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Boilermakers vs Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters: Salary Comparison

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

Side-by-side salary data across all 50 states. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2025).

National Salary Overview

Boilermakers

Median Salary
$80,105
Average (Mean)
$79,115
Employed Nationwide
8,920
VS

Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters

Median Salary
$68,560
Average (Mean)
$71,093
Employed Nationwide
465,820
Boilermakers earns $11,545 more (16.8%)
Boilermakers vs Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters national median (BLS 2025)Ranked horizontal bars comparing 2 entries.BoilermakersBoilermakersBoilermakers: $80,105$80,105Plumbers, Pipefitters, and SteamfittersPlumbers, Pipefitters, and S…Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters: $68,560$68,560

Key Metrics Compared

Median Salary $80,105 $68,560
Average (Mean) Salary $79,115 $71,093
Total Employment 8,920 465,820
States with Higher Pay 32 5

Salary by State: Boilermakers vs Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters

Showing 37 states where both occupations have BLS data. Boilermakers pays more in 32 states; Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters pays more in 5.

State Boilermakers Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters Difference
Alabama $63,570
$58,670
+$4,900
Arizona $77,940
$62,070
+$15,870
Arkansas $76,810
$48,660
+$28,150
California $118,150
$72,830
+$45,320
Colorado $89,350
$63,240
+$26,110
Connecticut $80,360
$77,280
+$3,080
Florida $69,790
$52,910
+$16,880
Georgia $64,200
$57,200
+$7,000
Idaho $88,400
$52,380
+$36,020
Illinois $99,730
$99,950
$-220
Indiana $91,410
$76,320
+$15,090
Iowa $82,470
$63,890
+$18,580
Kansas $72,170
$65,220
+$6,950
Kentucky $74,810
$64,160
+$10,650
Louisiana $73,980
$63,680
+$10,300
Maryland $42,250
$65,400
$-23,150
Michigan $98,220
$80,190
+$18,030
Minnesota $96,190
$94,410
+$1,780
Mississippi $105,910
$55,480
+$50,430
Missouri $78,550
$66,790
+$11,760
Nevada $61,430
$61,610
$-180
New Hampshire $85,470
$66,810
+$18,660
New Jersey $82,410
$78,240
+$4,170
New Mexico $101,200
$61,440
+$39,760
New York $84,770
$77,490
+$7,280
North Carolina $49,720
$57,080
$-7,360
Ohio $85,550
$63,330
+$22,220
Oklahoma $77,750
$57,970
+$19,780
Pennsylvania $86,850
$68,080
+$18,770
South Carolina $74,840
$53,940
+$20,900
Tennessee $51,810
$58,600
$-6,790
Texas $75,750
$59,840
+$15,910
Virginia $67,540
$60,470
+$7,070
Washington $95,200
$81,030
+$14,170
West Virginia $63,850
$56,980
+$6,870
Wisconsin $97,590
$81,210
+$16,380
Wyoming $77,900
$62,410
+$15,490

Explore This Comparison by State

Dive deeper — see how Boilermakers vs Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters salaries differ in each state, with local data and national benchmarks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who makes more: Boilermakers or Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters?
On average across all states, a Boilermakers earns more than a Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters. The national median salary difference is $11,545 (16.8%) based on 2025 BLS data.
In how many states does a Boilermakers earn more than a Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters?
A Boilermakers earns a higher median salary than a Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters in 32 out of 37 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters pays more in 5 states.
What is the median salary for a Boilermakers vs Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters?
The national median salary for a Boilermakers is $80,105 per year, compared to $68,560 for a Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters, according to 2025 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Boilermakers or Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters?
There are more people employed as Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters. BLS reports approximately 8,920 Boilermakers positions and 465,820 Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters positions nationwide (2025).
Should I become a Boilermakers or Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters?
Both Boilermakers and Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters are viable career paths. Beyond salary, consider factors like job availability in your state, work-life balance, education requirements, growth potential, and personal interests. Visit each occupation's salary page for state-specific data and career insights.

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