Electrician vs Plumber: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Electrician
Install, maintain, and repair electrical systems in residential and commercial buildings.
Plumber
Install and repair pipes, fixtures, and plumbing systems in buildings.
Electrician earns more on average — the national median is $3,000/year (5%) higher than a Plumber. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Electrician vs Plumber — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Electrician | Plumber | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $94,614 | $90,412 | Electrician +$4,202 |
| New York, NY | $77,366 | $74,492 | Electrician +$2,874 |
| Seattle, WA | $90,028 | $86,433 | Electrician +$3,595 |
| Austin, TX | $70,774 | $68,479 | Electrician +$2,295 |
| Chicago, IL | $68,874 | $65,596 | Electrician +$3,278 |
| Boston, MA | $84,512 | $83,325 | Electrician +$1,187 |
| London, UK | £50,415 | £47,528 | Electrician +$2,887 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$88,649 | CA$81,287 | Electrician +$7,362 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Electrician or Plumber earn more?+
A Electrician earns more on average. The national median salary for a Electrician is $65,000/year, compared to $62,000/year for a Plumber — a difference of $3,000 (5%).
Which has better career growth — Electrician or Plumber?+
Electrician roles are growing at 11% YoY while Plumber demand is growing at 5% YoY. Electrician has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Electrician to Plumber?+
Yes. Many professionals transition between these roles, especially since both are in the same category. Shared skills include: Blueprint Reading.
Which is harder to automate — Electrician or Plumber?+
Plumber has a lower AI automation risk (10% vs 12%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.