Customer Service Representatives 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 $20,140 more per year than Customer Service Representatives professionals — that's 47.0% higher. At the 90th percentile, Customer Service Representatives earns $62,730 compared to $105,150 for Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters.
Salary Range Comparison
Customer Service Representatives$30,690 – $62,730
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters$40,670 – $105,150
$30,690$105,150
Detailed Salary Comparison
| Percentile | Customer Service Representatives | Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $30,690 | $40,670 | $-9,980 |
| 25th Percentile | $35,970 | $48,860 | $-12,890 |
| Median (50th) | $42,830 | $62,970 | $-20,140 |
| 75th Percentile | $50,140 | $81,900 | $-31,760 |
| 90th Percentile | $62,730 | $105,150 | $-42,420 |
| Mean (Average) | $45,380 | $69,940 | $-24,560 |
Employment Numbers
Customer Service Representatives
2,725,930
employed nationwide
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters
455,940
employed nationwide
Top Paying Cities
Best Cities for Customer Service Representatives
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $60,830 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $56,400 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $51,090 |
| Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH | $49,060 |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA | $48,890 |
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: Customer Service Representatives or Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters?
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $20,140 (47.0% higher) as of 2024 BLS data.
What is the salary range for Customer Service Representatives?
Customer Service Representatives salaries range from $30,690 (10th percentile) to $62,730 (90th percentile), with a median of $42,830.
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 Customer Service Representatives and Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters jobs are there?
There are approximately 2,725,930 Customer Service Representatives 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 Customer Service Representatives?
Career decisions depend on many factors beyond salary. Customer Service Representatives has a median salary of $42,830 while Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters earns $62,970. Consider job satisfaction, growth prospects, required education, and work-life balance.
Career Resources
Career Change Resources
Explore tools and guides for transitioning between careers.
Professional Certifications
Find certifications that can boost your earning potential.
Online Degree Programs
Browse accredited online degrees relevant to these careers.
Resume Writing Services
Get professional help crafting a standout resume.
Explore More
Was this data helpful?
Data verified March 2026 · Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS