 |
|
|
|
Plumbers are responsible for installing, repairing and maintaining a variety of pipe systems. These systems could be as simple as the plumbing lines in a residential home or as complex as an indoor emergency sprinkler system for a skyscraper. Plumbers also deal with gas systems, drainage pipes and irrigation systems as well as plumbing fixtures and appliances that rely on water and pipes, such as dishwashers or washing machines.
Plumbers might work with brand new materials at a new construction site or they might encounter old pipes in a historic home that need careful repair or thoughtful replacement. Depending upon the career path a plumber chooses, the day-to-day work could be predictable and steady or a constant new challenge.
Plumbing Overview
Most people think of a plumber as the person they call when the sink is clogged or the shower stops working. However, the career possibilities for plumbers are much broader. Here are just a few of the many options available when you train to be a plumber:
Plumber Training: Degrees and Coursework
Many plumbers begin their career with an apprenticeship or in technical schools and community colleges. While classroom education can help with advancement in the plumbing industry, much of a plumber's training happens on the job.
Most apprenticeships require 4 to 5 years of paid experience on the job as well as 144 hours of classroom instruction per year. These classes usually include related subjects such as mathematics, safety, applied physics, chemistry and drafting. Courses in how to read and understand local building codes and how to read blueprints might also be helpful.
Beyond Plumber Training: Licensing and Other Requirements
While there are no uniform national requirements for licensing, there are usually licensing laws for plumbers that vary from state to state. Some communities have their own requirements for licensing plumbing contractors. In most cases, a plumber must have 2 to 5 years of training or experience as well as a passing test grade in order to obtain their license. Many states also have special licensing requirements for plumbers who work on gas lines.
Beyond the educational and licensing requirements, a plumber's training often includes an emphasis on physical fitness. Plumbers often work long hours in conditions that might be uncomfortable, so being in good physical shape can make the job much easier.
Plumber Career Outlook
Becoming a plumber is a smart move these days. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), jobs for plumbers are expected to grow by 16 percent between 2008 and 2018. That is faster than the average for all occupations.
New construction, repair, renovation and regular maintenance are all expected to keep plumbers in demand. A clear push towards water conservation in some areas means that plumbers should be needed to keep up with the innovations and to install them in both new and existing structures.
In 2009, plumbers made an average of $49,870 per year, according to the latest numbers from the BLS. Plumbers are among the highest-paid and largest construction occupations with a current workforce of well over half a million. About 56 percent of those plumbers worked for plumbing, heating or cooling contractors. Others were employed by the government, large industry and commercial businesses. Another 12 percent were self-employed and many owned their own small plumbing businesses.
Resources for Plumbers
These schools offer particularly quick info upon request, and we have written detailed profiles for each (click school names to see the profiles).
Request info from multiple schools, by clicking the Get Info links.
| School | Locations | Degrees | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ashworth College | Online | Diploma | |
| Everest Institute | TX | Diploma | |
| New England Institute of Technology | RI | Associate | |
| WyoTech | CA | Diploma |
Copyright © QuinStreet, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
