Wages in the Plumbing and Mechanical Industry vary.  The following is an average representation of the earning potential of an individual entering into the Plumbing and Mechanical Industry. Beginning Apprentices earn $880 over a two week period. They also get hospitalization insurance for their family, along with other fringe benefits. By the time they have completed a five year Apprentice Program, they will have earned $200,000 and can anticipate earning from $50,000 to $60,000 as a journeyperson. After working 30 years they will have approximately one million dollars in pension. Career Profiles Career Avg. Starting Salary Avg. Future Salary Skilled Trades Workers in the Plumbing & Mechanical Industry Three to Five year Apprenticeship $42,000 to $58,000 $65,000 to $90,000 Accountant Bachelor's Degree or Graduate School $23,500 to $33,300 $50,300 to $84,500 Architect Bachelor's Degree $19,880 to $35,000 $45,000 to $100,000 Banker Two or Four-Year Degree and On-The-Job Training $14,600 to $31,200 $54,400 to $105,700 Engineer Bachelor's Degree in Engineering.  Possibly Grad School, P.E. Required $29,800 to $34,800 $54,400 to $105,700 Lawyer Bachelor's and Law Degree. Must Pass State Bar Exam $33,500 to $80,000 $60,000 to $250,000 Marketing Director Bachelor's or Master's Degree in BA, Marketing, Advertising, Journalism, or Public Relations $22,800 to $25,000 $44,000 to $85,000