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Plumber

Every building needs it. Not everyone can do it.

Median Salary

$61,550

Apprenticeship

4–5 years

Union Presence

Moderate

Physical Demand

Moderate

Job Demand

High

Plumbers install and repair the water supply, drainage, and gas systems that make buildings livable. Plumbing is one of the most recession-resistant trades — leaks and breakdowns don't wait for good economic conditions.

License RequiredHigh DemandRecession-ResistantGas Work = Extra Income

What Plumbers Earn

National data — Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS

25th Percentile

$44,380

Entry level

Median

$61,550

Mid-career

75th Percentile

$82,720

Experienced

90th Percentile

$100,180

Top earners

Salary by State

Teal bars = above national median · Blue bars = below national median · Source: BLS OEWS

Career Path

From day one to running your own operation

Apprentice Plumber

$32,000–$50,000

Years 0–5

Complete a 4–5 year apprenticeship through UA (United Association) or a trade school pathway. Learn pipe fitting, blueprint reading, and plumbing codes while working on real job sites.

Journeyperson Plumber

$55,000–$80,000

Years 5–10

Pass your journeyperson exam and work independently on residential and commercial projects. Service plumbing (repairs and maintenance) pays well and can lead quickly to running your own calls.

Master Plumber

$70,000–$95,000

Years 8–12

After logging required journeyperson hours, pass the master exam. Required to pull permits and legally operate a plumbing business in most states.

Plumbing Contractor

$90,000–$200,000+

Years 10+

Start your own plumbing business. Plumbing contractors with a master license and a small crew regularly earn $120,000–$200,000+.

Pros & Cons

Advantages

✓Recession-proof — essential repairs happen in any economy
✓High demand in new construction, remodels, and commercial work
✓Strong path to self-employment with a master license
✓Indoor-heavy work compared to many other trades
✓Gas work certification opens additional income streams

Challenges

✕Emergency call-outs at nights and weekends are common in service work
✕Work can involve confined spaces, crawl spaces, and unpleasant conditions
✕Licensing requirements are complex and vary significantly by state
✕New construction work can be seasonal depending on region

How to Get Started

Step-by-step path into the plumber trade

1
Join a UA (United Association) union apprenticeship (ua.org) or work for a licensed plumbing contractor who will sponsor your training — both are solid paths.
Browse apprenticeship programs →
2
Many community colleges offer plumbing technology programs — a good foundation if union spots are full in your area.
Find plumbing programs →
3
Log your journeyperson hours (typically 8,000–10,000 hours depending on state) through your apprenticeship or employer.
4
Pass your journeyperson exam, then your master plumber exam to pull permits and run your own operation.
Start exam prep →