Graphic Designers 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 $1,670 more per year than Graphic Designers professionals — that's 2.7% higher. At the 90th percentile, Graphic Designers earns $103,030 compared to $105,150 for Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters.
Salary Range Comparison
Graphic Designers$37,600 – $103,030
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters$40,670 – $105,150
$37,600$105,150
Detailed Salary Comparison
| Percentile | Graphic Designers | Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $37,600 | $40,670 | $-3,070 |
| 25th Percentile | $47,200 | $48,860 | $-1,660 |
| Median (50th) | $61,300 | $62,970 | $-1,670 |
| 75th Percentile | $79,000 | $81,900 | $-2,900 |
| 90th Percentile | $103,030 | $105,150 | $-2,120 |
| Mean (Average) | $68,610 | $69,940 | $-1,330 |
Employment Numbers
Graphic Designers
214,260
employed nationwide
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters
455,940
employed nationwide
Top Paying Cities
Best Cities for Graphic Designers
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $98,530 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $89,490 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $82,630 |
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | $82,360 |
| Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH | $78,000 |
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: Graphic Designers or Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters?
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $1,670 (2.7% higher) as of 2024 BLS data.
What is the salary range for Graphic Designers?
Graphic Designers salaries range from $37,600 (10th percentile) to $103,030 (90th percentile), with a median of $61,300.
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 Graphic Designers and Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters jobs are there?
There are approximately 214,260 Graphic Designers 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 Graphic Designers?
Career decisions depend on many factors beyond salary. Graphic Designers has a median salary of $61,300 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