Mechanical Engineers vs Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters: Salary Comparison (2024)
Side-by-side salary comparison using 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Which Career Pays More?
Mechanical Engineers professionals earn $39,350 more per year than Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters professionals — that's 62.5% higher. At the 90th percentile, Mechanical Engineers earns $161,240 compared to $105,150 for Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters.
Salary Range Comparison
Mechanical Engineers$68,740 – $161,240
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters$40,670 – $105,150
$40,670$161,240
Detailed Salary Comparison
| Percentile | Mechanical Engineers | Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $68,740 | $40,670 | +$28,070 |
| 25th Percentile | $81,800 | $48,860 | +$32,940 |
| Median (50th) | $102,320 | $62,970 | +$39,350 |
| 75th Percentile | $130,290 | $81,900 | +$48,390 |
| 90th Percentile | $161,240 | $105,150 | +$56,090 |
| Mean (Average) | $110,080 | $69,940 | +$40,140 |
Employment Numbers
Mechanical Engineers
286,760
employed nationwide
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters
455,940
employed nationwide
Top Paying Cities
Best Cities for Mechanical Engineers
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $147,730 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $145,640 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA | $128,660 |
| Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX | $126,870 |
| Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH | $124,160 |
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: Mechanical Engineers or Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters?
Mechanical Engineers professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $39,350 (62.5% higher) as of 2024 BLS data.
What is the salary range for Mechanical Engineers?
Mechanical Engineers salaries range from $68,740 (10th percentile) to $161,240 (90th percentile), with a median of $102,320.
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 Mechanical Engineers and Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters jobs are there?
There are approximately 286,760 Mechanical Engineers 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 Mechanical Engineers?
Career decisions depend on many factors beyond salary. Mechanical Engineers has a median salary of $102,320 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