Plumber and Solar Installer are both construction-related skilled careers, but their labor markets and day-to-day work are very different.
A Plumber installs, repairs, and maintains piping systems that carry water, waste, gas, and other fluids in homes, businesses, and industrial facilities. A Solar Installer assembles, mounts, wires, and maintains photovoltaic systems on roofs or other structures.
For federal occupational data, CareerInTrades uses:
- Plumber: Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters — SOC 47-2152.
- Solar Installer: Solar Photovoltaic Installers — SOC 47-2231.
Important data note: The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics combines Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters under SOC 47-2152. National wage and employment figures used for Plumber below therefore represent this combined occupational category and are not Plumber-only statistics.
The practical difference is:
Plumbers install and repair essential piping systems that buildings continue to need throughout their operating life. Solar Installers primarily install renewable-energy systems, with a much faster growth rate but a far smaller current labor market.
Plumber vs Solar Installer: Quick Comparison
| Comparison Factor | Plumber | Solar Installer | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Federal SOC | 47-2152 — combined with Pipefitters and Steamfitters | 47-2231 | Plumber national statistics include related piping trades; Solar Installer has its own SOC. |
| Primary Work | Install, maintain, and repair water, drainage, waste, gas, and piping systems | Assemble, mount, wire, and maintain photovoltaic systems | Plumbing is a service-and-infrastructure trade; solar is primarily an installation trade. |
| Median Annual Wage, May 2024 | $62,970* | $51,860 | The combined plumbing category leads by about $11,110. |
| Approximate Median Hourly Wage | $30.27* | $24.93 | The wage gap is about $5.34 per hour. |
| Employment, 2024 | 504,500* | 28,600 | The combined piping occupation is nearly 18 times larger. |
| Projected Employment, 2034 | 527,200* | 40,600 | Plumbing-related employment remains dramatically larger even after rapid solar growth. |
| Projected Growth, 2024–2034 | About 5%* | 42.1% | Solar Installer has a far faster percentage-growth rate. |
| Projected Net New Jobs | About +22,700* | +12,000 | The combined plumbing category still adds more jobs numerically. |
| Average Annual Openings | About 44,000* | About 4,100 | The combined plumbing category has more than ten times as many annual openings. |
| Typical Entry Education | High school diploma or equivalent | High school diploma or equivalent | Neither typically requires a four-year degree. |
| Typical Training | Apprenticeship, commonly 4–5 years | On-the-job training; technical or electrical training may help | Plumbing has the more formal journey-level training pathway. |
| Main Career Advantage | Large established market, service demand, licensing path, business ownership | Exceptional growth and renewable-energy exposure | The choice is between an established service trade and a smaller fast-growing energy occupation. |
*Plumber figures use BLS SOC 47-2152, which combines Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters.
What Is the Main Difference Between a Plumber and a Solar Installer?
| Career Question | Plumber | Solar Installer |
|---|---|---|
| What is being worked on? | Water lines, drains, fixtures, gas lines, valves, piping systems | Solar panels, mounting systems, wiring, inverters, roof penetrations |
| Main objective | Keep water, waste, gas, and piping systems safe and functional | Install a safe, properly oriented, electrically connected PV system |
| Repair Work | Core occupation | Secondary to installation |
| Service Calls | Very common | Less central |
| Electrical Knowledge | Limited | Important |
| Roof Work | Rare | Very common in residential solar |
| Working at Height | Limited | Very common |
| Emergency Service | Very common | Less common |
| Existing-Building Demand | Very strong | Moderate |
| Renewable-Energy Exposure | Minimal | Core occupation |
What Does a Plumber Actually Do?
O*NET describes Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters as workers who assemble, install, alter, and repair pipelines or pipe systems that carry water, steam, air, or other liquids and gases.
For Plumbers specifically, common work includes:
- Installing water supply lines
- Installing drainage systems
- Installing plumbing fixtures
- Repairing leaks
- Replacing pipes and valves
- Installing or servicing water heaters
- Connecting building plumbing systems
- Reading plans and specifications
- Testing piping systems
- Responding to service calls
Plumbing Is Both a Construction and Service Career
One of Plumber’s biggest advantages is that the occupation does not depend only on new construction.
