Industrial Engineers vs Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters: Salary Comparison (2024)
Side-by-side salary comparison using 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Which Career Pays More?
Industrial Engineers professionals earn $38,170 more per year than Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters professionals — that's 60.6% higher. At the 90th percentile, Industrial Engineers earns $157,140 compared to $105,150 for Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters.
Salary Range Comparison
Industrial Engineers$70,000 – $157,140
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters$40,670 – $105,150
$40,670$157,140
Detailed Salary Comparison
| Percentile | Industrial Engineers | Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $70,000 | $40,670 | +$29,330 |
| 25th Percentile | $81,910 | $48,860 | +$33,050 |
| Median (50th) | $101,140 | $62,970 | +$38,170 |
| 75th Percentile | $127,480 | $81,900 | +$45,580 |
| 90th Percentile | $157,140 | $105,150 | +$51,990 |
| Mean (Average) | $107,900 | $69,940 | +$37,960 |
Employment Numbers
Industrial Engineers
350,230
employed nationwide
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters
455,940
employed nationwide
Top Paying Cities
Best Cities for Industrial Engineers
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| New Orleans-Metairie, LA | $139,130 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $136,290 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $133,790 |
| Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA | $126,530 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $126,310 |
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: Industrial Engineers or Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters?
Industrial Engineers professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $38,170 (60.6% higher) as of 2024 BLS data.
What is the salary range for Industrial Engineers?
Industrial Engineers salaries range from $70,000 (10th percentile) to $157,140 (90th percentile), with a median of $101,140.
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 Industrial Engineers and Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters jobs are there?
There are approximately 350,230 Industrial Engineers 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 Industrial Engineers?
Career decisions depend on many factors beyond salary. Industrial Engineers has a median salary of $101,140 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