Plumber

Explore This Path

Ideal for hands-on problem solvers who enjoy working with tools and systems.
Ensure safe and efficient water and gas flow, impacting daily life and infrastructure.
Unique chance to work on diverse projects, from homes to large industrial sites.

💰 Earn $51K-$90K

📚 High School Diploma or GED

⏱️ 12–24 MONTH TRAINING

📈 5.6% JOB GROWTH

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What You’ll Do

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.

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.

Scoop

Minimum Education

High School Diploma or GED

Career Prospects

Excellent (Increasing by 5% or more)

Training Time

1 to 2 years

Job Openings

43,300 Annually

Median Earnings

$62,990 in California

$61,550 Nationally

$25K

$50K

$75K

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$125K

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$250K

Real Talk Reel

Want to see what it's like to be a Plumber? We've curated a playlist for you to get a glimpse into a day in the life.

@Join the trades/Nicole Bass

@chat_cte

Best For You If...

YOU Like 💕

Thinking and problem solving
Using data or completing tasks
Working with my hands

You are skilled in 💫

Critical Thinking
Equipment Maintenance
Operations Monitoring
Repairing
Troubleshooting

You value 🙏

Having support
Having freedom
Personal relationships

Deep Dive

Plumber

Explore career pathways, key skills, and what each role has to offer.

Pathways to this Career

Learn about the education and training paths that can lead to this career — and what to expect from each one.

Apprenticeship

An apprenticeship typically offers a combination of hands-on training and classroom instruction, leading to practical skills, industry-specific knowledge, and the potential for long-term employment in a specific trade or profession.

🎓 Paid Work

⏱️ FINISH IN 2-5 years

Associate's Degree

An associate's degree typically provides graduates with foundational knowledge and skills for entry-level jobs in the graduate's industry, or serves as a stepping stone towards further education.

🎓 College

⏱️ FINISH IN 2-3 years

Bachelor's Degree

A bachelor's degree typically results in increased knowledge about a variety of academic subjects, specialized knowledge in a focused field of study, and is considered the foundational qualification for many careers.

🎓 College

⏱️ FINISH IN 4-5+ years

Vocational School

A vocational school typically equips students with specialized skills and practical training in specific trades or occupations, enhancing their employability and providing direct pathways to relevant careers.

🎓 Skills-Focused

⏱️ FINISH IN 6 months - 2 years