All critical life decisions, including employment and career choices, should be made with caution. Whether you're a recent high school graduate looking for your first job or an experienced professional trying to advance your career, a career as a professional plumber may be rewarding in a variety of ways. Find out how being a specialist in the plumbing, pipefitting, or steamfitting industry would pay off by looking at wage and employment statistics for plumbers.
Plumbers Have High Earning Potential.
According to the most recent information available from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, or BLS, the median annual income for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters in the United States is over $50,620. This is far more than the national median income of $36,200 for all professions. The average plumber's wage varies by country and depends on years of experience, but in some metropolitan areas, plumbers can earn over $80,000 per year on average. Depending on where you live and how long you've been in the industry, becoming a plumber may help you make more money.
There is an Increased Demand for Plumbers
The plumbing industry is forecast to grow by 12% over the next 12 years, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. More plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters are expected to retire over the next 10 years. In the plumbing industry, some employers have already expressed trouble finding skilled employees. With a plumbing certification, you'll have a highly sought-after ability that will give you a leg up on the competition while looking for work.
A Plumbing Career can Help You Keep Debt to a Minimum
At a time when 68 percent of college seniors graduate from a four-year university with student loan debt, pursuing a career in the trades might be a wise decision. This is particularly true considering the average student loan debt per borrower is more than $30,000. The cost of attending trade school varies by state, but many states require a paid apprenticeship as part of the plumbing curriculum in addition to technical courses. This means that instead of taking out a large student loan to pay for a conventional degree, you may get paid on-the-job training by seeking a career as a plumber.
Plumbers Can Enjoy Stable Employment.
If the prospect of getting overtime, working a regular schedule, and even deciding when you work appeals to you, becoming a plumber may be the right fit. Many commercial building plumbers work normal weekday hours and are off on Saturdays.
Some residential service plumbers are required to work after hours for emergency calls, but these standby shifts are usually planned ahead of time and may result in significant overtime pay. Plumbers who own their own company should set their own hours and enjoy the freedom of being their own boss. If you're willing to take the leap, the next step is to look into the criteria for becoming a plumber in your state.
Connect with community colleges in your region, look into apprenticeship programs, and learn about the benefits of joining a trade association once you've obtained your plumbing license. Ferguson promoting careers in the professional trading sector as a member of the plumbing community. See how you can Own the Job by learning more about our partnership with the Plumbing, Heating, and Cooling Contractors Association.
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