Budget Analysts vs Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters: Salary Comparison (2024)
Side-by-side salary comparison using 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Which Career Pays More?
Budget Analysts professionals earn $24,960 more per year than Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters professionals — that's 39.6% higher. At the 90th percentile, Budget Analysts earns $134,640 compared to $105,150 for Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters.
Salary Range Comparison
Budget Analysts$60,510 – $134,640
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters$40,670 – $105,150
$40,670$134,640
Detailed Salary Comparison
| Percentile | Budget Analysts | Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $60,510 | $40,670 | +$19,840 |
| 25th Percentile | $72,240 | $48,860 | +$23,380 |
| Median (50th) | $87,930 | $62,970 | +$24,960 |
| 75th Percentile | $110,380 | $81,900 | +$28,480 |
| 90th Percentile | $134,640 | $105,150 | +$29,490 |
| Mean (Average) | $93,920 | $69,940 | +$23,980 |
Employment Numbers
Budget Analysts
47,170
employed nationwide
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters
455,940
employed nationwide
Top Paying Cities
Best Cities for Budget Analysts
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $141,590 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $125,170 |
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | $121,890 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | $104,970 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA | $103,960 |
Best Cities for Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA | $100,110 |
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI | $98,890 |
| Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI | $97,020 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $90,220 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $87,160 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who earns more: Budget Analysts or Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters?
Budget Analysts professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $24,960 (39.6% higher) as of 2024 BLS data.
What is the salary range for Budget Analysts?
Budget Analysts salaries range from $60,510 (10th percentile) to $134,640 (90th percentile), with a median of $87,930.
What is the salary range for Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters?
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters salaries range from $40,670 (10th percentile) to $105,150 (90th percentile), with a median of $62,970.
How many Budget Analysts and Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters jobs are there?
There are approximately 47,170 Budget Analysts positions and 455,940 Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters positions nationwide according to 2024 BLS data.
Is it worth switching from Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters to Budget Analysts?
Career decisions depend on many factors beyond salary. Budget Analysts has a median salary of $87,930 while Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters earns $62,970. Consider job satisfaction, growth prospects, required education, and work-life balance.
Career Resources
Career Change Resources
Explore tools and guides for transitioning between careers.
Professional Certifications
Find certifications that can boost your earning potential.
Online Degree Programs
Browse accredited online degrees relevant to these careers.
Resume Writing Services
Get professional help crafting a standout resume.
Explore More
Was this data helpful?
Data verified March 2026 · Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS