Career comparison
Electrician 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. $63,190), while electricians usually get to work faster (4–5 years (paid apprenticeship) of training). Electricians install, maintain and repair electrical wiring, panels and equipment safely to code. 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
| Electrician | Plumber | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $63,190 ($30.38/hr) | $63,800 ($30.67/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $42,640 – $108,510 | $44,150 – $108,420 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | +9.2% (much faster than average) | +6.8% (faster than average) |
| Openings per year | 72,700 | 42,000 |
| Typical entry education | High school diploma or equivalent | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Training time | 4–5 years (paid apprenticeship) | 4–5 years (paid apprenticeship) |
| Key credential | Journeyman electrician license | Journeyman plumber license |
| Work setting | Electricians work indoors and outdoors at construction sites, homes, businesses and factories. | Plumbers work in homes, businesses, factories and construction sites. |
What each job does
Electrician
- Read blueprints, schematics and electrical plans
- Install conduit, wiring, panels, breakers, receptacles and fixtures
- Inspect and test electrical systems with meters and testers
- Troubleshoot and repair faults in circuits, motors and controls
- Follow the National Electrical Code (NEC) and local codes
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, problem-solving, physical work, and indoor work. Both are part of the skilled trades & construction field, so many skills transfer between them.
Which should you choose?
Choose electrician if…
- I like working with my hands and solving technical problems
- I’m comfortable with math and following detailed diagrams
- I respect safety rules, and follow them every time
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 Electrician fit quiz and the Plumber fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, electrician or plumber?
Plumbers earn more at the median: $63,800 versus $63,190 for electricians, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
Electricians typically train faster (4–5 years (paid apprenticeship)) than plumbers (4–5 years (paid apprenticeship)).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects electricians to grow +9.2% from 2025–35, compared with +6.8% for plumbers.