All About Plumbers
Occupation Description Assemble, install, or repair pipes, fittings, or fixtures of heating, water, or drainage systems, according to specifications or plumbing codes.
Plumber Responsibilities
- Measure, cut, thread, or bend pipe to required angle, using hand or power tools or machines, such as pipe cutters, pipe-threading machines, or pipe-bending machines.
- Keep records of work assignments.
- Fill pipes or plumbing fixtures with water or air and observe pressure gauges to detect and locate leaks.
- Review blueprints, building codes, or specifications to determine work details or procedures.
- Maintain or repair plumbing by replacing defective washers, replacing or mending broken pipes, or opening clogged drains.
- Inspect structures to assess material or equipment needs, to establish the sequence of pipe installations, or to plan installation around obstructions, such as electrical wiring.
Featured schools near , edit
What Skills Do You Need to Work as a Plumber?
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.
Judgment and Decision Making: Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
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.
Troubleshooting: Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Operation Monitoring: Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Related Job Titles
- Water Softener Servicer
- Master Plumber
- Commercial Plumber
- Plumbing and Heating Mechanic
- Journeyman Plumber
Is There Going to be 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. 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.
Plumber Average Salary
The salary for Plumbers ranges between about $32,100 and $93,700 a year.

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?
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Plumbers may use on a daily basis:
- 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
- Insight Direct ServiceCEO
- Job costing software
- Drawing and drafting software
- Wilhelm Publishing Threshold
- Atlas Construction Business Forms
- Wintac Pro
- Contractor City Contractor Forms Pack
How to Become a Plumber
Education needed to be a Plumber:

How many years of work experience do I need?

Plumbers Sector

Plumbers work in the following industries:

References:
Image Credit: Tomwsulcer via Creative Commons CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication
More about our data sources and methodologies.
Featured Schools
![]() |
Southern New Hampshire University You have goals. Southern New Hampshire University can help you get there. Whether you need a bachelor's degree to get into a career or want a master's degree to move up in your current career, SNHU has an online program for you. Find your degree from over 200 online programs. Learn More > |