Electricians vs Pipelayers
Side-by-side comparison of salary, job growth, and training requirements based on BLS data.
Overview
Both electricians and pipelayers offer solid blue-collar careers with good earning potential and job security. Electricians earn a median of $62,350 versus $48,710 for pipelayers—a significant $13,640 difference. However, pipelayers enjoy faster job growth at 8.5% compared to electricians' 5.2%. Electricians install and maintain electrical systems in buildings, requiring 4-5 years of training and state licensing. Pipelayers install underground piping for utilities with 2-4 years of training. Both trades require apprenticeships but offer different work environments: electricians work more indoors while pipelayers work exclusively outdoors on infrastructure projects.
Salary Breakdown
Electricians command higher pay at $62,350 median versus pipelayers' $48,710—a 28% premium. Entry-level electricians start around $37,000, reaching $96,000+ as experienced journeymen. Specialized electricians in industrial or power systems can exceed $100,000. Pipelayers typically start at $32,000, with experienced workers earning $70,000-$80,000. Both trades offer substantial overtime opportunities. Electricians have higher earning ceilings due to specialized skills like industrial controls, solar installation, or opening their own electrical contracting business. Emergency service calls provide premium pay for electricians year-round.
Work Environment
Electricians split time between indoor and outdoor work, installing systems in homes, offices, and industrial facilities. Work involves crawling through tight spaces, working at heights, and troubleshooting complex systems. Pipelayers work exclusively outdoors in trenches and excavation sites, facing weather extremes and heavy physical demands. Both face safety hazards—electricians risk electrical shock while pipelayers deal with cave-ins and heavy equipment. Electricians typically work standard hours with emergency calls, while pipelayers often work seasonally with long days during construction season but potential winter layoffs in colder climates.
Career Growth
Electricians have broader advancement opportunities: specializing in industrial controls, renewable energy, or smart home technology. Many become electrical contractors, inspectors, or instructors. Master electrician licenses open doors to larger projects and business ownership. Pipelayers can advance to crew leaders, equipment operators, or construction supervisors. Some transition to related trades like plumbing or heavy equipment operation. Both can start their own businesses, but electricians face lower startup costs and have more diverse revenue streams. Electricians' licensing requirements create barriers that protect income potential, while pipelayers compete more on experience and physical capability.
Who should choose Electricians?
Choose electrician if you enjoy problem-solving, working with technology, and continuous learning. This trade suits detail-oriented people who like troubleshooting complex systems and working both independently and on teams. Ideal for those wanting higher income potential, diverse work environments, and strong job security. Perfect if you prefer work that's less physically demanding but mentally challenging, with opportunities to specialize in growing fields like solar, electric vehicles, or smart building systems.
Typical path: IBEW apprenticeship or non-union apprenticeship; state journeyman license exam required
Explore Electricians →Who should choose Pipelayers?
Choose pipelayer if you prefer straightforward, physical work outdoors and don't mind seasonal employment patterns. This trade suits people who enjoy working with heavy equipment, teamwork-focused projects, and seeing immediate, tangible results. Ideal for those wanting faster entry into the workforce, less classroom learning, and connection to essential infrastructure projects. Perfect if you're comfortable with physical demands, weather exposure, and the satisfaction of building the underground systems that keep communities running.
Typical path: On-the-job training or apprenticeship; CDL often required
Explore Pipelayers →The Bottom Line
Both are solid careers, but electricians offer higher pay and year-round stability while pipelayers provide faster entry and strong growth. Choose based on your preference for indoor/outdoor work and technical complexity versus physical demands.