What does a plumber do?
Plumbers install, maintain and repair the systems that bring clean water into buildings and carry waste out. Many also work on gas lines, water heaters and heating systems. Because plumbing protects public health, the work must follow strict codes and pass inspection.
On new construction, plumbers read blueprints, lay out where pipes will go, cut and join pipe, and install fixtures like sinks, toilets, tubs and water heaters. On service calls, they find and fix leaks, clear clogged drains, replace broken parts and diagnose low water pressure or no hot water. Some plumbers also test backflow devices or install gas piping.
Common tools include pipe wrenches, pipe cutters, PEX crimpers, soldering torches, drain snakes and augers, sewer cameras, pressure gauges and power saws.
Plumbers work in:
- Homes, for repairs, remodels and new builds
- Apartment and office buildings
- Hospitals, schools and restaurants
- Factories and industrial plants
- Service vans running daily repair calls
A typical day
- Load the truck and review the day’s calls or job plans
- Diagnose a leak, clog or water heater problem at a customer’s home
- Cut, fit and connect new pipe or replace fixtures
- Test the system for leaks and proper flow
- Clean up, explain the repair, and log parts and time
Is plumbing a good career?
Plumbing is steady, well-paid work with a clear path to your own business. It also has downsides you should know about.
Pros
- According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, plumbers earn a median of $63,800 a year ($30.67 an hour).
- Jobs are projected to grow 7% from 2025 to 2035, with about 42,000 openings each year.
- Apprenticeships are paid, so you earn while you learn and avoid big student loans.
- Licensing protects the trade and leads to master and contractor licenses.
- Plumbing repairs cannot be put off for long, so demand stays steady.
Cons
- It takes 4 to 5 years of apprenticeship to reach journeyman level.
- The work is physical, with heavy lifting, kneeling and tight spaces.
- Some jobs are messy, and you may deal with sewage and mold.
- Service plumbers may work nights, weekends or emergency calls.
Trade school vs. apprenticeship
In plumbing, the paid apprenticeship is the standard way in. It is how most plumbers earn the hours needed for a journeyman license.
Paid apprenticeship. Programs last 4 to 5 years. You work full time for a plumbing contractor and take classes on code, math, blueprint reading and plumbing systems. Union apprenticeships are offered through the United Association (UA). Non-union options come from groups like the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association (PHCC), Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC), and many local shops. Some programs open applications only at certain times of year.
Pre-apprenticeship or trade school first. A typical pre-apprenticeship or plumbing certificate program takes 3 to 12 months and costs about $1,000 to $15,000, which varies by school. You learn pipe joining, fixtures, basic code and safety. This can help you get accepted into an apprenticeship, start as a plumber’s helper, and in some cases earn credit toward your required hours.
Many people do a short program first, then move into a paid apprenticeship. Others go straight in. Either way, the goal is the same: hours, skills and a license.
Specializations and where they lead
- Service and repair plumber. Fixing leaks, drains and water heaters in homes and businesses. Strong customer skills help here.
- New construction plumber. Installing full plumbing systems in new homes and commercial buildings.
- Pipefitter or steamfitter. High-pressure piping for heating, cooling and industrial systems in plants, hospitals and large buildings.
- Gas fitting, backflow and medical gas. Specialty certifications that open doors to higher-paying commercial work.
- Master plumber, inspector or business owner. With a master license, you can run crews, become a plumbing inspector, or open your own shop.
How to choose a plumbing school
If you take a pre-apprenticeship or plumbing program, choose one that helps you get into a paid apprenticeship. Ask these questions:
- Is the school accredited, and is the program eligible for federal financial aid (FAFSA)? Accreditation affects your aid options and how employers see your training.
- Does the program help students get apprenticeships? Ask which union and non-union programs graduates have joined and whether the school helps with applications.
- Will my training hours count toward an apprenticeship or license? Some states and programs give credit for approved coursework.
- How much hands-on practice is included? Look for labs where you cut, solder, glue and crimp real pipe and install real fixtures.
- Does the program teach the plumbing code used in my state? Code knowledge is key for your journeyman exam.
- Is OSHA 10 included? Many contractors want new hires to have it.
- What is the total cost, including tools? Ask for a full list of fees and required tools before you enroll.
