Based on data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, on average, Plumbers make $63,350 annually, while Welders make $48,290 per year. As a result, Plumbers earn a wage that is higher than Welders.
However, it's important to keep in mind that the salary of an employee can be influenced by factors such as location and experience. In particular, Plumbers working in Illinois (with a wage of $86,200 on average) may have higher salaries than those in Arkansas ($45,440). To provide another instance, Welders in Washington DC have an average income that is 76% higher compared to those in Arkansas.
Plumbers vs Welders overview
Plumbers and Welders are two important roles in the Specialty Trade Contractors and Fabricated Metal Product Manufacturing industries respectively. There is a general interest in understanding the differences between these job titles, including the average salary for each of them.
Plumber job description
Alternative names: Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters
Plumbers assemble, install, alter, and repair pipelines or pipe systems that carry water, steam, air, or other liquids or gases. May install heating and cooling equipment and mechanical control systems. Includes sprinkler fitters.
Plumber education and experience
43% of Plumbers hold a Post-Secondary Certificate, 35% hold a High School Diploma, and 9% have an Associate's Degree. In terms of experience, the majority of Plumber occupations require a 4 to 6 years of previous experience working in the field. A smaller number of roles (19%) require no previous experience.
Plumber average salary
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics has reported that in 2021, there were 417,620 Plumbers working in the United States, and on average, they earned $63,350 per year. The bottom 10 percent earned $36,700 or less, and the top 10 percent earned $99,920 or more. Compared to the previous year, the mean salary has increased by 3.7%.
Do Plumbers make good money?
Plumbers generally earn good salaries, since their mean salary is 9% above the average salary in the United States ($58,260). Additionally, they make 8% more than the mean earnings of the Specialty Trade Contractors industry ($58,590).
Plumbers generally earn good salaries, since their mean salary is 9% above the average salary in the United States ($58,260).
Welder job description
Alternative names: Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers
Welders use hand-welding, flame-cutting, hand-soldering, or brazing equipment to weld or join metal components or to fill holes, indentations, or seams of fabricated metal products.
Welder education and experience
Most Welders (54%) have a High School Diploma. But additionally, among employees with this job title, there are also some with a Less than a High School Diploma (21%) and a Post-Secondary Certificate (12%). Regarding experience, about a third of Welder occupations require a 1 to 2 years of previous experience working in the field. A smaller portion of roles (19%) require a previous experience of 2 to 4 years.
Welder average salary
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics has reported that in 2021, there were 397,600 Welders working in the United States, and on average, they earned $48,290 per year. The bottom 10 percent earned $31,350 or less, and the top 10 percent earned $63,660 or more. Compared to the previous year, the mean salary has increased by 3.4%.
Do Welders make good money?
Welders are not typically highly paid, since their mean salary is 17% below the average pay in the United States ($58,260). Additionally, they make 9% less than the mean salary of the Fabricated Metal Product Manufacturing industry ($53,030).
Welders are not typically highly paid, since their mean salary is 17% below the average pay in the United States ($58,260).
FAQ
Do Plumbers or Welders make more?
The average earnings of Plumbers are about a third higher than those of Welders. On average, Welders make $48,290 per year, while Plumbers make $63,350.
How long does it take to become a Plumber vs Welder?
Becoming a Plumber typically requires a Post-Secondary Certificate. Obtaining a Post-Secondary Certificate usually takes between 1 year and 2 years of study. In contrast, becoming a Welder typically only requires a High School Diploma.
Is it harder to become a Plumber vs Welder?
It is more difficult to become a Plumber than a Welder, since it takes 2 more years of education.