Whether you’re new to the job market or looking for a different career, it’s a smart idea to find out what’s in demand. The higher the demand, the easier it is to find training, certifications and good career opportunities. In the last few years, there has been a sharp rise in demand for trained plumbers. While you might 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 frequently very easy for plumbers to find steady work throughout the country. But if you’re still not sure, let’s take a closer look. We’ll check out 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 right now.

What Are Plumbers Expected to Do? What Experience Should They Have?

When most people think of plumbers, they imagine residential services such as draining a clog or repairing a leaky pipe. While those skills are vital for many types of plumbers, their duties can encompass a much broader 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 can 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 focuses on keeping things flowing steadily. Like other utilities, plumbing and piping systems are often expected to work 24 hours a day. To ensure efficient and reliable plumbing, plumbers undergo training and professional certification.

What Is the Process for Becoming a Professional Plumber?

There are lots of ways to become 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 monitored by experienced plumbers. Depending on the program you enroll in, these apprenticeships could take anywhere between 2 to 5 years to finish. This time is important to ensure apprentice plumbers have 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 at their trade. With these advanced certifications come greater responsibilities, but an increase in available salaries and benefits as well.

What Is the Average Salary for Plumbers?

While the salary of plumbing jobs mostly depends on location and experience, averages frequently hover around more than $50,000 each year. This will vary 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 finished before they start receiving a salary and benefits.

What’s more, lots of plumbers offer emergency support for nights and weekends or take on extra projects for overtime pay. This increases compensation, particularly for specialized 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 anyone seeking reliable and consistent work.

Is Plumbing a Good Career to Try?

A plumber should be in good physical condition, as jobs can involve lifting heavy objects, standing for extended periods of time and navigating cramped spaces. And if a job is outdoors, poor or inclement weather can affect the process. But by taking proper precautions, plumbers can minimize disruptions and ensure the benefits outweigh these concerns.

Professional plumbers are trained experts who offer an invaluable service for countless homes, businesses and other commercial properties. It may be a lucrative career, particularly for specialists and master plumbers who are more and more involved in the design and engineering of plumbing systems. Thanks to multiple factors, plumbing jobs are likely to grow for years to come. If you decide to start a career as a professional plumber, getting a permanent position might be simpler than you think.

Why Did Plumbing Become So Popular?

There are a number of reasons plumbers are in high demand, such as:

  • 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 require installation and servicing, trained plumbers will be there to help.
  • More 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 element to the industry.
  • The recent infrastructure stimulus package: The U.S. government recently created 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 Moline, why not get in touch with a local service company like J.L. Brady Company LLC? You can find out the details about available positions by giving us a call at 309-517-7511 today.