Carpenters vs Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters: Salary Comparison (2024)
Side-by-side salary comparison using 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Which Career Pays More?
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters professionals earn $3,660 more per year than Carpenters professionals — that's 6.2% higher. At the 90th percentile, Carpenters earns $98,370 compared to $105,150 for Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters.
Salary Range Comparison
Carpenters$38,760 – $98,370
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters$40,670 – $105,150
$38,760$105,150
Detailed Salary Comparison
| Percentile | Carpenters | Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $38,760 | $40,670 | $-1,910 |
| 25th Percentile | $47,550 | $48,860 | $-1,310 |
| Median (50th) | $59,310 | $62,970 | $-3,660 |
| 75th Percentile | $75,620 | $81,900 | $-6,280 |
| 90th Percentile | $98,370 | $105,150 | $-6,780 |
| Mean (Average) | $64,040 | $69,940 | $-5,900 |
Employment Numbers
Carpenters
697,740
employed nationwide
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters
455,940
employed nationwide
Top Paying Cities
Best Cities for Carpenters
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $80,950 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $78,090 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA | $77,100 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $76,760 |
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI | $76,510 |
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: Carpenters or Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters?
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $3,660 (6.2% higher) as of 2024 BLS data.
What is the salary range for Carpenters?
Carpenters salaries range from $38,760 (10th percentile) to $98,370 (90th percentile), with a median of $59,310.
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 Carpenters and Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters jobs are there?
There are approximately 697,740 Carpenters 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 Carpenters?
Career decisions depend on many factors beyond salary. Carpenters has a median salary of $59,310 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