Starting a career in the plumbing industry can best be achieved through a plumbing apprenticeship. Whether you want to install water pipes in residences, maintain gas lines, or troubleshoot drainage problems in commercial buildings, plumbing is a demanding profession that offers both economic security and personal satisfaction. If you’re curious about getting started, what to expect, and why plumbing may be the right career for you, you are in the right place. This step-by-step guide will show you how to become a plumber, detailing everything from what’s involved in the apprenticeship process to how much you can earn and how long the entire process takes.
Table of Contents
What Does a Plumber Do?
A plumber installs, repairs, and maintains numerous plumbing systems. These systems encompass water, sewage, drainage, heating, and gas lines, which are vital for the daily operations of residences, businesses, and industrial grades.
Key Responsibilities of a Plumber
- Installations: Plumbers install pipes, fixtures, water heaters and other plumbing components in new buildings. Regardless of whether it may be a residence or a substantial business area, contractors verify that the plumbing system is installed properly and efficiently.
- Repairs: When trouble strikes, plumbers identify and repair problems like leaks, malfunctioning water heaters, broken pipes and clogs. Detectives typically investigate, identifying the root cause and stifling long-term solutions.
- Installation and Upgrades: Plumbing cannot go without the systems that keep it running in order, so plumbers constantly replace old pipes and old fixtures and ensure everything is safe and efficient.
- Emergency Services: Many plumbers offer emergency services to address issues such as burst pipes, flooding, or gas leaks and respond to these issues promptly to minimize damages.
Why Plumbing is a Valuable Career
The plumbing profession is hands-on, with high demands on the job. Like several other professions, plumbing benefits from:
- Career Consistency: Plumbing remains a profession since people will always require plumbing services regardless of conditions.
- Good Pay: Plumbers typically receive an income that can increase as they accumulate experience in their field.
- Opportunities for Growth; Once you finish an apprenticeship program as an apprentice you have the chance to become a journeyman plumber and eventually venture into starting your very own plumbing business.
Becoming a plumber means stepping into a profession that guarantees an fulfilling career due, to its demand, in the industry.
How Much Does a Plumber Earn?
The earning potential is one of the main draws of a career in plumbing. How much money plumbers make will be different based on experience, location, and types of work done. Here’s a breakdown of how much you can expect to earn as a plumber, both through and post your apprenticeship.
Average Salary of a Plumber
- OPPORTUNITIES FOR GROWTH Starting Salary: At entry-level, as a first-year apprentice, you can expect to earn between $15 to $18 per hour based on your geographical location. But that salary grows over time as you advance through the apprenticeship and acquire more skills.
- Journeyman Plumber Salaries: After completing your apprenticeship and getting a journeyman plumber card, you can look forward to an annual salary ranging from $50,000 to $75,000. In in-demand neighbourhoods, that figure could be $100,000 or more.
- Master Plumber Salary: If you decide to keep climbing the career ladder, you might become a master plumber. Master plumbers can typically make between $70,000 to $100,000 or greater per year, depending on experience and the area.
Factors Affecting Plumber Salary
- Experience: Like most jobs, the more experience you have, the more money you can put in your pocket. You also become a journeyman plumber who earns a higher salary as you take on more challenging projects after your apprenticeship ends.
- Union vs. Non-Union: Unionized plumbers tend to make a higher wage than their non-union counterparts. Thanks largely to unions negotiating for better pay rates and benefits for members.
- Geographic location: Plumber pay varies widely by region. Plumbers in cities with high costs of living, like New York or San Francisco, for instance, typically make more than those who work in smaller towns or rural areas.
- Type of Work: Your income potential may vary depending on whether you work for a large plumbing company or as a freelancer. Independent contractors may be able to charge clients higher rates, but they also face the headaches of running their businesses.
- Pay Additional: Many plumbers earn overtime pay, particularly for emergency jobs. Bonus for specific jobs may also be offered to plumbers working in high-end areas or with specialized systems (like gas plumbing or industrial plumbing).
How Much Does a Plumbing Apprentice Earn Per Hour?
Apprentices learn on the job and earn a wage so they can support themselves while learning. Although pay is lower than an established plumber’s, apprentices are paid to learn on the job.
First-Year Apprentice: In the first year of the apprenticeship, apprentices should expect to make around $15 to $18 per hour. During this part, you’ll discover the principles of items, for example, pipefitting, security conventions, and grasping plumbing frameworks.
