Plumber
O*NET-SOC: 47-2152.00
Installs, repairs, and maintains piping systems for water supply, drainage, gas, and heating in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings, reading blueprints and adhering to building codes.
About this Role
Plumbers install, repair, and maintain the piping systems that carry water, gas, and waste through residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. They start each day by loading a service van with the tools and materials they expect to need, including pipe wrenches, cutters, soldering torches, and various types of pipe and fittings. The work varies from one call to the next: a morning job might involve running a drain camera to locate a sewer blockage caused by tree roots, while an afternoon job could mean installing new copper or plastic supply lines for a bathroom renovation according to a set of blueprints.
A Day in the Life
7:00 AM
Load van and review schedule
Organize pipe wrenches, cutters, fittings, and soldering equipment in the van, then check the dispatch system for the day's jobs and plan a route.
8:00 AM
Diagnose a drain blockage
Arrive at a residential call, run a small camera through the drain line to find the clog, clear it with a motorized auger, and advise the homeowner on prevention.
10:30 AM
Install fixtures at a commercial site
At an office building, measure and cut pipes according to the blueprint, solder or cement the joints, mount the sinks, and test every connection for leaks.
12:30 PM
Lunch break
Eat lunch in the van while calling a supplier to arrange a pipe delivery for tomorrow and reviewing photos from the morning's work.
1:30 PM
Repair a water heater
Replace a faulty part on a gas water heater in an apartment, bleed air from the lines, and restart the system to confirm it heats properly.
3:30 PM
Respond to emergency leak
Arrive at an urgent call where a pipe has burst, shut off the main water valve to stop flooding, cap the broken section temporarily, and schedule a full repair.
5:00 PM
Wrap up and invoice
Clean and stow tools, log the hours and materials used for each job in the billing software, and email the customer a final invoice with maintenance recommendations.
Tools & Technologies
Word Processing
- Microsoft Word
- Atlas Construction Business Forms
- Wilhelm Publishing Threshold
Accounting
- QuickBooks
- KRS Enterprises Service First!
- Quicken
Spreadsheets
- Microsoft Excel
- PipingOffice
Web Development
- Microsoft Active Server Pages ASP
Office Suites
- Microsoft Office
Analytics & Science
- Bentley Systems AutoPIPE
- COADE CAESAR II
- Elite Software DPIPE
- Elite Software FIRE
- Elite Software HSYM
Salary Details
Salary Distribution
Most professionals earn between $49K and $82K
| Percentile | Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th | $41K |
| 25th | $49K |
| 50th (Median) | $63K |
| 75th | $82K |
| 90th | $105K |
Certifications, Training & Memberships
Essential
Journeyman Plumber License
State Plumbing Board
Required credential earned after apprenticeship and exam, proving competency in pipefitting and code compliance.
Recommended
Master Plumber Certification
American Society of Plumbing Engineers (ASPE)
Advanced license for supervising projects and business ownership, involving rigorous testing on design and management.
Backflow Prevention Tester
American Backflow Prevention Association (ABPA)
Trains to test and repair devices preventing water contamination in systems.
Helpful
Medical Gas Piping Installer
American Society of Plumbing Engineers (ASPE)
Specialized cert for installing safe gas systems in hospitals and clinics.
Professional Memberships
PHCC Membership
Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association (PHCC)
Professional network offering training, advocacy, and business resources for plumbers.
Work Environment
- Remote Work
- On-site Only
- Work Setting
- Primarily outdoor / field work
- Physical Activity
- Physically active — significant time on your feet
- Social Interaction
- Highly collaborative — frequent team interaction
- Schedule
- Extended hours common
Your Skills & Attributes
Skills & Competencies Matches (43)
- TroubleshootingModerate Match
- RepairingModerate Match
- Judgment and Decision MakingModerate Match
- Critical ThinkingGood Match
- MonitoringModerate Match
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Plumber a good career?
Plumber can be a rewarding career choice. Based on current data, the median salary is $63K and job outlook is stable (2% projected growth). Whether it's a good fit depends on your skills, interests, and values — take our quiz to find out how well you match.
What degree do you need to become a Plumber?
The typical education requirement for a Plumber is a High School Diploma. However, requirements can vary by employer and specialization. Some professionals enter the field with alternative credentials or relevant work experience.
How long does it take to become a Plumber?
Becoming a Plumber typically requires about 4 years of high school education. Additional time may be needed for certifications, internships, or on-the-job training depending on the specific role and employer requirements.
What is the work-life balance like for a Plumber?
The work-life balance for a Plumber is moderate, with some periods requiring extended hours or flexibility. Individual experiences vary based on employer, specialization, seniority level, and geographic location.
What is the job outlook for Plumber?
The job outlook for Plumber is stable. Employment is projected to grow by 2% over the coming decade. Labor market conditions can vary by region and specialization.