What does a plumber do? Duties, pay, education and outlook
Plumbers install, maintain and repair the pipes that carry water, gas and other materials in homes, businesses and factories. Most learn the trade through a four or five year paid apprenticeship after high school, and most states require a license, typically after two to five years of experience and an exam.
At a glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| O*NET-SOC code | 47-2152.00 (Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters) |
| Typical entry-level education | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Training | Apprenticeship |
| Licensing | Most states and some localities license plumbers |
| Median annual wage | $63,800 per year (May 2025, BLS) |
| Projected growth | 7 percent, 2025 to 2035 (much faster than average) |
| Number of jobs | 510,600 (2025) |
| Projected openings | About 42,000 per year, on average, over the decade |
What does a plumber do?
The Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH) lists these duties:
- Prepare cost estimates for clients.
- Read blueprints and follow state and local building codes.
- Determine the materials and equipment a job needs.
- Install pipes and fixtures.
- Inspect and test installed pipe systems and pipelines.
- Troubleshoot malfunctioning systems.
- Maintain and repair plumbing systems.
Plumbers work with water, gas and other piping. Pipefitters and steamfitters, covered in the same profile, install and maintain pipes that carry chemicals, acids and gases, mostly in manufacturing, commercial and industrial settings.
Work environment
Plumbing, heating and air-conditioning contractors employ 65 percent of workers, self-employed workers account for 8 percent, and government (excluding state and local education and hospitals) 3 percent. The work can involve tight spaces, heavy lifting, ladders and sometimes outdoor work in all weather. Injuries include cuts from sharp tools, burns from hot pipes and soldering equipment, and falls from ladders. Most work full time, often including nights and weekends, and many are on call for emergencies.
Education, training and licensing
- Education: A high school diploma or equivalent is typical. Vocational-technical schools offer courses in pipe system design, safety, tool use and welding, which some pipefitter and steamfitter apprenticeships require.
- Apprenticeship: Most learn through a four or five year apprenticeship, typically with 2,000 hours of paid on-the-job training and technical instruction each year. Unions, trade associations and businesses sponsor them.
- Licensing: Most states and some localities require plumbers to be licensed, typically after 2 to 5 years of experience and passing an exam. Some states also license pipefitters and steamfitters, and some require a special license for gas lines. Check your state licensing board for exact rules.
Skills that matter
The OOH names communication, dexterity, mechanical skills, physical strength and troubleshooting skills. O*NET lists critical thinking, monitoring and speaking as essential skills, and repairing, troubleshooting, coordination and time management among transferable skills.
How much do plumbers make?
BLS reports a median annual wage of $63,800 per year (May 2025). The lowest 10 percent earned less than $44,150 and the highest 10 percent earned more than $108,420. Apprentices earn less than fully trained workers, and their pay rises as they gain skills. See the OOH pay tab and Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics for state and metro data. Our guide on how to research pay explains how to read these numbers.
Job outlook
BLS projects employment to grow 7 percent from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations, with about 42,000 openings projected each year on average over the decade.
How to get hired
- Find an apprenticeship. Ask local unions, trade associations and plumbing contractors about sponsored programs, and ask your state licensing board how apprentice hours are counted.
- Show you are reliable. Emphasize dexterity, mechanical aptitude, safety habits and availability for on-call work. If you have no trade history, see our no experience resume guide. If you are switching trades, see career change resume.
- Plan for the license. Track hours and keep records, since licensing typically requires 2 to 5 years of experience plus an exam.
- Search steadily. Use our find a job fast routine and search jobs on LiveRec.
Related occupations
Electricians; heating, air conditioning and refrigeration mechanics and installers; welders, cutters, solderers and brazers; construction and building inspectors.
Frequently asked questions
Do plumbers need a license? Most states and some localities do. It typically follows 2 to 5 years of experience and an exam. Rules differ by state, so confirm with your state board.
How long does it take to become a plumber? Most learn through a four or five year apprenticeship, typically with 2,000 hours of paid training and instruction each year.
Do plumbers need a college degree? No. A high school diploma or equivalent is the typical entry-level education.
Is plumbing in demand? BLS projects 7 percent growth from 2025 to 2035, much faster than average.
Sources
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/construction-and-extraction/plumbers-pipefitters-and-steamfitters.htm (accessed 31 October 2026)
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/oes/ (accessed 31 October 2026)
- O*NET OnLine, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters: https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/47-2152.00 (accessed 31 October 2026)
This is general information, not legal, tax or immigration advice. Rules change and your situation may differ. Consult a licensed attorney or qualified adviser.