Plumbing Career Path: Specializations, Job Outlook & More

How Can You Start Your Plumbing Career?

To start a career in plumbing, there are several essential steps to understand fluid systems and set yourself up for success.

In short, these steps generally include:

• Training and education

• Finding an internship or apprenticeship

• Getting licensed and certified

Each step helps plumbers build a strong foundation and prepares them for the demands and opportunities in the plumbing sector. Let’s take a look at each step in more detail:

1. Training and education

Water and plumbing infrastructure isn’t as simple as replacing a tap washer. You’ll need to become fluent in plumbing terms such as diaphragm, valve, aerator, and ball cock and you’ll have to learn about fluid mechanics, siphonage, and thermodynamics.

The first step in becoming a plumber is acquiring the appropriate education and training. Enrolling in a plumbing-specific course at a technical school or college will provide a solid foundation in plumbing basics, from understanding blueprints to learning how different piping systems work together.

These programs offer a mix of classroom theory and practical experience, ensuring you have the skills you need to get started.

Training also prepares you for the next step of finding workplace experience by training you in how to answer apprentice interview questions and how to speak in terms that your customers will understand.

2. Finding an internship or apprenticeship

After training, you’ll move from the classroom into the real world, where internships and apprenticeships come into play.

These programs offer exposure to real systems where you work alongside experienced professionals on actual customer plumbing systems. This is where you gain the knowledge and understanding that can only come with real-life, hands-on experience.

Apprenticeships are particularly beneficial as they combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction, giving you a well-rounded education in plumbing.

Apprentices are generally paid a lower wage than qualified plumbers but can eventually secure full-time employment. By the end of an apprenticeship, the now-qualified plumber can expect the same wage as a qualified technician.

While learning the ropes, you should always keep safety in mind, so check out these plumbing safety tips to ensure you’re prepared to handle any situation carefully and diligently.

3. Getting licensed and certified

After completing training and your apprenticeship, the next step is to obtain the necessary licenses and certifications. These credentials show employers and customers that you have the skills and training required to perform your job and validate your skills and knowledge.

Licensing for plumbers varies from state to state, so it’s important to research the specific requirements for your region. Most states require a certain amount of hands-on hours, which must be signed off by a certified plumber.

Pro tip: Learn more about licensing for home services professionals by visiting our licensing hub. Also, to find out how to become a licensed plumber in all 50 US states, take a look at our detailed guide.

What Are The Different Plumbing Career Paths?

The plumbing industry is one of the more diverse career paths, consisting of general roles and specialized fields.

Whether you’re just starting or already licensed, understanding these different paths can help you choose a direction that aligns with your interests and current skill set.

Here are some of the most common roles within the plumbing profession:

Plumbing technician

Plumbing technician is typically the first position for aspiring plumbers, as most transition into this role right after completing their training and education.

This generalist position involves installing, maintaining, and repairing plumbing systems in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. Typically, this role includes:

• Service technician: Plumbers who focus on troubleshooting and repairing existing plumbing systems. The role requires strong problem-solving skills and a willingness to work fast to restore functionality to damaged and aging systems.

• Installation specialist: Installers are responsible for setting up brand-new plumbing systems in buildings under construction or replacing older systems in buildings undergoing renovation (retrofitting). Reading and following blueprints and understanding building codes is essential for installers.

Pipe fitters

A pipe fitter installs and maintains piping systems that carry chemicals, gasses, and hazardous substances such as acids and waste. Typical work environments for pipe fitters are commercial and industrial, where they are responsible for the safe operation of delivery and waste systems. Pipe fitters have two main roles:

• Industrial pipe fitter: Work is carried out on large-scale piping systems in factories and plants. The role requires precision and understanding of complex piping layouts and high-pressure systems.

• Construction pipe fitter: Installation of piping systems in new construction projects according to detailed specifications and plans.

Both roles require extreme attention to safety and hazardous material handling.

Steamfitters

Steamfitters are specialist plumbers who work with high-pressure steam used in industrial applications, heating, and power generation. The role requires specialized training due to the challenges of working with dangerous steam systems. Working with steam piping will see plumbers fulfilling two main roles:

• Maintenance steamfitter: The upkeep and maintenance of existing steam systems, ensuring their efficiency and continued safe operation.

• Installation steamfitter: These professionals install new steam systems, requiring detailed knowledge of steam dynamics and system design.

Due to the stringent safety requirements for working with steam, steamfitters require specialized training and safety certification.

Gas service technician

Gas service technicians specialize in installing, maintaining, and repairing flammable gas lines and appliances. They work in both residential and commercial settings, ensuring the safe delivery of natural gas and liquid petroleum gas (LPG). A gas technician can expect to perform two roles:

• Residential gas technician: Handling gas lines and connecting home appliances, focusing on safety and compliance with local laws.

• Commercial gas technician: In larger settings, commercial gas technicians work with complex systems with high usage demands.

Business owners

For experienced plumbers, opening a business is a rewarding and viable career path. Plumbers wishing to operate their own company will need business acumen in marketing, customer service, and financial management.

Plumbers choosing to be their boss typically fulfill two roles:

• Solo/self-employed operator: Solo operators run their small plumbing businesses, often handling both the technical and administration sides of the business. They also need to own and operate their own plumbing tools.

• Business expansion owner: These owners have grown beyond one operator, employing multiple licensed plumbers and often training new apprentices. 

