We’ve all heard about the shortage of skilled tradespeople in the United States, and the increasing age of those that are left. If you’re at this site, it’s probably safe to say that you have some slight interest in plumbing. Maybe you’re a plumber yourself, an avid DIY-er, or simply the curious sort. Perhaps you know someone who is. Whatever the case may be, if a new career is in the offing, there’s no reason to not consider plumbing. In fact, there are ten really good reasons to consider it!
Did you know the average salary for a plumber is about $55,000? Some of the best-paid plumbers earn over $70,000 per year.
It’s a great career, especially if you believe slow and steady wins the race.
Your plumbing career will start with a little bit of time in the classroom, a handful of years gaining on-the-job training, and, finally, a licensure exam.
Together, let’s examine the steps required to enter into a plumbing career.
Education
To start the training process, you’ll need a high school diploma or GED. Some of those courses we used to dread in high school are actually quite important, such as algebra, geometry, and physics.
Then, it’s time to find the right trade school.
Trade schools are located all across the country. While enrolled, you’ll learn things like pipe fitting, blueprint reading, and local plumbing codes and regulations.
Apprenticeship
Your trade school should help you with this next step. Typically, you’ll need to spend about five years or 2,000 hours as an apprentice.
You can find job boards through trade associations, unions, and local businesses.
This will be one of the most important junctures along your plumbing career path; the on-the-job training you’ll receive is invaluable.
Licensure
After your apprenticeship, you’ll be required to pass a licensing exam. This ties in with the number of hours required as an apprentice because most states require two to five years’ experience before sitting for an exam.
Once you’re licensed, you’ll move from being an apprentice to a journeyman plumber. Now, you can work for any employer or even start your own business.
Employment
After you’ve put in your time and passed the licensing exam, you’re a free agent. You’ll find residential services are in high demand all across the country.
Then, there’s still another step you can take. After you’ve spent anywhere from two to ten years as a journeyman (it varies state by state), you can sit for one more exam: the master plumber exam.
With this level of certification, you’ll be the one developing the blueprints (not just reading them) and providing expert-level knowledge on building codes. You’ll be the one dealing with high-end manufacturers like https://carrcompany.com/ and making all the decisions.
You can also charge a much higher rate for your services now, given your extensive knowledge.
Start Your Plumbing Career Today
So, what do you think? Is plumbing a good career for you?
If you’re good with your hands and are an active problem-solver, then a plumbing career may be right for you.
You’ll have to put in a bit of time as an apprentice, but it’ll all be worthwhile when you’re a high earner as a master plumber.
As you continue to explore your options and make the most of life, we invite you to keep coming back to visit our blog. It’s continually being updated, with your success in mind.
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