Career: Plumbers
Plumbers do more than make it easy for you to get a glass of water; they’re lifesavers. Throughout history, millions of people have died due to a lack of clean water. Diseases such as cholera, dysentery, typhus, typhoid fever, and even the plague, were all related to poor sanitation and infected water sources. Thanks to advances in plumbing in the late 1800s, these diseases are now rare in developed countries.
Plumbers put in and maintain pipe systems for a variety of purposes, including water supply and drainage and the removal of waste.
Did You Know?
- Archaeologists have found evidence of indoor plumbing in palaces dating back to 2500 B.C.E.
Are You Ready To...?
- Use soldering torches and other tools
- Make exact measurements
- Spend hours in cramped or uncomfortable spaces
- Travel to job sites
- Be available 24/7 in some jobs
It Helps to Be...
Good with your hands, strong, careful, and detail-oriented. You’ll be faced with many different plumbing puzzles, so it helps to be a creative problem solver.
Make High School Count
- Do your best in algebra and geometry. You’ll use math when it comes to taking measurements and doing layouts for a job.
- Science classes are also important, especially chemistry and physics.
- Sign up for mechanical drawing and shop to get experience drafting and using tools.
- Learn how to use computers. Plumbers often use them to create blueprints.
- Pay attention in English. You’ll need to read everything from safety warnings and written instructions to detailed codes and regulations.
Did You Know?
- The world’s most famous plumbers are probably video game superstars Mario and Luigi, of Nintendo’s Super Mario Brothers series.
Outlook
Government economists expect average job growth for plumbers, compared to growth in other careers, through 2016. New construction and maintenance of homes, offices, and industrial plants will drive demand for plumbers. Additionally, you should find plenty of work if you choose plumbing, because there won’t be enough job hunters to take all of the open positions.
Compensation
The average yearly salary for plumbers in 2007 was $47,350, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Keep in mind that apprentices start work at half the salary earned by experienced workers. You can expect to receive raises throughout your training though, often every six months.
Most plumbers belong to the UA (United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing, Pipefitting, Sprinkler Fitting Industry of the United States and Canada). Union members generally earn more than nonunion workers.
