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Life As a Plumber
Job Description & Duties Assemble, install, or repair pipes, fittings, or fixtures of heating, water, or drainage systems, according to specifications or plumbing codes.
A Day in the Life of a Plumber
- Locate and mark the position of pipe installations, connections, passage holes, or fixtures in structures, using measuring instruments such as rulers or levels.
- Recommend energy or water saving products, such as low-flow faucets or shower heads, water-saving toilets, or high-efficiency hot water heaters.
- Keep records of work assignments.
- Determine sizing requirements for solar hot water heating systems, taking into account factors such as site orientation, load calculations, or storage capacity requirements.
- Maintain or repair plumbing by replacing defective washers, replacing or mending broken pipes, or opening clogged drains.
- Install green plumbing equipment, such as faucet flow restrictors, dual-flush or pressure-assisted flush toilets, or tankless hot water heaters.
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What Every Plumber Should Know
Plumbers state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Judgment and Decision Making: Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Operation Monitoring: Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Types of Plumber Jobs
- Water Softener Installer
- Drain Cleaner, Plumber
- Fire Control System Installer
- Plumbing Technician
- Journeyman Plumber
Plumber Job Outlook
In the United States, there were 480,600 jobs for Plumber in 2016. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 15.6% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 75,200 new jobs for Plumber by 2026. There will be an estimated 61,000 positions for Plumber per year.
The states with the most job growth for Plumber are Utah, Nevada, and Arizona. Watch out if you plan on working in Maine, Alaska, or Vermont. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
What is the Average Salary of a Plumber
The average yearly salary of a Plumber ranges between $32,100 and $93,700.
Plumbers who work in Illinois, Alaska, or Minnesota, make the highest salaries.
How much do Plumbers make in different U.S. states?
| State | Annual Mean Salary |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $45,260 |
| Alaska | $75,520 |
| Arizona | $48,950 |
| Arkansas | $43,540 |
| California | $61,410 |
| Colorado | $53,350 |
| Connecticut | $63,780 |
| Delaware | $61,640 |
| District of Columbia | $69,800 |
| Florida | $44,200 |
| Georgia | $48,680 |
| Hawaii | $73,810 |
| Idaho | $47,320 |
| Illinois | $79,400 |
| Indiana | $60,030 |
| Iowa | $52,060 |
| Kansas | $55,140 |
| Kentucky | $55,890 |
| Louisiana | $54,940 |
| Maine | $50,830 |
| Maryland | $60,610 |
| Massachusetts | $70,320 |
| Michigan | $61,620 |
| Minnesota | $74,220 |
| Mississippi | $45,280 |
| Missouri | $63,550 |
| Montana | $60,940 |
| Nebraska | $55,110 |
| Nevada | $55,600 |
| New Hampshire | $55,180 |
| New Jersey | $71,370 |
| New Mexico | $45,420 |
| New York | $73,820 |
| North Carolina | $43,750 |
| North Dakota | $53,800 |
| Ohio | $55,640 |
| Oklahoma | $50,710 |
| Oregon | $73,810 |
| Pennsylvania | $60,380 |
| South Carolina | $44,970 |
| South Dakota | $43,600 |
| Tennessee | $48,850 |
| Texas | $49,180 |
| Utah | $51,970 |
| Vermont | $51,210 |
| Virginia | $50,330 |
| Washington | $67,090 |
| West Virginia | $60,000 |
| Wisconsin | $68,510 |
| Wyoming | $53,550 |
What Tools & Technology do Plumbers Use?
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Plumbers:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Email software
- Word processing software
- Spreadsheet software
- Database software
- Intuit QuickBooks
- Bookkeeping software
- Intuit Quicken
- Maintenance management software
- Estimating software
- Job costing software
- Insight Direct ServiceCEO
- Drawing and drafting software
- Atlas Construction Business Forms
- Wilhelm Publishing Threshold
- Wintac Pro
- Contractor City Contractor Forms Pack
How do I Become a Plumber?
Education needed to be a Plumber:
How Long Does it Take to Become a Plumber?
Who Employs Plumbers?
The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.
References:
Image Credit: Tomwsulcer via Creative Commons CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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