Is There a Plumber Shortage? A simple answer: Yes. Putting it into context: We've covered how skilled trades have been in high demand, driven in large part by labor shortages across the industry (job openings outpacing job seekers).
Plumbing is not a dead-end job. There is always room to gain more training and specialties in order to land higher-paying jobs and work.
Plumbers are always in demand due to the overall shortage of tradespeople. Since there is always a need for plumbing services and fewer plumbers to fill those roles, you'll never have to worry about being out of a job.
The rise of smart home technology extends to plumbing in 2024 with the introduction of intelligent plumbing systems. These systems are equipped with sensors and advanced controls that allow homeowners to monitor water usage, detect leaks, and even adjust water temperature remotely through smartphone apps.
Many outside the industry wonder, “Why do plumbers make so much?” Demand for their services, an aging workforce, and a short supply of emerging talent as older workers age out will continue to give plumbers leverage.
Two of the trades generally considered to be the most difficult to learn are electricians and plumbers.
More Than Just a Pipe Dream
While AI promises greater efficiency, accuracy, and sustainability, it's not likely robots will come to our door instead of the local plumber.
1. You'll Always Be Needed. Job stability is always worth considering, and as long as people have plumbing, they'll need a plumber.
While plumbing is nowhere near the most dangerous occupation, plumbers do risk their health, well-being, and even lives when: Making strenuous and repetitive hand motions. Treading on wet, slippery floors. Climbing high heights.
If you're considering a career as a plumber, it's important to know which states have the highest demand for your skills. California is one of the top states in need of plumbers. With its large population and booming construction industry, there's a constant need for plumbing services.
Job Outlook
Employment of plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters is projected to grow 6 percent from 2023 to 2033, faster than the average for all occupations. About 43,300 openings for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
This figure, however, comes with a range. Plumbers can expect to earn anywhere from $29,500 on the low end to $100,000 on the high end.
Plumbing involves hard and physically demanding work. This type of work environment can be stressful for people who are not accustomed to this type of work but, at the same time, can be extremely rewarding for people who like working with their hands and moving around throughout the day.
Dead-end jobs are not limited to menial labor, retail or fast food roles. Professional positions in call centers, loss-mitigation underwriting, administrative and clerical work may also offer almost no advancement potential.
THEY CAN GET EXTREMELY SICK.
coli, stomach parasites, and hepatitis. “A lot of plumbers wind up dealing with hepatitis A at some point,” Mike says. “You're getting stuff splashed in your face and mouth.
You must spend four years as a plumbing apprentice to become a journeyman, earning an average of $81,000 annually. It takes two additional years of training to become a master plumber and command an average of $102,350 annually.
Some trades that are generally considered easy to learn include HVAC, plumbing, phlebotomy, and medical assisting.
Plumbers can make a comfortable living, and with experience, their income can increase significantly. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for plumbers is higher than many other trades.
An apprentice plumber is the first level in a plumbing career. This role involves shadowing more experienced plumbers, practicing your skills on the job and learning more about plumbing systems.
First, check the quality of those pipes, as copper is still the standard for piping and can offer a long-lasting plumbing system if the pipe is well made.
On average, many construction managers, electricians, and welders earn more than $100,000 per year. For the trades skills, there is no necessity for two years or less of advanced education. You can place yourself on the path to earning over six figures.
Warehousing and storage is the most stressful industry in the U.S. scoring 28.92/100. The data found that 93% of workers reported being paid hourly.
The Quickest Trade to Learn: HVAC Technician
One of the quickest trades to learn is becoming an HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) technician.