Most people are surprised when they hear how much a plumber can earn. But when the bathroom is flooded at 3 in the morning, it's not just about physical work either. Getting certified requires time, effort, and technical knowledge. There's a lot of science in those pipes and valves. If you think about it, that job isn't just complicated, it's a combination of electricity, engineering, and total problem solving.
Some states even force plumbers to work thousands of hours as apprentices before calling themselves “officers.” One of the main reasons they're being paid so well? Not many people want to do what plumbers do. And when there are not enough people trained for the job, all working plumbers are in high demand. Add the fact that you can't “outsource” a leaking pipe to another country and you'll see why salaries keep rising. If there's one job that never seems to slow down, it's plumbing.
No matter the season of the year or the economic situation, people always need running water, working toilets and hot showers. When any of that fails, you need a solution right now, not next week. This is one of the main reasons why a plumber's salary remains higher than in most practical jobs. Demand is getting another boost due to the aging of buildings. Many homes and offices were built decades ago, and those old pipes aren't built to last forever. When pipes corrode or drains become clogged, you need a professional.
In addition, new construction projects never stop. For every new house or workshop that pipes and fittings are installed, someone has to install them properly, or else problems will arise in the future. And as more people move to cities and suburbs, the workload is only increasing. If you think that plumbing is something you can “learn” on a weekend, think again. Plumbers have to know a lot, and the path to becoming one isn't exactly a walk in the park.
First, you must finish high school or get a GED. Then, most people start an apprenticeship, which combines classroom lessons with real-world work. Internships usually last 4 to 5 years, and during that time, you work side by side with professionals and learn everything from local plumbing codes to practical pipe repair. If you're considering the salary of a plumber like your North Star, don't skip training.
That knowledge is what makes jobs safe, legal, and well-paying. Being a plumber isn't just about turning a key. There are real risks that most people don't think about until they come face to face with a broken pipe. For starters, plumbers deal with water, gas, and sometimes even wastewater every day.
This mixture can quickly become dangerous. Gas leaks aren't just a nuisance, they literally pose an explosion risk. Damaging connections can cause flooding, property damage, or dangerous mold on the road. But it's not all about dangers. Plumbers have a lot of responsibility.
If a job is done poorly, it's not just a headache. Water damage can cost homeowners thousands of dollars, and faulty gas lines can be completely fatal. That's why states require extensive training and strict licenses. Errors in piping, preventing backflow, or installing the main water supply can seriously jeopardize a home or business. All of these risks and responsibilities add up, and it's one of the main reasons why plumbers' salaries continue to rise.
People pay not only for physical work, but also for the skill and courage needed to do the job safely and correctly, at all times. Have you ever noticed how difficult it is to get a plumber out on short notice? It's no accident, there simply aren't enough trained plumbers for everyone. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2024 there were more than 600,000 job openings for specialized occupations, such as plumbing, but only about 400,000 workers trained to fill them. That's a big gap in the workforce.
This shortage is driving up salaries. When all repair companies compete for the same small group of skilled workers, plumbers can earn higher salaries. Employers even offer hiring bonuses, additional benefits, and flexible hours just to hire new talent. If you're weighing whether plumbing is a smart professional decision, you're not alone.
More and more people are starting to let go of old stereotypes and realize that this trade can change the rules of the game completely. Forget about being stuck at a desk, plumbers enjoy variety, pride in solving real problems and, let's be honest, in having solid salaries. If you're good at hands, don't mind putting in a little bit of effort, and you like to solve problems that really matter, plumbing could be the perfect option. Do you want flexibility? Many plumbers are self-employed, set their own rates, and have real freedom.
Some even specialize in green technology or industrial facilities and earn more. We learned that going to trade school to be a plumber isn't necessarily as easy, cheap and cost-effective as some have promised. But it can be a smart investment for those who want to work in the field. Self-employed plumbers tend to have higher salaries and more rewarding incomes, as they can set their own daily rates based on the job at hand.
So does becoming a plumber live up to expectations? CNBC Make It spoke with plumbers, students and administrators about training costs, how much plumbers actually earn, and what it's like to work in the profession. From learning about the ins and outs of intricate water and plumbing systems to learning about the difference between plumbing tools and equipment, a qualified plumber will be an expert in their field. The Bureau of Labor Statistics states that the demand for plumbers will continue to increase by about 4% more jobs each year through 2032. As an apprentice plumber, you can expect to earn around £15,000, which will increase rapidly to a salary of up to £40,000 with experience. Because of this level and the urgency of demand, plumbers can earn a very high salary rewarding for your time and effort.
If you're serious about a stable career with a growing salary, check out the salary of a plumber in your area and find out what you could earn in a few short years. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that plumbers have one of the highest injury rates among all construction jobs. Many plumbers have engineering experience, and the wealthiest plumbers can often be more accurately classified as business owners who, after working as plumbers for several years, started their own businesses that employ several other plumbers. If a plumber charged this every week for a year, it would take home an extremely rewarding annual salary.
Plumbers are extremely skilled in their craft, meaning they can offer a highly requested service at a higher price.
