Whether or not plumbing is a promising career and why it may be considered as such will first depend on the individual’s qualifications.
Possible reasons for pursuing this career are that there are many opportunities in the field to work with people, have variety in one’s job, have sustainable employment options even during economic downturns. One drawback is possible health risks involved due to contact with bodily fluids or hazardous materials. Another disadvantage is that this profession requires long hours and often working outside of normal business hours. This article will enlighten you as to why you might find this career a good fit for you.
This infographic will detail facts and statistics that support the reasons behind plumbing being considered a good career. It provides information on the median salaries for plumbers and how employment opportunities look in relation to other fields.
1. What Is a Plumber?
The plumber is a vital part of the infrastructure that enables our cities to function. Without them, the pipes would clog and burst, sewage would back up into homes and businesses, and water mains would eventually break under pressure. The job requires specialized training in both plumbing and pipe-laying skills. It also requires patience since most repairs take time to complete due to the need for precise measurements.
The plumbers’ tools include wrenches, hammers, saws, screwdrivers, as well as special equipment such as hydraulic jacks or trenching machines for digging new lines from one point to another. A good plumber needs knowledge about all kinds of building materials, including steel pipe joints for gas lines or PVC fittings for water mains. The architect, the engineer, and the contractor work together with the plumber to ensure that everything goes smoothly on site.
The main skills of this trade are more than just technical know-how about pipes and fittings. Plumbers need good communication skills since they may be required to explain what they’re doing to anyone who might be around their working area. They also must work well with others since they may have to coordinate with architects, engineers, or other trades.
The plumber’s job entails more than just fixing pipes. It requires planning out projects and budgets before undertaking them as well as completing the work efficiently. The plumber needs to provide excellent service for customers since he has direct contact with them. After all, these are the people who pay for his work.
2. What Is the Job of a Plumber?
The job of a plumber is to install, fix or maintain pipes that carry water, gas, or sewage. They can be called on for emergency repairs as well as routine maintenance.
The most common tasks are repairing leaks and installing fixtures such as sinks and toilets. When they find a leak, the plumber must determine where it is coming from before beginning any repairs. This may involve tearing up floors and walls to expose the pipes below them. The work has many hazards, including high-pressure water jets that can cause serious injury if mishandled, toxic chemicals used in cleaning old drains or sewers, and dangerous gases like methane which can explode if exposed to open flame.
So why might plumbing be a good career? Well… It is an extremely practical profession that offers a great sense of personal satisfaction. Plumbing is not just about making money; it is about helping people solve their plumbing problems and making their homes safer and more pleasant to live in.
Plumbers are often on call 24 hours a day, so you have the chance to work irregular hours. However, this means most plumbers must have another job in order to meet regular living expenses.
3. How to Become a Plumber?
Plumbers are in demand all over the world, and it’s a great job for people who want to work with their hands. There is a lot of training involved in becoming a plumber, but when you have the skills, you can start your own plumbing business or be employed by someone else. In order to become a plumber, here are some things to know:
Most jurisdictions require apprenticeship/internship as well as formal vocational education in order to become fully licensed in plumbing and pipefitting. Each state has its own requirements for obtaining a license, and in many states, the requirements vary by each local jurisdiction. As such, if you want to become a plumber, it’s important to check with your state government before beginning any training program.
You don’t need a certificate or a degree to become a plumber. In fact, most plumbers start as apprentices and have only a high school diploma or GED. Apprenticeship/internships take from 2 to 4 years. Usually, after completing an apprenticeship program, you’ll need a state license.
Many community colleges offer degrees in plumbing technology, though not all states require a license for plumbers. For those that do, you’ll need to pass an exam from the state licensing board.
In order to become a master plumber or journeyman, you will have to go through years of training and pay thousands of dollars intuition. In addition to a high school diploma or GED, you should also have at least one year of hands-on training before attending a vocational school.
Many community colleges offer degrees in plumbing, though not all states require a license for plumbers. For those that do, you’ll need to pass an exam from the state licensing board.
Instead of attending vocational or trade school, some people choose to earn their associate’s or bachelor’s degree in plumbing instead. A two-year degree is usually sufficient to obtain most entry-level positions as a plumber, but there are some companies that still require three years of experience before hiring someone with only an associate degree.
Both men and women can become plumbers. You don’t have to be large or strong. It is not an easy job, but it can be very rewarding. You will spend a lot of your time on your feet working with machinery and tools. Most plumbers are hired by construction companies or are self-employed.
4. Salary Expectations for This Career Path
The salary for plumbers is dependent on their level of experience and education.
Experienced plumbers can earn up to $50,000 per year or more, while those with less than five years’ experience typically start out around the $30,000-per-year mark. Those who have a college degree in plumbing can expect to make about $40,000 per year. Plumbing schools offer two-year programs that lead to an associate’s degree in plumbing technology and four-year programs that lead to a bachelor’s degree in occupational studies: plumbing technology.
