When it comes to choosing a career, the question of who makes more money often comes up. Plumbers and electricians are two of the most popular trades, and while they both require technical know-how and specialized skills, it’s not always clear which one pays more. In this article, we’ll compare the salaries of plumbers and electricians, and take a look at the factors that can influence pay rate. We’ll also discuss the benefits and drawbacks of each job, so you can make an informed decision about which career is right for you.
Who Makes More: Plumber or Electrician?
Generally, electricians earn more than plumbers. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for electricians in 2018 was $55,190, while plumbers earned a median salary of $51,450. In addition, electricians tend to have more career options than plumbers; they can work in residential, commercial, and industrial settings, while plumbers typically focus on residential and commercial work.
Comparing the Income of Plumbers and Electricians
The salaries of plumbers and electricians vary depending on location, experience, and job market. However, in general, electricians tend to make more money than plumbers. This is because electricians are typically more in demand than plumbers, and electricians typically have more specialized skills.
Factors Affecting Plumbers and Electricians Salaries
- Location: Different states and cities have different wage laws and job markets.
- Experience: More experienced plumbers and electricians typically make more money than those with less experience.
- Job market: The demand for plumbers and electricians in an area can affect their salaries.
- Specialization: Electricians typically have more specialized skills than plumbers, which can affect their salary.
Average Salaries for Plumbers and Electricians
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for plumbers in 2019 was $54,540. For electricians, the median annual wage was $56,180. This means that electricians typically make more money than plumbers.
Conclusion
Overall, electricians make more money than plumbers on average. However, there are a number of factors that can affect the salaries of plumbers and electricians, such as location, experience, job market, and specialization.
Top 6 Frequently Asked Questions
Question 1: Who makes more money – plumbers or electricians?
Answer: This depends on a few factors such as geographical location, level of experience, and the kind of work being done. Generally speaking, electricians tend to make more money than plumbers. Electricians are typically in higher demand and the work they do is more complex and time-consuming than plumbing. Electricians often have specialized, in-demand skills such as installing and repairing electrical systems, wiring, and other related services that can command a higher price point. Plumbers, on the other hand, are typically more focused on the installation and maintenance of plumbing systems such as sewer and water lines, fixtures, and other related services.
Question 2: What factors influence how much money a plumber or electrician can make?
Answer: There are several factors that can influence how much money a plumber or electrician can make. These include geographical location, level of experience, and the kind of work being done. For example, electricians in high cost-of-living areas tend to make more money than plumbers in those same areas. Electricians who have specialized skills such as wiring and electrical systems installation typically command a higher price point than plumbers who do more basic work such as maintenance and installation of plumbing systems.
Question 3: What type of work do plumbers and electricians typically do?
Answer: Plumbers and electricians typically do a variety of installation, maintenance, and repair work. Plumbers specialize in the installation and maintenance of plumbing systems such as sewer and water lines, fixtures, and other related services. Electricians specialize in the installation and repair of electrical systems, wiring, and other related services.
Question 4: Are plumbers or electricians in higher demand?
Answer: Generally speaking, electricians tend to be in higher demand than plumbers since the work they do is more complex and time-consuming. Electricians typically need to have specialized skills such as knowledge of wiring systems and electrical systems installation and repair. This type of expertise commands a higher price point and is often in higher demand.
Question 5: Do plumbers and electricians need to be certified?
Answer: Generally speaking, both plumbers and electricians need to be certified in order to work in the field. Depending on the jurisdiction, plumbers may need to have a plumbing license, while electricians may need to have an electrician’s license. In many areas, both plumbers and electricians must be certified in order to work.
Question 6: Are plumbers and electricians interchangeable?
Answer: Generally speaking, plumbers and electricians are not interchangeable. While both may do installation and maintenance work, plumbers typically specialize in the installation and maintenance of plumbing systems such as sewer and water lines, fixtures, and other related services. Electricians specialize in the installation and repair of electrical systems, wiring, and other related services. As such, they have different skillsets and may not be able to do the same type of work as the other.
In conclusion, it is difficult to definitively answer the question of who makes more, plumbers or electricians. When comparing salaries, electricians tend to have higher wages on average. However, when considering the costs of materials and other overhead expenses, plumbers may have the potential for higher incomes. Ultimately, the salary of either profession is largely dependent on individual experience, location, and other factors.