Plumbers install and repair pipes that supply water and gas to, as well as carry waste away from, homes and businesses. They also install plumbing fixtures such as bathtubs, sinks, and toilets, and appliances, including dishwashers and washing machines. Experienced plumbers train apprentices and supervise helpers. They work alongside other construction workers.
Plumbers must be able to perform the following tasks:
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2018.
Many plumbers belong to labor unions that negotiate wages on their behalf. Those that do must pay membership fees.
Most plumbers receive their training by doing an apprenticeship, which combines classroom instruction with paid on-the-job training. Most states also require a license to work independently.
Apprenticeship: Apprenticeships are sponsored by trade unions and employers. They last from four to five years and include 2,000 hours of on-the-job training and classroom instruction. You will need a high school or equivalency diploma and must be at least 18 years old to be accepted into a program. In the classroom, you will learn about local codes and regulations, blueprint reading, and safety.
License: Plumbers are required to have a license to work in most states and municipalities in the U.S. In addition to needing two to five years of experience, depending on where the license is issued, you must also pass an exam.
To work in this occupation, you will need certain soft skills. These are strengths with which individuals are born or acquire through life experience. They will allow you to succeed as a plumber.
The job outlook for this field is excellent, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Employment is expected to grow by 15% between 2016 and 2026. This is is faster than the average for all occupations.
Employment of plumbers, as well as all who work in the construction trades, is dependent on the health of the economy. When there is a lot of construction taking place, jobs will be more plentiful.
Plumbers usually travel to different work sites each day, performing their jobs in homes, office buildings, and factories. They work in tight spaces, typically indoors, but some may work outside, even in poor weather. Plumbers frequently sustain injuries, including burns, cuts, and falls.
Approximately 13% of workers are self-employed. Those who are can set their own schedules.
Most plumbers have full-time jobs. Evenings and weekends are often part of their regular schedule, and overtime (more than eight hours a day or more than 40 hours per week) is common. Plumbers, in order to respond to emergencies, must be on call regularly.
First, Decide If This Career Is a Good Fit
Are yourinterests,personality type, andwork-related values compatible with working in this career field? Do aself assessmentto find out if you have the following traits:
Then, Find an Apprenticeship
Unions and businesses offer apprenticeships. Use Apprenticeship.gov from the Department of Labor to locate them. Upon completing an apprenticeship, you will be considered a journeyworker, allowing you to work on your own.
People who are interested in working as a plumber may also consider other construction trades. Here is a list, along with their median salaries:
Follow this link:
Plumber Job Description: Salary, Skills, & More
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