The cost of tuition varies depending on what school you attend as well as your state residency status – some states offer residents lower tuition rates than non-residents. The average cost of an associate’s degree is $8220, and a bachelor’s degree is $14,750.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), plumbers who possess at least an associate’s degree can expect to earn between $38,000 and $49,000 as mid-level plumbers. Those with an average of 18 months experience can expect to earn between $42,000 and $55,000. A mid-level plumber with a bachelor’s degree starts at a salary of about $53,500.
Average salaries for professional plumbers continue to increase as they gain work experience. As of 2011, BLS figures show that the national median salary for all plumbers was $49,250. The median salary is the point at which half of the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. BLS data also indicate that experienced plumbers who are self-employed can make significantly more than their salaried counterparts.
5. Job Market Outlooks in Different Regions of the Country
Plumbers are one of the most in-demand professions in America, with a projected growth rate for this year of 7%. The average plumber’s salary is $47,000 per year. Plumbers can find work anywhere in the country, but some regions have more opportunities than others. Below is a list of cities predicted to have the best job market outlooks for plumbers.
1) New York City: There are currently about 4,400 plumbing jobs available in New York City, and it’s expected to grow by 4% over the next five years. This city has many high-end buildings which require maintenance on their water systems. Plus, there are lots of apartment buildings that need repairs when they spring leaks or develop clogs.
2) Houston: Houston is currently looking to fill about 3,700 plumbing jobs, and it’s expected to grow by over 5% in the next five years. There are many older buildings still in use that need ongoing maintenance on their water systems, and there’s also a lot of commercial construction work available. However, this city has experienced storms and flooding recently, and there is a high demand for plumbers to get damaged sewer lines back in working order.
3) Philadelphia: There are currently about 3,200 plumbing jobs available in Philadelphia, and it’s expected to grow by over 4% in the next five years. This city has many large hospitals and universities which need new systems put into place and old systems updated. Plus, there’s a lot of commercial construction work in this city.
4) Chicago: There are currently about 3,100 plumbing jobs available in Chicago, and it’s expected to grow by over 5% in the next five years. This city has many older buildings with outdated water systems which need maintenance and updating. Plus, there’s a lot of commercial construction work in this city.
5) Las Vegas: There are currently about 2,500 plumbing jobs available in LV, and it’s expected to grow by almost 5% in the next five years. This city has many commercial buildings which need ongoing maintenance on their water systems, and there’s also a lot of new home construction work available. However, this city has experienced many storms and floods recently, which have damaged sewer lines throughout the city. There’s a high demand for plumbers to get the sewer lines fixed.
6) Atlanta: There are currently about 2,400 plumbing jobs available in Atlanta, and it’s expected to grow by 3% over the next five years. This city has many older buildings which need maintenance on their water systems, plus there are also lots of apartment buildings which spring leaks or develop clogs. This city has seen a bit of growth in the medical field recently, which needs new systems put into place. There’s also a lot of commercial construction work available here.
7) Baltimore: There are currently about 2,300 plumbing jobs available in this city, and it’s expected to grow by 6% in the next five years. This city has a lot of older buildings with outdated water systems, which need to be maintained and repaired. They also have a lot of commercial construction work available here.
8) San Francisco: There are currently about 2,200 plumbing jobs available in this city, and it’s expected to grow by over 5% in the next five years. Like many of the cities on this list, there’s a lot of commercial and apartment building construction and renovation taking place. Plus, this city has seen an increase in the medical field, which needs new systems put into place and old systems updated.
9) Dallas: There are currently about 2,200 plumbing jobs available in Dallas, and it’s expected to grow by over 5% in the next five years. This city has many commercial buildings which need ongoing maintenance on their water systems, and there’s also a lot of apartment building construction taking place. Plus, there are lots of new home construction projects available here.
10) Denver: There are currently about 2,200 plumbing jobs available in this city, and it’s expected to grow by over 4% in the next five years. This city has many older buildings with outdated water systems which need maintenance, and there are also lots of commercial construction projects. Plus, there are plenty of new home building projects available here.
This is a great career choice for someone who loves to work on homes, businesses, or other important facilities and wants to help keep things running smoothly. So if you love to work with water and want a career that provides job security, then plumbing could be for you.
6. Cost of Studying Plumbing
Aspiring plumbers are likely to be very interested in how much it costs to study plumbing.
Investing time and money into a career can make you more confident about your choices, but it’s also important not to buy into the hype of expensive college courses. The good news is that there are plenty of low-cost options available for those who want to learn plumbing skills without taking on major debt. For example, while studying plumbing at a community college can cost between $5,000 and $9,000 per year, the average plumber earns about $17.95 an hour (or more), which works out to be close to $40,000 annually.
7. Is It Possible to Consider a Future in Plumbing?
It’s often said that plumbing is a dirty job. But it doesn’t have to be, and in fact, there are plenty of reasons why you might want to consider a future in this industry.
