EXPLORING PLUMBING AS A CAREER
Choosing a career in the plumbing trade means working a job that positively impacts your community. Plus, there is no shortage of job opportunities when it comes to plumbing. Wherever you want to be in the world, the skilled trades can take you there!
Not sure if plumbing is the right fit? Wondering if another trade might suit you better? Take our quiz to find the career path that’s right for you.
Plumbing
Choosing a career in the plumbing trade means working in a job that positively impacts your community. The overall health of the community depends on the skilled trades because these professions maintain a clean water supply, safeguard indoor air quality, and keep the lights on.
The job opportunities available in the trades, specifically in the plumbing trade, are vast. Did you know that plumbers work in places like industrial warehouses, schools, and even hospitals? Basically, wherever clean water is needed, you’ll find a plumber.
Wherever you want to be in the world, the skilled trades can take you there!
WHY SHOULD I PURSUE A CAREER IN PLUMBING?
A plumbing career is rewarding, lucrative, and future-proof. Here are six reasons to become a plumber:
1. ON THE JOB TRAINING
Many career paths require years of schooling and expensive tuition. However, in the field of plumbing you will be trained while on the job and while earning a paycheck!
Plumbers begin their training as apprentices. On average, apprenticeships last four years and are a combination of 8,000 hours of hands-on and classroom instruction. A four-year apprenticeship is equivalent to a four-year bachelor’s degree.
2. GREAT INCOME
The average plumber makes $62,970 per year, according to the 2024 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. While apprentice plumbers tend to earn less than the median wage, as they learn more skills and become fully trained and licensed, they can expect their pay to rise.
3. JOBS ARE ALWAYS AVAILABLE
Becoming a plumber grants you the opportunity to find a job today. The demand for skilled tradespeople continues to grow.
4. YOU HELP THE COMMUNITY
The overall health of the community depends on the skilled trades because these professions maintain a clean water supply, safeguard indoor air quality, and keep the lights on.
5. PLUMBING IS STEM
Science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) are the essential building blocks of careers that cross industries and impact our daily lives in different ways. STEM is the foundation of technical careers that propel our future workforce forward to stability, career growth and success.
6. PLUMBING SUPPORTS SUSTAINABILITY
New plumbing technologies—like smart irrigation, low-flow fixtures, and leak detection systems—help conserve water, prevent waste, keep water clean, and lower utility costs, promoting sustainability in both homes and businesses. Here are just a few ways that the plumbing trade provides more energy efficient options:
- Tankless Water Heaters: A tankless water heater heats and uses water on-demand.
- Low-Flush Toilets: A low-flush toilet uses approximately half the amount of water as a regular toilet.
- Low-Flow Shower: A low-flow shower still gets the job done while using approximately half the gallons-per-minute of a regular system.
- Greywater Recycling: Used or “dirty” water is collected from certain appliances or drains and is redistributed for other purposes.
Plumbing isn’t the only trade making strides toward a more sustainable future. See sustainability at work in the HVAC and electrical trades!
YOUR PLUMBING CAREER JOURNEY
A plumbing career grows with you. Each stage brings new skills, higher pay, and greater opportunities for leadership or business ownership.
What is an Apprenticeship?
LEVELS OF PLUMBERS: APPRENTICE, JOURNEYMAN, & MASTER
As you move through your career in plumbing, you’ll start with an apprenticeship. From there, you have the opportunity to become a licensed journeyman and ultimately, a master plumber. Here’s what you need to know about each level.
What is an Apprenticeship?
Apprenticeship, Journeyman, and Master Plumbers: Understanding the Difference
FROM SCHOOL TO THE SKILLED
TRADES: BECOMING A PLUMBER
Have you ever wondered which high school classes prepare you for a career in the trades?
Check out the series of downloads that illustrate the connections between high school and the skilled trades.
From School to the Skilled Trades : Plumbing
Have you ever wondered which high school classes prepare you for a career in the trades?
Check out the series of downloads that illustrate the connections between high school and the skilled trades.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is Plumbing a Trade Worth Pursuing?
Yes! Plumbing is a skilled trade that combines technical knowledge with hands-on problem-solving. Plumbers are essential to public health and safety, ensuring access to clean water and proper waste disposal. Like other trades, plumbing offers a career path that doesn’t require a traditional four-year degree and provides opportunities for growth and financial stability. Plus, as a plumber, you’re not just helping homeowners. Plumbers also work in places like industrial warehouses, businesses, schools, and hospitals.
How Much Can Plumbers Earn?
Plumbing is a well-paying career choice. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, plumbers can earn more than $60,000 per year on average, with top earners making significantly more depending on years of experience, location, and specialization. Apprentices often earn while they learn, and pay increases as skills grow.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Plumber?
The path to becoming a plumber typically takes four to five years. This includes a paid apprenticeship where you’ll gain both on-the-job training and classroom instruction. After completing an apprenticeship, individuals can take a licensing exam to become journeyman plumbers.
How Hard Is it to Become a Plumber?
Becoming a plumber requires dedication, but it’s an achievable goal with the right support and mindset. It involves learning technical skills, understanding plumbing codes, and completing an apprenticeship. While it’s challenging, it’s also a highly rewarding path with strong career prospects.
Where Can I Find Trade Schools Near Me For Plumbing?
You can find trade schools that offer plumbing on our website. Our directory helps you locate programs in your area that provide the training and licensing preparation needed to start your career.
How Do I Become a Licensed Plumber?
Start by completing a high school education or equivalent, applying for an apprenticeship, and gaining hands-on training under licensed professionals. Once your apprenticeship is complete, you’ll be eligible to take the exam to earn your plumbing license.