Computer Programmers vs Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters: Salary Comparison (2024)
Side-by-side salary comparison using 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Which Career Pays More?
Computer Programmers professionals earn $35,700 more per year than Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters professionals — that's 56.7% higher. At the 90th percentile, Computer Programmers earns $162,090 compared to $105,150 for Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters.
Salary Range Comparison
Computer Programmers$52,190 – $162,090
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters$40,670 – $105,150
$40,670$162,090
Detailed Salary Comparison
| Percentile | Computer Programmers | Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $52,190 | $40,670 | +$11,520 |
| 25th Percentile | $71,860 | $48,860 | +$23,000 |
| Median (50th) | $98,670 | $62,970 | +$35,700 |
| 75th Percentile | $128,960 | $81,900 | +$47,060 |
| 90th Percentile | $162,090 | $105,150 | +$56,940 |
| Mean (Average) | $103,640 | $69,940 | +$33,700 |
Employment Numbers
Computer Programmers
109,870
employed nationwide
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters
455,940
employed nationwide
Top Paying Cities
Best Cities for Computer Programmers
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $167,970 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $159,250 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA | $133,560 |
| Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO | $122,580 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $122,000 |
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: Computer Programmers or Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters?
Computer Programmers professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $35,700 (56.7% higher) as of 2024 BLS data.
What is the salary range for Computer Programmers?
Computer Programmers salaries range from $52,190 (10th percentile) to $162,090 (90th percentile), with a median of $98,670.
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 Computer Programmers and Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters jobs are there?
There are approximately 109,870 Computer Programmers 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 Computer Programmers?
Career decisions depend on many factors beyond salary. Computer Programmers has a median salary of $98,670 while Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters earns $62,970. Consider job satisfaction, growth prospects, required education, and work-life balance.
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Data verified March 2026 · Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS