Switching from Plumber to Project Manager: Is it Worth the Salary Change?

What's the Salary Difference?

According to our data, the average salary for a plumber in the UK is £35,111, ranging from £21,500 to £59,000. In contrast, project managers can earn an average of £58,419, although this can vary widely depending on location and experience.

Regional Variations

Looking at regional variations, plumbers in the West Midlands can earn an average of £48,129, while those in Yorkshire average £46,417. Project manager salaries in the West Midlands and Yorkshire are slightly higher at £60,419 and £59,300 respectively.

Accounting Roles to Consider

Plumbers may be interested in exploring accounting roles, such as accounting (£35,220), financial analyst (£47,042), or actuary (£53,292), which can offer higher salaries and different challenges.

Gender Pay Gap

Interestingly, our data shows a gender pay gap for plumbers, with male plumbers earning an average of £42,000 compared to £32,750 for female plumbers. This gap is not as pronounced in project management roles.

Considering a career change from plumber to project manager can be a significant step, but with careful planning and research, it can be a rewarding and lucrative move. To get started, use our salary explorer tool to find salaries for your desired role and location. You can also use our am I underpaid? tool to see how your salary compares to others in your industry. For a more in-depth comparison, try our salary comparison tool. And, to explore the gender pay gap in more detail, visit our gender pay gap page. Finally, if you're ready to take the first step in your career change, submit your salary using our submit your salary tool and help us build a more transparent and equitable job market.