Plumbing,
Job Demand: The demand for plumbing services continues to grow, driven by population growth, infrastructure needs, and increased focus on maintenance and repairs. This high demand can lead to competition among employers for a limited pool of qualified workers.
Plumbers, like many trades, will continue to be in high demand. In 2022, a lack of licensed tradespeople “who install and fix bathroom fixtures and piping systems drained $33 billion from the economy,” a report from bathroom-fittings maker Lixil found (via Morning Brew).
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.
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.
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.
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…
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.
What Is The Average Age Of A Plumber? The average age of a male plumber in the United States is 41 years old, based on information from Data USA. Meanwhile, the typical age of a female service plumber is 40 years old.
With the right combination of business savvy, financial planning, and long-term strategy, plumbers have positioned themselves as the next class of millionaires.
Job Security
Because plumbing is essential, plumbers are rarely out of work. People will always need their services, whether for emergencies, upgrades, or new installations. This makes plumbing one of the more stable career options, especially during uncertain economic times.
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.
Plumbers are compensated for their expertise, training, and the essential nature of their work. Additionally, the costs of tools, certifications, and emergency availability contribute to the price.
There's a shortage of skilled plumbers, and the really good ones are in high demand. When I owned a vacation rental cabin in a remote village, there was one competent plumber in town. I had to work hard to be the kind of customer he wanted to call back, because I know he didn't need my business.
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.
Being a plumbing technician can be stressful. You're dealing with anxious situations such as water pouring through ceilings, gas leaks and pipes bursting in subzero temperatures.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Wood patternmaker is the rarest job in the us, with only 330 people filling that role. Finding an untraditional or rare job can lead to career fulfillment as well as financial stability. There are rare jobs within most fields, including medicine, engineering, science, food, and IT.