Should I Become a Plumber, HVAC Tech or Electrician?

It’s common for people who want a career in the trades to not be quite sure which of the major three they should pursue. After all, plumbing, HVAC and electrical work all share the key qualities that have likely attracted you to the trades: great work stability, working with your hands and not at a desk, the opportunity to start your own business one day, great pay, and more. So, which should you choose?

Prospects

While it can be hard to plan out a whole career on the basis of which is more in-demand right now, we can’t predict the future, so that’s essentially where you need to start. Find out which of the three trades is more in demand in your own area. And remember that certain types of work within one trade may be in higher demand than the rest, and if that isn’t the type of work you want to do, you may want to reconsider.

Also, remember that in each field, there is much to do beyond typical residential work. You can get industrial work, construction work, commercial work, and more. If you’re considering these, it is important to get information about what the work is really like and the process of getting there. You may need a completely different license for commercial over residential electrical work, for example.

Then there is pay. While the prevailing notion online seems to be that electricians can make more, that doesn’t mean you will. Try to be specific about the type of work you want and then find out what the average person performing that job will really make.

Your Satisfaction

Speaking of what the work is really like, it is important to know how you will feel day-in and day-out about your job. Really the best way to do that is to talk to current professionals about what the job is like, or you will end up with a stereotypical view of the trade.

For example, while electrical has the reputation of being a “smarter” trade, and you do need some level of book smarts to learn it, the work can still be monotonous. In HVAC and in plumbing, you need to learn a wider array of skills, and there are more specialties to learn. And, while electrical work is perhaps not as physical as HVAC, it is still physical, and there still is risk of injury from repetitive motions or positions.

Risks

In any trade, there is the risk of injury and death on the job. Electrical work typically carries the highest risk of actual death, as mistakes with circuits can expose you to perilous amounts of electricity. However, there are still risks of injury in HVAC and plumbing.

What about other kinds of risks? For example, many people start in the trades with the intention of learning their trade and then starting their own business. However, most new businesses do fail. Would you prefer the security of a job at a large company with great compensation? It may be easier for you to find that kind of work in one trade or the other. It all depends on your local area.

What’s it like to be a plumber?

Being a plumber offers a unique blend of hands-on problem solving, job security, and personal satisfaction. Each day brings different challenges — from fixing a burst pipe in an emergency to installing a new water heater or troubleshooting drainage issues. It’s a career built on practical skills, clear results, and real impact on people’s daily lives.

The satisfaction comes from knowing your work matters. You’re not behind a desk — you’re actively helping homeowners, businesses, and communities stay safe and functional. There’s also pride in mastering a trade that requires both technical knowledge and physical skill.

Income potential is strong, especially for licensed plumbers or those who run their own business. With experience, specialization, or overtime, many plumbers earn well above the national average.

Safety is a consideration, but with the right training and protective gear, risks are manageable. Plumbers often work in tight spaces, around water and heat, or on ladders — so awareness and caution are key.

Overall, plumbing is a respected, essential career with solid earning potential, low unemployment, and the kind of work that leaves you feeling accomplished at the end of the day. For many, it’s a practical and rewarding path that pays off in more ways than one.

What’s it like to be an HVAC tech?

Being an HVAC technician offers a unique blend of hands-on work, problem-solving, and job stability. Technicians often report high job satisfaction thanks to the tangible impact they make — whether it’s restoring comfort to a family home or keeping a commercial building running smoothly. Each day brings variety, from diagnosing faulty AC units to installing complex heating systems, which keeps the work engaging and far from repetitive.

Income potential is strong, especially with experience, certifications, or specialization in areas like refrigeration or high-efficiency systems. Many HVAC techs can earn a solid middle-class income, with opportunities for overtime and career growth into roles like supervisor, estimator, or business owner.

Safety is a key part of the job. Technicians are trained to handle electricity, refrigerants, and sometimes heights or confined spaces. With the right training and adherence to protocols, risks are well managed.

The day-to-day work is active and mobile — you’re rarely stuck behind a desk. Instead, you’re on the move, solving real-world problems and interacting with customers. For those who enjoy working with their hands, thinking critically, and seeing the results of their efforts, HVAC can be a deeply rewarding career.

What’s it like to be an electrician?

Being an electrician offers a mix of hands-on work, problem-solving, and career stability that many find highly rewarding. Electricians often take pride in seeing the immediate results of their work — whether it’s wiring a new home, upgrading a commercial system, or restoring power during an emergency. The sense of accomplishment that comes from solving complex electrical issues adds to job satisfaction.

Income is another strong benefit. Electricians typically earn above-average wages, and experienced or specialized professionals — such as industrial or commercial electricians — can command even higher pay. Overtime and union opportunities can also boost earnings.

The job does come with safety risks, from electrical shocks to working in tight or elevated spaces. However, licensed electricians are trained extensively in safety protocols, and employers are required to follow strict regulations to minimize hazards.

A typical day might include reading blueprints, installing wiring, troubleshooting systems, or responding to service calls. Work locations vary widely — from homes and office buildings to factories and construction sites.

For those who enjoy working with their hands, solving problems, and staying active, being an electrician can be a fulfilling and well-compensated career with opportunities for growth and long-term stability.

Embrace Change

While it used to be that people would pick up one career and keep it their whole lives, most people these days need to adjust to changing economic conditions and pick up new things. Make your decision between the trades on what works best for you now and in the foreseeable future, but know that you always have the opportunity to change.