Plumber Jobs

Plumbers install, repair, and maintain pipes that carry water, steam, chemicals, or fuel for heating, cooling, and sanitation systems in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters was **$62,970** (or **$30.27 per hour**) as of May 2024 data, which remains the most current official figure in early 2026. This wage exceeds the national median for all occupations and reflects employment of approximately 504,500 workers, with opportunities driven by construction and maintenance needs.

The plumbing trade typically requires a high school diploma followed by a paid apprenticeship lasting 4-5 years, combining on-the-job training with classroom instruction. Job outlook is positive, with BLS projecting **4% growth** from 2024 to 2034—about as fast as average—resulting in around 44,000 annual openings due to replacements and new demand from infrastructure projects. Common certifications include Journeyman Plumber (state licensing boards), Master Plumber (state boards), Backflow Prevention Tester (American Society of Sanitary Engineering or state agencies), and OSHA 10/30 (Occupational Safety and Health Administration).