Plumber vs. Carpenter: Which Career Is Right for You?
Quick answer: Plumbers earn a median of $63,800 a year, slightly ahead of carpenters at $60,580 (BLS, May 2025), and plumbing pays more at every level from entry to top earners. Both are projected to grow 4.5% through 2034, though carpentry has more annual openings. Pick plumbing if you want higher pay and steady service-call demand. Pick carpentry if you prefer building with wood, a shorter apprenticeship, and more openings to break in.
Choosing between a career as a plumber and a carpenter 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.
Plumber vs. Carpenter at a Glance
| Category | Plumber | Carpenter |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $63,800 | $60,580 |
| Median Hourly | $30.67 | $29.12 |
| Entry-Level Pay (10th %) | $44,150 | $40,410 |
| Experienced Pay (90th %) | $108,420 | $99,910 |
| Total Employed | 465,840 | 670,090 |
| Job Growth (2024-2034) | 4.5% (about as fast as average) | 4.5% (about as fast as average) |
| Annual Job Openings | 44,000 | 74,100 |
| Typical Training | 4 to 5 years (apprenticeship) | 3 to 4 years (apprenticeship) |
| Work Setting | Residential, commercial, and industrial sites | Residential and commercial construction 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, about $3,220 more per year than carpenters.
Here is how pay breaks down:
| Pay Level | Plumber | Carpenter |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level (10th percentile) | $44,150 | $40,410 |
| Median | $63,800 | $60,580 |
| Top Earners (90th percentile) | $108,420 | $99,910 |
| Median Hourly | $30.67 | $29.12 |
Keep in mind that pay varies by state, metro area, union membership, specialization, and overtime. Both trades frequently offer overtime opportunities that can push annual earnings well above the median.
Job Outlook and Demand
Both careers show the same projected growth through 2034.
| Metric | Plumber | Carpenter |
|---|---|---|
| Employment | 465,840 | 670,090 |
| Projected Growth | 4.5% | 4.5% |
| Annual Openings | 44,000 | 74,100 |
Annual openings include positions created by workers retiring, changing careers, or moving into supervisory roles. With 44,000 openings per year for plumbers and 74,100 for carpenters (BLS, May 2025), both fields offer strong hiring prospects. Carpentry has more total openings, partly because it employs more people.
Training and Education
Plumber: Apprenticeship or trade school plus apprenticeship. Training typically takes 4 to 5 years. Key credentials include a state journeyman or master license and backflow certification.
Carpenter: Apprenticeship through a union or contractor. Training typically takes 3 to 4 years. Key credentials include OSHA 10 or 30, NCCER Carpentry, and a state license in some states.
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
Plumber: Plumbers typically work on residential, commercial, and industrial sites. Physical demands include heavy lifting, crawling, and exposure to unsanitary conditions.
Carpenter: Carpenters typically work on residential and commercial construction sites. Physical demands include heavy lifting, climbing, standing, and working outdoors in all weather.
Career Advancement
Plumber: The typical career path goes from apprentice to journeyman to master plumber to plumbing contractor.
Carpenter: The typical career path goes from apprentice to journeyman carpenter to foreman to general contractor.
Both careers offer a path to self-employment. Experienced plumbers and carpenters often start their own contracting businesses, which can significantly increase earning potential.
Which Career Should You Choose?
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 and service call work that often pays premium rates
Choose Carpenter if you:
- Enjoy building, framing, and working with wood and other materials
- Want creative variety in your daily work
- Are comfortable working outdoors in all weather
- Want a versatile skill set that spans residential, commercial, and finish work
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 a plumber
- Learn more about becoming a carpenter
- Compare trade salaries nationally
- Find trade schools near you
FAQ
Is plumber or carpenter a better career?
Both are strong career choices. Plumbers earn a higher median pay, about $63,800 versus $60,580 for carpenters (BLS, May 2025), a gap of roughly $3,220 a year. Both careers are projected to grow 4.5% through 2034. The right choice comes down to which type of work appeals to you more.
Do plumbers or carpenters make more money?
Plumbers earn a median of $63,800 a year, while carpenters earn $60,580 (BLS, May 2025). Top earners (90th percentile) make about $108,420 in plumbing and $99,910 in carpentry, so plumbing pays a bit more at every level.
Which trade is easier to get into?
Both trades are accessible with a high school diploma and no college degree. Plumbers typically train for 4 to 5 years through an apprenticeship, while carpenters train for 3 to 4 years. Carpentry apprenticeships are slightly shorter, so carpentry can be a faster route to working independently.
Can you switch from plumber to carpenter?
Yes. Foundational skills like reading blueprints, following building codes, and working safely on job sites transfer between trades. You would still need trade-specific training, and plumbing requires a state journeyman or master license that carpentry usually does not.
Which trade has more job openings?
Carpentry has more openings overall. BLS projects about 74,100 annual openings for carpenters versus 44,000 for plumbers (BLS, May 2025), largely because carpentry employs more people (670,090 versus 465,840). Both fields have steady hiring.
Do plumbers or carpenters work in worse conditions?
It depends on what you mind. Plumbers handle heavy lifting, crawling into tight spaces, and exposure to unsanitary conditions. Carpenters do heavy lifting, climbing, and a lot of work outdoors in all weather. Plumbing is more often indoors but messier, while carpentry exposes you more to the elements.
What is the hourly pay for plumbers and carpenters?
The median hourly wage is $30.67 for plumbers and $29.12 for carpenters (BLS, May 2025). Both trades commonly offer overtime, which can push annual earnings well above the median figures.
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/.