Electrician vs. Plumber vs. HVAC Technician
Skilled trades that typically train through apprenticeship or postsecondary programs.
Short answer: Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters have the highest national median wage of the group at $63,800 (May 2025). Heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers are projected to grow fastest, +10.9% from 2025 to 2035. Electricians typically enter with high school diploma or equivalent; Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters typically enter with high school diploma or equivalent; Heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers typically enter with postsecondary nondegree award.
| Measure | Electricians | Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters | Heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median annual wage (May 2025) | $63,190 | $63,800 | $61,010 |
| 10th percentile wage | $42,640 | $44,150 | $40,050 |
| 90th percentile wage | $108,510 | $108,420 | $95,210 |
| Employment (May 2025) | 757,220 | 465,840 | 409,670 |
| Projected change, 2025 to 2035 | +9.2% | +6.8% | +10.9% |
| Openings per year | 72,700 | 42,000 | 40,600 |
| Typical entry education | High school diploma or equivalent | High school diploma or equivalent | Postsecondary nondegree award |
| Related work experience | None | None | None |
| On-the-job training | Apprenticeship | Apprenticeship | Long-term on-the-job training |
| O*NET Job Zone (1 to 5) | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| Self-employed share | 7.1% | 8% | 6.3% |
| Top skills | Active Listening, Speaking, Critical Thinking, Active Learning | Critical Thinking, Monitoring, Speaking, Reading Comprehension | Critical Thinking, Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Speaking |
| Licenses and certifications in our library | CT-ELECTRICIAN-E1-E2 | None listed | None listed |
Wages Verified data describe all workers in each occupation, not starting pay. Growth and openings are Official projection. Highlighted cells mark the highest median wage and fastest projected growth.