Plumber
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Did you know that plumbing is one of the highest paid construction occupations? When you think about how our lives come to a standstill when the kitchen sink clogs, you realize how important it is to have a trained plumber on hand! The career prospects for plumbers (and people in the related trades of pipelayer, pipefitter, and steamfitter) are promising these days. There is currently a shortage of qualified new tradesmen in this field, so employment opportunities are expected to be excellent.
Plumbing career specializations include:
- Pipelayers: Prepare trenches and install piping for water mains, sewers, oil or gas lines, and other uses
- Plumbers: Install and maintain water and gas systems in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings
- Pipefitters: Install and maintain pipe systems used in manufacturing, power generation, and large HVAC systems
- Steamfitters: Install high pressure pipe systems
Residential and industrial plumbers usually learn their trade through educational programs at career and technical schools and community colleges, and through on-the-job training. Also, unions and contractor organizations sponsor four- to five- year apprenticeship programs for pipelayers, plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters. These apprenticeship programs include classroom training as well as job experience. Along with physical strength and a knack for things mechanical, skill in understanding and following blueprints is a must-have.
The median hourly wage for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters in 2004 was $19.85. For pipelayers, it was $13.85.
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