Whether you’re starting out in the job market or interested in a different career, it’s a smart idea to find out what’s in demand. The higher the demand, the easier it is to find training, certifications and good career opportunities. In the last couple of years, there has been a sharp 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 providing an essential service, it’s often very easy for plumbers to enjoy steady work across the country. But if you’re still not sure, 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 might better understand why plumbing jobs are in such high demand right now.

What Services Do Plumbers Provide? What Skills Do They Need?

When lots of people think of plumbers, they think of residential services like removing a clog or repairing a leaky pipe. While those skills are vital for many kinds of plumbers, their skills can include a much wider variety of services.

Their skill set includes a diverse range of services like repair, installation and maintenance for plumbing fixtures and equipment as well as the pipes themselves. These services might be for potable water, gas lines, wastewater and much more. Depending on the specific discipline, plumbers may 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 prioritizes keeping things flowing steadily. Like other utilities, plumbing and piping systems are often expected to function 24 hours a day. To ensure efficient and reliable plumbing, plumbers complete training and professional certification.

What Is the Process for 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 frequently offer core elements of the knowledge and training plumbers will need. Through these programs, people are granted a plumber apprenticeship.

These apprenticeships are essentially a form of “plumbing school” and are designed 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 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 effectively.

As plumbers become more experienced, they can proceed with formal certification and accreditation programs. Through additional 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.

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. A key distinction to make is that since plumbing careers often offer 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 complete before they start receiving a salary and benefits.

What’s more, many plumbers provide emergency support for nights and weekends or complete extra projects for overtime pay. This increases compensation, especially 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 often involve lifting heavy objects, standing for long periods of time and working in cramped spaces. And if a job takes place outdoors, poor or inclement weather can impact the process. But by taking proper precautions, plumbers can avoid 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 can 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 elect to start 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 a number of reasons plumbers are currently in 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.
  • More 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 Sandpoint, why not get in touch with a local service company like Age Heating & Cooling? You can find out the details about available positions by giving us a call at 208-603-2210 today.