Plumbers and electricians are two of the most in-demand skilled trades in America. Both require apprenticeships, both offer strong wages and job security, and both are considered essential. But when you dig into the numbers (median pay, earnings ceiling, licensing requirements, work conditions), differences emerge. Here's how they compare.
Median Pay: Electrician Wins, Barely
Based on current BLS data:
- Electricians: $62,350/year median ($29.98/hour)
- Plumbers, Pipefitters, Steamfitters: $61,550/year median ($29.59/hour)
The difference is less than $1,000/year at the median. Effectively a tie. Both trades pay well above the national median wage for all occupations ($59,228 as of 2024).
Job Growth: Electricians Lead
The BLS projects:
- Electricians: 6% growth (2023–2033), faster than average, adding ~73,500 new jobs
- Plumbers: 6% growth, faster than average, adding ~31,000 new jobs
The electrical advantage is largely driven by the energy transition: solar installations, EV charging infrastructure, battery storage systems, and grid modernization all require electricians. This structural tailwind is significant for long-term career outlook.
Licensing Requirements
Both trades require state licensing, but the specifics vary:
- Electrician: Apprentice → Journeyman (after ~8,000–10,000 hours + exam) → Master Electrician (additional experience + exam)
- Plumber: Apprentice → Journeyman (after ~8,000 hours + exam) → Master Plumber (additional experience + exam)
Master licenses in both trades allow you to pull permits and operate your own business. That's the path to the highest earnings in either field.
Working Conditions
Electricians often work in cleaner environments (new construction, commercial buildings) but face genuine safety hazards (electrocution, falls). Work can be indoors or outdoors.
Plumbers work in messier conditions (wastewater systems, crawl spaces, tight access areas) but the physical environment is often less dangerous electrically. Emergency calls at odd hours are common for service plumbers.
Earning Ceiling
Both trades have excellent upside for business owners:
- Master electricians who run their own contracting businesses commonly earn $100,000–$200,000+
- Master plumbers who own service businesses can similarly earn $150,000+ in high-demand markets
The Verdict
If you're optimizing purely for long-term demand and starting salary, electrician edges ahead due to the renewable energy tailwind. If you prefer plumbing work, the career is equally strong and the earnings are nearly identical. Both are excellent choices. Use TradeBound to compare programs side by side or find electrical schools and plumbing schools in your area.