Plumbers are needed for:
- New homes
- Commercial construction
- Renovations
- Emergency repairs
- Fixture replacement
- Water-heater replacement
- Drain and piping repairs
- Building maintenance
That installed base of existing plumbing systems creates continuing demand even when new construction slows.
What Does a Solar Installer Actually Do?
O*NET defines Solar Photovoltaic Installers as workers who assemble, install, or maintain photovoltaic systems on roofs or other structures according to site assessments, schematics, codes, and standards.
O*NET 2026 reported job titles include:
- Solar Installer
- Solar PV Installer
- PV Installation Technician
- Solar Panel Installation Technician
- Solar Technician
- Solar Electric Installer
- Solar PV Integrator
Typical Solar Installer work includes:
- Determining panel locations
- Installing mounting systems
- Mounting photovoltaic modules
- Installing array wiring
- Checking polarity and electrical connections
- Checking grounding
- Weather-sealing roof penetrations
- Following plans and schematics
- Identifying electrical and structural hazards
- Performing basic system checks
Solar Installation Combines Construction and Electrical Work
Solar Installer sits between several traditional trades.
The work may involve:
- Roofing
- Structural mounting
- Electrical wiring
- Weatherproofing
- Measurement and layout
The worker therefore needs more electrical awareness than a Plumber but usually performs less repair-oriented work.
State rules may also restrict which electrical tasks a basic Solar Installer may perform without electrician or contractor credentials.
Service Plumbing vs Renewable-Energy Installation
| Skill Area | Plumber | Solar Installer |
|---|---|---|
| Pipe Installation | Critical | Not relevant |
| Drainage Systems | Core skill | Not relevant |
| Leak Diagnosis | Critical | Not relevant |
| Electrical Knowledge | Limited | Important |
| Roofing Awareness | Minimal | Important |
| Measurement and Layout | Important | Critical |
| Code Compliance | Critical | Critical |
| Emergency Repair | Very common | Limited |
| Working at Height | Limited | Core demand in rooftop solar |
| Customer Service | Very common in service plumbing | Moderate |
Salary Comparison: Plumber vs Solar Installer
The national wage comparison favors the plumbing category.
| Pay Measure | Plumber | Solar Installer | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Wage, May 2024 | $62,970* | $51,860 | The combined plumbing category leads by about $11,110. |
| Median Hourly Wage | $30.27* | $24.93 | The difference is about $5.34 per hour. |
| Plumbing Category 10th Percentile | Below $40,670 | — | Entry-level workers may begin well below the median. |
| Plumbing Category 90th Percentile | Above $105,150 | — | Experienced workers can reach strong employee earnings. |
| Solar Installer 10th Percentile | — | Below $39,070 | Entry-level solar installation can begin below $40,000. |
| Solar Installer 90th Percentile | — | Above $80,150 | Advanced workers can move above the basic installer median. |
*Plumber wage data use the combined Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters federal category.
Why the Plumbing Category Pays More
Plumbing combines technical responsibility with strong service demand.
A Plumber may need to diagnose and repair failures involving:
- Water leaks
- Drainage
- Gas piping
- Water heaters
- Fixtures
- Valves
- Building supply systems
Many of these problems cannot be postponed.
A broken water line, backed-up drain, leaking fixture, or failed water heater may require immediate service.
That emergency and repair component supports strong demand for experienced workers.
Why Solar Installer Pay Is Lower Despite 42% Growth
Fast growth does not automatically create higher wages.
Basic solar installation has a relatively accessible entry path, and many mounting and assembly tasks can be learned through employer training.
The occupation also contains workers with different technical levels:
- Panel installers
- Racking installers
- Lead installers
- PV technicians
- Workers with electrical credentials
A worker who moves into electrical troubleshooting, battery storage, inverter systems, or commissioning can become more valuable than the basic Solar Installer median suggests.
