Construction Managers vs Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters: Salary Comparison (2024)
Side-by-side salary comparison using 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Which Career Pays More?
Construction Managers professionals earn $44,010 more per year than Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters professionals — that's 69.9% higher. At the 90th percentile, Construction Managers earns $176,990 compared to $105,150 for Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters.
Salary Range Comparison
Construction Managers$65,160 – $176,990
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters$40,670 – $105,150
$40,670$176,990
Detailed Salary Comparison
| Percentile | Construction Managers | Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $65,160 | $40,670 | +$24,490 |
| 25th Percentile | $83,480 | $48,860 | +$34,620 |
| Median (50th) | $106,980 | $62,970 | +$44,010 |
| 75th Percentile | $139,330 | $81,900 | +$57,430 |
| 90th Percentile | $176,990 | $105,150 | +$71,840 |
| Mean (Average) | $119,660 | $69,940 | +$49,720 |
Employment Numbers
Construction Managers
348,330
employed nationwide
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters
455,940
employed nationwide
Top Paying Cities
Best Cities for Construction Managers
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $151,980 |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA | $138,000 |
| Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA | $136,970 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | $128,730 |
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | $128,190 |
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: Construction Managers or Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters?
Construction Managers professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $44,010 (69.9% higher) as of 2024 BLS data.
What is the salary range for Construction Managers?
Construction Managers salaries range from $65,160 (10th percentile) to $176,990 (90th percentile), with a median of $106,980.
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 Construction Managers and Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters jobs are there?
There are approximately 348,330 Construction Managers 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 Construction Managers?
Career decisions depend on many factors beyond salary. Construction Managers has a median salary of $106,980 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