Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters vs Public Relations Specialists: Salary Comparison (2024)
Side-by-side salary comparison using 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Which Career Pays More?
Public Relations Specialists professionals earn $6,810 more per year than Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters professionals — that's 10.8% higher. At the 90th percentile, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters earns $105,150 compared to $129,480 for Public Relations Specialists.
Salary Range Comparison
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters$40,670 – $105,150
Public Relations Specialists$40,750 – $129,480
$40,670$129,480
Detailed Salary Comparison
| Percentile | Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters | Public Relations Specialists | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $40,670 | $40,750 | $-80 |
| 25th Percentile | $48,860 | $51,970 | $-3,110 |
| Median (50th) | $62,970 | $69,780 | $-6,810 |
| 75th Percentile | $81,900 | $95,940 | $-14,040 |
| 90th Percentile | $105,150 | $129,480 | $-24,330 |
| Mean (Average) | $69,940 | $80,310 | $-10,370 |
Employment Numbers
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters
455,940
employed nationwide
Public Relations Specialists
280,590
employed nationwide
Top Paying Cities
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 |
Best Cities for Public Relations Specialists
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $101,200 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $98,460 |
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | $95,370 |
| Salt Lake City, UT | $93,220 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $92,060 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who earns more: Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters or Public Relations Specialists?
Public Relations Specialists professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $6,810 (10.8% higher) as of 2024 BLS data.
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.
What is the salary range for Public Relations Specialists?
Public Relations Specialists salaries range from $40,750 (10th percentile) to $129,480 (90th percentile), with a median of $69,780.
How many Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters and Public Relations Specialists jobs are there?
There are approximately 455,940 Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters positions and 280,590 Public Relations Specialists positions nationwide according to 2024 BLS data.
Is it worth switching from Public Relations Specialists to Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters?
Career decisions depend on many factors beyond salary. Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters has a median salary of $62,970 while Public Relations Specialists earns $69,780. 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