Job Outlook: Plumber vs Solar Installer
| Labor-Market Measure | Plumber | Solar Installer | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Employment, 2024 | 504,500* | 28,600 | The combined plumbing occupation is nearly 18 times larger. |
| Projected Employment, 2034 | 527,200* | 40,600 | The plumbing category remains vastly larger. |
| Projected Growth | About 5%* | 42.1% | Solar Installer has a dramatically faster percentage-growth rate. |
| Net New Jobs | About +22,700* | +12,000 | The combined plumbing category still adds more jobs numerically. |
| Average Annual Openings | About 44,000* | About 4,100 | The combined plumbing category has more than ten times as many annual openings. |
*Employment figures for Plumber use the combined Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters occupation.
Why Solar Installer Has 42.1% Projected Growth
Solar Installer starts from a very small employment base.
The occupation had about 28,600 jobs in 2024.
BLS projects approximately 40,600 jobs by 2034, an increase of about 12,000 jobs.
Because the starting occupation is small, that creates an unusually high percentage-growth rate.
This is an important distinction:
Solar Installer is growing much faster, but plumbing still provides a much larger national labor market.
Why Plumbing Has Far More Annual Openings
Plumbing is required in nearly every type of occupied building.
Demand comes from:
- New construction
- Renovation
- Emergency service
- Water-heater replacement
- Fixture replacement
- Pipe repair
- Commercial maintenance
- Industrial piping work
The existing workforce is also much larger, creating substantial replacement demand as workers retire or change occupations.
However, readers should remember that the approximately 44,000 annual openings figure includes Pipefitters and Steamfitters as well as Plumbers.
Which Career Has the Stronger Labor-Market Position?
| Career Question | Advantage | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Higher National Median Wage | Plumbing category | $62,970 versus $51,860. |
| Faster Percentage Growth | Solar Installer | 42.1% versus about 5%. |
| More Net New Jobs | Plumbing category | About +22,700 versus +12,000. |
| More Annual Openings | Plumbing category | About 44,000 versus 4,100, although plumbing figures include Pipefitters and Steamfitters. |
| Larger National Labor Market | Plumbing category | 504,500 jobs versus 28,600. |
| Renewable-Energy Growth | Solar Installer | The occupation directly benefits from photovoltaic deployment. |
| Repair and Emergency-Service Demand | Plumber | Leaks, drainage failures, and water-system problems create recurring service work. |
| Electrical / Energy Career Upside | Solar Installer | Solar can lead toward electrical, battery-storage, and commissioning roles. |
| Residential Service Business Potential | Plumber | Plumbing has a large recurring homeowner service market. |
Training Requirements: Plumber vs Solar Installer
| Training Factor | Plumber | Solar Installer | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical Entry Education | High school diploma or equivalent | High school diploma or equivalent | Neither normally requires a bachelor’s degree. |
| Apprenticeship | Primary route | Available but less universal | Plumbing has the more structured journey-level pathway. |
| Typical Apprenticeship Length | Often 4–5 years | Varies | Plumber takes longer to reach full qualification. |
| On-the-Job Training | Extensive | Core | Both depend on practical field experience. |
| Code Knowledge | Critical | Important | Plumbers must understand plumbing codes; solar work also intersects with electrical and building codes. |
| Electrical Training | Limited | Important | Solar has a stronger connection to the electrical trade. |
| Licensing | Most states require Plumbers to be licensed | Depends on state and work scope | Plumbing generally has the stronger individual licensing structure. |
How to Become a Plumber
BLS reports that most Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters learn through an apprenticeship.
A common Plumber pathway is:
- Earn a high school diploma or equivalent.
- Enter a Registered Apprenticeship or contractor-sponsored program.
- Learn pipe measurement and layout.
- Learn cutting, joining, and fitting methods.
- Learn water-supply and drainage systems.
- Learn fixture installation.
- Study plumbing codes and safety requirements.
- Complete required classroom and paid on-the-job hours.
- Pass licensing examinations where required.
- Advance toward journey-level, master-level, supervisory, or contracting work.
BLS notes that apprenticeships commonly last 4 to 5 years, with apprentices typically receiving about 2,000 hours of paid on-the-job training per year.
How to Become a Solar Installer
A common Solar Installer pathway is:
- Earn a high school diploma or equivalent.
- Enter a solar contractor, construction employer, or technical training program.
- Learn fall protection and rooftop safety.
- Learn measurement and PV array layout.
- Learn mounting and racking systems.
- Learn photovoltaic module installation.
