Specialize in: commercial plumbing, gas fitting, steamfitting, medical gas systems, or fire sprinkler installation
Service plumbers who handle emergency calls earn premium rates (time and a half, double time)
Start your own plumbing company — Master Plumbers who run a truck and one helper can gross $200K+
Plumbing contractors with crews of 5-10 can build million-dollar businesses
6
Essential Gear & Tools
Pipe wrenches (14" and 18"), adjustable wrenches, channel locks
Tubing cutter, hacksaw, PEX crimping tool
Plunger, hand auger (drain snake), closet auger
Teflon tape, pipe dope, soldering kit for copper
Level, tape measure, flashlight/headlamp
Budget: $400-$700 for a solid starter kit
[Recommended starter tool kits — coming soon]
Companies Hiring & Training Plumbers
United Association (UA)
Union apprenticeship program, 5 years, free training, earn $14-18/hr starting.
Turner Construction, Skanska, Kiewit
Major construction firms that run apprentice pipefitter/plumber programs.
CBRE, JLL, Cushman & Wakefield
Facility management companies that hire building maintenance plumbers.
Municipal Water Departments
City/county jobs with full benefits and pension.
The plumbing industry needs 550,000 new workers by 2027. Companies are literally competing for apprentices. Search apprenticeship.gov for openings near you.
Average college grad: $59K salary + $37K student debt. Plumbing apprentice: $33-42K salary with ZERO debt, earning from day one. By age 28, a Master Plumber earns $80-100K with no loans while college grads are still making payments.
The Real Talk
The Good
Earn while you learn — no student debt
Crisis-level demand — 550K plumber shortage by 2027
Emergency service calls mean premium overtime pay
Every building needs plumbing — recession-proof career
Clear path to business ownership
You're a hero when someone's house is flooding at midnight
The Hard Parts
You will deal with sewage and dirty water — it's part of the job
Physical work — crawling under houses, digging trenches, heavy lifting
Emergency calls can mean nights, weekends, and holidays
Working in tight, uncomfortable spaces (crawl spaces, attics)
Apprenticeship is 4-5 years — but you're earning the entire time
Is It Worth It?
If you can handle the messy parts, plumbing is one of the most secure and lucrative careers you can choose. The shortage is so severe that experienced plumbers can name their price. And when you run your own truck, you're basically running your own business with a guaranteed customer base — because pipes will always break.
A Career Is Just One Part of Your Story
The best careers don't just pay well — they give you freedom, purpose, and time for the people and things you love. Choose a path that makes your whole life better, not just your resume.