Whether to pursue a plumbing or electrician career highly depend on individuals’ interests. Some people think electric work is more comfortable and cleaner than plumbing, while for others, it’s the opposite. But it’s good to know that in both of these professions, there are easy and difficult tasks that must be done.
As much as electric work might seem more comfortable and less messy, sometimes electricians have to work in cellars where animals like rats have died there or restaurants where rotten food is all over the place. Isn’t that challenging? As for plumbers, they do installation work, and sometimes, they have to deal with clogged pipes carrying sewage.
Electricians VS. Plumbers Comparison Table:
| Electricians | Plumber | |
| Average wage | $51880 | $50620 |
| Expected job growth | 14% | 12% |
| Number of jobs | 628800 | 425000 |
| Degree required | GED or HS Diploma | GED or HS Diploma |
| Certificate needed | Preferred | Preferred |
| Work experience | None | None |
| Additional training | Apprenticeship | Apprenticeship |
| License requirement | Yes | Varies |
Comparison Of Electrician And Plumber
Let’s take a look at Electrician VS. Plumber – Career Comparison to know which one is easier
Job Task
Electrician Job Task
Electricians are specifically trained to place in the wires and equipment that move electricity into and around the structure.
Their work is to set up the electric equipment safely and well-organized and use various measurement tools to ensure that it’s safe and up to the standard required.
The electricians can work in a variety of different settings, from private homes to commercials buildings. They are in charge of connecting and maintaining electrical circuity that joins power plants to commercial structures and homes via the area.
Plumbers Job Task
People tend to think that plumber’s work is to fix the toilet, but that’s not always the case. They are in charge of connecting the pipes that carry materials, liquids, and gases into and out of a structure. Also, they do maintenance and repair work after the installation of the pipes has been done.
What makes their job similar to electricians is that they work in various settings, comprising restaurants, factories, power plants, office buildings, shops, apartments, homes, and malls.
Difficulties Of Being A Plumber And An Electrician
Like any other profession, there are difficulties linked to both plumbing and electric work.
Both plumbers and electricians do installation work on new structures.
As much as plumbers work with a clean pipe, they sometimes have to work around human waste, which is not enjoyable.
On the other hand, electricians sometimes encounter work situations that are revolting, as well—for instance, working in cellars where small animals died numerous years ago.
It’s now reasonable to say that electricians get dirty, but plumbers handle grubby stuff and human waste.
Plumber And Electrician’s Outlook
If you are deemed a plumber or an electrician, then one crucial thing that might interest you is the professional outlook.
It is not only crucial to begin your apprenticeship but to secure a job once you are done. Both of these professions are deemed to have a high growth rate soon.
The expected growth for a plumber is 14 %, whereas, for electricians, it is 10%
Bottom line: both expected growths are a bit higher than for other professions.
Working Conditions
Both plumbers and electricians work on a full-time basis. They might be needed to work during evenings, weekends and holidays. Overtime rules both of these professions, but plumbers are a bit prone to this type of working setup, especially if they do 24/7 plumbing services. Both of these professions also have particular safety hazards.
Plumbers, for instance, are exposed to burns every time they are soldering pipes and other plumbing fixtures, whereas electricians may face electric shocks. Depending on the field which requires overhaul or maintenance, both the plumbers and electricians may work on a framework that is a bit tough, like working in an overcrowded environment or extreme weather conditions.
Type Of Coursework Needed To Prepare
Nowadays, having a certificate, let say, in electric work or plumbing will help you get an apprenticeship. Many countries need a certificate for licensing.
Like most trades, the education requirements for any of these professions is very hands-on. Expect to learn how to do installation, weld, and solder.
Courses for electricians’ emphases on electrical concepts and practices. The coursework will comprise:
1. Electrical concepts
2. Private homes and commercial wiring
3. Connecting circuit
4. Reading blueprints
5. Installing fuse boxes
Acquiring a plumbing diploma means taking into consideration the following coursework:
1. Water, steam, and air concepts
2. Installing and testing the plumbing
3. Plumbing codes
4. Drain and waste systems
Bottom line: it is vital to select a field that matches your interest perfectly, given that the coursework for these professions is hands-on.
