Whether you’re starting out in the job market or considering a different career, it’s a great idea to research what’s in demand. The higher the demand, the more likely it is to find training, certifications and strong career opportunities. In the last couple of years, there has been a sharp rise in demand for professional plumbers. While you might 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 frequently very easy for plumbers to find steady work throughout the country. But if you’re still not sure, let’s take a closer look. We’ll check out the skills plumbers need and the services they’re expected to provide alongside typical salaries and benefits. With a bit more information, you may better understand why plumbing jobs are in such high demand these days.

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

When lots of people think of plumbers, they think of residential services such as removing a clog or fixing a leaky pipe. While those skills are vital for many types of plumbers, their duties can encompass a much broader 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 can 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 is about keeping things flowing steadily. Like other utilities, plumbing and piping systems are often expected to work 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 given a plumber apprenticeship.

These apprenticeships are basically 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 may take anywhere between 2 to 5 years to complete. This time is vital to ensure apprentice plumbers have strong competency concerning the tools, procedures and safety precautions they use to get the job done efficiently.

As plumbers become more experienced, they can improve their services through formal certification and accreditation programs. Through advanced education and testing, a plumber can become a journeyman and even a master in their field. With these higher 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 largely depends on location and experience, averages frequently hover around more than $50,000 each year. This will vary from state to state. An important distinction to make is that since plumbing careers often include 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 offer emergency support for nights and weekends or take on extra projects for overtime pay. This bolsters compensation, especially for specialized skills and certifications. And because plumbing is such an essential service, struggling to find steady work is rare. These things make a career as a professional plumber an excellent option for people 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 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 reduce disruptions and ensure the benefits outweigh these concerns.

Professional plumbers are trained experts who offer an invaluable service for countless homes, businesses and other commercial properties. It may be a lucrative career, especially for specialists and master plumbers who are increasingly involved in the design and engineering of plumbing systems. Thanks to a variety of factors, plumbing jobs are likely to grow for years to come. If you choose to pursue a career as a professional plumber, getting a permanent position might be easier than you think.

Why Are Plumbers in Such High Demand?

There are lots of reasons plumbers are experiencing high demand, such as:

• Plumbing systems are a vital 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 require installation and servicing, trained plumbers will be there to help.
• An increase in 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 aspect of the industry.
• The recent infrastructure stimulus package: The U.S. government recently passed a large 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 great opportunity. There is a high demand for quality plumbers in every part of the country, with competitive compensation and easy access to professional development programs. To learn about local plumbing jobs in Warrenton, why not get in touch with a local service company like Schraer Heating & Air Conditioning? You can find out the details about available positions by giving us a call at 636-456-5041 today.