Plumber

In 2004, steam-fitting, pipefitting, and plumbing employment were responsible for approximately 561,000 jobs, making them the largest occupations in the building and construction industry.  With the combination of growth and retirement rates that are projected through 2014, plumbing careers are predicting excellent opportunities to qualified professionals.  Many employers looking to hire plumbers have reported difficulty locating candidates with necessary skills to fill their available plumbing jobs.  While these occupations are seldom affected by economic declines, positions are often temporary and may include extended periods of time between employment. 

Plumbers are responsible for installing and maintaining heating, plumbing, potable water, drainage, and industrial process piping.  They commonly work with multiple pipes and fluids, while pipe-fitters and steam-fitters handle the majority of the maintenance on heating and steam systems.  With the use of iron, steel, plastic, or copper pipes, plumbers install pipes, connect to and install fixtures, attach to an outside source, and make a final check to ensure proper installation.  This process may require professionals to cut through floors, ceilings, or walls in order to make connections.  A plumbing job requires candidates to not only be capable of reading blueprints and construction plans, but also have the ability to assist in the creation of these drawings. 

Education for each plumbing career generally depends on an individual employer’s preference.  While candidates may receive adequate knowledge on the job, or in technical, vocational, or community college programs, apprenticeships offer the most in depth education.  Plumbing apprenticeships can range from four to five years of on the job training under the direction of an experienced professional, in conjunction with a minimum of 144 hours per year of formal classroom training.  Entrance into many apprenticeship programs generally require candidates to possess a high school diploma, be in good physical condition, and be at least 18 years of age. Many organizations require plumbers to obtain licensure, but requirements vary, depending on the area.  Most commonly, applicants must pass a thorough examination in order to register in their area. 

While candidates entering apprentice occupations earn approximately half the wage of experienced professionals, wages increase as candidates gain knowledge, and experienced plumbers are among the highest paid professionals in the construction industry.  In accordance to wages, a job in plumbing is far from easy.  Professionals commonly work standard 40 hour weeks, but may be on call, or scheduled for evening or weekend shifts for maintenance of existing systems.  Professionals must possess physical strength and stamina due to the immense amount of labor associated with plumbing occupations.  Candidates may be utilized in or out doors, and periodically work in cramped or awkward positions.  The ability to lift and carry heavy materials, as well as stand, stoop, and/or kneel for extended periods of time increase candidate efficiency.  While plumbing jobs are often labor intensive, professionals may be needed in commercial or residential buildings wherever septic or water systems are utilized. 

For more information on plumbing jobs, please visit the following sites:

• ThePlumber.com
• SUCSS
• Mr. Rooter
• Online-Education.net
• TheSite.org

If you are searching for a plumbing position, or are an employer looking to hire a plumber, visit iHireBuildingTrades.  We are a niche job board focusing only in candidates and positions within the trades industry.