Computer Network Support Specialists vs Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters: Salary Comparison (2024)
Side-by-side salary comparison using 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Which Career Pays More?
Computer Network Support Specialists professionals earn $10,370 more per year than Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters professionals — that's 16.5% higher. At the 90th percentile, Computer Network Support Specialists earns $124,470 compared to $105,150 for Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters.
Salary Range Comparison
Computer Network Support Specialists$46,010 – $124,470
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters$40,670 – $105,150
$40,670$124,470
Detailed Salary Comparison
| Percentile | Computer Network Support Specialists | Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $46,010 | $40,670 | +$5,340 |
| 25th Percentile | $56,720 | $48,860 | +$7,860 |
| Median (50th) | $73,340 | $62,970 | +$10,370 |
| 75th Percentile | $95,710 | $81,900 | +$13,810 |
| 90th Percentile | $124,470 | $105,150 | +$19,320 |
| Mean (Average) | $79,610 | $69,940 | +$9,670 |
Employment Numbers
Computer Network Support Specialists
146,450
employed nationwide
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters
455,940
employed nationwide
Top Paying Cities
Best Cities for Computer Network Support Specialists
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD | $104,130 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $98,670 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $98,490 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $97,200 |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA | $88,980 |
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: Computer Network Support Specialists or Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters?
Computer Network Support Specialists professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $10,370 (16.5% higher) as of 2024 BLS data.
What is the salary range for Computer Network Support Specialists?
Computer Network Support Specialists salaries range from $46,010 (10th percentile) to $124,470 (90th percentile), with a median of $73,340.
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 Computer Network Support Specialists and Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters jobs are there?
There are approximately 146,450 Computer Network Support Specialists 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 Computer Network Support Specialists?
Career decisions depend on many factors beyond salary. Computer Network Support Specialists has a median salary of $73,340 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