Across U.S. metros, elevator installers typically earn $46,820 more a year than plumbers (76%). In the 53 metros where BLS publishes both, elevator installers earn more in 51 and plumbers in 2.
| Elevator Installer | Plumber | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical metro median pay | $108,250 | $61,430 |
| Lowest metro median | $38,330 | $29,690 |
| Highest metro median | $173,920 | $107,560 |
| Job growth 2025–35 (U.S.) | +5.7% | +6.8% |
| Openings per year (U.S.) | 1,900 | 42,000 |
| Self-employed | — | 8% |
| Typical education | High school diploma or equivalent | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Typical training | Apprenticeship | Apprenticeship |
| Injury rate per 10k workers (U.S.) | 101 | 144 |
| Metros with pay data | 53 | 387 |
On safety, plumbers report more injuries that cause missed work (144 vs. 101 per 10,000 full-time workers, national 2023–24).
Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025 (typical = median across metros). Growth, openings, education, training: BLS Employment Projections 2025–35. Injuries: BLS SOII 2023–24.
Where elevator installers out-earn plumbers the most Our calculation
Gap in median yearly pay, same metro.
Where plumbers out-earn elevator installers the most
Gap in median yearly pay, same metro.
State by state Government data
Using statewide pay, elevator installers earn more in 35 states and plumbers in 2. The gap favors elevator installers most in Nevada ($80,340) and plumbers most in Kentucky ($21,490).
BLS OEWS statewide medians, May 2025.
How the work differs Government data
The biggest differences: Hazardous conditions: very often for elevator installers, sometimes for plumbers. Indoors with heating and air conditioning: very often for elevator installers, sometimes for plumbers.
| Elevator Installer | Plumber | |
|---|---|---|
| Outdoors, in all kinds of weather | Sometimes | Often |
| Indoors with heating and air conditioning | Very often | Sometimes |
| Very hot or cold conditions | Often | Often |
| Working at heights | Very often | Often |
| Climbing ladders, scaffolds or poles | Occasionally | Often |
| Cramped spaces and awkward positions | Very often | Often |
| Loud noise | Very often | Often |
| Hazardous conditions | Very often | Sometimes |
| Standing, bending, kneeling and walking | Often | Often |
| Sitting | Occasionally | Rarely |
O*NET 31.0 Work Context, national.
What each trade does
Elevator Installer
Assemble, install, repair, or maintain electric or hydraulic freight or passenger elevators, escalators, or dumbwaiters.
Plumber
Assemble, install, alter, and repair pipelines or pipe systems that carry water, steam, air, or other liquids or gases. May install heating and cooling equipment and mechanical control systems. Includes sprinkler fitters.
Compare one trade across two cities →
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