Plumbing isn’t just a trade — it’s a valuable skill, a stable profession, and a smart way to build a strong future. With high demand across the country and excellent earning potential, a career in plumbing offers young people and career changers a real opportunity for long-term success.
Yet despite all the benefits, plumbing often gets overlooked. The reality is, we need more plumbers in every community — and the opportunity has never been better.Here’s what you need to know about how to become a plumber and why it’s a path worth considering.
Two Ways to Start a Plumbing Career
If you’re looking at how to get into plumbing, it typically begins with a four-year apprenticeship. There are two main ways to complete it:
- On-the-Job Training: Work for a plumbing company, earn a paycheck (usually starting at a lower hourly rate while you learn), and gain real-world experience.
- Trade School Programs: Some high schools, technical colleges, and community colleges offer programs that combine classroom education with the hands-on training required to complete an apprenticeship.
Both routes give future plumbers the skills and qualifications they need to start a solid career.
The Benefits of Becoming a Plumber
One of the best things about the plumbing trade is that it’s open to everyone. Plumbing is a career that values skill, hard work, and reliability — not background, gender, or formal titles.
Right now, the demand for plumbers far outweighs the supply. That means steady work, good salaries, and strong job security for anyone who completes their training. Plumbing services are essential everywhere — from large cities to rural towns — so licensed plumbers can find opportunities close to home or wherever they choose.
After completing the apprenticeship, individuals can take the exam to earn their Journeyman’s license. This license unlocks bigger projects, higher wages, and the ability to work more independently. With two additional years of full-time experience, a Journeyman can then sit for the Master Plumber’s license, opening the door to even more career growth, including business ownership.
Why Completing the Licensing Process Matters
Some trade programs integrate the apprenticeship hours into their curriculum, making it easier to meet the experience requirements. However, many students complete the coursework but don’t follow through with taking the Journeyman’s exam — missing a major opportunity.
In states like Vermont, a Journeyman Plumber can handle nearly all plumbing work except for pulling permits. Finishing the licensing process is critical for maximizing career opportunities and financial rewards in the plumbing industry.
Why Skilled Trades Like Plumbing Are the Future
Pursuing a trade like plumbing offers benefits that many office jobs or traditional career paths simply can’t match.
Plumbing careers provide:
- Job security: Plumbing will always be needed, no matter the economy.
Financial independence: Good wages and the ability to build a career without overwhelming student loan debt. - Personal satisfaction: Hands-on work, visible results, and the ability to solve real-world problems.
Plumbing is physically demanding and requires math, technical knowledge, and critical thinking. It’s not always easy, and yes, sometimes it can get messy. But it’s honest work that’s respected and appreciated by every community.
Plumbing is a Career That Makes a Real Difference
Plumbing is one of the few professions where you can immediately see the impact of your work.
Whether it’s fixing a broken water heater, repairing a burst pipe, or installing systems that keep homes and businesses running smoothly, plumbers play an essential role in daily life.
Choosing a career in plumbing means choosing stability, opportunity, and the ability to make a tangible difference — all while building a financially secure future.
For young people entering the workforce or adults considering a career change, plumbing isn’t just a fallback — it’s a smart, sustainable career choice with real rewards.
Last modified: April 30, 2025
