What Does a Plumber Do? A Guide to Salary, Skills, and Career Paths

A plumber is a skilled tradesperson who installs, repairs, and maintains the piping systems essential for water supply, sanitation, heating, and drainage in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. Based on our assessment of industry data, this career offers a stable average salary of approximately $58,000 per year and a clear pathway through apprenticeships, making it a viable and hands-on profession.

What are the primary responsibilities of a plumber?

A plumber's role extends beyond fixing leaks. Their core responsibilities ensure the safety and functionality of a building's critical water and waste systems. Key duties include:

• Interpreting Blueprints and Specifications: Before any installation, a plumber must read and understand architectural drawings to plan the layout of pipes and fixtures accurately.
• Installing Systems and Fixtures: This involves assembling complex networks of pipes for potable water, gas, sewage, and drainage, as well as installing fixtures like sinks, toilets, and water heaters.
• Performing Repairs and Maintenance: A significant part of the job is diagnosing problems—from clogged drains to burst pipes—and performing necessary repairs or replacing worn components to prevent system failures.

What skills are essential to become a successful plumber?

Success in this field relies on a blend of technical knowledge and soft skills. The most critical skills include:

• Problem-Solving Abilities: Plumbers must quickly diagnose the root cause of an issue and determine the most effective and safe solution.
• Technical Proficiency: This requires a robust understanding of plumbing codes, pipe materials, and tool operation, typically gained through an apprenticeship—a structured program combining paid on-the-job training with classroom instruction.
• Customer Service Skills: Plumbers often work directly with clients, so clear communication and the ability to explain problems and solutions in a friendly, understandable manner are vital.
• Physical Stamina and Dexterity: The job involves working in tight spaces, lifting heavy materials, and standing for long periods.

The table below summarizes these key skill sets:

What is the career path and salary outlook for a plumber?

The most common path to becoming a plumber begins with a multi-year apprenticeship. During this period, individuals earn a wage while learning the trade under the supervision of experienced journeypersons. After completing the apprenticeship and passing a licensing exam, one becomes a journeyman plumber, with the potential to advance to a master plumber who can manage projects and run a business.

According to data aggregated from industry sources, the median annual wage for plumbers in the United States is around $58,000. However, this figure can vary based on experience, specialization, geographic location, and whether one is self-employed or union-affiliated. The job outlook remains stable, driven by the constant need for new construction, maintenance of aging infrastructure, and emergency repair services.

What are some similar jobs in the trades?

The skills developed in plumbing are transferable to several other in-demand skilled trades, including:

• Pipefitter: Specializes in installing and maintaining complex piping systems often used for high-pressure industrial, commercial, and residential applications.
• HVAC Technician: Focuses on heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems, sharing similar problem-solving and mechanical skills with plumbing.
• Maintenance Technician: A broader role that includes troubleshooting and repairing plumbing systems alongside electrical, HVAC, and other building maintenance tasks.

In summary, key points for a career in plumbing include: a structured apprenticeship pathway, a strong emphasis on problem-solving and technical skills, a stable median salary near $58,000, and opportunities for advancement into supervisory or specialized roles. This career offers tangible, hands-on work that is critical to public health and infrastructure.