Nurse Practitioners vs Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters: Salary Comparison (2024)
Side-by-side salary comparison using 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Which Career Pays More?
Nurse Practitioners professionals earn $66,240 more per year than Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters professionals — that's 105.2% higher. At the 90th percentile, Nurse Practitioners earns $169,950 compared to $105,150 for Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters.
Salary Range Comparison
Nurse Practitioners$97,960 – $169,950
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters$40,670 – $105,150
$40,670$169,950
Detailed Salary Comparison
| Percentile | Nurse Practitioners | Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $97,960 | $40,670 | +$57,290 |
| 25th Percentile | $109,940 | $48,860 | +$61,080 |
| Median (50th) | $129,210 | $62,970 | +$66,240 |
| 75th Percentile | $149,570 | $81,900 | +$67,670 |
| 90th Percentile | $169,950 | $105,150 | +$64,800 |
| Mean (Average) | $132,000 | $69,940 | +$62,060 |
Employment Numbers
Nurse Practitioners
307,390
employed nationwide
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters
455,940
employed nationwide
Top Paying Cities
Best Cities for Nurse Practitioners
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $225,730 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $220,330 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA | $164,520 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | $164,510 |
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA | $162,470 |
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: Nurse Practitioners or Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters?
Nurse Practitioners professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $66,240 (105.2% higher) as of 2024 BLS data.
What is the salary range for Nurse Practitioners?
Nurse Practitioners salaries range from $97,960 (10th percentile) to $169,950 (90th percentile), with a median of $129,210.
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 Nurse Practitioners and Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters jobs are there?
There are approximately 307,390 Nurse Practitioners 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 Nurse Practitioners?
Career decisions depend on many factors beyond salary. Nurse Practitioners has a median salary of $129,210 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