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Carpenter vs Plumber, Pipefitter, or Steamfitter
There's no single winner — the right pick depends on you. Here's how they actually compare, by the BLS numbers, with the honest tradeoffs of each.
| Metric | Carpenter | Plumber, Pipefitter, or Steamfitter |
|---|---|---|
| Median wage | $60,580 | $63,800 |
| Typical pay range (10th–90th pct) | $40,410 – $99,910 | $44,150 – $108,420 |
| Training time | ~3 months to start, up to ~4 years | ~4–5 years |
| Job growth (BLS) | +4% (projected growth) | +6% (projected growth) |
| Workforce Pell | Not structurally eligible | Not structurally eligible |
| Licensure | Rarely licensed | Licensed in all 50 states + DC |
| Paid apprenticeship route | Yes | Yes |
| Sector | Trades/Construction | Trades/Construction |
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Full breakdown: CarpenterWages, training, licensure & the honest tradeoffsFull breakdown: Plumber, Pipefitter, or SteamfitterWages, training, licensure & the honest tradeoffs
Wage figures are BLS-verified medians; individual pay varies by region, employer, and experience.