If you're thinking about a career in the skilled trades—or you're already in one and wondering if the grass is greener—you want real numbers. Not "it depends" fluff. Here's the straight comparison of what electricians, plumbers, and HVAC technicians actually earn in 2026.
The Bottom Line Up Front Electricians win on base salary at every experience level. Plumbers close the gap fast by mid-career. HVAC techs have the most overtime upside of the three. All three trades are short on workers right now, which means your leverage as a candidate is higher than it's been in years. If you're ready to find open roles, browse the BC Recruits job board to see what's hiring near you.
Entry-Level Salaries: Who Starts Stronger? Electricians lead out of the gate with a median base of $60,600 per year. HVAC techs sit at $54,100, and plumbers start at $53,900. That $6,700 gap between electricians and the other two is real—but it comes with a catch. Electricians typically run a 4–5 year apprenticeship before hitting journeyman status. Plumbers and HVAC techs can reach full earning potential faster, especially through trade school pathways that get you working in 6–12 months. Not sure which path fits you? Our Virtual Trade School overview breaks down how to get started.
Mid-Career: Where It Gets Interesting At 2–4 years of experience, electricians sit at $71,100, plumbers at $70,000, and HVAC techs at $65,700. Plumbers close the gap almost completely by mid-career. Electricians still lead, but only by about $1,100 over plumbers at this stage. HVAC techs are running about $5,400 behind—but that number shifts significantly once you factor in seasonal overtime. During peak AC and heating seasons, HVAC techs regularly log 50–60 hour weeks, pushing a $65,700 base closer to $80,000–$90,000 in total annual earnings.
Senior-Level Pay: The Ceiling At 4–7 years of experience, HVAC techs actually pull ahead at $77,200, edging out electricians at $76,600 and plumbers at $75,800. Specializations in commercial HVAC, building automation systems, or refrigeration push that number significantly higher. Senior HVAC supervisors with 7+ years are averaging $90,800 nationally.
What Actually Moves the Needle on Pay Regardless of which trade you choose, location matters most—Alaska, Massachusetts, and California consistently top the charts across all three trades. Union vs. non-union is the next biggest factor, especially for electricians. Certifications like NATE and EPA 608 for HVAC techs and a master electrician license for sparkies unlock the top of the pay scale. And commercial work pays more than residential across all three trades, often by 15–25%.
Which Trade Should You Choose? The honest answer: pick based on lifestyle fit, not just salary. The pay gap between these three trades is smaller than most people expect—especially by year three or four. All three have more job openings than qualified workers to fill them. If you're ready to make a move, connect with our team and we'll match you with employers actively hiring in your trade. Contractors and employers looking to hire can check out our employer hiring solutions.