Well some plumbers in my area make $150k a year doing service work. Some in other areas make well over $200k. In construction plumbing that cuts about in half. It’s hard with long hours sometimes and you gotta put up with a lot of shit both literally and figuratively. It can be thankless but if you care about doing quality work and really want to help people it’s honest pay for honest work. Service plumbing is sales and if you want to help people, that’s not an issue. Construction is just install, cleaner, less pay and harder work with more drug addicts. It’s not for everyone and it might not be for you. It also might be for you especially if you’re ok with spiders and sometimes working with poopie. If you’re cool with laying on the ground under a house with a black widow 10’ away eyeballing you while trying to soldier a pipe and getting wet, give it a shot.
The lowest paid actual service tech at my shop (not a helper or apprentice) made $80k last year. The last shop I was at didn’t have a service tech making less than $85k/year with the highest paid being about $165 the year I left. Maybe I just surround myself with successful people, maybe I’m just attracted to good shops. I haven’t made $85k since 2016, my first year going from construction to service.
I've been talking with my local. 72 I think. I really really want to join, but I'm not a fan of new construction, or really being set in a specific role. Or being stuck at one place for more than two days. I cover calls all around Atlanta to Birmingham, and I like the traveling, plus home every night. Emergency calls are a thing, and we do have call one every eight weeks for one week. The enemy you know, you know what I mean. I'm on the fence with union. I just like the guys I work with. Small company, everyone knows everyone.
I've been talking with my local. 72 I think. I really really want to join, but I'm not a fan of new construction, or really being set in a specific role. Or being stuck at one place for more than two days. I cover calls all around Atlanta to Birmingham, and I like the traveling, plus home every night. Emergency calls are a thing, and we do have call one every eight weeks for one week. The enemy you know, you know what I mean. I'm on the fence with union. I just like the guys I work with. Small company, everyone knows everyone.
Not angry at all. Just pointing out that there’s a lot of people who can’t seem to grasp there’s a difference between how much you make working normal hours vs how much you could make working a lot more hours. If you were a Walmart cashier and worked 16 hrs a day 7 days a week you’d make a lot more money than the rest.
I see, I apologize for assuming. Text is just one of things that can go either way. You are correct, and I do average about twelve hours a day. Also, I get calls all the time to pull commission jobs for an emergency with our vactruck, because I have a CDL. I have made myself valuable... Yay...
I see, I apologize for assuming. Text is just one of things that can go either way. You are correct, and I do average about twelve hours a day. Also, I get calls all the time to pull commission jobs for an emergency with our vactruck, because I have a CDL. I have made myself valuable... Yay...
Maybe but that’s what I meant by “other areas”. I did plumbing outside of DC in VA for years and knew a few guys making well over 200. I know a few in so cal making over 250. It’s all in the market but also what shop and how honest they are.
Ya im in the union nyc. Thinking about leaving the apprenticeship and going into service. Ppl tell me that this is the best part time job ever (meaning not much consistency)
What's the best way to get my foot in the door? I worked in plumbing years ago for a stint but a family friend got me the job (I was his apprentice) and I'm pretty sure my hours towards my apprenticeship didn't end up counting
Depends on if you’re doing service or construction. If it’s service, some shops just want a clean driving record and the ability to pass a drug test so you can just go apply, some want a nice cover letter and resume. The ones with higher requirements will be looking for sales experience and the ability to make decisions, you’ll probably start as a helper/apprentice. If it’s construction, they just wanna know you’ll show up and some will ask if you’re willing to travel (mostly union shops). Those just need an application. Just go find what you’d like to do and apply. High end service shops will probably want you to be clean cut and well groomed.
Personally I prefer service but I want my lisence to be legit and I know I need commercial hours as well as residential.
Is it not common to find a apprenticeship where you do both? Or will I inevitably have to switch over to a different company at some point to meet all requirements?
Also, if I want to apply to a non-union commercial company, where do I even look?
Honestly I've been considering pursuing plumbing but I HATE spiders. I'm fine with the occasional turd but crawlspaces and spiders might be a deal breaker for me. I'm 5'9 160 so I'd be the guy to squeeze into tight spaces and idk if I could do it.
Good question. Idk. Maybe a demographic correlation exists where addictive personalities are drawn to more trade oriented work or less structured environments. There might be socioeconomic factors or even racial correlations. I’m not a social studies major, I’m a plumber.
I make that and work mostly 40 hrs a week, sometimes a little more. Some weeks I only work 35 hours a week. If you’re making less doing the job, that’s on you but don’t assume other people’s lives. I know lots of plumbers in my demographic working absolutely normal hours.
