Trade Comparison
Electrician vs Plumber Salary
Two of the most in-demand skilled trades in America. The salary difference is smaller than most people expect -- but career path, working conditions, and local demand vary meaningfully.
Electrician (BLS 47-2111)
$61,590
Median annual wage, May 2024
- Hourly median
- $29.61
- Top 10%
- $101,310
- Bottom 10%
- $37,020
- Employed (US)
- 715,400
- 10-yr outlook
- +11% (faster)
Plumber (BLS 47-2152)
$61,550
Median annual wage, May 2024
- Hourly median
- $29.59
- Top 10%
- $99,920
- Bottom 10%
- $36,700
- Employed (US)
- 490,900
- 10-yr outlook
- +11% (faster)
Sources: BLS OES May 2024 (47-2111 for electricians; 47-2152 for plumbers, pipefitters, steamfitters combined). Employment projections from BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook 2023-2033.
Salary by Career Level
| Level | Electrician | Plumber | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apprentice (Year 1) | $33,000-$38,000 | $30,000-$36,000 | Electrician |
| Apprentice (Year 3-4) | $50,000-$60,000 | $48,000-$58,000 | Even |
| Journeyman | $61,590 | $61,550 | Tied |
| Master / Foreman | $78,140 | $76,000-$80,000 | Even |
| Self-Employed (solo) | $65,000-$90,000 net | $60,000-$85,000 net | Slight electrician |
| Self-Employed (with crew) | $100,000-$250,000 net | $100,000-$220,000 net | Even |
Factor-by-Factor Comparison
| Factor | Electrician | Plumber |
|---|---|---|
| Apprenticeship length | 4-5 years | 4-5 years |
| Union (major metros) | IBEW | UA (United Association) |
| Physical demands | Overhead work, ladders, confined spaces | Crawl spaces, trenching, heavy pipe |
| Exposure to elements | High (outdoor / rough-in work) | High (service calls in all weather) |
| Electrocution risk | Present -- arc flash, live conductors | Lower direct risk |
| After-hours demand | Moderate (emergency outages) | High (burst pipes, 24/7 emergency calls) |
| EV / clean energy tailwind | Strong -- EV chargers, solar, battery storage | Moderate -- heat pump plumbing |
| Tool investment to start | $2,000-$5,000 | $1,500-$4,000 |
| Fastest path to $100k+ | Master + estimating or industrial speciality | Master + service/remodel niche |
| Remote work possible? | No | No |
Which Trade Should You Choose?
Choose Electrician if...
- +You are drawn to technology -- smart panels, EV chargers, building automation, solar
- +You prefer problem-solving with diagrams, schematics, and test equipment
- +Your local IBEW local has a strong wage scale and short waitlist
- +You want the longest runway: industrial, solar, EV infrastructure are all electrician work
Choose Plumber if...
- +You prefer immediate, tangible results (fixing a leak or installing a system in one visit)
- +After-hours emergency service pay (burst pipes, backed-up sewers) appeals to you
- +Your local UA chapter is more accessible than IBEW in your area
- +You want to build a residential service business quickly (lower truck cost than electrical)
View the Plumber Perspective
Our sister site PlumberSalary.com covers the same comparison from the plumber side -- with plumber-specific state data, IBEW UA wage scales, and the path from apprentice to master plumber.
Plumber vs Electrician at PlumberSalary.comFrequently Asked Questions
Do electricians or plumbers make more money?
Electricians edge out plumbers slightly at the median: $61,590 (BLS 47-2111) vs $61,550 (BLS 47-2152) as of May 2024 -- essentially tied. At the top 10% level, plumbers reach $99,920 vs electricians' $101,310. Self-employed master electricians and plumbers in high-cost metros both regularly clear $100-150k.
Which trade is physically harder: electrician or plumber?
Both involve confined spaces, repetitive motion, and physical exertion. Plumbers deal more with crawl spaces, trenching, and awkward positions around fixtures. Electricians face more overhead work and ladder use.
Which is easier to get into: electrician or plumber apprenticeship?
IBEW and UA apprenticeships are comparably competitive in most markets. Application requirements are similar: high school diploma or GED, basic algebra test, drug screen. Local demand varies -- apply to both if you're flexible.
Can you be both an electrician and a plumber?
Yes, though completing full apprenticeships in both takes 8-10 years total. Holding both licenses dramatically increases your earning potential as a self-employed contractor.
Which trade has better job security?
Both are strong. BLS projects 11% growth for both trades (2022-2032), faster than average. Electricians have a slight advantage from EV infrastructure, solar, and grid modernisation. Plumbers benefit from ageing water infrastructure and new construction.