- Learn basic electrical and wiring concepts.
- Learn grounding, polarity, and system-check procedures.
- Add inverter, battery-storage, commissioning, or electrical credentials where useful.
Which Career Is Easier to Enter?
Solar Installer generally has the faster initial entry path.
Employers can train new workers to perform supervised:
- Racking installation
- Panel mounting
- Material handling
- Basic array assembly
Plumbing has a longer development path because a journey-level worker must understand complete piping systems, codes, troubleshooting, and repair.
For someone who wants to enter a skilled occupation quickly, Solar Installer can be easier to access.
For someone who wants a more formal long-term trade credential and a defined apprenticeship-to-licensure progression, Plumber has the stronger career structure.
Licensing and Certification
The licensing comparison favors Plumber in structure but Solar Installer in complexity of overlapping trades.
| Credential Factor | Plumber | Solar Installer |
|---|---|---|
| Universal Federal Employee License | No | No |
| State Individual Licensing | Common; BLS notes most states require Plumbers to be licensed | Depends heavily on work scope |
| Contractor Licensing | Common | Common for independent solar contracting |
| Electrical Licensing | Usually not central | May be required for portions of PV work |
| Apprenticeship | Primary route | Available |
Plumbing Contractor Licensing Example: California
California’s Contractors State License Board maintains the C-36 Plumbing Contractor classification.
The C-36 scope includes installation and repair of:
- Water supply piping
- Waste and drainage systems
- Gas piping
- Plumbing fixtures
- Water heaters
- Related plumbing systems
C-36 is a contractor classification.
It should not be interpreted as meaning that every employee Plumber in California personally holds a C-36 contractor license.
Solar Contractor Licensing Example: California
California’s Contractors State License Board maintains the C-46 Solar Contractor classification.
The C-46 classification covers contractors who install, modify, maintain, and repair thermal and photovoltaic solar-energy systems.
The classification does not automatically authorize unrelated building trades except when those tasks are required for installation of the solar system.
Solar projects can also intersect with regulated electrical work.
California’s C-10 Electrical Contractor classification covers electrical wires, fixtures, apparatus, photovoltaic cells, raceways, conduits, and related electrical equipment.
C-46 and C-10 are contractor classifications. They should not be interpreted as individual employee licenses required for every entry-level Solar Installer.
Work Environment: Plumber vs Solar Installer
Both careers involve field work, but the physical environment and customer expectations are very different.
| Work Environment Factor | Plumber | Solar Installer | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Workplace | Homes, commercial buildings, mechanical spaces, renovation sites, service locations | Residential roofs, commercial roofs, ground-mounted solar sites | Plumbing includes both service and construction; solar is more installation-centered. |
| Indoor Work | Very common | Limited in rooftop installation | Plumbing offers more indoor work overall. |
| Outdoor Work | Possible | Very common | Solar workers experience more continuous weather exposure. |
| Working at Height | Limited | Very common | Solar has substantially greater fall exposure. |
| Confined Spaces | Common | Less common | Plumbers may work in crawlspaces, utility rooms, and tight service areas. |
| Customer Interaction | Very common in service plumbing | Moderate | Plumbers often diagnose problems directly for property owners. |
| Changing Jobsites | Very common | Very common | Both careers commonly move between customer or project locations. |
Plumber Work Environment
Plumbers may work in:
- Homes
- Apartment buildings
- Office buildings
- Hospitals
- Schools
- Hotels
- Industrial facilities
- Construction sites
- Mechanical rooms
- Crawlspaces
The work environment changes sharply between new construction and service plumbing.
A construction Plumber may spend the day roughing in supply and drain systems. A service Plumber may move from one building to another diagnosing leaks, drainage problems, fixture failures, or water-heater issues.
Solar Installer Work Environment
Solar Installers commonly work on:
- Residential roofs
- Commercial roofs
- Ground-mounted arrays
- Large utility-scale solar sites
Residential solar exposes workers to:
- Heat
- Sun
- Wind
- Roof pitch
- Ladders
- Fall hazards
This makes Solar Installer more weather-sensitive and height-dependent than Plumber.