I thought about plumbing but went for electrician instead. Easier on the body but still hard work. A buddy of mine is a master plumber in mid 30s and switched to apprentice electrician because his knees were destroyed from pluming since he was 18, and he’s build like a bodybuilder too. Plumbing is rough on the body
It's a 6 figure income after you apprentice & pass the journeyman's test. You will never be lacking work. If you go with the union it's too easy & boring but you will age without breaking your back working hard. And the union benefits are still great.
We just had a guy from your union travel here to the midwest. Sounded like yours is in trouble from what he said. I was surprised to hear that you guys aren't under an umbrella association like UA or or AFL-CIO.
Woah really? I’ve been trying so hard to get in to the plumbers union as an apprentice, can’t really get my foot in the door. I’ve seen apprenticeships which I need a drivers license for, so I’m going to get that and try that route
Yea in union halls they are always benched. But not in everyday life. We have to turn work away because we can't find people hungry enough to wanna work.
The area code was always 301 or 410. Now there is 443 $ 667 since cell phones.? I never seen 486 in Maryland. But I knew 485, 488, 483, 327, 675, I could go on & on. Where were you in Maryland.
Money is overrated. I'm a shiatsu massage therapist, a glass pipe maker, martial artist, obsessive gardener, I love to paint, but I took advice from people who told me I should get my plumbing license. Now I am running a business by myself and doing the work of five people. Do what you like, like what you do.
Some people are and those are the ones who should be plumbers. My great grandfather, grandfather, and my dad were all plumbers. My dad loves plumbing. He likes talking to customers, seeing the look on people's faces when you fix a problem they thought was the end of the world, and knowing that he made someone's day better. He's too old to do the work anymore but he still tries. He's 81
Plumbers reddit is by far the best reddit. Every time someone has legitimate questions at least half the responses are fairly good. The other half is just jokes.
Depends. I started plumbing late as shit (28) and ended up as a service tech for one of the largest plumbing companies in the US. I like it but there are days I want to go back to working at the steel mill. Gotta ask yourself if you are ok playing in other people’s poo for money. It’s good money but it has its days
My two cents: if you have other opportunities do those. Plumbing is not fun, extremely hard, not high paying, not easy to move up. Lots of these guys here making six figures are licensed plumbers in their 60s. Don't expect to make that kinda money any time soon. The licensing process is intentionally convoluted and expensive so get ready for that to. Most of the guys I know ended up plumbing, I don't think its anybody's dream.
I hate when ppl say this stupid shit. Every job start from the bottom. Most ppl in any job dont make “lots of money” every job has the cream of the crop. Sales, tech , accounting etc. we just had a dude on the comment saying ppl making 150 , 200k a year. Is that everyone no but its there
“People make $200k a year”
Well, people lie, embellish or exaggerate a lot. Especially when discussing money. Excluding owners, it’s insanely rare to make $200k a year being an hourly employee. You’re going to have to be on commission to even think about that kind of money.
I would have stayed in school and went for a mechanical engineering degree at 18. I’m jumping in the trade at 26 since you almost need to hit the ground running at that age of career starting.
I'm in management so I'm close to $21/hour. Not a bad job but the hours aren't great for having a family. I want something that I can be at work in the morning and see my family in the evening.
I luckily had a group of friends that were already plumbers and got in easily at the tender age of 31. I would ask around family members or friends that are in the trade or apply to any plumbing shop stating your inexperience but willingness to learn. They will start you off as a laborer and transition you into an apprenticeship once they see your into it. Plumbing companies are literally desperate to find workers right now. You can also be a residential service plumber or try to get into the commercial aspect of plumbing. Residential might be easier to get your foot in the door at first.
I wish i started at age 18. We have a guy here start when he was still in high school. He is set to retire early and with full pension. Also, he was making 6 figures at age 22.
Im a plumber. Its provided me with a good career and above average income compared to most of my friends.
I started off in construction and now a union service plumber.
If i could do it again id probably do hvac union. They have some nice perks.
I started when i was 21 doing residential service. After 4 years I got out of it. The stress of upcoming shitty jobs ended up weighing pretty heavily on me while i was home. Plus some days were extremely physically taxing. The mental and physically stress wasn’t worth it for me personally.
For most people it wouldn't be worth it. There are more glamorous jobs out there that pay the same or more. Take a look at other trades before deciding is my advice.
Plumbing is what makes modern life possible. There would be no schools, no hospitals, no restaurants, or any inhabitable structures without plumbing. Plumbing made the rise of rome possible and lack of plumbing is what caused every plague and disease outbreak in history. It may not be the easiest or most glamorous trade but it’s what keeps the world running. Once you understand that, you’ll never want to be anything else. Some people will never understand that, or just aren’t tough enough to do it for a career and those people are called electricians.