First off, the pay can be surprisingly good for what you would think of as an entry-level position. Most plumbers start at about $20 per hour with benefits and overtime opportunities available. Second, most people don’t realize how much variety is possible when working as a plumber: from residential work to commercial buildings or even industrial sites, the tasks never really get stale because they’re always changing! Furthermore, there’s an enormous opportunity for growth within the company – many companies promote from within, so if you show skill and dedication, you can leap-frog other employees.
All of these combine to make plumbing (or any trade for that matter) an excellent career choice. The pay is good, and the chances for advancement are significant. Furthermore, the variety keeps things fresh and interesting. But if, after all this, it still sounds like a job for “dumb jocks,” consider this: it requires intelligence, physical dexterity, and the ability to solve complex problems under pressure. There are plenty of very smart men who came into plumbing at an entry-level position before working their way up to management or even ownership of a franchise.
8. Is There Any Job Security?
The plumbing industry is a very stable field, with high demand for qualified people. People who are looking for employment tend to find it in the plumbing field because of this demand and its high stability. Professionals have many opportunities available to them, including positions as plumbers, pipefitters, sprinkler fitters, and steamfitters. It is possible that you will be able to work at home or outdoors depending on your area of expertise and where you choose to work.
Plumbing Industry professionals find jobs in a variety of places, including city, county, state, and federal municipalities. Large construction companies are constantly looking for qualified people to fill positions. Construction sites also need plumbers to make repairs when the building comes down or is renovated. Some plumbers work on-site managing the function of the equipment. Other professionals work for consulting firms, which specialize in repairing and servicing plumbing systems.
9. What Are the Benefits?
The field of plumbing offers many benefits to those who choose it as a career. Some of these perks include:
– Many people have sufficient insurance coverage from their employer or can purchase it through an association at a reduced rate (ASHI, UA, etc.)
– You can help people. You can relieve them of problems they are experiencing with their plumbing system. Which helps the environment by conserving resources and avoiding many health risks.
– Your career is one that can be very lucrative if you have the will. Pay varies depending on your expertise, but there are plenty of opportunities to make a comfortable living doing what you love.
– The industry is always growing and evolving with the times. Technology advances so quickly that even if you take time off when you come back, it will be like you never left. There is always something new to learn and experience.
– Your career can take you places around the world. Travel is a benefit of the industry and can be very rewarding when working in a new country or culture.
– You will have many opportunities for creativity in your profession. You can learn how to design using computer programs, engineer projects, etc. Plumbing technicians are problem solvers who take pride in their work and want everything to work correctly.
– You can take pride in your job knowing that you are part of an industry that is involved with the comfort and well-being of people all around the world.
10. What Do People Dislike About Plumbing?
The only thing that plumbers might dislike about their profession is working on Saturdays or overnight or any other hours that are outside normal business hours. You will probably have to make sacrifices when it comes to family and social life. Depending on where you work, this may or may not be an issue. You can always find a company that will allow you to work normal hours if this is important to you.
11. Where Can I Find Plumbing Jobs?
Plumbers are in high demand worldwide, so finding one will not be difficult. You can find them through many different avenues, including the following:
– Search for job openings online or place your resume on sites like CareerBuilder or Monster. You can also go to specific websites specializing in finding your next job. Some of these are Beyond My Hammer Career and Plumber’s Helper.
– Attend job fairs, local business meetings, events for professional associations. This is a fantastic chance to meet individuals in the field and learn about new vocations that might be of interest to you. You can also meet professionals who may know of potential job opportunities.
– Contact your city’s chamber of commerce and ask if they have connections with services that employ plumbers. Some cities are very proactive in helping people find jobs, so networking will be easy because someone already has the connections ready for you.
– You can also try contacting real estate agents or construction companies directly. Some of these jobs are difficult to find, but if you network with people who work in the business, they can lead you to new opportunities.
– You can also try attending seminars and lectures that allow professionals in the plumbing trade to meet up and discuss issues relevant to their industry. These events sometimes even feature guest speakers who may provide information about local openings.
– Join professional associations like the American Society of Plumbing Engineers (ASPE), the National Association of Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors (NAPHCC), or other organizations that provide services or resources for plumbers in your area. These groups often hold meetings where members can network and discuss problems in the industry.
– Attend college or trade school for more advanced training and work towards becoming a master plumber with your own company, which may increase your chances of finding better-paying jobs.
Conclusion
If you want to pursue a career in the trades, plumbing is an excellent option for you. Plumbing skills are needed by many industries and can lead to lucrative salaries with good benefits packages. If you’re considering becoming a plumber or if this is just something that interests you, there are several different ways to learn the craft. Some students go through an apprenticeship program or earn certification, while others take classes in a vocational school or online. College degrees aren’t necessary to become a plumber, but this kind of education can lead to higher-paying positions and managerial roles in the future.