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.
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.
In 2023, the median annual wage for electricians was $61,590, approximately 28% higher than the median wage of $48,060 across all U.S. occupations. Even within the skilled trades, electricians stand out for their pay. On average, electricians earn about 18% more than the broader group of construction trades workers.
This figure, however, comes with a range. Plumbers can expect to earn anywhere from $29,500 on the low end to $100,000 on the high end.
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.
Average Salary Comparison
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters was $61,550 in May 2023. In comparison, electricians earned a median annual wage of $61,590 during the same period.
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…
With the right combination of business savvy, financial planning, and long-term strategy, plumbers have positioned themselves as the next class of millionaires.
I make $140,000 working in plumbing. The trades allow me to support my family in an expensive city. Joseph Ahrens is a plumbing superintendent in San Diego who makes $140,000 a year. Inspired by his brother, Ahrens started a plumbing apprenticeship at 19 and worked his way up.
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.
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.
Salary, Opportunities, and Growth
Both HVAC technicians and electricians earn similar compensation, though the average annual salary for electricians is about $5,000 higher than that of HVAC techs. Both have a large disparity in pay between the highest and lowest-earning ten percent of professionals.
1. Eugene 'Gene' Ravizza, Cupertino Electric.
Plumbers often have the potential to earn a bit more than HVAC technicians, especially if they specialize in certain areas or take on emergency work, which can come with higher rates.
One of the quickest trades to learn is becoming an HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) technician. HVAC technicians are responsible for installing, maintaining, and repairing heating and cooling systems, which are essential for comfort in both residential and commercial buildings.
Charlie Mullins, the founder of Pimlico Plumbers, made a fortune by building a business, which he originally started in his basement, worth £140m which he sold in 2021, as per ExpressUK. He has been enjoying life since selling the company.
Mathematics plays a crucial role in the field of plumbing, enabling accurate calculations and efficient problem-solving.
Electrician salary overview
In 2021, the median salary for an electrician was $60,040, with amounts ranging based on experience, type of employer worked for, and location. Electricians in the lowest 10% make less than $37,020 per year, while electricians in the highest 10% make more than $99,800 per year.
The good news (for the industry): Plumbers remain in demand, and there's continued interest in the trades.
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.
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.
In the US, the Home Builders Institute's Construction Labor Market Report Spring 2021 found 55% of builders reporting plumber shortages. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates there will be 48,600 plumber, pipefitter and steamfitter vacancies in the country each year between now and 2031.
After adjusting for the cost of living, Illinois ($97,000), Montana ($81,776), Alaska ($80,554), Oregon ($77,588), and Minnesota ($77,157) are the top five states with the highest median annual wages for plumbers.