With the continuous concerns surrounding water conservation and environmental sustainability across all industries, everyone is trying their best to find solutions - and plumbing is no exception. We have seen a growing demand for sourcing systems and processes that save water and use less energy.
Smart plumbing fixtures are gaining popularity
Demand for smart plumbing fixtures is skyrocketing in the U.S., and plumbing technicians should prepare to install many more smart fixtures in the future. These technologies make homes more convenient while boosting water conservation and energy efficiency.
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.
Whether it's through installing low-flow fixtures, replacing old pipes, or handling emergencies, plumbers meet essential needs. In 2025 and beyond, the plumbing industry's influence will continue to expand. In fact, new technology and sustainable materials are helping contractors improve efficiency and service quality.
Job Security in the Age of Automation
A user poll suggests only a 22% chance of full automation within the next two decades, indicating a low likelihood that plumbers will be replaced by robots. This is largely due to the complex, hands-on nature of the work, which is difficult to replicate with machines.
Plumbers Are Safe … For Now. Share: The findings of the World Economic Forum's (WEF) Future of Jobs Report 2025 show that although the rapid rise of AI is reshaping the future of work, hands-on professions like plumbing look likely to remain largely untouched by the digital revolution.
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 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.
Yes, plumbers make good money. Depending on experience level and location, a plumber's annual salary can be anywhere from $50,000 to well over $100,000 in the United States. The hourly rate for a plumber can range from $25 to more than $50 (depending on the job's difficulty).
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.
With the right combination of business savvy, financial planning, and long-term strategy, plumbers have positioned themselves as the next class of millionaires.
Plumber career snapshot
The job outlook for plumbers is positive and is expected to only get better. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job market for plumbers is expected to grow 5% from 2020 to 2030. About 51,000 job openings are projected per year on average over the decade.
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.
In the residential sector, homeowners are most likely to need the services of a plumber. This could be to fix current plumbing systems, upgrade old systems for greater functionality, or add new systems as part of home improvement projects.
Many individuals do not believe that employees in this profession can earn a good living. However, any skilled plumber may generate up to $103,000 every year. Entrepreneurs make this much by receiving a considerable total amount of cash for several hours of repair work.
Salary and job outlook
On average, plumbers make $55,600 per year , only slightly less than electricians. Similarly, their salary can vary based on their location, employer and level of experience.
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.
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.
Roles involving rule-based, repetitive tasks or ones where interaction is primarily standardized will be replaced by AI. Jobs that are most likely to be automated by 2030 include cashiers, telemarketers, data entry clerks, and customer service agents.
How likely is it that AI will replace accountants? It's fairly safe to say that AI won't be replacing accountants anytime soon. According to a report produced by the Institute for Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, AI's capabilities can complement human decision-making, but they can't replicate it.