Schedule and Overtime
| Schedule Factor | Plumber | Solar Installer |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Day Shift | Very common | Very common |
| Evening / Weekend Work | Common in service plumbing | Possible |
| Emergency Calls | Common | Less common |
| On-Call Duty | Common for some service roles | Less common |
| Weather Delays | Moderate | Important |
| Construction Overtime | Possible | Possible |
Plumbing Has More Emergency-Service Demand
Plumbing failures can create immediate property or health problems.
Examples include:
- Burst pipes
- Sewer backups
- Major leaks
- Water-heater failure
- Gas-piping problems
That creates after-hours and emergency-service opportunities that are less common in basic solar installation.
The tradeoff is lifestyle: emergency plumbing can produce strong earnings but may also require nights, weekends, or on-call schedules.
Physical Demands
| Physical Demand | Plumber | Solar Installer |
|---|---|---|
| Standing | Very common | Very common |
| Kneeling / Crouching | Very common | Very common |
| Lifting | Common | Common |
| Climbing | Limited to moderate | Very common |
| Working at Height | Limited | Core demand in rooftop solar |
| Working in Tight Spaces | Very common | Less common |
| Fine Hand Work | Important | Important |
Safety Risks
Plumber Safety Risks
- Burns from hot water or hot-work processes
- Exposure to sewage and contaminated water
- Heavy lifting
- Confined spaces
- Sharp tools
- Slips and falls
- Gas-piping hazards
Solar Installer Safety Risks
- Falls from roofs
- Ladder falls
- Electrical shock
- Heat exposure
- Roof-surface hazards
- Lifting injuries
- Sharp metal edges
- Weather exposure
Safety Comparison
| Risk | Plumber | Solar Installer |
|---|---|---|
| Fall Exposure | Moderate | Major concern in rooftop work |
| Electrical Risk | Lower | Important |
| Contaminated-Water Exposure | Important | Low |
| Heat / Weather Exposure | Moderate | High |
| Confined-Space Exposure | More common | Lower |
| Gas / Fuel-System Risk | Possible depending on plumbing scope | Low |
Technology and Automation
Both trades are changing technologically, but Plumber and Solar Installer face different kinds of change.
Technology in Plumbing
Modern plumbing increasingly uses:
- Digital leak-detection equipment
- Inspection cameras
- Press-connect fittings
- Electronic water controls
- Smart leak sensors
- High-efficiency water heaters
- Building information modeling
These tools make diagnosis and installation faster, but they do not eliminate the need for field technicians.
Existing buildings create unpredictable conditions that still require human judgment.
Technology in Solar Installation
Solar workers increasingly encounter:
- Microinverters
- String inverters
- Rapid-shutdown systems
- Battery storage
- Monitoring platforms
- Smart electrical panels
- EV-charging integration
The technical ceiling of the solar career rises significantly when a worker moves beyond panel mounting into electrical troubleshooting and energy-system integration.
Which Career Is More Resistant to Automation?
Both occupations are difficult to automate fully because work occurs in changing physical environments.
Plumbing has especially strong resistance to direct automation in:
- Leak diagnosis
- Drain repair
- Fixture replacement
- Existing-building remodeling
- Emergency service
Solar installation may become more standardized as mounting hardware, prefabricated wiring, and module systems improve.
However, rooftop geometry, structural conditions, roof materials, electrical layouts, and permitting requirements still create substantial site-specific work.
For long-term resilience, both careers benefit from moving toward troubleshooting rather than remaining limited to basic installation.
Best Long-Term Skill Strategy
| Career | Best Long-Term Skill Strategy |
|---|---|
| Plumber | Develop service diagnostics, commercial plumbing, water heating, gas piping where permitted, code knowledge, remodeling, and business-management skills. |
| Solar Installer | Add electrician credentials, inverter troubleshooting, battery storage, commissioning, code knowledge, and energy-system integration. |
Career Advancement
| Career Stage | Plumber | Solar Installer |
|---|---|---|
| Entry | Plumber Apprentice / Helper | Solar Installer / Installation Helper |
| Experienced Worker | Journey-Level Plumber | Experienced PV Installer |
| Specialist | Service Plumber, Commercial Plumber, Gas / Water-Heater Specialist | Lead Installer, PV Technician, Battery Storage Technician |
| Leadership | Lead Plumber / Foreman | Crew Lead / Installation Supervisor |
| Management | Plumbing Supervisor / Project Manager | Solar Project Supervisor / Project Manager |
| Business Ownership | Plumbing Contractor / Service Business | Solar Installation Contractor |
Which Career Has the Stronger Advancement Path?
