A normal workday for a plumber is between 8-10 hours of work time. Typically, a workweek is about 4-5 days. The workweek of a plumber is flexible because oftentimes you can choose to work four ten-hour days, leaving you with three days off a week!
Day-to-day
Often visiting 4-5 sites per day. Installation: This consists of installing new water services and sewers, whole home re-piping, gas line installation, tankless water heaters, and more. Typically, visiting 1-2 sites per day (depending on the severity of the job).
Residential and commercial plumbers technically have the same job, but there are some differences. For starters, a residential plumber typically has regular 9-5 hours while a commercial one is likelier to work off-hours.
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.
The typical plumbing schedule does not include weekend or off-hours like late in the evening or very early in the morning. However, plumbing companies arrange schedules so that one or two plumbers are on call for emergency work.
A normal workday for a plumber is between 8-10 hours of work time. Typically, a workweek is about 4-5 days. The workweek of a plumber is flexible because oftentimes you can choose to work four ten-hour days, leaving you with three days off a week!
Across the United States, the average salary range for plumbing positions ranges from $23 per hour to $39.
You can begin your career in plumbing at any age! Before you walk into the nearest plumbing warehouse and ask for a job, you should do a few things to prepare: Do Some Research - it's important that you choose a plumbing company that will fit your needs.
California: $58,139 per year.
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.
Our Plumbing Service Tech - Residential Plumber earns top pay of up to $200,000 per year, depending on work experience. The typical work schedule for this position is Monday-Friday with some weekends…
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.
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).
Galvanized piping tends to last anywhere from 40 to 50 years, while copper pipes have been known to survive for 70 years or more. Plastic or PVC piping has a rough life expectancy of 50 to 75 years. Waste pipes: Plastic waste pipes have a 50-80 year life span; cast iron versions tend to age out at 60 years.
Specialized Skills: Plumbing is a specialized field that requires specific technical knowledge and expertise. Plumbers often undergo extensive training and certification programs to become licensed professionals. As such, their skills are highly valued in the market, which can contribute to higher salaries.
Many industries are known to be more stressful and demanding, leading to higher rates of stress, burnout, and mental health issues. But some of the worst jobs where these issues are concerned are trade and construction industry jobs, and that includes plumbers.
Some trades that are generally considered easy to learn include HVAC, plumbing, phlebotomy, and medical assisting.
Working in Tight Spaces
Pipes, boilers, and drain lines are usually hidden in walls, floors, and crawl spaces. This is bad news for the plumber, who must squeeze into tight spaces to reach a leaking pipe, clogged elbow, or broken valve.
The national average age of a master plumber is 58 years old. That means they will be retiring in droves over the next decade. The fact is that plumbing is an essential job that's currently in growth mode. And, just like in other careers, there are multiple paths within the plumbing industry.
The career is physically demanding
While this helps them to stay active, the physical demands can take a toll on the body especially for those who have health issues.
A straightforward drain cleaning job, such as unclogging a sink or toilet, typically takes about 30 minutes to an hour. However, if the blockage is severe or located deep within the plumbing system, it could take several hours or even a full day to resolve.
How Much Does a Plumber Make? Plumbers made a median salary of $61,550 in 2023. The best-paid 25% made $80,190 that year, while the lowest-paid 25% made $47,810.
Plumbers work an average of 8 to 10 hours per day for an average of 40 to 50 hours per week.
The overtime rate for plumbers who are non-exempt is one and one-half their regular rate of pay. Some states may have their own overtime pay laws that may be slightly different from the FLSA with respect to overtime pay for plumbers.