Whether you’re starting out in the job market or looking for a new career, it’s a good idea to find out what’s in demand. The higher the demand, the easier it is to find training, certifications and strong career opportunities. In the last couple of years, there has been a steady 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 offering 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 should have and the services they’re expected to offer alongside average salaries and benefits. With a little more information, you may better understand why plumbing jobs are in such high demand these days.

What Services Do Plumbers Provide? What Skillset Should They Have?

When lots of people think of plumbers, they picture residential services like removing a clog or repairing a leaky pipe. While those skills are important for many types 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 could be for potable water, gas lines, wastewater and much more. Depending on the specific discipline, plumbers might also be trained to work with drainage systems, at water treatment plants and even in industrial manufacturing!

But whatever the plumber is working on, their job is about keeping things flowing smoothly. Like other utilities, plumbing and piping systems are often required to function 24 hours a day. To maintain efficient and reliable plumbing, plumbers complete training and professional certification.

What Is the Process for Becoming a Certified Plumbing Technician?

There are different ways to make progress on becoming a professional plumber. Community colleges, trade schools, industry organizations and even high school programs often offer core elements of the knowledge and training plumbers will need. Through these programs, people are granted 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 supervised by experienced plumbers. Depending on the program you participate in, these apprenticeships may take anywhere close to 2 to 5 years to complete. This time is vital to ensure apprentice plumbers build strong competency concerning the tools, procedures and safety precautions they use to get the job done properly.

As plumbers become more experienced, they can proceed with formal certification and accreditation programs. Through further education and testing, a plumber can become a journeyman and even a master in their field. With these advanced certifications come greater responsibilities, but an increase in available salaries and benefits as well.

What Salary Do Plumbers Get?

While the salary of plumbing jobs mostly depends on location and experience, averages usually hover around more than $50,000 per year. This will differ from state to state. A unique distinction to make is that since plumbing careers regularly offer paid on-the-job training, even apprentices are being compensated for their time. Meanwhile, applicants in many other fields often have to wait until their education or training is over before they start receiving a salary and benefits.

What’s more, lots of plumbers offer 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 stable work is rare. These things make a career as a professional plumber an excellent option for people seeking reliable and consistent work.

Is Plumbing Your Next Career?

A plumber should be in good physical condition, as jobs can involve lifting heavy objects, standing for long periods of time and working in cramped spaces. And if a job is outdoors, poor or inclement weather can complicate 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, 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 increase for years to come. If you elect to pursue a career as a professional plumber, getting a permanent position might be simpler than you think.

Why Are Plumbers in Such High Demand?

There are many reasons plumbers are experiencing high demand, including:

  • Plumbing systems are a needed 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.
  • 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 comprehensive stimulus package designed to bolster key infrastructure like 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 an excellent 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 Greater Richmond, why not get in touch with a local service company like Herman Allen Plumbing, Heating & Cooling? You can find out the details about available positions by giving us a call at 804-302-6657 today.