Plumbing Jobs: Everything You Need to Know About Becoming a Plumber

The career outlook for plumbers is bright, with the industry projected to grow by 12% by 2024. Plumbing jobs is a great career path with many great opportunities, but many people don’t know what path to follow to become a plumber.  

Do you want to learn more about becoming a plumber and what makes it such a great career opportunity? 

Keep reading this guide for everything you need to know about becoming a plumber and to find local plumbing jobs to apply for. 

What Do Plumbers Do?

When you are looking at different career options, it is important that you learn more about what you would do each day on the job. 

What do plumbers do? Plumbers have a lot of versatility with their work. They install, test, and repair fixtures in homes that are used for water and gas, but there are many things that they can do on a given day. 

These include installing new appliances and plumbing fixtures, troubleshooting problems with plumbing, repairing pipes and plumbing fixtures, fixing clogs, and more. 

Education Requirements for Plumbers

What are the qualifications to become a plumber? This is one of the most common search terms related to plumbing!

Plumbing is a trade, which means that you do not need a college degree. Instead, you only need a high school diploma or a GED. One way you can become a plumber is by attending a technical school or trade school program.

However, many plumbers simply go through an apprenticeship program for their education. In an apprenticeship, plumbers are trained on the job and their employers will often pay for their courses.

How a Plumbing Apprenticeship Works

Although a plumbing apprenticeship is different than traditional schooling, candidates still need to prove that they have a foundation of skills and knowledge that will help them be successful in the plumbing industry. 

Typically, you need to take an aptitude exam before becoming an apprentice. You may also need to have a background check and a drug test before you can move on.

Then, you can find a plumber to work with as an apprentice. You can find apprenticeships through your local trade school, a union chapter, or by reaching out to plumbing businesses in the area. 

In addition to on-the-job training, apprentices will attend a few classes each week to help them prepare for the plumbing certification exam. 

Training will usually last for four to five years. Apprentices will also get paid as they work full time, so you will not have to go into debt to become a plumber. Still, you will start at a lower wage that will increase as you progress through your apprenticeship. 

If you are looking for a plumbing apprenticeship in Massachusetts or a plumbing apprenticeship in RI, we can help! Energy-One can help you as you search for a “plumbing apprenticeship near me.”

Is a Plumbing Career Worth It? 

Is it worth pursuing a career in plumbing? While plumbing can be a physically demanding job, it provides you with a great opportunity to get paid while you learn. This is something that you will not find in almost any other job. 

Plus, you are often able to set your own schedule once you are fully trained as a plumber. These benefits make plumbing a great option for people that need work-life balance. 

Many people find plumbing to be a happy career because it provides them with a lot of freedom. Still, your overall career satisfaction will depend mostly on yourself! If you are able to make the most out of any situation, a plumbing career will be very rewarding and happy. 

Is Plumbing a Stressful Job?

Like any job, being a plumber can be stressful. This is because you often have to think quickly on your feet to deal with problems on the job. For example, you may have a burst pipe that is leaking water everywhere. 

While it can be stressful to troubleshoot these types of situations, many people find that this is what makes plumbing an exciting career. Every day provides a different opportunity to learn and grow!

How Much Do Plumbers Make? 

Something that many people wonder is if plumbers are rich. This is a common question for a good reason! Plumbers make a good amount of money, especially for how little training and education is required to become a plumber. 

A plumber average salary in 2020 was $56,330, while the top 25% of plumbers made over $75,000. 

However, there are certain types of plumbing jobs that pay even more. For example, some of the plumbing jobs that pay the most are plumbing engineers, drain technicians, and fabricators for the plumbing industry. 

A plumber’s salary will also depend on their years of experience and qualifications. Plus, a union plumber salary will be different than a non-union plumber salary. 

What Are the Cons of Being a Plumber?

While there are many benefits of becoming a plumber, there are also some drawbacks that you should be aware of before you start applying for plumbing jobs. 

The main drawback is that working as a plumber can be physically demanding. Because you will often be working in tight spaces, you need to have a healthy back, knees, and shoulders as a plumber. 

Next, the daily routine of a plumber is not always predictable. Because of the versatility of the job, you may not know what to expect during a day of work. This may also require to you work well under pressure. 

However, most people love this aspect of plumbing as it prevents them from getting burnt out!

Interested in Plumbing Jobs? Find Plumbing Jobs Near Me

A plumbing career is a great option for anyone. Not only does it require relatively little training, but it is a rewarding career that pays well. 

If you want to become a plumber, Energy-One can help! We are currently hiring plumbers to work with our team and can help you find better work-life balance and benefits. Our career opportunities include paid health and dental insurance, paid life insurance, paid holidays, and more. 

Contact our team to learn more about career opportunities and to apply for plumbing jobs with our company.