Profession · Full profile

Plumber

Install and repair water, drain, and gas piping systems in residential and commercial buildings.

Average salary

$63,800

Salary range

$44,150 – $108,420

Training time

4 to 5 years

Job market

Much faster than average

9/10

Work-life balance

Fair

5/10

Plumbers install water, drain, and gas piping in homes and commercial buildings. They fit fixtures, clear clogs, find leaks, and test pipe systems for pressure. The work requires reading blueprints and adhering strictly to state and local plumbing codes. Plumbers also evaluate repairs and provide cost estimates directly to customers. Official employment and pay figures cover plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters together as an official occupational group, reflecting strong demand across building construction and maintenance sectors.

A workday

A day in the life

What does a workday really look like?

A typical weekday focused on scheduled residential and commercial plumbing service calls.

7:00 AM
Truck inspection and parts loading
Review the day's route, inspect tools, and stock the work van with pipes, fittings, and fixtures.
8:00 AM
Morning team briefing
Touch base with the dispatcher to confirm work orders and review safety updates.
8:45 AM
Residential water heater installation
Remove a failed water heater, connect new water and gas lines, and check for leaks.
12:00 PM
Lunch break
Take a midday meal break between scheduled client appointments.
12:45 PM
Leak detection and pipe repair
Locate a hidden water leak behind a bathroom wall, cut damaged pipe sections, and solder new copper fittings.
3:00 PM
Commercial drain diagnostics
Inspect a clogged commercial kitchen drain, clear the obstruction, and test line pressure.
4:30 PM
Customer estimates and daily paperwork
Write up job notes, provide cost estimates for pending repairs, and update digital work orders.

Task breakdown

A busy shift handling urgent leaks, broken lines, and immediate customer emergencies.

1:00 PM
On-call shift check-in
Receive emergency dispatch assignments and ensure diagnostic equipment is ready.
1:45 PM
Urgent main line leak repair
Shut off water supply, expose a ruptured water service line, and install replacement piping.
4:30 PM
Gas piping inspection
Respond to a suspected gas line fault, test pipe pressure, and ensure compliance with safety codes.
6:30 PM
Dinner break
Brief meal break while remaining available for incoming dispatch alerts.
7:15 PM
Sewer line backup clearance
Work in tight crawl space conditions to clear a severe residential sewer clog and sanitize the area.
9:30 PM
Emergency job documentation
Document emergency repairs completed, bill invoices, and log used materials for restocking.

Salary data

What do you really earn?

Salary by experience, sector and region.

Minimum

$44,150

Average

$63,800

Maximum

$108,420

Salary by region

Region	Min	Avg.	Max
National	$44,150	$63,800	$108,420
California	$47,350	$72,830	$131,100
Texas	$38,270	$59,840	$81,890
Florida	$38,940	$52,910	$73,610
New York	$46,130	$77,490	$130,420
Illinois	$50,250	$99,950	$126,430

Typical benefits

Paid apprenticeship training

Earn wages on the job while completing required trade instruction.

Health insurance

Medical coverage provided through contractors or trade union memberships.

Pension or 401(k) retirement plan

Retirement savings programs available, especially for union members.

Company van and tools

Work vehicle and trade tools supplied by many plumbing employers.

Pathways

Education pathways

Which paths lead to this profession?

Apprenticeship

4 to 5 years

Plumbing apprenticeship

Combines paid work under licensed plumbers with classroom instruction. Sponsored by unions, contractor associations and individual employers.

Costs: Apprentices are paid while they learn
Entry requirements: High school diploma or equivalent and minimum age

Certificate

Several months to 1 year

Plumbing program at a technical or vocational school

Teaches basic pipe work, codes and safety. Some programs count toward apprenticeship hours.

Entry requirements: High school diploma or equivalent

License

After the apprenticeship

Journeyman plumber license exam

Tests plumbing code knowledge and practical skills. Master plumber licenses usually require extra years of experience.

Entry requirements: Completed apprenticeship hours set by the state

Profile

Skills & personality

Is this a good fit for you?

Hard skills

Pipe cutting, joining and solderingMeasuring, cutting, joining, and soldering various piping materials to create leak-free connections.
Reading blueprintsInterpreting architectural and mechanical drawings to plan accurate layout and pipe routing.
Plumbing codesApplying state and local plumbing codes to ensure all piping and fixture work passes inspection.
Fixture and water heater installationMounting, connecting, and testing sinks, toilets, water heaters, and related fixtures.
Leak and drain diagnosticsLocating hidden pipe leaks, testing system pressure, and diagnosing drainage clogs.
Gas line installationRunning, testing, and securing gas piping systems in residential and commercial settings.

Soft skills

Problem solvingDiagnosing complex pipe failures and determining practical, durable repair solutions.
Customer serviceCommunicating clearly with home and business owners about repair options and costs.
Attention to detailVerifying tight fits, proper pipe slope, and code compliance on every installation.
ReliabilityArriving on schedule for service appointments and responding dependably to urgent calls.

Is this a good fit for you?

✓
MethodicalFollows building codes, safety rules, and testing procedures step by step.
✓
ResilientWorks comfortably in physically challenging conditions, confined spaces, and varied weather.
✓
AnalyticalSystematically traces pipe layouts and pressure drops to uncover the root cause of leaks.
✓
AdaptableShifts smoothly between scheduled routine installations and unexpected emergency repairs.
✓
TrustworthyWorks independently inside customer homes and businesses while providing fair cost estimates.

Market

Job market & outlook

What does the market look like?

Openings per year

42,000

Trend

Growth

+6.8%

AI impact

2/10

Software helps with scheduling, estimates and diagnosing problems from photos, while installing and repairing pipes in real buildings stays human.

