Plumber Career Guide

Learn how you become a plumber, daily job duties of a plumber and how much money a plumber can make

Plumbers are trained to install, maintain and repair a wide variety of plumbing equipment and various piping materials. Plumbers can in one day work on a leaking copper pipe in the morning, test a backflow preventer in afternoon and finish their day repairing a leaking faucet. The work of a plumber is diverse and constantly changing. The plumbing trade is in high demand and employers are constantly looking to hire workers that are willing to learn an exciting and challenging career.

Plumbing tools typically used by a plumber.

Job that is in demand
The Plumbing industry is constantly growing. At the same time many workers are beginning to retire. Therefore, there are many great career opportunities for people interested in the plumbing trade.
Interesting and Challenging
Plumbers are always learning new skills to improve their ability to solve challenging problems. The work of a Plumber is very diverse and constantly changing.
No College Degree Required
You do not need an expensive college degree to work as a Plumber. Many Plumbers have acquired training through a plumbing apprenticeship, trade schools, community colleges, the military or on the job training with an employer.

Where you can find a Plumbing Job

The skills that Plumbers develop through training and experience can be applied to a wide variety of plumbing jobs. These jobs range from general maintenance to commercial and industrial plumbing.

Maintenance Department

Hospitals, Public Schools, University's, large corporations and facilities typically will employ an in-house Maintenance Department. Individuals with skills in the Plumbing field can easily find jobs as Plumbers, Building engineers and general maintenance workers. These workers get to learn their buildings and equipment, typically have steady year round work and get to go home at the same time every day.

Construction

Installation of Plumbing equipment and associated piping is a challenging and constantly changing work environment. No job is the same and this requires installation workers to constantly adapt and apply creative skills to get the job done quickly, safely and efficiently. These workers frequently travel to various job locations, work overtime and may experience slow times throughout the year. Installation workers have been in high demand lately due to new construction and facility upgrades.

Residential Plumber

Residential Plumbers typically do both service, maintenance and installation of plumbing equipment and associated piping in residential properties. These workers may also service and maintain small commercial office or retail buildings. They can work significant overtime and also make money on sales of replacement Plumbing equipment or upgrades. In addition, these workers are typically provided company work trucks to drive to various service locations.

Commercial and Industrial Plumber

Commercial/Industrial Plumbers work on a wide variety of Plumbing equipment and associated piping materials that is typically found in large commercial buildings, factories, production facilities, and hospitals. They work with large heavy equipment and piping, on ladders, frequently stand, climb, work near moving parts and noisy equipment rooms. Commercial/Industrial Plumbers frequently assist other trades such as Pipefitters and HVAC Technicians with piping repairs. They are trained in codes, regulations and safety standards to ensure buildings operate safely and to prevent cross contamination of the buildings potable water supply. These workers are typically provided work trucks to travel to various job sites. Work is steady year round and overtime can be significant.

Plumber career progression idea's

Here are some career advancement idea's for Plumbers that have several years of experience and training.

Facility Manager/Supervisor

Plumbers can learn valuable skills throughout their career that can help them advance to the position of Facility manager/Supervisor. Facility managers/Supervisors typically lead skilled tradesmen in the safe and efficient maintenance and repair of large facilities. They are knowledgeable in building codes, OSHA regulations, industry practices and workforce leadership.

Inspector

Sales Engineer

Sales Engineers work for product manufactures and help customers in the selection and use of their companies products. These workers help the customer select the correct product for the application, provide training and can assist in troubleshooting various problems that may occur. Sales Engineers usually requires some formal training, college, apprenticeship, years of experience and excellent people skills.

Plumbing Engineer/Designer

Company Owner

After completing training and several years of experience, a Plumber can apply for a license to operate as a company owner. These workers are highly skilled and responsible for organizing, planning and completing various plumbing installation and repair projects. Company owners work directly with customers, facility owners, inspectors, engineers and employees. They are very busy and can work a significant amount of hours

How to become a plumber and how much money can a plumber make

Completing training at a plumbing school is an important step in beginning a successful career in the Plumbing trade. To get started, learn about the different Plumber training paths you can take to become a journeyman Plumber.

Plumber Salary

A great website to get an idea of how much money you could possibly make as a Plumber is The Bureau of Labor Statistics. This website provides some excellent salary and wage information along with a detailed job outlook for Plumbers, how to get started in the Plumbing trade and typical working conditions of a Plumber.

