Fast Food and Counter Workers vs Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters: Salary Comparison (2024)
Side-by-side salary comparison using 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Which Career Pays More?
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters professionals earn $32,490 more per year than Fast Food and Counter Workers professionals — that's 106.6% higher. At the 90th percentile, Fast Food and Counter Workers earns $38,800 compared to $105,150 for Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters.
Salary Range Comparison
Fast Food and Counter Workers$22,620 – $38,800
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters$40,670 – $105,150
$22,620$105,150
Detailed Salary Comparison
| Percentile | Fast Food and Counter Workers | Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $22,620 | $40,670 | $-18,050 |
| 25th Percentile | $27,150 | $48,860 | $-21,710 |
| Median (50th) | $30,480 | $62,970 | $-32,490 |
| 75th Percentile | $35,440 | $81,900 | $-46,460 |
| 90th Percentile | $38,800 | $105,150 | $-66,350 |
| Mean (Average) | $31,350 | $69,940 | $-38,590 |
Employment Numbers
Fast Food and Counter Workers
3,780,930
employed nationwide
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters
455,940
employed nationwide
Top Paying Cities
Best Cities for Fast Food and Counter Workers
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $42,660 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $40,470 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $38,310 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA | $37,650 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | $36,480 |
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: Fast Food and Counter Workers or Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters?
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $32,490 (106.6% higher) as of 2024 BLS data.
What is the salary range for Fast Food and Counter Workers?
Fast Food and Counter Workers salaries range from $22,620 (10th percentile) to $38,800 (90th percentile), with a median of $30,480.
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 Fast Food and Counter Workers and Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters jobs are there?
There are approximately 3,780,930 Fast Food and Counter Workers 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 Fast Food and Counter Workers?
Career decisions depend on many factors beyond salary. Fast Food and Counter Workers has a median salary of $30,480 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