Deciding between becoming an electrician or a plumber isn’t just about tools and wiring versus pipes and wrenches—it’s about finding a career that fits your skills, interests, and lifestyle. If you’re asking, “Should I be an electrician or plumber?“, you’re already on the right track by weighing two solid, in-demand trades.
Let’s break it down, side by side, so you can decide where to start your career journey.
What Does Each Job Entail?
The Life of an Electrician
Electricians handle electrical systems.
- Installing, repairing, and maintaining wiring, circuit breakers, and lighting.
- Solving power outages or wiring issues.
- Working with emerging tech like solar panels and smart homes.
Electricians often work indoors in construction, maintenance, or residential setups. Expect to troubleshoot a lot of wiring puzzles and understand complex systems.
The Life of a Plumber
Plumbers are water and gas system experts.
- Installing and fixing pipes, faucets, and water heaters.
- Clearing clogged drains and handling sewage systems.
- Designing plumbing for new buildings or renovations.
Plumbers work in a mix of indoor and outdoor environments. Think everything from fixing a burst pipe in a basement to installing a commercial sprinkler system.
Training and Certification
How Do You Become an Electrician or Plumber?
Both careers have structured paths, so no guesswork here:
- Apprenticeships:
- Electricians and plumbers complete 4–5 years of paid apprenticeships.
- You’ll combine hands-on work with classroom hours to learn the trade.
- Licensing:
- After your apprenticeship, most states require a licensing exam. Passing it lets you work independently and charge competitive rates.
- Continued Education:
- Both trades often require ongoing training to keep up with new codes or tech.
How Much Can You Earn?
Money matters, and here’s the good news: both trades pay well.
- Electricians: The median salary is $61,000/year, but you could earn more with union jobs or specialized work (like renewable energy systems).
- Plumbers: Plumbers are neck-and-neck, earning $59,000–$61,000/year, with some experienced plumbers hitting $87,000/year.
Earnings for both depend on:
- Location.
- Licensing level (apprentice, journeyman, or master).
- Experience.
Who Earns More Long-Term?
Plumbers may edge out electricians in the long run. Unionized plumbing jobs in urban areas often pay higher due to demand. However, electricians specializing in cutting-edge tech or industrial systems can outpace plumbers.
Who’s in Higher Demand?
Here’s a quick breakdown of job growth for both:
- Electricians: Expected to grow by 6% by 2032, driven by renewable energy and construction.
- Plumbers: Slower growth of 2%, but consistent because pipes always need fixing.
Electricians may see a more dynamic job market due to advancements in smart tech, but plumbers are equally essential.
Which Career Fits Your Personality?
Let’s talk about you. Your interests, personality, and work preferences will heavily influence your decision.
You Might Be an Electrician If You:
- Love tech or gadgets.
- Prefer clean, systematic problem-solving.
- Don’t mind heights or tight spaces (think rooftops or attics).
- Want a job that’s less physically taxing on your body over time.
You Might Be a Plumber If You:
- Enjoy hands-on problem-solving with tools.
- Don’t mind getting a little dirty (water and grease happen).
- Like the idea of working both indoors and outdoors.
- Are okay with lifting heavy items like pipes or water heaters.
Balancing Work-Life Trade-offs
- Electricians often have stable hours, especially in maintenance roles. However, if you’re in construction, expect longer days.
- Plumbers can have unpredictable schedules, especially for emergencies (burst pipes don’t wait).
Both offer opportunities for overtime if you want to boost your paycheck.
Using Tealpot to Boost Your Career
Want to upskill or land better jobs? Tealpot can help you stand out.
- Connect with top clients in your area.
- Find apprenticeships, certifications, and even mentorships for plumbers.
- Showcase your plumbing expertise to secure high-paying gigs.
Tealpot makes building a career easier by linking professionals with real opportunities. If plumbing is your choice, sign up today to start leveling up your career.
FAQs
Can I do both plumbing and electrical work?
Not at the same time. However, you can get certified in both trades if you want to expand your skills. It’s common for contractors to cross-train.
What’s harder: being an electrician or a plumber?
Both have challenges. Electricians deal with precise systems that require focus. Plumbers face more physical work, often in less-than-glamorous settings.
Is either trade dangerous?
Both trades have risks. Electricians work with live wires, while plumbers face exposure to biohazards. Training and safety protocols minimize these risks.
Which trade has more job security?
Both are solid bets. Electricians may have a slight edge due to the growing demand for renewable energy and smart home systems.
Final Thoughts
Here’s the takeaway: Both careers offer steady work, solid pay, and room to grow. If you’re still unsure, start exploring both fields. Try a pre-apprenticeship program or shadow someone in each trade to get a real sense of the job.
Whichever path you choose, you’ll be investing in a future-proof career with high demand and great earning potential. And hey, if you go the plumber route, don’t forget to check out Tealpot—it’s a game-changer for building your career.
So, should you be an electrician or plumber? The answer lies in your interests, skills, and goals. Choose what fits you best and start building a career you’ll love.
