A steady, comfortable income is one perk of being a plumber that draws many people to the profession. But how lucrative is a career in plumbing? Before deciding if a career in in plumbing is right for you, you’ll want to know the average salary before diving into this challenging yet rewarding field.
In this blog post, you’ll find information about plumber salaries, required qualifications, costs associated with training, and job outlook. Ultimately, you should have a better idea of whether a plumbing career is for you!
Essential information about plumber salaries
The plumbing industry offers plenty of room for advancing your career. Your salary will increase once you become a licensed plumber and will continue growing as you transition from a journeyman to a master plumber.
Your salary as a plumber will depend on various factors, including your qualifications and experience level.
Many people get started working as plumbers with no official training. The entry-level salary for apprentice plumbers is about $36,700.
What’s the average salary of a plumber?
Using data from salary.com, here’s a breakdown of the average salary you can earn throughout your plumbing career:
- Apprentice plumber salary: $42,900
- Journeyman plumber salary: $63,260
What is the salary of a master plumber?
The average master plumber’s salary is about $72,300 per year.
The journey from apprenticeship to becoming a master plumber can take seven to ten years. And according to the above figures, you can expect a salary growth of almost 70% during this time!
How much do plumbers make in different states?
To outline how the average plumber salary can vary across the US, here’s the median plumber annual salary in three highly populated US states:
- Plumber salary Florida: $43,220
- Plumber salary California: $57,660
- Plumber salary Texas: $50,780
Most of this variance is due to differences in the cost of living or demand for plumbing services throughout the country. Make sure to research the average plumber’s salary where you live.
How much do plumbers make by the hour?
The average plumber’s salary per hour ranges from $15.72 to $46.72, depending on location and experience level.
What qualifications do you need to become a licensed plumber?
As an aspiring plumber, you’ll typically start with an apprenticeship program where you’ll take classes and get on-the-job training. Some states may also require you to take specific plumbing courses. Once you’ve completed your apprenticeship, you’ll take an exam to become a licensed plumber.
If you pass the exam, you’ll be able to become a journeyman plumber and earn a licensed plumber salary. You’ll then have the potential to make 50% more than you did as an apprentice!
What does it cost to become a licensed plumber?
The cost of becoming a plumber will vary depending on your chosen path.
Attending a tech or trade school for upfront training and certifications can cost you between $2,000 and $10,000.
If you decide to start immediately by joining a company without experience, you can expect a lower starting salary. But if you work hard to demonstrate value, your company might pay you for certification or specialized training.
What is the job outlook for plumbers in the coming years?
With a shortage of skilled tradespeople in the US, there’s strong job security and the potential for income growth in the plumbing industry.
The return on investment is promising. Especially when you consider you’re not strictly required to spend much money on education to enter the plumbing industry.
Plumbing is also a flexible field that allows you to work as an entrepreneur or employee.
Conclusion
A career in plumbing offers steady income, growth potential, and financial stability. After starting with a salary of around $36,700 as a beginner, your salary can reach $72,300 or more once you become a master plumber.
Look at regional differences in the average plumber’s salary and understand licensing requirements, including apprenticeship, work experience, and exams.
Despite upfront costs and lower starting salaries, there’s room for advancement, flexibility, and income growth in the plumbing trade.
You can start looking for customers once you become a plumber and receive the necessary training. Our team of receptionists at AnswerForce can take care of calls and chats with prospects, schedule estimates, and provide 24/7 correspondence. That means more time for you to strengthen your trade.