Plumbing career path by segment

Career paths in plumbing also vary significantly based on the environment and setting:

• Residential plumbers: These plumbers work and specialize in domestic plumbing systems like the ones in your home. They will install and repair common issues such as leaking pipes, clogged drains, and new fixtures. 

• Commercial plumbers: Working in commercial and business settings, these plumbers handle more extensive systems that involve multiple floors and complex infrastructure. 

• Industrial plumbers: These technicians work in industrial settings and deal with specialized infrastructure and high-pressure systems. They need an in-depth understanding of safety and the technical aspects of handling hazardous materials.

With such a large range of roles and specializations, the plumbing field offers something for everyone. While typically, every building requires plumbing, what are the typical work environments plumbers are likely to face?

Where Do Plumbers Work?

Plumbers can work in settings many of us have only read about. Each workplace has its unique challenges and requirements. 

• Residential homes: Most plumbers start their careers working in domestic settings such as residential homes and apartments. Working in residential settings means plumbers operate in confined spaces such as basements, dry walling, attics, and cabinets. 

• Commercial buildings: In commercial settings, plumbers will work on more complex and larger systems such as piping for fire suppression, restroom fixtures, HVAC plumbing, and water delivery systems. A typical workplace for a commercial plumber might be a school, hospital, shopping mall, or office building.

• Industrial facilities: Industrial plumbing involves working in factories, power plants, and metering stations. Tasks typically include installing and maintaining steam pipes for turbines, managing cooling systems, and ensuring the integrity of high-pressure piping.

• Municipal water and waste facilities: In this field, plumbers work on large-scale public systems that manage water distribution and the cleaning of effluent for entire communities. They may be involved in installing and repairing water mains, sewage lines, or piping for storm and wastewater treatment, servicing thousands of people.

What is The Average Plumber's Salary?

The average plumber can expect a wage of $29.59 per hour (BLS) with an average yearly salary of $60,090. However, salaries can range between $46,630 and $78,960 (money.usnews) depending on the following factors:

• Experience level: The more experience a plumber has, the higher they can expect their wages to be due to the advanced skills and knowledge they have gained over time.

• Specialization: Plumbers specializing in niche areas such as steamfitting and gas service often earn more due to the scarcity of qualified candidates.

• Geographical locations: Salaries can vary significantly depending on region. Plumbers in high-cost areas or cities with increased demand often earn more.

• Hazardous conditions: Working in dangerous environments or with hazardous chemicals typically results in higher pay due to the increased risk involved.

Understanding the factors helps plumbers plan their career growth to maximize their earnings. 

For those not yet ready to pursue a college degree, plumbing provides an opportunity to learn a valuable trade while earning a steady income. As Patrick MacIsaac, managing partner at The Roby Family of Companies, explains, “If you can learn how to do this stuff, then you're pretty much good to go—and you could always go back and get a degree.”

Additionally, there are other things aspiring plumbers can do to advance their plumbing careers. 

What Are Some Plumbing Career Growth Tips?

Continuous development and improvement are essential for advancing in the plumbing field. Here are some tips to help you grow your plumbing career and find your niche:

• Pursue continuous education: As with any trade, plumbing technology and rules are always changing, so keeping up-to-date with the latest technology and techniques is crucial. This means taking additional courses, attending workshops, and obtaining additional certification to expand your skill set and remain competitive. 

• Specialize in high-demand areas: Focus on specialties such as steamfitting, gas, industrial, and medical plumbing, as they can make you more valuable in the marketplace. Due to the additional training required, specializations often come with higher pay and more job security.

• Network: Build a strong professional network, and doors to new opportunities and partnerships will open. Consider joining trade organizations and attending industry events to connect with other professionals.

• Develop your soft skills: As with most service trades, communication and customer service skills are key to building trust with clients and improving job satisfaction. Preparation for interview questions and polishing your interpersonal skills will also enhance your confidence and readiness. 

• Be tech-savvy: Plumbers should be prepared to embrace technology that can help streamline their workflow.

The ServiceTitan field app, with features like integrated pricebooks and automatic form uploads, helps plumbers deliver better service and close more sales even while out in the field.

By focusing on these growth strategies, and embracing technology like ServiceTitan, plumbers can enhance their skills and career prospects.

Next, we’ll look at the job outlook for plumbers and what to expect in the future.

What is The Job Outlook for Plumbers?

The world will always need plumbers, and that’s why the job outlook and security for those choosing this line of work are expected to grow steadily into the next decade.

Based on figures from the US Bureau of Statistics (BLS), employment for plumbers, pipe fitters, and steamfitters is projected to grow by six percent from 2023 to 2033, a faster-than-average rate for all occupations, driven by the need for new construction.

Additionally, Zippia reports a two percent growth rate for plumbers from 2018 to 2028, with almost 10,000 new jobs expected.

This steady demand, coupled with technological advancements, new industry trends, and increased salaries, indicates strong prospects for anyone choosing this diverse and interesting career field.

The Bottom Line

Embarking on a career in plumbing could be one of your most rewarding decisions. With the current demand for skilled professionals, it's an excellent moment to achieve certification and licensing. 

Focusing on areas that are seeing higher demand can open up more opportunities. Plus, when you find a niche within the field that sparks job satisfaction and promises attractive earnings, you've set yourself up for a fulfilling professional journey.

Discover how ServiceTitan can revolutionize your plumbing enterprise today with our free field app demo.

ServiceTitan provides an all-encompassing software solution designed with plumbers and home service technicians in mind, facilitating streamlined operations, enhanced customer interactions, and boosted profit margins.