Plumbers, Pipefitters & Steamfitters vs Sheet Metal Workers
Side-by-side comparison of salary, job growth, and training requirements based on BLS data.
Overview
Both trades offer solid middle-class careers with similar pay and growth potential. Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters earn a median $62,970 annually, working with water, gas, and drainage systems in residential and industrial settings. Sheet metal workers make $60,850, fabricating and installing HVAC ductwork and metal products. The salary difference is minimal at just $2,120 yearly. Both require 4-5 year apprenticeships and offer 5% job growth over the next decade. Your choice comes down to whether you prefer plumbing systems or metalwork, as both provide stable, well-paying careers with excellent job security.
Salary Breakdown
The pay difference is negligible - plumbers edge out sheet metal workers by just 3.5% or $2,120 annually. Entry-level workers in both trades typically start around $35,000-40,000 during apprenticeships. Experienced journeymen can earn $70,000-90,000+, with master plumbers and specialized pipefitters often hitting six figures. Sheet metal workers in industrial or specialized HVAC roles also reach similar peaks. Both trades offer excellent overtime opportunities, especially during construction booms or emergency repairs. Union positions in both fields typically provide better benefits and pay scales than non-union work.
Work Environment
Both trades involve physical work in varied environments. Plumbers work in cramped spaces, crawl spaces, and trenches, dealing with water, sewage, and gas lines. They face emergency calls and weekend work. Sheet metal workers spend time in fabrication shops and construction sites, working with sharp materials and operating machinery. Both trades work indoors and outdoors year-round. Sheet metal work involves more precision measuring and cutting, while plumbing requires more troubleshooting of existing systems. Safety risks include cuts, burns, and exposure to hazardous materials in both fields, requiring proper protective equipment.
Career Growth
Both trades offer multiple advancement paths. Plumbers can specialize in commercial, industrial, or service work, become master plumbers, or start their own businesses. Pipefitters and steamfitters often move into industrial maintenance or power plant work. Sheet metal workers can advance to foreman, estimator, or shop supervisor roles, or specialize in architectural metalwork or industrial fabrication. Business ownership potential is strong in both - plumbing services and sheet metal contractors are always in demand. Union leadership and training instructor positions exist in both fields, with earning potential reaching $100,000+ for business owners.
Who should choose Plumbers, Pipefitters & Steamfitters?
Choose plumbing if you're a problem-solver who doesn't mind emergency calls and varied work environments. You should be comfortable working alone, diagnosing issues, and dealing with messy situations. This trade suits people who want direct customer interaction and the security of always-needed services. If you're entrepreneurial and want to build a service business, plumbing offers excellent opportunities. You'll need strong troubleshooting skills and the ability to work in tight, uncomfortable spaces while maintaining quality workmanship.
Typical path: UA apprenticeship or non-union apprenticeship; state journeyman license required
Explore Plumbers, Pipefitters & Steamfitters →Who should choose Sheet Metal Workers?
Choose sheet metal work if you enjoy precision fabrication and working with your hands to create products. You should have good spatial skills, attention to detail, and comfort with measuring and cutting tools. This trade suits people who prefer shop work combined with installation, and those interested in HVAC systems or architectural metalwork. If you like seeing tangible results of your craftsmanship and working as part of a construction team, sheet metal offers steady, satisfying work with less emergency call-outs than plumbing.
Typical path: SMWIA apprenticeship; combines classroom and on-the-job training
Explore Sheet Metal Workers →The Bottom Line
Both are excellent career choices with similar pay and growth. Choose plumbing for variety, problem-solving, and business potential. Choose sheet metal for precision fabrication and predictable schedules. Either way, you're building a recession-resistant career.