A side-by-side comparison of salary, job growth, and training to help you choose between becoming a plumber and a mechanic / technician.
| Plumber | Mechanic / Technician | |
|---|---|---|
| BLS median salary | $62,970 | $49,670 |
| Typical salary range | $63,000-$105,000 | $50,000-$81,000 |
| Job growth (2024–34) | 4% | 4% |
| Time to job-ready | 4-5 years apprenticeship | 6 months-2 years |
| Typical training cost | Often paid (earn while you train) | $10,000 |
Plumber has the higher BLS median wage ($62,970), while Mechanic / Technician gets you earning faster (6 months-2 years). Your degree is an advantage in either — use the quiz to see which fits your background, or run both through the ROI calculator against your student loans.
Keep machines running and industries moving
Median wages: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2024). Training costs and timelines are typical estimates. Data last updated June 2026.