Architectural and Engineering Managers vs Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters: Salary Comparison (2024)
Side-by-side salary comparison using 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Which Career Pays More?
Architectural and Engineering Managers professionals earn $104,770 more per year than Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters professionals — that's 166.4% higher.
Salary Range Comparison
Architectural and Engineering Managers$111,450 – N/A
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters$40,670 – $105,150
$40,670$111,450
Detailed Salary Comparison
| Percentile | Architectural and Engineering Managers | Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $111,450 | $40,670 | +$70,780 |
| 25th Percentile | $134,930 | $48,860 | +$86,070 |
| Median (50th) | $167,740 | $62,970 | +$104,770 |
| 75th Percentile | $207,210 | $81,900 | +$125,310 |
| 90th Percentile | N/A | $105,150 | N/A |
| Mean (Average) | $175,710 | $69,940 | +$105,770 |
Employment Numbers
Architectural and Engineering Managers
210,340
employed nationwide
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters
455,940
employed nationwide
Top Paying Cities
Best Cities for Architectural and Engineering Managers
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $226,940 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $208,580 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA | $189,270 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA | $185,550 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $183,640 |
Best Cities for Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA | $100,110 |
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI | $98,890 |
| Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI | $97,020 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $90,220 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $87,160 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who earns more: Architectural and Engineering Managers or Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters?
Architectural and Engineering Managers professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $104,770 (166.4% higher) as of 2024 BLS data.
What is the salary range for Architectural and Engineering Managers?
Architectural and Engineering Managers salaries range from $111,450 (10th percentile) to N/A (90th percentile), with a median of $167,740.
What is the salary range for Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters?
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters salaries range from $40,670 (10th percentile) to $105,150 (90th percentile), with a median of $62,970.
How many Architectural and Engineering Managers and Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters jobs are there?
There are approximately 210,340 Architectural and Engineering Managers positions and 455,940 Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters positions nationwide according to 2024 BLS data.
Is it worth switching from Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters to Architectural and Engineering Managers?
Career decisions depend on many factors beyond salary. Architectural and Engineering Managers has a median salary of $167,740 while Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters earns $62,970. Consider job satisfaction, growth prospects, required education, and work-life balance.
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Data verified March 2026 · Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS