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

As a skilled trade offering an essential service, it’s frequently very easy for plumbers to find steady work throughout the country. But if you’re still uncertain, let’s take a closer look. We’ll learn more about the skills plumbers need and the services they’re expected to offer alongside common salaries and benefits. With a bit more information, you may better understand why plumbing jobs are in such high demand right now.

What Services Do Plumbers Provide? What Skills Should They Have?

When lots of people think of plumbers, they think of residential services like draining a clog or repairing a leaky pipe. While those skills are beneficial for many types of plumbers, their skills can encompass 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 could be for drinking water, gas lines, wastewater and much more. Depending on the specific discipline, plumbers might also be trained to work with drainage systems, at water treatment plants and even in industrial manufacturing!

But whatever the plumber is trained for, their job is about keeping things flowing smoothly. Like other utilities, plumbing and piping systems are often expected to function 24 hours a day. To maintain efficient and reliable plumbing, plumbers undergo training and professional certification.

What Are the Steps to Becoming a Professional Plumber?

There are several ways to make progress on becoming a professional plumber. Community colleges, trade schools, industry organizations and even high school programs regularly offer core elements of the knowledge and training plumbers will need. Through these programs, people are given a plumber apprenticeship.

These apprenticeships are basically a form of “plumbing school” and are structured to prepare you for full-time employment. They’ll offer in-classroom education as well as on-the-job training monitored by experienced plumbers. Depending on the program you enroll in, these apprenticeships might take anywhere close to 2 to 5 years to finish. This time is necessary to ensure apprentice plumbers have strong competency concerning the tools, procedures and safety precautions they need to get the job done efficiently.

As plumbers become more experienced, they can advance through formal certification and accreditation programs. Through advanced education and testing, a plumber can become a journeyman and even a master in their field. With these higher certifications come more complex responsibilities, but an increase in available salaries and benefits as well.

What Is the Average Salary for Plumbers?

While the salary of plumbing jobs ultimately depends on location and experience, averages usually hover around more than $50,000 each year. This will vary from state to state. An important distinction to make is that since plumbing careers often 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 over 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 bolsters compensation, particularly for advanced skills and certifications. And because plumbing is such an essential service, struggling to find steady work is fairly uncommon. These things make a career as a professional plumber an excellent option for anyone seeking reliable and consistent work.

Is Plumbing a Good Career to Try?

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

Professional plumbers are trained experts who provide an invaluable service for countless homes, businesses and other commercial properties. It may be a lucrative career, especially for specialists and master plumbers who are more and more 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 decide to pursue a career as a professional plumber, finding a permanent position might be easier than you think.

Why Are Plumbers in Such High Demand?

There are multiple reasons plumbers are experiencing high demand, such as:

  • Plumbing systems are a needed 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 need installation and servicing, trained plumbers will be there to help.
  • An increase in construction and renovation projects: As construction starts back up, designing and installing new plumbing systems should 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 bolster 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 an excellent 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 Mount Hope, why not get in touch with a local service company like Appalachian Heating? You can find out the details about available positions by giving us a call at 304-707-0600 today.