Whether you’re starting out in the job market or looking for 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 several years, there has been a sharp rise in demand for trained plumbers. While you might 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 enjoy steady work across the country. But if you’re still uncertain, let’s take a closer look. We’ll review the skills plumbers need and the services they’re expected to offer alongside typical salaries and benefits. With a bit more information, you can better understand why plumbing jobs are in such high demand right now.

What Are Plumbers Expected to Do? What Experience Should They Have?

When lots of people think of plumbers, they imagine residential services such as resolving a clog or repairing a leaky pipe. While those skills are vital for many kinds of plumbers, their skills can include a much broader 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 can be for potable water, gas lines, wastewater and much more. Depending on the specific discipline, plumbers can 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 focuses on keeping things flowing smoothly. Like other utilities, plumbing and piping systems are often needed to work 24 hours a day. To maintain efficient and reliable plumbing, plumbers undergo training and professional certification.

What Is the Process for Starting a Plumbing Career?

There are several ways to make progress on becoming 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 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 participate in, these apprenticeships may take anywhere around 2 to 5 years to finish. This time is important to ensure apprentice plumbers have strong competency concerning the tools, procedures and safety precautions they use to get the job done properly.

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

Is Plumbing a High-Salary Career?

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

What’s more, many plumbers offer emergency support for nights and weekends or complete extra projects for overtime pay. This bolsters compensation, particularly for specialized 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 people seeking reliable and consistent work.

Is Plumbing the Right Choice for Me?

A plumber should be in good physical condition, as jobs can 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 provide an invaluable service for countless homes, businesses and other commercial properties. It may be a lucrative career, particularly for specialists and master plumbers who are more and more involved in the design and engineering of plumbing systems. Thanks to multiple factors, plumbing jobs are likely to grow for years to come. If you decide to pursue a career as a professional plumber, getting a permanent position might be easier than you think.

Why Did Plumbing Become So Popular?

There are lots of reasons plumbers are experiencing high demand, including:

  • Plumbing systems are a necessary 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.
  • A larger number of construction and renovation projects: As construction winds back up, designing and installing new plumbing systems should too. Additionally, advances in water conservation and plumbing technology ensures an active retrofitting element to the industry.
  • The recent infrastructure stimulus package: The U.S. government recently passed a comprehensive stimulus package designed to repair key infrastructure such as 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 good opportunity. There is a high demand for quality plumbers in every corner of the country, with competitive compensation and easy access to professional development programs. To learn about local plumbing jobs in Pella, why not get in touch with a local service company like Van Haaften Plumbing & Heating? You can find out the details about available positions by giving us a call at 641-628-3621 today.