What plumbers do and where they work
Plumbers install, repair, and maintain water supply systems, drainage systems, and gas lines in homes, businesses, and industrial facilities. The work ranges from fixing a leaking faucet to designing and installing entire plumbing systems in new construction. Most plumbers spend their time on job sites — inside buildings, in crawl spaces, under sinks, and in mechanical rooms — using hand tools, power tools, and diagnostic equipment to locate and fix problems.
Plumbers work for established plumbing companies, for contractors on construction sites, or as self-employed professionals. Some specialise in residential work (houses and apartments), others in commercial plumbing (office buildings and retail), and still others in industrial systems (factories and water treatment plants). The type of work you do shapes your schedule, the tools you use, and the problems you solve.
Key Takeaways
- Plumber positions typically require a high school diploma or GED, followed by an apprenticeship lasting three to five years where you earn while you learn.
- Most states require plumbers to pass a licensing exam and hold a journeyman or master plumber license before working independently or supervising others.
- Entry-level plumber jobs often start as apprentice positions with plumbing companies, where you work under a licensed plumber and attend classroom instruction.
- Plumber salaries vary by location, experience level, and whether you work for a company or run your own business, but the median is substantially higher than many trades.
- Plumbing work is physically demanding and involves standing, bending, lifting, and working in tight spaces, so physical fitness and problem-solving skills matter as much as technical knowledge.
How to become a plumber: apprenticeship and licensing
The standard path to becoming a plumber is a paid apprenticeship. You explore to a plumbing company or union local, and if accepted, you work as an apprentice plumber while attending classroom instruction in plumbing code, safety, and technical skills. Apprenticeships typically last three to five years, depending on your state and whether you work for a union or non-union employer. During this time, you earn a wage (usually starting lower than a journeyman but increasing each year) and pay little or nothing for classroom instruction.
After completing your apprenticeship hours and classroom work, you take a licensing exam administered by your state or local licensing board. The exam tests your knowledge of plumbing code, safety practices, and practical problem-solving. Once you pass, you receive a journeyman plumber license, which allows you to work independently and take on jobs. Some plumbers stop here; others pursue a master plumber license, which requires additional years of experience and another exam, and allows you to supervise other plumbers and run your own business.
Requirements vary by state. Some states require a high school diploma or GED before you can enter an apprenticeship; others do not. Some require continuing education hours each year to keep your license active. Check your state's plumbing board or licensing authority to learn the specific requirements where you plan to work.
Entry-level plumber positions and where to find them
Most entry-level plumber jobs are apprentice positions. You can find these through plumbing companies (search online for "plumbing apprenticeships" in your area), union locals (the United Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters has local chapters across North America), or trade schools that partner with employers. Some companies post apprenticeships on job boards like Indeed or LinkedIn; others hire through word-of-mouth or direct process to their office.
When you explore, have your high school diploma or GED ready, and be prepared to discuss why you want the job. Many plumbing companies ask about your physical fitness, your willingness to work early mornings or on-call hours, and your ability to follow instructions. Some require a background check or drug screening. Union apprenticeships often have a more formal process process and may require you to pass a math and reading test.
A few plumbing companies hire helpers or labourers without requiring an apprenticeship commitment upfront. These positions involve assisting licensed plumbers on job sites — carrying tools, holding materials, cleaning up — and can be a way to test whether plumbing work suits you before committing to a multi-year apprenticeship.
Skills and physical demands of plumbing work
Plumbing requires both technical knowledge and practical problem-solving. You need to understand how water flows through pipes, how to read blueprints and plumbing code, how to use diagnostic tools to find leaks or blockages, and how to select the right materials and methods for each job. You also need to think through problems — a backed-up drain might be caused by a clog, a broken pipe, or a design flaw — and figure out the most efficient solution.
The physical demands are significant. Plumbers spend hours standing, bending, kneeling, and reaching into tight spaces under sinks, in crawl spaces, and behind walls. You lift heavy pipes and equipment, sometimes working overhead or in awkward positions. The work can be dirty, wet, and uncomfortable. You may work in cold basements, hot attics, or outdoor trenches depending on the job. Physical fitness, flexibility, and the ability to work in uncomfortable conditions are as important as technical skill.