Year Two/Three Through the Apprenticeship: By the second and third years, apprentices typically make $20 to $25 an hour. Such a step-up happens alongside increasing responsibilities and increased competency in your work.
Final Year Apprentice: In the last year of the apprenticeship you may make up to $30 per hour or greater depending on your cloister and the locality.
As an apprentice, your earnings will steadily increase as you progress through your training. Upon completion of your apprenticeship, you will have the skills and certifications to command much higher pay as a journeyman plumber.
What Does a Plumber’s Salary Mean in Real Terms?
When looking at a plumber’s salary, it is important to weigh the cost of living in various areas, as well as the other benefits and overtime pay that go into it.
Cost of Living: If you’re working in a place like San Francisco or New York, the cost of living will offset your salary. Plumbers in those places could make more, but so would their cost of living. Plumbers in smaller cities with a lower cost of living, on the other hand, can also live in a condo or a flat but enjoy a higher standard of living with a similar salary.
Advantages: A lot of plumbers, particularly those employed by large businesses or unions, receive health insurance, retirement plans, and paid vacation. All these perks add a lot of value to the overall remuneration package.
Overtime and Extra Pay: Plumbers often have the option of earning additional income through overtime pay, particularly during emergencies or after regular working hours. Overtime worker compensation – For many jobs, overtime is paid at higher rates—such as time-and-a-half or double time—which can greatly increase earnings.
Unshakeable Job Stability: Plumbing is a recession-proof profession. As long as there are homes, businesses, and industry, there will necessarily be a need for plumbers. This stability and guaranteed income make plumbing an attractive career choice.
Read: Ultimate Guide to Home Plumbing: Maintenance, Repairs, and Expert Tips for Every Homeowner
How Can a Plumbing Apprenticeship Help Me Start My Career?
And, Some of the best ways to launch your plumbing career is with Plumbing apprenticeship. These programs provide on-the-job training plus classroom learning, pairing you with the real-world experience required to thrive.
Advantages
Paid Training: You will be compensated while you learn, which is one of the most significant advantages of a plumbing. You can get hands-on teaching practice without the burden of student debt or tuition costs.
Learning on the Job: You’ll be working with experienced plumbers ready to teach you the ropes. This hands-on experience is invaluable and will equip you with the skills needed to qualify as a licensed plumber.
Job Placement: Many apprenticeship programs have relationships with local employers, allowing parents to get connected to eager employers who want to hire qualified apprentices. When your apprenticeship is complete, you will have a job waiting for you.
Job Advancement: Once your apprenticeship is done and you have a journeyman license you can perform higher role tasks for master plumbing or plumbing supervisor. You can even open a plumbing firm.
Read: 10 Best Plumbers in Hull
How Long Does a Plumbing Apprenticeship Take?
Most apprenticeships are 4 to 5 years long, depending on the program and location. This period will include practical training and classes.
Apprenticeship Program Breakdown
Year 1: You’ll cover the basics, such as safety protocols, plumbing tools and materials. You’ll also begin to work with pipes and fixtures.
Year 2-3: You will perform more advanced work, which may include laying complex plumbing systems, including gas lines, and troubleshooting plumbing problems.
Year 4-5: In the last years, you will concentrate on honing your skills for the journeyman certification exam. You’ll also start working independently and tackling more complex plumbing jobs.
How Can Checkatrade’s Get In Programme Help Me Start My Plumbing Career?
Checkatrade’s Get-In Programme is perfect for anyone wanting to get into plumbing. It offers mentorship, training and job placement assistance.
Training: Checkatrade provides training on different elements of plumbing, including installation and maintenance, as well as customer service.
With a reputable program, finding a job is made easier as the program connects you with employers seeking apprentices.
Support: You will receive ongoing support all the way through your apprenticeship to make sure that you complete the program and have what it takes to become a plumber.
How to Apply for a Plumbing Apprenticeship
Things to Consider when applying for a Apprenticeship
The initial step that you need to take toward your plumbing career is getting into an apprenticeship program that defines your career. Here’s how to apply:
Research Programs: Find apprenticeship programs within your locality through local unions, trade schools, or sites where jobs are posted, such as Indeed or LinkedIn.
Study Yourself: You know yourself better than anyone else and will have to write an application, so make sure to prepare your application. No previous experience is required, but highlight any skills such as tool work or basic mechanical knowledge if you have it.
Interview: Be prepared to discuss why you want to be a plumber, your work ethic and other questions.
Once accepted into an apprenticeship, you’ll begin learning the ropes and working toward your plumbing career.
