Construction and extraction
Plumber
Assemble, install, alter, and repair pipelines or pipe systems that carry water, steam, air, or other liquids or gases. May install heating and cooling equipment and mechanical control systems. Includes sprinkler fitters.
Median pay
$63,800
Growth to 2035
+7%
faster than average
Openings a year
42,000
Time to qualify*
4.6 years
* From a bachelor's degree in an unrelated field.
Pay
Plumber
Getting in
- Typical entry education
- High school diploma or equivalent
- On-the-job training
- Apprenticeship
- Prior experience
- None
- Required
- Journeyman plumber license (most states)
What the work is like
Dealing with the public
Unpleasant or angry people
Time pressure
Cost of a mistake
Freedom to make decisions
Repeating the same tasks
Time standing
Outdoors in all weather
Hazardous conditions
Exposure to disease
Plumber: 27% usually work over 40 hours a week
Core tasks
- Shut off steam, water, or other gases or liquids from pipe sections, using valve keys or wrenches.
- Install underground storm, sanitary, or water piping systems, extending piping as needed to connect fixtures and plumbing.
- Assemble pipe sections, tubing, or fittings, using couplings, clamps, screws, bolts, cement, plastic solvent, caulking, or soldering, brazing, or welding equipment.
- Locate and mark the position of pipe installations, connections, passage holes, or fixtures in structures, using measuring instruments such as rulers or levels.
- Cut, thread, or hammer pipes to specifications, using tools such as saws, cutting torches, pipe threaders, or pipe benders.
- Lay out full scale drawings of pipe systems, supports, or related equipment, according to blueprints.
- Plan pipe system layout, installation, or repair, according to specifications.
- Review blueprints, building codes, or specifications to determine work details or procedures.
Also called: Drain Technician · Fire Sprinkler Service Technician · Pipe Welder · Pipefitter · Plumber · Plumbing Installer · Residential Plumber · Service Plumber
Outlook and AI
Plumbers held 510,600 jobs in 2025. BLS projects 545,200 by 2035 (+7%, faster than average; all jobs: +3.5%).
Compare with
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