Customer service matters too, especially if you work in residential plumbing. You interact with homeowners, explain problems and solutions, and often work inside their homes. Being reliable, professional, and able to communicate clearly about what's wrong and what it will cost builds your reputation and leads to repeat business and referrals.
Plumber salary and job outlook
Plumber salaries vary significantly by location, experience, and whether you work for a company or own your own business. Apprentices earn less than journeymen, who earn less than master plumbers. Plumbers in urban areas and states with higher costs of living typically earn more than those in rural areas. Self-employed plumbers can earn more than company employees, but they also bear the cost of tools, insurance, and business overhead.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics tracks plumber wages, but the figures change annually and vary by state. Rather than relying on a single number, check the Bureau's Occupational Outlook Handbook (available free online) for your state, or contact local plumbing companies and unions to ask what apprentices and journeymen currently earn in your area. This gives you a realistic picture of what you can expect.
Job demand for plumbers remains steady because plumbing systems need maintenance and repair regardless of economic conditions, and new construction always requires plumbers. Retirements in the trade have created openings in many regions, making this a field where work is generally available once you are licensed.
Union versus non-union plumbing work
Plumbers can work for union shops (affiliated with the United Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters or similar organisations) or non-union companies. Union apprenticeships typically offer higher wages, better benefits, and more structured training. You attend a union-run trade school alongside your on-the-job training, and the union negotiates wages and working conditions on your behalf. Union plumbers often work on larger commercial and industrial projects.
Non-union plumbing companies may offer more flexibility in scheduling and faster advancement to journeyman status, but wages and benefits vary widely by company. Some non-union shops pay competitively; others pay less. Non-union plumbers often work on residential jobs and smaller commercial projects. Both paths lead to a journeyman license and the same work — the main differences are pay, benefits, and the types of projects you typically work on.
Specialisations within plumbing
As you gain experience, you can specialise in areas that interest you. Residential plumbers focus on homes and apartments, handling repairs, renovations, and new installations. Commercial plumbers work on office buildings, retail spaces, and larger facilities, often dealing with more complex systems and stricter code requirements. Pipefitters specialise in industrial piping systems for factories, refineries, and power plants — this work is highly technical and often pays more than general plumbing. Steamfitters work with steam and high-temperature systems. Gasfitters specialise in gas line installation and repair.
Some plumbers develop informed in specific areas like backflow prevention, water heater installation, or drain cleaning. Others move into inspection, code enforcement, or teaching at trade schools. The skills you learn as an apprentice open doors to different career paths within the plumbing field.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a high school diploma to become a plumber?
Most states require a high school diploma or GED before you can enter an apprenticeship, though some do not. Check with your state's plumbing board or the plumbing companies in your area to confirm their requirements. If you do not have a diploma, you can earn a GED through community colleges or online programs.
How long does it take to become a licensed plumber?
A typical apprenticeship lasts three to five years of full-time work plus classroom instruction. After completing your apprenticeship and passing the journeyman exam, you are licensed to work independently. Becoming a master plumber requires additional years of experience (usually five to ten more) and another exam.
Can I start plumbing work without an apprenticeship?
No — plumbing is a licensed trade in most states, and you cannot legally perform plumbing work without a license. You must complete an apprenticeship and pass a licensing exam. Some companies hire helpers or labourers to information licensed plumbers, which can be a way to enter the field, but you will need to commit to an apprenticeship to become licensed yourself.
What is the difference between a journeyman and a master plumber?
A journeyman plumber has completed an apprenticeship and passed the licensing exam, and can work independently and take on jobs. A master plumber has additional years of experience and has passed a more advanced exam, and can supervise other plumbers, run a plumbing business, and take on larger or more complex projects. Master licenses are optional — many plumbers work as journeymen their entire career.
Is plumbing work physically demanding?
Yes. Plumbing involves standing, bending, kneeling, lifting, and working in tight or uncomfortable spaces for hours at a time. You need to be physically fit and comfortable working in wet, dirty, or cold conditions. If you have back problems, mobility issues, or other physical limitations, discuss them with a plumbing company before committing to an apprenticeship.