The Occupational Outlook Handbook is a great resource for various skilled trades occupations. Click here for more information on the Plumbing Trade and other skilled trades careers-

The Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Handbook

The Occupational Employment Statistics program provides salary and wage information for various occupations. Click here for more information on a Plumbers salary- https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes472152.htm

Plumbing Apprenticeship

A great way to get started in the Plumbing Trade is an apprenticeship program through a local Union. As a plumbing apprentice you will work for a union contractor and also attend classes at a union training facility. These plumbing apprenticeship programs typically last 4-5 years and apprentices receive pay increase as they progress throughout the program. Check out the following Union for more information regarding plumbing apprenticeship programs near you.

United Association Union of Plumbers, Fitters, Welders and Service Techs. https://ua.org/

Another good website to check out for information regarding apprenticeship programs is ResumeBuilder.com. Not only do they have great information on creating resumes they also have apprenticeship information for each state. Visit https://www.resumebuilder.com/apprenticeship-resources-by-state/

Community College and Plumbing Trade School

Community College:

Many Community Colleges have Plumbing and Pipefitting skilled trades programs that teach service, maintenance and installation of Plumbing equipment. Students in these programs typically earn a certificate or an Associates degree upon completion. Some Community College's, may also help students connect with employers. Check with your local Community College on what Plumbing programs may be available.

Plumbing Trade Schools:

There are many schools that specialize in training Plumbers and Pipefitters. Many areas across the country have trades schools that teach Skilled Trades careers. Students in these programs typically earn a certificate upon completion. However, its important to research the training quality and how successful previous students have been at finding jobs. It's important to talk to local Plumbing contractors on what their experience has been with students from a local plumbing trade school.

In short, Community Colleges and plumbing trade schools are a great way to get started in the Plumbing Trade. Its important to research the quality of training and how successful previous students have been at finding and retaining jobs. Some Community Colleges and trade Schools may have programs to connect students with employers. Talk to local Plumbing contractors on what their experience has been with these schools.

Military

There are many skilled trades and construction occupations throughout the United States Armed Forces. Each military branch has personnel that are highly trained to service, maintain and install anything that exist on a military base. Enlisted members of the Armed Forces, complete a basic training course then they must complete additional training before they begin working in their occupation. Members of the Armed Forces get 30 days of vacation each year, food and housing, medical, dental and many other important benefits. Educational benefits are available during your enlistment period and upon completion. Joining the military can be a great way to learn a skilled trade or construction occupation.

Always contact a Military Recruiter to learn more detailed information on job opportunities, training, benefits and other important information for employment within the Armed Forces.

Air Force:

Click here for more information on Plumbers employed by the Air Force-https://www.airforce.com/careers/detail/water-and-fuel-systems-maintenance

Navy:

Click here for more information on Hull Maintenance Technicians employed by the Navy to service, maintain and operate Plumbing equipment on ships-https://www.navy.com/careers/mechanical-industrial-technology

Click here for more information on Seabees employed by the Navy to install, service, maintain and operate land based Plumbing equipment-https://www.navy.com/careers/construction

Coast Guard:

Click here for more information on Damage Controlman employed by the Coast Guard-https://www.gocoastguard.com/reserve-careers/enlisted-careers/view-job-descriptions/dc

Army:

Click here for more information on Plumbers employed by the Army-https://www.goarmy.com/careers-and-jobs/browse-career-and-job-categories/construction-engineering/plumber.html

Marine Corp:

Contact a recruiter for additional information on Water Support Technicians (MOS 1171). Click here for more information-https://www.marines.com/

Explore our career resources for other Skilled Trades jobs that are in demand today

The Trades are in demand and hiring today! View our career resources for other skilled trade careers and learn how to get started in a rewarding skilled trade job. Learn what trades are most in demand today, how to get started and how much money you can make in the trades. It's a great time to Go Skilled Trades!

Skilled Trades Career Resources

Many Skilled Tradesmen have acquired their training through an apprenticeship program, trade school, the military or while working on the job. You do not need an expensive college degree to work in the Skilled Trades, facility maintenance or Construction field.

No College Degree Required

You do not need an expensive college degree to work in the skilled trades field. Many skilled tradesmen today, have acquired their training through apprenticeships, military, trade schools or working on the job.

No Expensive Student Loans

The average college student today graduates with a significant amount of debt due to their expensive student loans. On the other hand, an apprentice gets paid while completing their training program.

Great Rewarding Careers

There are many Skilled Trades and Construction career opportunities available today. Employers are constantly looking for workers with a good work ethic and the ability to learn new skills.