Career Overview
Plumbers are responsible for maintaining water fixtures and systems for residential and commercial buildings. They can also work with gas systems in homes ensuring they are properly installed. They install plumbing fixtures including showers, sinks, toilets, and bathtubs. They can also work with some outdoor water facilities. They may also install appliances including dishwashers, waste disposals, and water heaters. They maintain the pipes etc. that run water in and out of residential and commercial buildings.
Education Requirements
Apprenticeship or Technical Training
Most plumbers enter the occupation by taking part in an apprenticeship or through a technical training center or community college. Most apprenticeships consist of 4 to 5 years of paid on-the-job training. They also may complete a minimum of 144 hours of regulated classroom training each year of the apprenticeship.
Licensure:
Most states require a special license to work with gas lines. They also require that tradesmen like plumbers pass a state examination to get a state license. Licensed plumbers be at least 18 years of age, in good physical health, and have 2 to 5 years experience working in the plumbing field.
Top School’s for plumbers:
- Everest Institute
- Ashworth College
- WyoTech
- New England Institute of Technology
- Penn Foster Schools
Career Trends
Salary:Â Average hourly wage for plumbers in 2008 was $21.94
Jobs in 2008 for plumbers: 494,700
Projected employment openings for plumbers through 2018: 570,500
Related Jobs:
- Pipefitters
- Steamfitters
- Boilermakers
- Electricians
