Whether you’re new to the job market or interested in a different career, it’s a smart idea to look into what’s in demand. The higher the demand, the more likely it is to find training, certifications and good career opportunities. In the last couple of years, there has been a steady rise in demand for professional 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 enjoy steady work throughout the country. But if you’re still on the fence, let’s take a closer look. We’ll learn more about the skills plumbers should have and the services they’re expected to provide alongside common salaries and benefits. With a little more information, you might better understand why plumbing jobs are in such high demand recently.

What Services Do Plumbers Provide? What Skills Do They Need?

When lots of people think of plumbers, they imagine residential services such as removing a clog or replacing a leaky pipe. While those skills are vital for many kinds of plumbers, their duties can include a much wider variety of services.

Their skill set includes a diverse set of services like repair, installation and maintenance for plumbing fixtures and equipment as well as the pipes themselves. These services may be for potable water, gas lines, wastewater and much more. Depending on the specific discipline, plumbers may 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 prioritizes keeping things flowing smoothly. Like other utilities, plumbing and piping systems are often expected to function 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 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 given a plumber apprenticeship.

These apprenticeships are basically a form of “plumbing school” and are structured 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 may take anywhere around 2 to 5 years to complete. This time is vital to ensure apprentice plumbers have strong competency concerning the tools, procedures and safety precautions they need to get the job done effectively.

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

What Is the Average Salary for Plumbers?

While the salary of plumbing jobs ultimately depends on location and experience, averages typically hover around more than $50,000 per year. This will vary from state to state. A key distinction to make is that since plumbing careers regularly provide paid on-the-job training, even apprentices are being compensated for their time. Meanwhile, applicants in a large number of 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 complete extra projects for overtime pay. This bolsters 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 people seeking reliable and consistent work.

Is Plumbing a Good Career to Try?

A plumber should be in good physical condition, as jobs often involve lifting heavy objects, standing for extended periods of time and working in cramped spaces. And if a job is outdoors, poor or inclement weather can affect 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, particularly for specialists and master plumbers who are more and more involved in the design and engineering of plumbing systems. Thanks to a variety of factors, plumbing jobs are likely to be on the rise for years to come. If you decide to pursue a career as a professional plumber, finding a permanent position might be simpler than you think.

Why Are Plumbers in Such High Demand?

There are many reasons plumbers are currently 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 passed a comprehensive stimulus package designed to bolster key infrastructure such as roads and utilities. As new piping is built or old piping is replaced, expert plumbers will be leading the way.

As you can see, a career as a professional plumber can be a good 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.