Learning skills, such as plumbing, might be a profitable career path. Every homeowner needs the help of a plumber at some point in their lives so as to keep their residential properties running smoothly. Choosing plumbing as a profession means you won’t be short of work.
Especially in 2023, there has never been a perfect time to think of becoming a plumber. It is among the few career path, which stands the test of time and downturn. So to help you become a professional and qualified plumber, the following are pro tips to look at:
Research First How Much Plumbers Make
This is one of the selling points for many individuals. According to PlumbingJobs.com, the median salary for plumbers is $56k per year in San Diego, California, $63k in Brooklyn, New York, and $77k in Denver, Colorado. This on average translates to more than $25/hour or $1k/week.
Many plumbers don’t put in 40 hours per week and still earn this much. And if you become a qualified or master plumber, you can even earn more than $100k yearly, which is around two times the median salary for many plumbers.
Know the Education Requirements Plumbers Need
Everyone with a high school diploma qualifies to be a qualified plumber under someone’s supervision. But advancing to other plumbing positions with higher pay and more autonomy takes more training.
Although some plumbing experts take unique paths, many complete three major steps. These three steps include the following:
- Finishing high school diploma
- Taking formal plumbing training
- Apply for plumber license
Complete Apprenticeship
After finishing vocational training, you might want to complete an apprenticeship in plumbing. Many apprenticeships need you to finish a particular amount of learning hours before any employer accepts you.
But this number of hours differs based on the plumbing apprenticeship. During the apprenticeship, you can get on-the-job training as well as learn more about specialized skills, plumbing procedures, and plumbing codes.
Gain Experience and Become a Master Plumber
Once you complete an apprenticeship or work as an assistant, you may continue gaining more experience to become a professional. You may as well go for additional classes to develop new skills and learn more about the plumbing trade, helping you advance your career.
To be a master plumber, you must know the requirements of becoming one, as they differ from one state to another. So consider checking with the local licensing board and other associations to see what rules and regulations apply. In some states, more plumbing training is a must.
For most states, a master plumber should also pass practical and written exams to get a title. Fees apply, too, so you might want to do a background check.
Being armed with a plumbing license, you are now a master plumber ready to provide homeowners with advanced plumbing services, manage crews, offer specialty experience, and oversee apprenticeship training.
The Takeaway!
A plumbing career unlocks many opportunities and benefits, but starting can seem confusing, especially for beginners. The steps to becoming a master plumber vary from one state to another. However, several requirements in most areas remain the same.