Plumber has the stronger traditional trade progression.
A worker can move from:
- Apprentice
- Journey-level Plumber
- Lead Plumber
- Foreman
- Master-level work where applicable
- Contractor
Solar Installer has the stronger adjacent-energy progression.
A worker can move toward:
- Lead Installer
- PV Technician
- Solar Electrician
- Battery Storage Technician
- Commissioning Technician
- Energy Project Supervisor
Plumber is stronger for staying inside one licensed trade. Solar is stronger as a bridge into broader electrical and distributed-energy work.
Business Ownership: Plumbing vs Solar Contracting
The business models are fundamentally different.
Plumbing Business
A plumbing business can generate revenue from:
- Emergency service
- Leak repair
- Drain repair
- Fixture replacement
- Water-heater replacement
- Remodeling
- Commercial maintenance
The biggest advantage is recurring service demand.
A customer may need plumbing repeatedly over the life of a building.
Solar Installation Business
Solar contracting can generate revenue from:
- Residential PV installation
- Commercial PV installation
- Battery storage
- System upgrades
- Monitoring
- Service and repair
Solar companies typically depend more heavily on:
- Permitting
- Utility interconnection
- Financing
- Customer acquisition
- State incentives
- Equipment suppliers
Business Ownership Comparison
| Business Factor | Plumber | Solar Installer |
|---|---|---|
| Recurring Service Revenue | Very strong | Moderate |
| Emergency-Service Revenue | Very strong | Low |
| Residential Customer Market | Very strong | Strong in active solar markets |
| Commercial Market | Very strong | Strong |
| Regulatory Complexity | High | High, with construction and electrical rules potentially overlapping |
| Dependence on Incentives / Financing | Low | Higher |
| Long-Term Customer Repeat Potential | Very strong | Lower for installation-only businesses |
Who Should Choose Plumber?
Plumber may be the better choice if you:
- Want the higher current national wage benchmark.
- Prefer repair and service work over rooftop installation.
- Want a structured apprenticeship and licensing path.
- Want a career supported by existing-building maintenance and emergency demand.
- Are interested in residential, commercial, or service plumbing.
- Want a strong path toward independent contracting.
- Prefer a trade with recurring customer demand.
Who Should Choose Solar Installer?
Solar Installer may be the better choice if you:
- Want to enter renewable energy.
- Are comfortable working on roofs and outdoors.
- Want one of the fastest-growing occupations in the trade sector.
- Prefer installation work over emergency service work.
- Want a faster initial entry path.
- Plan to add electrical, inverter, or battery-storage skills.
- Want to move toward broader distributed-energy careers.
Career Decision Matrix
| Career Priority | Better Choice | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Higher National Median Wage | Plumbing category | $62,970 versus $51,860 in May 2024. |
| Fastest Projected Growth | Solar Installer | 42.1% versus about 5%. |
| More Net New Jobs | Plumbing category | About +22,700 versus +12,000. |
| More Annual Openings | Plumbing category | About 44,000 versus 4,100, with the important caveat that the plumbing figure includes Pipefitters and Steamfitters. |
| Larger National Labor Market | Plumbing category | 504,500 jobs versus 28,600. |
| Recurring Repair Demand | Plumber | Existing buildings continually require plumbing maintenance and repair. |
| Renewable-Energy Exposure | Solar Installer | Solar directly benefits from PV deployment. |
| Structured Apprenticeship / Licensing Path | Plumber | Plumbing has a mature journey-level trade structure in many states. |
| Faster Initial Entry | Solar Installer | Basic supervised installation can generally be learned faster than complete plumbing competence. |
| Residential Service Business Potential | Plumber | Emergency and repeat service create a broad homeowner market. |
| Electrical / Storage Career Upside | Solar Installer | PV installation can lead toward electrical, storage, and commissioning work. |
| Lower Working-at-Height Exposure | Plumber | Most plumbing work does not require sustained rooftop installation. |
Final Verdict: Plumber vs Solar Installer
Solar Installer has the more dramatic growth story, but Plumber has the stronger established career economics.