Regional demand

Florida

Shows high hiring needs across service contracting and infrastructure maintenance.

5/10

Illinois

Features strong demand for licensed trade workers in urban and industrial centers.

5/10

Texas

Reflects top demand driven by residential and commercial development projects.

5/10

California

Demonstrates solid demand across building construction and repair services.

4/10

New York

Maintains consistent demand for licensed piping professionals in facilities and housing.

4/10

Growth

Career paths

Where can this profession take you?

Vertical growth

Plumbing apprentice
0-5 years
Assists licensed plumbers on job sites while learning piping fundamentals and local codes.
Journeyman plumber
4-5 years
Works independently on pipe installation, diagnostics, and repairs after passing the state exam.
Master plumber
6+ years
Supervises complex plumbing projects, pulls required permits, and mentors less experienced workers.
Plumbing contractor or business owner
8+ years
Operates an independent plumbing company, manages field teams, and bids on contracts.

Horizontal move

HVAC technician
Transitions into heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning system service and installation.
View HVAC Technician
Cost estimator
Calculates project expenses, labor requirements, and material costs for mechanical installations.
View Cost Estimator
Construction foreman
Directs daily construction site activities and coordinates mechanical trades across projects.
View Construction Foreman

Good to know

Practical info

Working hours: Full time, often with overtime and longer days on busy projects.
Remote work: Not remote, because the work is hands-on installation and repair at job sites and homes.
Physical requirements: Lifting heavy pipe and tools, kneeling and working in tight spaces such as crawl spaces, sometimes outdoors and around sewage or hot materials.
Typical employers: Plumbing, heating and air-conditioning contractors, building construction companies, self-employed plumbing businesses, facilities maintenance departments of hospitals, schools and factories, and local government.
Professional associations: Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association (PHCC) and United Association (UA), a labor union.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to become a licensed plumber?

Completing a plumbing apprenticeship takes 4 to 5 years before you can sit for a journeyman license exam. During this period, apprentices work full time under licensed professionals while completing required classroom hours. In addition, candidates must meet state requirements and pass an examination testing trade skills and plumbing codes.

Do you need a college degree to work as a plumber?

No, a college degree is not required to work as a plumber. Most candidates start with a high school diploma or equivalent and enter an apprenticeship. Some choose to complete a vocational or technical school program lasting several months to 1 year, which teaches fundamental piping skills and can count toward apprenticeship hours.

What licenses or certifications are required for plumbers?

Most states require a state or local plumbing license, with levels progressing from apprentice to journeyman and master plumber. In many areas, plumbers also obtain backflow prevention tester certification to test backflow devices. Those working on healthcare facility systems often secure medical gas piping certification to meet industry standards.

What are the physical demands of plumbing work?

Plumbing requires lifting heavy pipe and tools, kneeling, and navigating tight spaces like crawl spaces. Plumbers regularly work outdoors in changing weather conditions and around unpleasant substances such as sewage or hot materials. Sustained physical stamina and comfort in confined spaces are necessary throughout each shift.

Do plumbers have to work evenings and weekends?

Plumbers mostly work during daytime hours, but evening, weekend, and on-call shifts are common for emergency repairs. Plumbing failures can happen at any time, requiring quick action to prevent property damage. However, many plumbers who gain experience eventually run their own businesses and can set their own schedules.

Can plumbers work remotely?

No, plumbing work cannot be performed remotely. The work requires hands-on installation, testing, and repair of piping systems directly at job sites, commercial buildings, and customer homes. Plumbers must be physically present to handle tools, inspect fixtures, clear clogs, and solder pipes.

What employers hire plumbers?

Plumbers work for plumbing, heating, and air-conditioning contractors, building construction firms, and self-employed businesses. In addition, facilities maintenance departments in hospitals, schools, and factories hire plumbers for ongoing upkeep, and local government agencies employ them to maintain municipal piping infrastructure and ensure code compliance.

Explore further

Related professions

In depth

All about plumber

The background, context and details.

What plumbers do

Plumbers install, inspect, and maintain piping systems that carry water, drainage, and gas in residential homes and commercial structures. Their core responsibilities include cutting, joining, and soldering pipes, setting up fixtures like sinks and water heaters, and finding hidden leaks. They inspect pipe systems using pressure tests and verify that every installation complies with local and state plumbing codes. Plumbers also interact directly with clients, diagnosing clogged lines, discussing repair options, and delivering clear cost estimates.

Work environment and requirements

This profession requires hands-on physical activity on job sites, crawl spaces, and commercial facilities. Plumbers frequently lift heavy pipe and tools, work in tight spots, and sometimes handle sewage or hot materials. The position is full time, and work hours often include overtime on large projects. Although standard work happens during daytime hours, plumbers regularly rotate into evening, weekend, and on-call shifts to handle emergency pipe breaks or leaks. Typical employers include plumbing contractors, building construction firms, local government agencies, and maintenance departments in hospitals or schools.

How to enter the field

Most individuals enter the trade through a formal apprenticeship program sponsored by unions, contractor associations, or independent employers. An apprenticeship combines classroom study with paid on-the-job training under the supervision of licensed plumbers. Others begin with a certificate program at a technical or vocational school to learn basic piping skills, safety, and codes before joining an apprenticeship. In most states, plumbers must earn a license to work independently, progressing from apprentice to journeyman and eventually master plumber.

Job market outlook

Demand for skilled plumbers remains steady nationwide due to ongoing building construction, remodeling, and essential system maintenance. With about 510,600 jobs in the United States, employment is projected to change by 6.8% over the next decade. Software now assists with scheduling, project estimates, and image-based diagnosis, but physical pipe installation and repair continue to require skilled human labor on site.