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.
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.
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
Career seeker next step
Compare preparation options before applying.
Once a career path looks promising, compare training programs, build your readiness profile, and then review real jobs or apprenticeships that fit your direction.