Using BLS May 2024 wage data:
- Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters median wage: $62,970
- Solar Installer median wage: $51,860
The combined plumbing category leads by approximately $11,110 per year.
The difference in labor-market scale is even larger.
- Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters: 504,500 jobs in 2024 and about 44,000 annual openings.
- Solar Installer: 28,600 jobs in 2024 and about 4,100 annual openings.
Solar Installer’s 42.1% projected growth is much faster, but that percentage starts from a very small employment base.
For someone choosing between the careers today, Plumber is the stronger general skilled-trade path.
The advantage comes from:
- Higher current wage levels
- A much larger established labor market
- Recurring repair demand
- Emergency-service work
- A mature apprenticeship and licensing structure
- Strong residential and commercial business potential
There is an important data limitation: the federal statistics used for Plumber include Pipefitters and Steamfitters. The 504,500 jobs and 44,000 annual openings should therefore not be interpreted as Plumber-only figures.
Even with that caveat, the basic career structure remains favorable to plumbing because buildings require water, drainage, fixtures, piping, and repair throughout their operating lives.
Solar Installer becomes the stronger choice when the worker has a specific renewable-energy strategy.
A worker who progresses from basic installation into:
- Electrical work
- Battery storage
- Inverter troubleshooting
- Commissioning
- Energy-system integration
can build a substantially stronger long-term career than the entry-level installer role alone suggests.
Choose Plumber if you want a mature licensed trade, stronger current wage economics, recurring service demand, and a realistic path toward a local service business.
Choose Solar Installer if you specifically want renewable energy and intend to use installation as the first step toward higher-value electrical and storage work.
If interest in both careers is equal, Plumber is currently the more practical long-term choice. Solar Installer’s growth rate is impressive, but it does not yet overcome the wage, market-size, service-demand, and business-model advantages of plumbing.
Sources and Data Method
CareerInTrades uses the following federal occupational classifications:
- Plumber: Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters — SOC 47-2152.
- Solar Installer: Solar Photovoltaic Installers — SOC 47-2231.
National wage figures use U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics May 2024 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics. Employment outlook uses the BLS 2024–2034 projection cycle for consistency across CareerInTrades Comparisons V2.
Because BLS does not publish a separate national SOC for Plumber, the Plumber wage, employment, growth, and annual-openings figures on this page use the combined Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters category. They should not be interpreted as Plumber-only statistics.
Primary Occupational Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters — wages, apprenticeship, licensing, work environment, and occupational outlook.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Solar Photovoltaic Installers — wages, training, work environment, and occupational outlook.
- O*NET OnLine — Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters (47-2152.00) — occupational tasks, reported job titles, tools, skills, and work activities.
- O*NET OnLine — Solar Photovoltaic Installers (47-2231.00) — occupational tasks, reported job titles, tools, technologies, and work activities.
- CareerOneStop — U.S. Department of Labor — national and state occupational wage, employment, and training information.
- Apprenticeship.gov — U.S. Department of Labor — Registered Apprenticeship information and training resources.
California Plumbing Contractor Source
- California Contractors State License Board — C-36 Plumbing Contractor — official California plumbing contractor classification and scope.
California Solar and Electrical Contractor Sources
- California Contractors State License Board — C-46 Solar Contractor — official California solar contractor classification and scope.
- California Contractors State License Board — C-10 Electrical Contractor — official electrical contractor classification and scope.
- California Contractors State License Board — Solar Smart — solar installation and contractor information.
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Data reviewed: September 2026. Wage comparisons use BLS May 2024 data and employment outlook uses the BLS 2024–2034 projection cycle for consistency across CareerInTrades Comparisons V2. Plumber national statistics refer to the combined Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters occupation. Licensing, apprenticeship requirements, electrical work scope, contractor licensing, solar permitting, and permitted activities vary by state, locality, employer, and project type. Readers should verify current requirements with the applicable licensing authority, apprenticeship sponsor, employer, or training provider.