Would you consider becoming a plumber? The plumbing industry is a great place to start a new career and learn about a whole new set of technologies. When we talk technology, rarely, if at all, will plumbing come to mind. Yet, the fact is new technology has infiltrated every area of life, including plumbing. Everything from drain cleaning, pipes, leak detection, sewer lines, and new installation have all seen the effects of the latest plumbing technologies. But, like so many other trades, if you don’t keep up with the latest, you’ll be left behind, and there is no exception for plumbing companies.
Plumbing Technologies Can Be A Perfect Fit
If you’re a young person looking for a trade and you enjoy working with your hands, becoming a plumber might be the best place to start. You can expect the trade to grow 16% by 2026. In 2012, the market growth projections increased by 22% by 2022, and those forecasts appear to be spot-on. The growth is targeted explicitly at new residential construction. The changes in water efficiency standards also create the demand for more plumbers. But even with the current predictions, the plumbing market still has a shortage of good plumbers.
We’ve Seen Staggering Increases In Population Over The Last 50 Years
According to Wikipedia, California has increased by over 20 million over the last 50 years–––that’s a staggering number. In comparison, New York has grown less than 1 million during that same time, while Texas has seen increases of 13 million. That makes for a lot of homes, apartments, and commercial buildings that need plumbing services.
College Isn’t For Everyone
Understandably college isn’t for everyone, and in some cases, trade school and an apprenticeship program are a perfect fit for some of our young people to start their careers. Typically plumbing technology classes are provided at trade schools and community colleges. Both degree and certificate programs are available.
The programs include:
- Identifying building codes
- Reading construction blueprints
- Soldering
- Pipefitting
- Installing drain systems
- Heating and gas system
In addition to school, a plumbing apprenticeship is part of the program. Plumbers can learn their trade through apprenticeships, which include both on-the-job training and classroom instruction.
Learn a Lifelong Skill And Become A Plumber
Plumbing companies must have a contractor’s license. Therefore, plumbers that engage in an apprenticeship program will operate under the plumbing companies’ contractor’s license and insurance. Information provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) states that the requirements for becoming a licensed plumbing contractor take 4-5 years of experience in addition to passing the exam.
According to data from Zip Recruiter, Glassdoor, and Salary.com, the average income for a good plumber starts at over $29 per hour. The average salaries range from $49-100K per year.
Having a career as a plumber provides you a chance to learn a lifelong skill. You get taught the necessary skills to help design, repair, and install the necessary equipment vital to our infrastructure. It will also teach us the latest in residential plumbing services and introduce you to the latest technologies. As a result, we will always have a high demand for our local plumbers, no matter how society evolves.
There are several advantages to becoming a plumber in California, including:
Assurance of Employment (Job Security)
You can’t outsource plumbing so there will always be a demand for plumbing services, whether it’s residential, commercial, or new construction. Whatever the case, there is always a steady flow of customers.
Huge Demand For Skilled Plumbers
The steady flow of retiring plumbers and the ever-expanding housing and commercial markets have increased California’s need for quality, skilled plumbers.
It Gives You A Chance To Become A Licensed Plumbing Contractor
It’s possible to climb the ladder of success in plumbing. Typically, a plumber apprentices for around four years before they can become a journeyman. They could then go on to become a licensed plumbing contractor and go into business for themselves. Whatever the case, this gives for a wider range of possibilities and options for every individual.
Variety in the Workplace
There are constantly new jobs, new technologies, and new opportunities to practice your trade in the plumbing industry. Plumbing is a fundamental necessity, with continuously evolving new tools, equipment, and techniques. In some situations, you’ll need to work with a wide range of industries to find solutions for some projects.
Plumbing Companies Are At The Forefront Of Water Conservation
It is well-known that clean drinking water, along with water conservation, has had a significant impact on our society, and plumbing is at the forefront of them both. Licensed plumbing contractors are leading the way with low-flow toilets, showerheads, and faucets. Most plumbing companies also install whole house water filtration systems that bring clean, mineral-free water into your home.