Computer Systems Analysts 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 Systems Analysts professionals earn $40,820 more per year than Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters professionals — that's 64.8% higher. At the 90th percentile, Computer Systems Analysts earns $166,030 compared to $105,150 for Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters.
Salary Range Comparison
Computer Systems Analysts$63,160 – $166,030
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters$40,670 – $105,150
$40,670$166,030
Detailed Salary Comparison
| Percentile | Computer Systems Analysts | Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $63,160 | $40,670 | +$22,490 |
| 25th Percentile | $80,900 | $48,860 | +$32,040 |
| Median (50th) | $103,790 | $62,970 | +$40,820 |
| 75th Percentile | $132,360 | $81,900 | +$50,460 |
| 90th Percentile | $166,030 | $105,150 | +$60,880 |
| Mean (Average) | $111,960 | $69,940 | +$42,020 |
Employment Numbers
Computer Systems Analysts
497,800
employed nationwide
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters
455,940
employed nationwide
Top Paying Cities
Best Cities for Computer Systems Analysts
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $160,800 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $145,440 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $132,580 |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA | $127,150 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | $126,520 |
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 Systems Analysts or Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters?
Computer Systems Analysts professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $40,820 (64.8% higher) as of 2024 BLS data.
What is the salary range for Computer Systems Analysts?
Computer Systems Analysts salaries range from $63,160 (10th percentile) to $166,030 (90th percentile), with a median of $103,790.
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 Systems Analysts and Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters jobs are there?
There are approximately 497,800 Computer Systems Analysts 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 Systems Analysts?
Career decisions depend on many factors beyond salary. Computer Systems Analysts has a median salary of $103,790 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