How Do I Know if a Career as a Plumber is Right for Me?
Plumbing can be a lucrative career, but is it the right path for you?
Physicality: Plumbers do manual work, and you may have to manage tight locations, lift heavy things, or have jobs in hot, annoying places.
Problem-Solving: Those who work in plumbing must possess great problem-solving skills. You’ll be required to troubleshoot issues, diagnose problems and identify solutions.
Job Satisfaction: Plumbers enjoy high levels of job satisfaction due to the diversity of tasks, independence, and the fulfillment of problem-solving.
If you like working with your hands, tackling technical problems, and serving your community, plumbing may be a great career for you!
What Skills Does an Apprentice Plumber Need?
To pass a plumbing apprenticeship, you need both innate talents and acquired skills:
Natural Skills: You would start with an advantage if you are detail-oriented, mechanically minded, and comfortable with manual labour.
Skills Learned: Over the years, you’ll hone technical skills, including pipefitting, reading blueprints, understanding plumbing codes and troubleshooting systems.
How Does Being a Plumber Compare in Real Life?
Some real-life plumbers have opened up about their apprenticeships and jobs in plumbing. Here’s what they had to say:
- Lauren: “Having an apprenticeship provided me the foundation that I needed to take on independent work. I learned every plumbing system there is, and I run my projects now.”
- Rachel: “I decided to become a plumber because I wanted practical skills that I could use for life. The apprenticeship provided the training and confidence I required to be successful.’”
- Jasmine: “Being a woman in the plumbing trade, I love to inspire women to come into this trade. Plumbing is a diverse and fulfilling profession.”
Final Thoughts
A plumbing is one of the best ways to gain the experience, skills, and qualifications to build a lifelong career in a trade with high demand. Apprenticeships give you everything you need to become a successful plumber through hands-on experience and training, as well as career support. Whether you’ve only just begun or have existing skills and want to level up, plumbing can provide you with long-standing job security, competitive wages, and a way to make an impact in your local neighbourhood.
FAQs
What is a Plumbing Apprenticeship?
A plumber apprenticeship is a period in which you are trained to become a plumber, working with experienced plumbers under supervision and attending classes to learn the technical parts of plumbing. This process usually lasts 4-5 years.
How Do I Apply for a Plumber Apprenticeship?
Studio-Themed Work Research Programs: Trade schools, unions, and even some online job boards will display apprenticeship programs.
Develop Your Application: Build an impressive resume and application. If you have skills that may be relevant, such as a mechanical background, emphasize them.
Interview: Be prepared to discuss why you’re interested in plumbing, your work ethic and why you want to work in the trade.
How Much Does a Plumbing Apprentice Make?
First-Year Apprentice: $15–$18 per hour.
After some time on the job: Approx $20–$25/hour.
Year 3 Apprentice: $30 per hour or more, depending on geographic location and progress.
How Long Does a Apprenticeship Take?
Most typically, you spend 4 to 5 years as an apprentice, learning the trade with both on-the-job experience and classroom training.
What Does a Plumber Do?
Plumbers install, maintain, and repair systems used for water, sewage, drainage, heating, and gas lines in residential, commercial, and industrial structures.
What Are the Benefits of Becoming a Plumber?
Job Stability: Being a plumber is a job you can always get.
Good Pay: Starting pay is competitive, and you have access to increasing your pay as you gain experience.
Job Opportunities: Potential advancement to wider roles like a master plumber or the opening of your own plumbing business.
How Much Can a Plumber Earn?
Apprentice, Year 1: $15–$18/hour
Journeyman Plumber: $50,000–$75,000 per year; $100,000 or more in high-demand areas
Master plumber: $70,000–$100,000 a year, based on experience and location.
What Skills Do You Need for a Plumbing Apprenticeship?
Natural Abilities: Attention to detail, manual laborer, mechanically inclined
What You Learn: Pipefitting, plumbing codes, reading blueprints, troubleshooting plumbing systems.
How Does a Plumbing Help Kickstart Your Career?
Apprenticeships provide paid training, hands-on experience and networking opportunities with local employers. Once finished, you can work as a journeyman plumber, and as you gain experience, you can take on more advanced positions or start your own company.
What Are the Career Growth Opportunities After an Apprenticeship?
Once you have completed an apprenticeship, you will be able to:
Become a journeyman plumber.
Step into a master plumber position.”
You can launch your own plumbing business or work in a supervisory capacity.
