What is a plumber and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
introduction image

A plumber installs, repairs, and maintains plumbing systems in buildings. They work with materials such as pipes, valves, and appliances to ensure the proper functioning of water supply, and drainage. Plumbers diagnose and fix problems with leaks, clogs, and broken pipes. They also install plumbing systems for construction projects. Plumbers may provide advice on water conservation and energy efficiency to clients. A plumber must possess good problem-solving skills and knowledge of safety procedures and regulations.

ScorePlumberUS Average
Salary
4.3

Avg. Salary $55,337

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability Level
7.8

Growth Rate 2%

Growth Rate 0.3%

Diversity
8.3
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 1.05%

Asian 1.87%

Black or African American 9.52%

Hispanic or Latino 20.17%

Unknown 4.22%

White 63.17%

Gender

female 3.50%

male 96.50%

Age - 41
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 41
Stress Level
7.8

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity Level
7.9

Complexity Level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work Life Balance
6.6

Work Life balance is good

6.4 - fair

What are the pros and cons of being a Plumber?

Pros

  • Good pay

  • High demand

  • Job security

  • Opportunity to start own business

  • Hands-on work

Cons

  • Work can be dirty and unpleasant

  • Risk of injury or exposure to hazardous materials

  • May require being on-call for emergencies

  • Can be stressful dealing with upset customers or difficult situations

  • May involve working in cramped, uncomfortable spaces or at heights

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Plumber career paths

Key steps to become a plumber

  1. Explore plumber education requirements

    Most common plumber degrees

    High School Diploma

    53.1 %

    Associate

    15.0 %

    Diploma

    12.2 %
  2. Start to develop specific plumber skills

    Skills
    ascdesc
    Percentages
    ascdesc
    Plumbing23.46%
    Hand Tools6.87%
    Plumbers6.04%
    Customer Service5.95%
    Cast Iron4.11%
  3. Complete relevant plumber training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 2-4 years on post-employment, on-the-job training. New plumbers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a plumber based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real plumber resumes.
  4. Obtain the necessary licensing

    Becoming a licensed plumber usually doesn't require a college degree. However, you need to pass an exam to become a licensed plumber in most of states. 33 states require plumbers to have license for their work. You can see the list of states below.
    State
    ascdesc
    Education
    ascdesc
    Exam
    ascdesc
    License Url
    ascdesc
    Alabama--Certified Master Plumber
    MarylandSpecific course requiredState exam requiredPLUMBER
    Arkansas-State exam requiredJourneyman Plumber
    Colorado-State exam requiredJourneyman Plumber
    Connecticut-State exam requiredPlumbing & Piping Unlimited Journeyperson
  5. Gain additional plumber certifications

    Plumber certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for the position. Certifications can also make you a more competitive candidate. Even if employers don't require a specific plumber certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.

    The most common certifications for plumbers include EPA Amusement Operators Safety Certification (EPA) and Certified in Plumbing Design (CPD).

    More About Certifications
  6. Research plumber duties and responsibilities

    • Train and manage less experience plumbers and achieve significant improvements in their productivity.
    • Replace old copper and cast iron plumbing, install PEX water lines, CPVC lines and PVC lines.
    • Learned how to read blueprints, use plumbing math and read sub/spec data.
    • Assemble pipe sections, tubing, or fittings, using various techniques, including caulking, soldering, and brazing.
  7. Prepare your plumber resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your plumber resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a plumber resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose From 10+ Customizable Plumber Resume templates

    Build a professional Plumber resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your Plumber resume.
    Plumber Resume
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    Plumber Resume
  8. Apply for plumber jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a plumber job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How Did You Land Your First Plumber Job

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Average plumber salary

The average Plumber salary in the United States is $55,337 per year or $27 per hour. Plumber salaries range between $36,000 and $84,000 per year.

Average Plumber Salary
$55,337 Yearly
$26.60 hourly

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How do plumbers rate their job?

4.4/5

Based On 5 Ratings

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

Plumber reviews

profile
5.0
A zippia user wrote a review on Apr 2022
Pros

The work and the money. Big jobs. Guys that know their trade and pride themselves with great work.

Cons

Drain cleaning, jetting. Wanna be's and people that are late and unreliable.


profile
5.0
A zippia user wrote a review on Mar 2022
Pros

Plumbing and fittings

Cons

Laziness in the jod I do not like that, effort towards endurance


profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Mar 2022
Pros

Getting the job done. Working smart and safe. Being productive and active.

Cons

Not being told what to do. Taking the initiative .


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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