Skills Plumbers And Electricians Need To Succeed
Let’s begin with math. It’s well-known that becoming an electrician means you are well off in math skills from high school.
It’s not that plumbers never use math, but electricians require much more. You are required to be well conversant with arithmetic, algebra, and geometry. They need it for a crucial task like:
1. Calculating voltage, current, and resistance
2. Routine measurements (Wiring lengths, conversation from watts to kilowatts, room dimension, among others)
3. Calculating angles for conduit obstacles and bending pipe
But plumbers have technical material to comprehend, too. Select this profession, and you will be learning:
1. Venting
2. Fluid dynamics
3. Gravity, friction, and kinetic energy
4. Calculating water pressure
As you have seen, both professions involve mathematical concepts, theoretical concepts, and a bit of memorization. However, for electricians, you have to dive deeper into math.
But you don’t say one is more challenging than the other. It will depend on your interest and skills in these fields.
To make the matter a bit perplexing, both electricians and plumbers require alike “soft” skills to emerge victories. These comprise:
1. Blueprint reading
2. Great customer service skills
3. Teamwork skills/ robust interpersonal
4. Punctuality/Reliability
5. Good attention to details
6. Problem-solving skills
7. Respect and adherence to safety procedures and regulations
If you are vital in the mentioned above skills, then you can do well in both professions.
Plumber VS. Electrician Career Options
What exactly can a plumber or electrician do? What different options will they possess, depending on which path they select?
Perhaps more than you know. Plumbers and electricians do much more than home building and maintenance.
As an electrician or plumber, you will begin with such kind of work. But with proper training and enough experience, there are several other career paths to select from.
Electrician Career Options:
1. Residential
2. Commercial
3. Industrial
4. Power line worker
5. Security and fire alarm system installation
6. Network cabling specialist
Plumber career options:
1. Residential
2. Industrial
3. Commercial
4. Medical gas installation
5. Pipelayers
6. Steamfitters/pipefitters
7. Sales specialist Specialize in fire suppression sprinkle systems
The task you will handle daily differs depending on which professional path you select.
Contemplate your plans and where you will like to do your job when making your stand between electrician and plumber.
Which contributes more to the society between plumbers and electricians?
Both electricians and plumbers play a massive role in society. Plumbing has a positive impact on the health of the globe, but how? It provides us clean water and carries away the waste we produce. Isn’t that wonderful?
On the other hand, electricians connect electricity to schools and hospitals. The electricity connected to the hospital, for instance, make equipment in the hospital to function,
So, it is right to say both electrical work and plumbing play a crucial role in the modern world.
Electricians Salary VS. Plumber Salary
When it comes to salaries, electricians are paid a bit higher than plumbers.
The median plumber salary in the United States is estimated to be around $53910 per year, while the average electrician salary is $55190 per year.
One thing to note is that salaries vary from state to state, so you should look for statistics in a particular country you stay in.
How Much Does It Take To Become One?
The journey towards becoming a licensed electrician isn’t easy at all. You are required to complete an electrical apprenticeship that goes for two to five years. Many people think this is quite long, but why? Because there is a lot to learn in those particular years.
The apprenticeship is done during regular work hours, and it usually is 40 hours a week. As an apprentice, you are paid for your work. What is even more impressive, you will get higher payments at particular points during the program as you advance.
Apprenticeships aren’t easy to reach, you know why? Because there is an entrance exam and around of interviews. To prepare for this scenario, you can attend classes at a technical/vocational school or local community college if you do not have any experience.
Plumbers, on the other hand, the apprenticeship is similar to that of electricians, you know why? It takes about the same duration. Also, as they advance, their salaries increase.
It can then be concluded that both plumbers and electricians’ training period is similar and takes a long duration. Still, you get a fantastic opportunity to learn a trade and, at the same time, earn a salary for it.
Final Word
As you have seen, it is hard to decide which one is easier between being an electrician and a plumber. It depends on personal interests and opinions. But once you read through the article, you can make your own decision wisely.
