Electrician vs Plumber: Salary Comparison
Electricians earn $2K more per year than Plumbers on average.
Data from BLS · Last updated April 2025
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Electrician | Plumber |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $61,590 | $59,880 |
| Entry Level | $38,000 | $38,000 |
| Senior Level | $96,000 | $90,000 |
| Hourly Rate | $30/hr | $29/hr |
| Education | Apprenticeship program | Apprenticeship program |
| Category | Trades | Trades |
Which Pays More?
On average, Electricians earn $2K more per year than Plumbers, with a median salary of $61,590 versus $59,880. However, compensation varies significantly by experience, location, and specialization. A senior Plumber in a high-paying state like California or New York can earn $117,000 or more — exceeding the median for a junior Electrician. Education and credentials also play a role: Electricians typically require Apprenticeship program, while Plumbers need Apprenticeship program. Both careers offer strong long-term growth, but if maximizing starting salary is the priority, Electrician has the edge.
Top 5 Paying States
| State | Electrician | Plumber |
|---|---|---|
| Hawaii | $87,000 | $85,000 |
| California | $85,000 | $83,000 |
| New York | $79,000 | $77,000 |
| Alaska | $77,000 | $75,000 |
| Massachusetts | $77,000 | $75,000 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Electrician or Plumber pay more?
Electrician pays more on average at $61,590/year, compared to $59,880/year for Plumber — a difference of $1,710/year.
What is the salary difference between Electrician and Plumber?
The median salary gap is $1,710/year ($2K), with Electrician earning more. This gap can widen or narrow depending on location, employer size, and years of experience.
Which career grows faster in pay, Electrician or Plumber?
Electrician grows from $38,000 to $96,000 (a $58,000 increase). Plumber grows from $38,000 to $90,000 (a $52,000 increase). Electrician shows larger absolute pay growth over a career.
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