Which trade pays more?
Head-to-head comparisons built from the same BLS data as the trade pages.
- Electrician vs plumberPay, range, growth, where each wins
- HVAC technician vs electricianPay, range, growth, where each wins
- Plumber vs hvac technicianPay, range, growth, where each wins
- Electrician vs linemanPay, range, growth, where each wins
- Welder vs electricianPay, range, growth, where each wins
- Carpenter vs electricianPay, range, growth, where each wins
- Welder vs plumberPay, range, growth, where each wins
- Diesel mechanic vs electricianPay, range, growth, where each wins
- Electrician vs elevator mechanicPay, range, growth, where each wins
- Crane operator vs heavy equipment operatorPay, range, growth, where each wins
- Lineman vs plumberPay, range, growth, where each wins
- Welder vs diesel mechanicPay, range, growth, where each wins
Each comparison puts two trades side by side using the same BLS employer-survey data as the trade pages: the median and the 10th–90th percentile range, national job counts, ten-year projected growth and annual openings, and the change in real (inflation-adjusted) pay over the last decade. A state map shows which of the two trades pays more in each state, with the exact medians in a table, because the national answer often flips locally: a trade that earns more nationwide can trail in a state where the other trade is heavily unionised or in short supply.
Pay is straight-time wages before overtime and benefits. Union total packages, which add fringe benefits worth 20–70 percent of the base wage in many areas, are on each trade's state pages.
Missing a pair you want? Every trade page links to its state pages, where the same percentile bands can be read side by side, and the heatmap puts all trades and states on one grid. Suggestions for new pairs are welcome through the contact page.