Plumber salary
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What a plumber does
Plumbers install and repair water, drainage and gas systems. Like other licensed trades, entry is through a paid apprenticeship and the licence travels with you.
Day-to-day duties
- Install and repair pipework and fixtures
- Diagnose leaks and blockages
- Fit water heaters and appliances
- Read plans and comply with plumbing codes
- Handle emergency callouts
Skills employers look for
- Problem-solving in awkward spaces
- Pipe fitting and soldering
- Code compliance
- Customer communication in occupied homes
Requirements Licence required
- Apprenticeship (typically 4–5 years, paid)
- Journeyman plumbing licence
- Master licence for contracting
- Some jurisdictions require separate gas certification
How to get started
- 1 Join an apprenticeship programme
- 2 Work under a licensed plumber while training
- 3 Pass the journeyman exam
- 4 Progress to master licence and contracting
Job outlook: Steady demand from both new construction and the much larger repair and replacement market, which holds up even when building slows.
Common questions about plumbers
What does a plumber do?
Plumbers install and repair water, drainage and gas systems. Like other licensed trades, entry is through a paid apprenticeship and the licence travels with you. Day to day, that means install and repair pipework and fixtures, diagnose leaks and blockages, fit water heaters and appliances and read plans and comply with plumbing codes.
How do you become a plumber?
The usual route is: (1) join an apprenticeship programme, (2) work under a licensed plumber while training, (3) pass the journeyman exam, (4) progress to master licence and contracting. Employers typically look for apprenticeship (typically 4–5 years, paid), journeyman plumbing licence and master licence for contracting.
Do you need a certification to work as a plumber?
Yes. Working as a plumber requires formal certification or licensing — specifically journeyman plumbing licence, master licence for contracting and some jurisdictions require separate gas certification. Requirements are set at state level in most cases, so check your own state's rules before committing to a programme.
Are plumbers in demand?
Steady demand from both new construction and the much larger repair and replacement market, which holds up even when building slows.
Where are plumbers most in demand?
See the metro and rural areas with the highest concentration of this work, ranked from Bureau of Labor Statistics employment data.
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Pay figures are estimates for guidance only, not an offer or guarantee. Advertised ranges come from job postings on LocalWork; government figures come from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Actual pay depends on experience, certifications, shift and employer.