The highest-paying skilled trade is often aircraft mechanics, with experienced professionals earning upwards of $100,000 annually. Electricians and plumbers also rank highly, especially in urban areas with high living costs.
Plumbers who are experienced in commercial plumbing and industrial piping tend to make the highest salaries. In addition, plumbers with expertise in underground pipe installation, backflow prevention, and water line installation can command higher wages than those who focus on residential projects.
Earning Potential: Plumbers can earn a competitive salary. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for plumbers was around $56000 in 2022, with experienced plumbers earning significantly more.
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.
Plumbers make a little more than HVAC Techs on average. The national average for plumbers is $55,000, and for HVAC techs it is $48,000. Some people do both, and the average salary for them is $60,000. Plumbers and HVAC technicians have comparable salaries.
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…
Plumbers can expect to earn anywhere from $29,500 on the low end to $100,000 on the high end.
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. According to the BLS, employment of plumbers may grow 2% by 2031, which is slower than the rate of electricians and other occupations.
With the right combination of business savvy, financial planning, and long-term strategy, plumbers have positioned themselves as the next class of millionaires.
Plumbers are compensated for their expertise, training, and the essential nature of their work. Additionally, the costs of tools, certifications, and emergency availability contribute to the price.
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.
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.
While plumbing is nowhere near the most dangerous occupation, plumbers do risk their health, well-being, and even lives when: Making strenuous and repetitive hand motions. Treading on wet, slippery floors. Climbing high heights.
In fact, the average annual salary for a licensed plumber in California is over $60,000, with experienced professionals earning significantly more. High demand, combined with the ability to work on both residential and commercial projects, means a steady stream of work and a rewarding career.
It is no surprise that the highest-paying trades are in the fields of infrastructure and construction, advanced mechanics, and engineering. Trades in these industries pay at least $50k annually, with demand increasing as few high school students enter trade programs.
High Earning Potential for Plumbers
While the salary for plumber helpers only averages $28,460 per year, the annual salary for licensed plumbers is nearly double that at $49,140. In addition, the top 10 percent of plumbers in the U.S. earned more than $84,440 annually.
A master plumber, or plumbing contractor, is a professional tradesperson at the highest level in plumbing. They're journey-level plumbers who pass their state-level exam after working for a set amount of time. Like regular plumbers, master plumbers install and maintain pipes.
Is There a Plumber Shortage? A simple answer: Yes. Putting it into context: We've covered how skilled trades have been in high demand, driven in large part by labor shortages across the industry (job openings outpacing job seekers).
Electrician vs plumber: Salary
Electricians and plumbers earn similar wages, with an average annual income of $60,000 for electricians and $59,000 for plumbers, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
If your goal is to make six figures while working as an HVAC tech, it is definitely within reach.
Some trades that are generally considered easy to learn include HVAC, plumbing, phlebotomy, and medical assisting.