Plumber
Plumbers assemble, install, alter, and repair pipelines and fixtures for heating, water, and drainage systems in residential, commercial, and industrial structures. They must comply with building codes and obtain journeyman and master plumber licenses. The BLS reports a median salary of $61,550 with 2% projected growth. Plumbers typically complete a four- to five-year apprenticeship, and green plumbing skills for solar water heaters and rainwater harvesting are increasingly valued.
A Day in the Life
A typical day starts with a service call to diagnose a leaking water heater in a residential home. After replacing the unit, the plumber heads to a new construction site to install rough-in plumbing for a two-story addition, measuring and cutting copper and PEX pipes. After lunch, they respond to an emergency call about a burst pipe in a restaurant, shutting off the water main and making repairs. Late afternoon involves ordering materials for the next day's jobs and completing service reports.
Key Stats
Education
High School Diploma
Salary Range
Entry: $36,000
Median: $61,550
Senior: $98,000
Job Growth