Career comparison
HVAC Technician 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. $61,010), while HVAC technicians usually get to work faster (6–24 months of training). HVAC technicians install, maintain and repair heating, cooling, ventilation and refrigeration systems. 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
| HVAC Technician | Plumber | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $61,010 ($29.33/hr) | $63,800 ($30.67/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $40,050 – $95,210 | $44,150 – $108,420 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | +10.9% (much faster than average) | +6.8% (faster than average) |
| Openings per year | 40,600 | 42,000 |
| Typical entry education | Postsecondary nondegree award | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Training time | 6–24 months | 4–5 years (paid apprenticeship) |
| Key credential | EPA Section 608 | Journeyman plumber license |
| Work setting | HVAC technicians work in homes, offices, schools, hospitals, factories and stores. | Plumbers work in homes, businesses, factories and construction sites. |
What each job does
HVAC Technician
- Install heating, cooling and ventilation equipment and ductwork
- Perform preventive maintenance on systems
- Diagnose electrical, airflow and refrigerant problems
- Recover, recycle and charge refrigerants according to EPA rules
- Test pressures, temperatures, voltage and airflow
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 travel. Both are part of the skilled trades & construction field, so many skills transfer between them.
Which should you choose?
Choose HVAC technician if…
- I like troubleshooting machines and electrical systems
- I can handle heat, cold and cramped spaces
- I’m comfortable talking with customers in their homes
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 HVAC Technician fit quiz and the Plumber fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, HVAC technician or plumber?
Plumbers earn more at the median: $63,800 versus $61,010 for HVAC technicians, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
HVAC Technicians typically train faster (6–24 months) than plumbers (4–5 years (paid apprenticeship)).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects HVAC technicians to grow +10.9% from 2025–35, compared with +6.8% for plumbers.