The plumbing field is a career that has many different types of jobs. Plumbers can be found working in residential or commercial properties. You can install, inspect or repair systems. Finding the root cause of the problem can be a big challenge and require a lot of creativity.
They also have the option to earn extra income by being independent or starting their own business. All of this provides options to find something that you like.
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The Plumbing Field in the USA: What is it like in California, Texas, Florida and more
Plumbing is a diverse field, with many types of jobs that are available. A lot of people start as an apprentice and can generally grow to become a project manager or shop owner. Not everyone wants to do this but the possibility is there.
This means that there is no cap on how much you can earn. Apprentices can make anything from 15 to 20 USD per hour, depending on where you are in the USA. More experienced plumbers often make more than double this.
Some plumbing markets can be quite competitive and it can be difficult to strike out on your own. Plumbers are often in demand.
You can reach out to local plumbing companies to see if they are looking to hire new people if you want to be sure that there is demand in your location. You can always specialize in a plumbing skill such as removing clogs from drains if needed.
As the average age of plumbers continues to rise, companies are looking for new talent. With an aging workforce, there will be many job openings in the coming years. As a result, the job outlook is good for plumbers These job openings can also help plumbers earn more money as companies will be looking for employees with specialized skills and knowledge.
There will be always work for plumbers as people need to go to the toilet and enjoy hot water. It is possible to use the plumbing skills for HVAC (ventilation) as well so you can keep busy during winter and summer.
How would you know if plumbing is right for you?
How would you know if plumbing is right for you? One of the most important factors in determining whether or not plumbing is a good career for you is the type of work that you are comfortable doing. If the physical aspects of plumbing are not appealing to you, it may be best to find another career path. It is possible to become a manager and then you don’t have to be in the field that often.
It’s also important to consider your skills and how they relate to the various types of jobs available within this field. For example, if you have experience in construction or carpentry and have a background in mechanical systems, plumbing might be an excellent choice for your next career. It is possible to learn these skills though if you are motivated so don’t worry if you don’t.
I would say that willingness to learn is the main determinant if you should become a plumber. There are a lot of different systems out there and if you don’t want to study and check how they work, you won’t be a good plumber. Each system has its unique advantages and disadvantages and as a plumber, you have to know these. For example, PEX-A and PEX-B each have their own way of installing and repairing them.
Why you shouldn’t become a plumber in the USA
While the plumbing field is considered a high-demand career, there are many reasons why you shouldn’t become a plumber. Plumbers often work long hours.
This can lead to a difficult time balancing their personal life with their job since they spend so much time working.
Plumbers sometimes have to deal with nasty situations. If you have to fix a drain, you might be covered in poop and dirt. If you really don’t want to do this, you can specialize in heating so that you don’t have to deal with this. Given that a lot of people want to avoid this, you can make a good living if you want to deal with these nasty liquids.
Plumbers sometimes have to work in uncomfortable and dangerous situations. From heights to hot and narrow rooms, it can be intense work. You are often outside during hot summer nights or early winter mornings.
This is not for everyone as you have to deal with a lot of discomforts. Accidents do happen as you can be exposed to dangerous situations. Plumbers often learn how to avoid accidents but no one is perfect.
As a plumber, you always have to learn. From studying the code to new technologies, you have to be willing to see what is going on. Some people want to do the same work over and over again and this is not always possible for plumbers.
Plumbers have to be on the road a lot. This means no working from home as you have to go to buildings to repair them. You might have to spend a lot of time in traffic if you live in a busy city. Some people really don’t like this and chose another career for this reason.
As a plumber, you will have to deal with people. They are often annoyed when their toilet isn’t flushing or their heater isn’t working. Being able to remain calm when people are annoying is not always easy to do. If you manage plumbers, you also have to deal with a lot of personal drama. This is part of the job and you will have to learn how to do this.
Some people perceive plumbing as an easy job because you can get started without going to school. Plumbing systems have become quite complex and you have to study a lot. Still, the perception remains that plumbing is not for smart people. Let them have their degree while you laugh all the way to the bank.
Another issue is the physical toll that being in this career takes on the plumber’s body. While it can be a physically demanding job, it can be taxing on the body if not careful enough. Plumbing jobs require standing for long periods of time which causes stiffness which often becomes permanent damage.
Why you should become a plumber
Plumbers love their job for a few reasons. For starters, there are many benefits associated with plumbing jobs like being able to help people out. It is also nice when you can help friends and family out with their plumbing system. You can help them to save a lot of money and they might be very grateful for this.
In addition to these perks, plumbers have a lot of opportunities available in the field. There are many different types of work within the industry, so no matter what type of career they choose, they will always have career options. A lot of plumbers become real estate investors or developers as they know the tricks of the trade.
Plumbers are often very proud of the work that they did. You see tangible results of your work and this can give a lot of satisfaction. Sitting behind a computer is not for everyone and you will encounter a lot of interesting situations while you are working.
Plumbers are often friendly towards each other as they know that it is hard work. This can lead to deep bonds between colleagues and they often become friends for life. You can learn a lot from each other and have tons of fun.
You don’t need years of education to get started. Just contact a company and tell them that you want to be an apprentice. Chances are that they will hire you on the spot. No reason to waste years going to school to end up without a job.
To conclude, we have discussed some pros and cons of being a plumber. It is not for everyone but offers a lot of opportunities if you are willing to take them. It is an intense job but you can evolve over time. You can start as an apprentice and eventually manage a big company.
We have discussed what plumbers do in more detail here.
Plumbers install anything from dishwashers, washing machines, fridges, sinks, garbage disposals toilets, and irrigation systems to water heaters. They also install and maintain drainage systems that keep wastewater away from your home.
As you can imagine, plumbers often specialize in one of these tasks. It is impossible to know everything. Plumbers often have to consult the manual of a device to see how it has to be installed.
While the broad lines are often the same, each device is unique.
The market is also changing a lot. We are evolving from gas to heat pumps. Plumbers have to keep up with all of these evolutions. Most plumbers learn something new every week and it can be a challenging but rewarding career.
