Is Plumbing a Good Trade? Why Enter this Career in 2023

If your expertise is always in need, you’ll find job security wherever you go. Plumbing is one of those trades, and that won’t change anytime soon. 

Is plumbing a good trade? Yes, plumbing is a sought-after trade because of its excellent job security and opportunities for advancement.

Reasons why Plumbing is a Good Career Choice

1. Affordable Schooling

Most plumbing schools have programs that are affordable to attend, on average $1000-$3000 with on-the-job-training. The investment will seem worth it once you have begun utilizing the skills you learn on a job site and bringing in a check. 

You will recoup your investment probably in the first month of working. 

Pro tip: Once you have enrolled in school, you can apply for a union apprenticeship or a licensed contractor.

2. Excellent Job Security

• The phrase “plumbers near me” is searched millions of times per year by people needing to find a plumber for emergencies and other plumbing needs. 
• This is not even considering new construction, remodels, industrial, and all other jobs requiring plumbers. Plumbers are needed as long as there is plumbing—and there’s always plumbing. 

3. Career Advancement

Career advancement in any trade is essential, and the plumber’s trade is one you can always learn more about. And the more you know, the more in-demand your services will be (meaning more money). 

• From Apprentice to journeyman to master plumber, how much you advance and how much money you make as a plumber is up to you.
• For the more entrepreneurial-minded, you can start your own business, even as a one-person plumbing business.

4. Job Openings Everywhere

There are job openings everywhere for qualified plumbers. The more effort put into learning the plumbing trade, the greater chances and opportunities will present themselves. 

New construction, maintenance, industrial, hospitality, and government, all these industries have openings for plumbers. 

Process Of Becoming A Plumber

There are a couple of ways to become a plumber. One is to find work as an apprentice and work your way up. And the second is to attend a trade school. 

The difference is that having the basic skills will move you up the ladder quicker than starting with zero skills. Plus, most trade schools have on-the-job training that gives you real-world experience on your resume.  

Going to plumbing school for 1-2 years and receiving on-the-job training is far better than attending a 4-year college and coming out with a degree but zero experience in real-world business. 

And learning a skill and becoming a craftsman will always be better than slogging in the trenches as a laborer. 

Key-takeaway: The process is not easy, but it can be rewarding. It’s up to the individual how much effort to put into reaching the highest level of achievement. 

Frequently Asked Questions