What is a Plumber?
Occupation Description Assemble, install, or repair pipes, fittings, or fixtures of heating, water, or drainage systems, according to specifications or plumbing codes.
Life As a Plumber: What Do They Do?
- Anchor steel supports from ceiling joists to hold pipes in place.
- Install green plumbing equipment, such as faucet flow restrictors, dual-flush or pressure-assisted flush toilets, or tankless hot water heaters.
- Compile information on governmental incentive programs related to the installation of energy or water saving plumbing systems or devices.
- Recommend energy or water saving products, such as low-flow faucets or shower heads, water-saving toilets, or high-efficiency hot water heaters.
- Fill pipes or plumbing fixtures with water or air and observe pressure gauges to detect and locate leaks.
- Weld small pipes or special piping, using specialized techniques, equipment, or materials, such as computer-assisted welding or microchip fabrication.
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What Skills Do You Need to Work as a Plumber?
When polled, Plumbers say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs:
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.
Other Plumber Job Titles
- Commercial Plumber
- Service Technician
- Residential Plumber
- Plumbing and Heating Mechanic
- Water Softener Servicer and Installer
Is There Job Demand for Plumbers?
There were about 480,600 jobs for Plumber in 2016 (in the United States). 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. The BLS estimates 61,000 yearly job openings in this field.
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.
Average Plumbers Salary
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 each U.S. state?
| 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
Becoming a Plumber
What kind of Plumber requirements are there?
How Long Does it Take to Become a Plumber?
Where Plumbers Work
Below are examples of industries where Plumbers 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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