Natural Sciences Managers vs Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters: Salary Comparison (2024)
Side-by-side salary comparison using 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Which Career Pays More?
Natural Sciences Managers professionals earn $98,210 more per year than Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters professionals — that's 156.0% higher.
Salary Range Comparison
Natural Sciences Managers$79,830 – N/A
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters$40,670 – $105,150
$40,670$105,150
Detailed Salary Comparison
| Percentile | Natural Sciences Managers | Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $79,830 | $40,670 | +$39,160 |
| 25th Percentile | $114,110 | $48,860 | +$65,250 |
| Median (50th) | $161,180 | $62,970 | +$98,210 |
| 75th Percentile | $214,820 | $81,900 | +$132,920 |
| 90th Percentile | N/A | $105,150 | N/A |
| Mean (Average) | $173,500 | $69,940 | +$103,560 |
Employment Numbers
Natural Sciences Managers
100,870
employed nationwide
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters
455,940
employed nationwide
Top Paying Cities
Best Cities for Natural Sciences Managers
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $222,840 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $221,480 |
| Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH | $219,380 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $208,230 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA | $199,590 |
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: Natural Sciences Managers or Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters?
Natural Sciences Managers professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $98,210 (156.0% higher) as of 2024 BLS data.
What is the salary range for Natural Sciences Managers?
Natural Sciences Managers salaries range from $79,830 (10th percentile) to N/A (90th percentile), with a median of $161,180.
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 Natural Sciences Managers and Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters jobs are there?
There are approximately 100,870 Natural Sciences Managers 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 Natural Sciences Managers?
Career decisions depend on many factors beyond salary. Natural Sciences Managers has a median salary of $161,180 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