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Career path

Plumber

Infrastructure the world depends on

Plumbers install and repair the pipe systems that carry water, gas, and waste. Aging infrastructure nationwide means decades of guaranteed work.

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Median salary

$59,880

Job growth

+6.3%

Training time

4–5 year apprenticeship

Work style

Hands-on skilled work

Next step

Turn this career path into a practical next step.

Use this page to understand the work, then compare training programs or look for real jobs and apprenticeships connected to this direction.

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Earning potential

$40,000 – $104,000

Pay can vary by region, experience, certifications, union status, employer, and whether the worker becomes self-employed.

Typical preparation timeline

4–5 year apprenticeship

Day in the life

What the work can look like

Repair a burst pipe at 7am, rough-in plumbing on a new construction site by afternoon, install a water heater, wrap up with paperwork.

Key skills

  • Pipe fitting
  • Blueprint reading
  • Code compliance
  • Problem-solving
  • Customer communication

Credentials to research

  • Journeyman Plumber
  • Master Plumber
  • Backflow Prevention
  • Medical Gas

Common work settings

  • Roto-Rooter
  • Mr. Rooter
  • Local contractors

Why this path can be a good fit

  • Excellent job security
  • High emergency rates
  • Self-employment common
  • Physical variety
  • Community respect

Things to consider

  • Unpleasant job conditions sometimes
  • Emergency calls
  • Physical strain