Whether you’re starting out in the job market or interested in a different career, it’s a good idea to research what’s in demand. The higher the demand, the easier it is to find training, certifications and good career opportunities. In the last few years, there has been a steady rise in demand for professional plumbers. While you may not have considered plumbing jobs until now, this career path has a lot to offer.

As a skilled trade providing an essential service, it’s frequently very easy for plumbers to find steady work across the country. But if you’re still uncertain, let’s take a closer look. We’ll review the skills plumbers should have and the services they’re expected to provide alongside common salaries and benefits. With a little more information, you might better understand why plumbing jobs are in such high demand right now.

What Are Plumbers Expected to Do? What Skills Do They Need?

When most people think of plumbers, they imagine residential services such as removing a clog or fixing a leaky pipe. While those skills are vital for many types of plumbers, their duties can include a much wider variety of services.

Their skill set includes a diverse set of services like repair, installation and maintenance for plumbing fixtures and equipment as well as the pipes themselves. These services might be for drinking water, gas lines, wastewater and much more. Depending on the specific discipline, plumbers may also be trained to work with drainage systems, at water treatment plants and even in industrial manufacturing!

But whatever the plumber is working on, their job prioritizes keeping things flowing smoothly. Like other utilities, plumbing and piping systems are often expected to work 24 hours a day. To ensure efficient and reliable plumbing, plumbers undergo training and professional certification.

What Is the Process for Becoming a Professional Plumber?

There are lots of ways to become a professional plumber. Community colleges, trade schools, industry organizations and even high school programs frequently offer core elements of the knowledge and training plumbers will need. Through these programs, people are given a plumber apprenticeship.

These apprenticeships are essentially a form of “plumbing school” and are designed to prepare you for full-time employment. They’ll offer in-classroom education as well as on-the-job training supervised by experienced plumbers. Depending on the program you enroll in, these apprenticeships could take anywhere between 2 to 5 years to complete. This time is vital to ensure apprentice plumbers have strong competency concerning the tools, procedures and safety precautions they need to get the job done properly.

As plumbers become more experienced, they can proceed with formal certification and accreditation programs. Through additional education and testing, a plumber can become a journeyman and even a master at their trade. With these higher certifications come greater responsibilities, but an increase in available salaries and benefits as well.

What Is the Average Salary for Plumbers?

While the salary of plumbing jobs mostly depends on location and experience, averages frequently hover around more than $50,000 each year. This will differ from state to state. A key distinction to make is that since plumbing careers frequently provide paid on-the-job training, even apprentices are being compensated for their time. Meanwhile, applicants in a large number of other fields often have to wait until their education or training is finished before they start receiving a salary and benefits.

What’s more, lots of plumbers provide emergency support for nights and weekends or take on extra projects for overtime pay. This increases compensation, particularly for advanced skills and certifications. And because plumbing is such an essential service, struggling to find stable work is rare. These things make a career as a professional plumber an excellent option for people seeking reliable and consistent work.

Is Plumbing the Right Choice for Me?

A plumber should be in good physical condition, as jobs often involve lifting heavy objects, standing for extended periods of time and navigating cramped spaces. And if a job takes place outdoors, poor or inclement weather can complicate the process. But by taking proper precautions, plumbers can minimize disruptions and ensure the benefits outweigh these concerns.

Professional plumbers are trained experts who offer an invaluable service for countless homes, businesses and other commercial properties. It can be a lucrative career, particularly for specialists and master plumbers who are increasingly involved in the design and engineering of plumbing systems. Thanks to a number of factors, plumbing jobs are likely to increase for years to come. If you elect to pursue a career as a professional plumber, getting a permanent position might be simpler than you think.

Why Are Plumbers in Such High Demand?

There are lots of reasons plumbers are currently in high demand, including:

  • Plumbing systems are a vital utility: Plumbing has existed for hundreds if not thousands of years, and that’s not going to change. As long as pipes, fixtures and plumbing systems require installation and servicing, trained plumbers will be there to help.
  • A larger number of construction and renovation projects: As construction winds back up, designing and installing new plumbing systems will too. Additionally, advances in water conservation and plumbing technology ensures an active retrofitting aspect of the industry.
  • The recent infrastructure stimulus package: The U.S. government recently created a comprehensive stimulus package designed to repair key infrastructure like roads and utilities. As new piping is built or old piping is replaced, experienced plumbers will be leading the way.

As you can see, a career as a professional plumber can be a great opportunity. There is a high demand for quality plumbers in every part of the country, with competitive compensation and easy access to professional development programs. To learn about local plumbing jobs in Philadelphia, why not get in touch with a local service company like Retro HVAC Service & Installation? You can find out the details about available positions by giving us a call at 267-277-3851 today.