 or more each year. And the top 5% of income earners made $335,891 per year. A 2019 survey from the IRS, however, places top 1% earners at a much lower income level with $540,009. And top 10% at $151,935.
You must spend four years as a plumbing apprentice to become a journeyman, earning an average of $81,000 annually. It takes two additional years of training to become a master plumber and command an average of $102,350 annually.
If you are wondering, “Why is plumbing so hard?” there are a few reasons. The first is that it is physically demanding. Some jobs require you to carry heavy equipment, and some involve shimmying and contorting your back and neck. A plumber can endure more than ten years of back pain from working on the same pipes.
Salary and job outlook
On average, plumbers make $55,600 per year , only slightly less than electricians. Similarly, their salary can vary based on their location, employer and level of experience.
The top five careers for millionaires include engineer, accountant, teacher, management and attorney. 79% of millionaires did not receive any inheritance at all from their parents or other family members.
A $100,000 salary is considered good in most parts of the country, and can cover typical expenses, pay down debt, build savings, and allow for entertainment and hobbies. According to the U.S. Census, only 15.3% of American households make more than $100,000 annually.
Best-Paying Cities for Plumbers
The metropolitan areas that pay the highest salary in the plumber profession are San Jose, New York, Chicago, San Francisco, and Boston.
Some trades that are generally considered easy to learn include HVAC, plumbing, phlebotomy, and medical assisting.
If your goal is to make six figures while working as an HVAC tech, it is definitely within reach.
Electricians consistently rank as having one of the hardest trades to master. The electrical profession involves understanding complex electrical systems, staying up-to-date with ever-changing regulations, and working with potentially dangerous voltages.