Career comparison
Pipelayer 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. $49,000), while pipelayers usually get to work faster (A few weeks on the job of training). Pipelayers lay pipe in trenches for water, sewer and storm drain 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
| Pipelayer | Plumber | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $49,000 ($23.56/hr) | $63,800 ($30.67/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $37,730 – $80,170 | $44,150 – $108,420 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | -3.1% (a projected decline) | +6.8% (faster than average) |
| Openings per year | 2,100 | 42,000 |
| Typical entry education | No formal educational credential | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Training time | A few weeks on the job | 4–5 years (paid apprenticeship) |
| Key credential | Competent person trench training | Journeyman plumber license |
| Work setting | Pipelayers work outdoors in trenches.. | Plumbers work in homes, businesses, factories and construction sites. |
What each job does
Pipelayer
- Grade trenches
- Lay pipe
- Join pipe sections
- Check grade
- Install fittings
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 and physical work. Both are part of the skilled trades & construction field, so many skills transfer between them.
Which should you choose?
Choose pipelayer if…
- I like outdoor work
- I don’t mind mud
- I like teamwork
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 Pipelayer fit quiz and the Plumber fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, pipelayer or plumber?
Plumbers earn more at the median: $63,800 versus $49,000 for pipelayers, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
Pipelayers typically train faster (A few weeks on the job) 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 -3.1% for pipelayers.