Plumber vs. Welder: Which Career Is Right for You?
Quick answer: Plumbers earn more on the median, about $63,800 a year versus $53,750 for welders (BLS, May 2025), and plumbing is projected to grow a bit faster through 2034. Pick plumbing if you want higher typical pay, service and emergency work, and a clear license-to-contractor path. Pick welding if you want a shorter training route and a portable skill you can take across construction, manufacturing, and energy.
Choosing between a career as a plumber and a welder 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. Welder at a Glance
| Category | Plumber | Welder |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $63,800 | $53,750 |
| Median Hourly | $30.67 | $25.84 |
| Entry-Level Pay (10th %) | $44,150 | $39,240 |
| Experienced Pay (90th %) | $108,420 | $77,530 |
| Total Employed | 465,840 | 416,210 |
| Job Growth (2024-2034) | 4.5% (about as fast as average) | 2.2% (slower than average) |
| Annual Job Openings | 44,000 | 45,600 |
| Typical Training | 4 to 5 years (apprenticeship) | 7 months to 2 years (trade school or apprenticeship) |
| Work Setting | Residential, commercial, and industrial sites | Fabrication shops, construction sites, shipyards, pipelines |
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 $10,050 more per year than welders (BLS, May 2025).
Here is how pay breaks down across experience levels:
| Pay Level | Plumber | Welder |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level (10th percentile) | $44,150 | $39,240 |
| Median | $63,800 | $53,750 |
| Median Hourly | $30.67 | $25.84 |
| Top Earners (90th percentile) | $108,420 | $77,530 |
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.
Job Outlook and Demand
Plumber jobs are projected to grow faster, 4.5% versus 2.2%, through 2034.
| Metric | Plumber | Welder |
|---|---|---|
| Total Employed | 465,840 | 416,210 |
| Projected Growth | 4.5% | 2.2% |
| Annual Openings | 44,000 | 45,600 |
Annual openings include positions created by workers retiring, changing careers, or moving into supervisory roles. With 44,000 openings per year for plumbers and 45,600 for welders, both fields offer strong hiring prospects.
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.
Welder: Trade school welding program or on-the-job training. Training typically takes 7 months to 2 years. Key credentials include AWS certifications (such as D1.1), API 1104, and ASME Section IX qualifications.
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 in residential, commercial, and industrial sites. Physical demands include heavy lifting, crawling, and exposure to unsanitary conditions.
Welder: Welders typically work in fabrication shops, construction sites, shipyards, and pipelines. Physical demands include standing for long periods, exposure to heat and fumes, and heavy lifting.
Career Advancement
Plumber: The typical career path goes from apprentice to journeyman to master plumber to plumbing contractor.
Welder: The typical career path goes from entry-level welder to certified welder to welding inspector to welding engineer.
Both careers offer a path to self-employment. Experienced plumbers and welders 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 Welder if you:
- Enjoy precision handwork and working with metal
- Want a portable skill that works in many industries, including construction, manufacturing, and oil and gas
- Are willing to earn specialty certifications for higher-paying niche work
- Prefer project-based work that lets you see tangible results
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 welder
- Compare trade salaries nationally
- Find trade schools near you
FAQ
Is plumber or welder a better career?
Both are strong trades. Plumbers earn a higher median pay, about $63,800 a year versus $53,750 for welders (BLS, May 2025). Plumber jobs are also projected to grow a bit faster, 4.5% versus 2.2% through 2034. The right pick comes down to which kind of work you want to do every day.
Do plumbers or welders make more money?
Plumbers earn more on the median. The median plumber wage is $63,800 a year ($30.67 an hour), while the median welder wage is $53,750 a year ($25.84 an hour) (BLS, May 2025). Top earners follow the same pattern: the 90th percentile is $108,420 for plumbers and $77,530 for welders.
Which trade is easier to get into?
Both are accessible with a high school diploma and no college degree. Welding has a shorter entry path, with many programs running 7 months to 2 years, while plumbing usually means a 4 to 5 year registered apprenticeship before you are licensed. You can start earning as a paid plumbing apprentice from day one.
Can you switch from plumber to welder?
Yes. Skills like reading blueprints, following codes, and working safely on a job site carry over. You would still need welding-specific training and certifications, such as AWS Certified Welder, before you can take on code or production work.
Which trade has better job security?
Both have steady demand. Plumbers see about 44,000 openings a year and welders about 45,600 (BLS, 2024-2034 projections). Plumbing leans toward repair and service work that holds up in slow construction years, while welding demand tracks manufacturing, energy, and infrastructure projects.
Which trade is harder on your body?
Both are physically demanding in different ways. Plumbers do a lot of lifting, crawling, and working in tight spaces, sometimes around unsanitary conditions. Welders stand for long stretches and work around heat, fumes, and bright light, so protective gear and good ventilation matter.
Can plumbers or welders earn six figures?
Plumbers reach it more often. The top 10% of plumbers earn over $108,420 a year, while the top 10% of welders earn over $77,530 (BLS, May 2025). Specialty welders in pipeline, refinery, or underwater work can earn well above the typical range, and both trades can boost pay through overtime, certifications, and running their own business.
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/.