Auto Mechanic vs. Plumber: Which Career Is Right for You?
Quick answer: Plumbers earn more, with a median of $63,800 a year versus $50,620 for auto mechanics (BLS, May 2025), a gap of about $13,180. Pick plumber if you want higher pay and steady service-call demand and you do not mind a 4 to 5 year apprenticeship. Pick auto mechanic if you love cars and want to start earning faster with a shorter training path.
Choosing between a career as an auto mechanic and a plumber is one of the most common decisions people face when entering the skilled trades. Both are solid, in-demand careers, but they differ in pay, work environment, training requirements, and long-term outlook.
This guide breaks down the key differences using current Bureau of Labor Statistics data so you can make an informed decision.
Auto Mechanic vs. Plumber at a Glance
| Category | Auto Mechanic | Plumber |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $50,620 | $63,800 |
| Median Hourly | $24.34 | $30.67 |
| Entry-Level Pay (10th %) | $34,660 | $44,150 |
| Experienced Pay (90th %) | $81,790 | $108,420 |
| Total Employed | 704,640 | 465,840 |
| Job Growth (2024-2034) | 4.2% (about as fast as average) | 4.5% (about as fast as average) |
| Annual Job Openings | 70,000 | 44,000 |
| Typical Training | 6 months to 2 years (trade school) plus experience | 4 to 5 years (apprenticeship) |
| Work Setting | Auto repair shops, dealerships, fleet garages | Residential, commercial, and industrial sites |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (BLS, May 2025); Employment Projections (2024-2034).
Salary Comparison
Plumbers earn a higher median salary by about $13,180 per year (BLS, May 2025).
Here is how pay breaks down across experience levels:
| Pay Level | Auto Mechanic | Plumber |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level (10th percentile) | $34,660 | $44,150 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $50,620 | $63,800 |
| Top Earners (90th percentile) | $81,790 | $108,420 |
| Median Hourly | $24.34 | $30.67 |
All wage figures are BLS, May 2025. Keep in mind that salaries vary by state, metro area, union membership, specialization, and overtime. Both trades frequently offer overtime opportunities that can push annual earnings well above the median. The top 10 percent of plumbers clear $108,420, while the top 10 percent of auto mechanics clear $81,790.
Job Outlook and Demand
Both careers show similar projected growth through 2034.
| Metric | Auto Mechanic | Plumber |
|---|---|---|
| Total Employed | 704,640 | 465,840 |
| Projected Growth (2024-2034) | 4.2% | 4.5% |
| Annual Openings | 70,000 | 44,000 |
Annual openings include positions created by workers retiring, changing careers, or moving into supervisory roles. With 70,000 openings per year for auto mechanics and 44,000 for plumbers, both fields offer strong hiring prospects.
Training and Education
Auto Mechanic: Automotive technology program or on-the-job training. Training typically takes 6 months to 2 years of trade school plus experience. Key certifications include ASE certifications (A1 to A8) and state inspection licenses.
Plumber: Apprenticeship, or trade school followed by an apprenticeship. Training typically takes 4 to 5 years. Key certifications include a state journeyman or master license and backflow certification.
Both careers require hands-on training, and most states require some form of licensing or certification before you can work independently.
Work Environment and Physical Demands
Auto Mechanic: Auto Mechanics typically work in auto repair shops, dealerships, fleet garages. Physical demands include standing, bending, lifting, exposure to chemicals and exhaust.
Plumber: Plumbers typically work in residential, commercial, and industrial sites. Physical demands include heavy lifting, crawling, exposure to unsanitary conditions.
Career Advancement
Auto Mechanic: The typical career path goes from Lube Tech, General Tech, ASE Master Tech, Shop Owner.
Plumber: The typical career path goes from Apprentice, Journeyman, Master Plumber, Plumbing Contractor.
Both careers offer a path to self-employment. Experienced auto mechanics and plumbers often start their own contracting businesses, which can significantly increase earning potential.
Which Career Should You Choose?
Choose Auto Mechanic if you:
- Are passionate about cars and automotive technology
- Want a career you can start with a shorter training program
- Like diagnostic problem-solving and working with your hands
- Want opportunities at dealerships, independent shops, or your own garage
Choose Plumber if you:
- Are interested in water systems, piping, and drainage
- Want steady demand that is less affected by new construction slowdowns
- Do not mind physically demanding work in challenging conditions
- Want emergency/service call work that often pays premium rates
There is no wrong answer here. Both are respected, well-paying trades with strong demand across the country. Your decision should come down to which type of work interests you more on a daily basis.
Related Resources
- Learn more about becoming an auto mechanic
- Learn more about becoming a plumber
- Compare trade salaries nationally
- Find trade schools near you
FAQ
Is auto mechanic or plumber a better career?
Both are strong career choices. Plumbers earn a higher median salary, about $13,180 more per year (BLS, May 2025), and both careers show similar projected growth through 2034. The right choice depends on which type of work appeals to you more and how long a training path you are willing to take.
Do auto mechanics or plumbers make more money?
Plumbers make more. Auto mechanics earn a median salary of $50,620 a year, while plumbers earn $63,800 (BLS, May 2025). Top earners go further apart: the top 10 percent of plumbers make $108,420 or more, compared with $81,790 for the top 10 percent of auto mechanics.
What do auto mechanics and plumbers earn per hour?
Auto mechanics earn a median of $24.34 an hour, and plumbers earn a median of $30.67 an hour (BLS, May 2025). Overtime, weekend work, and emergency service calls can push hourly take-home pay higher in both trades.
Which trade is easier to get into?
Both trades are accessible with a high school diploma and neither requires a college degree. Auto mechanics typically need 6 months to 2 years of trade school plus experience, while plumbers usually complete a 4 to 5 year apprenticeship. The shorter path means auto mechanics often start earning a full wage sooner.
Which trade has more job openings?
Auto mechanics have more annual openings, about 70,000 a year versus 44,000 for plumbers (BLS Employment Projections, 2024-2034). Auto mechanics also have a larger overall workforce, with 704,640 employed compared with 465,840 plumbers. Both fields are projected to grow about as fast as average through 2034.
Is plumbing harder on your body than auto repair?
Both are physically demanding. Auto mechanics spend long hours standing, bending, and lifting, with exposure to chemicals and exhaust. Plumbers do heavy lifting, crawl into tight spaces, and sometimes work in unsanitary conditions. Neither is a desk job, so consider which set of physical demands you can sustain over a long career.
Can you switch from auto mechanic to plumber?
Yes. Many foundational skills, such as reading blueprints, following building codes, and working safely on job sites, transfer between trades. You would need additional training and licensing specific to plumbing, typically starting as an apprentice even if you bring years of mechanical experience.
About this guide: Researched and written by the TradeCareerPath Editorial Team. Our editorial team researches and sources every trade school and career guide using federal labor and education data, including BLS OEWS and Employment Projections, DOL apprenticeship records, IPEDS, College Scorecard, and state licensing boards. We follow the editorial standards documented at /editorial-policy/.