How to Become a Plumber
Install and repair the piping systems behind water, gas, and heat, a trade with steady demand everywhere. It typically requires an apprenticeship / postsecondary certificate, with a median salary of $63,800 per year and faster than average projected job growth.
Median pay
$63,800/yr
Job growth
5%
Openings / yr
44,000
Majors that lead here
Common majors include Plumbing Technology, Construction Trades.
Key skills
- Pipe Installation
- System Diagnosis
- Code Compliance
- Blueprint Reading
- Problem Solving
Helpful certifications
- Journeyman then Master Plumber license
Is this career a fit?
Remote-friendly
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Work-life balance
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Stress level
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Satisfaction
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Related careers
- Electrical Engineering Technician$78,190 median
- Mechanical Engineering Technician$74,510 median
- Civil Engineering Technician$64,950 median
- Wind Turbine Technician$64,120 median
- Electrician$63,190 median
- HVAC Technician$61,010 median
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Plumber make?
The median pay for a Plumber is $63,800 a year (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2025). Actual pay varies with experience, location, and employer.
What degree do you need to become a Plumber?
The usual entry point is an apprenticeship / postsecondary certificate. Common majors are Plumbing Technology and Construction Trades.
Is Plumber a growing field?
The BLS projects faster than average demand for this role, about 5% over the decade, with roughly 44,000 U.S. openings a year.
What skills does a Plumber use most?
Common skills for this role are Pipe Installation, System Diagnosis, Code Compliance, Blueprint Reading, and Problem Solving.
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Take the major quizSalary and job-growth figures: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and O*NET OnLine (median annual wages May 2025; employment projections 2024-2034). National figures; actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.