Career comparison
Carpenter vs. Plumber
Side-by-side pay, training, growth and day-to-day duties to help you choose between two related careers.
Plumbers earn more at the median ($63,800 vs. $60,580), while carpenters usually get to work faster (3–4 years (apprenticeship) of training). Carpenters build and repair frameworks, structures and finish work from wood and other materials. Plumbers install and repair water, drain, gas and heating piping systems to code.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| Carpenter | Plumber | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $60,580 ($29.12/hr) | $63,800 ($30.67/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $40,410 – $99,910 | $44,150 – $108,420 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | +3.9% (about as fast as average) | +6.8% (faster than average) |
| Openings per year | 62,800 | 42,000 |
| Typical entry education | High school diploma or equivalent | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Training time | 3–4 years (apprenticeship) | 4–5 years (paid apprenticeship) |
| Key credential | Journeyman carpenter (apprenticeship completion) | Journeyman plumber license |
| Work setting | Carpenters work on construction sites outdoors and indoors in all weather. | Plumbers work in homes, businesses, factories and construction sites. |
What each job does
Carpenter
- Read blueprints and building plans
- Measure, cut and shape wood, plastic and other materials
- Frame walls, floors, roofs and stairs
- Install doors, windows, cabinets, trim and molding
- Build and remove concrete forms and scaffolding
Plumber
- Read blueprints and plan pipe layouts
- Install water supply, drain, waste and vent piping
- Set and connect fixtures, water heaters and appliances
- Locate and repair leaks, clogs and broken pipes
- Test systems for pressure and leaks
How they’re similar
Both careers involve hands-on work, physical work, problem-solving, and in-demand. Both are part of the skilled trades & construction field, so many skills transfer between them.
Which should you choose?
Choose carpenter if…
- I enjoy building things and seeing the results
- I’m good with measurements and spatial thinking
- I don’t mind working outdoors in different weather
Choose plumber if…
- I like fixing things and figuring out what’s wrong
- Dirty or messy work doesn’t bother me
- I’m comfortable working in tight spaces
Still torn? Take the Carpenter fit quiz and the Plumber fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, carpenter or plumber?
Plumbers earn more at the median: $63,800 versus $60,580 for carpenters, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
Carpenters typically train faster (3–4 years (apprenticeship)) than plumbers (4–5 years (paid apprenticeship)).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects plumbers to grow +6.8% from 2025–35, compared with +3.9% for carpenters.