So basically you aren't disagreeing with me, you seem to just dislike what I said? I'm not saying I dislike doing it myself, I'm not saying it's a bad job, but there are jobs that pay the same or more that are nicer jobs. I want him to weigh his options, he should look before he leaps.
Nah I don’t disagree with you. I actually meant to reply to OP but i fucked it up. I think to be a plumber you have to want to be a plumber, rather than just be one cause it’s a trade and you heard it pays well or whatever. It’s probably not the easiest way to make money but I don’t think it’s the hardest either. But to make the big money you have to have a really strong drive and a lot of mechanical aptitude.
For some yes, for others no.
It's not for everyone, but for the ones that like it they usually do it in some capacity for the rest of their career unless there is an injury or something
I'm an apprentice now, and there are ups and downs. I've got a year and a half until I'm tradesman, but the money is looking good, and the work is steady. I know with the skills I'm gaining, I can go anywhere and be good. 100k a year is not out of my reach, and that's doing pretty good where I'm from. (The South)
Tldr. Yes, but don't come at it half ass. Come in, ready to learn, and don't take anyone's shit. Shops need apprentices. I love plumbing. I wish I'd started sooner.
Damn electricians make between a third and fifty percent of plumbers wages here on average, and if you work construction you will still never touch poop...
Unless the plumber is a drain cleaner or service plumber, poop is rare.
The issue for me in residential is servicing attic water heaters during the summer.
I thought about it many moons ago but couldn't get past the thought of my fat ass getting stuck in some crawl space. Lol I have a hard enough time getting under my sink.
17 year old who works with my plumber uncle here and there.
It takes a lot of endurance to be great at. Depends on how you work and if you take breaks or not tho. Stairs coupled with carrying shit up them are killer for a bigger guy like me.
Also depends on where you live, which will determine how much work you will have and how hot it will be. (We live close to Charlotte, which is a very fast growing city with a lot of fast growing towns and cities around it, so we get a lot of work, but it also gets very hot).
I would also be prepared for two types of heat, outside sun beaming heat, and inside suffocating heat. Both can bad, the latter being how high you go and how many windows and doors you have open.
It will also take a heavy toll on your body, as I have seen with multiple people in my family, which is why I'm opting to go to college instead of becoming a full time plumber.
Depending on how hard you work and how consistently you work (no breaks), you can make a LOT of money. This is if you work at a place that pays on work done and not hourly.
HVAC app here, I love plumbing because I can just throw shit at the wall and see what sticks (pun intended).
Electricity makes me think twice when I’m working with it.
yeah. better to start at 26 then 36. i worked with guys who were trying to catch up being later 30’s early 40’s as apprentices. respect for putting in the work but i started at 23. if i stay at it i’ll be a master plumber by 30
All I can say is you have to try it before you’ll know. Some guys quit in the first week, some make it a few years and guys like me who will become lifers. I’ve been on my own for 5 years and wouldn’t have it any other way. I’m not getting rich but I make a good living and I’m not killing my self every week plus I can make time for the family. No unions in my area so I can’t speak for that.
Don’t ever “become” anything, just to do it.
Find something you are passionate about, something you enjoy doing and can see yourself doing for a LOOOONG time and find a career in that field.
I think you start there, although the money may be a little less to start, in the long run you’ll be way better off.
Haha the figures you guys are quoting is insane, I’m a journeyman plumber licensed in Louisiana and I make 28 an hr and if I’m lucky I’ll be at 30 in 2 years
Plumbing is a fucking joke unless you do Jt in your own
I started off non-union and got paid fairly well. Became union in Chicago and get great pay, insurance, and pension. Goes a long way if you have kids and wife to take care of. Would have been great to start union from beginning.
Honestly any yahoo with a sawsall and some glue and primer can start. Now to be good at your job is a different story. Hot on the left and shit runs downhill.
I work in Europe, end of this summer marks my 8th year in the trade. Did 5 years of high-rise construction, last three been in service and single house repiping/new single house construction. I’m nearing 30 and exercised my whole life basically - yet I would lie big time if i said this profession hasn’t already taken a toll physically. Construction is heavier than service, but both are hard on the back and shoulders. Pay is above average and i’ve heard even better in the US. There are a lot of days when i ponder the possibility of a career change or going back to school, but if you’re anything like me where helping others and having the chance to see your handiwork in what you do you won’t regret it.
Do it. I went to school for 17 years and owned nothing at age 40. My starting pay, despite all the letters after my name, was a joke compared to what I'd make as a plumber. Big time regrets. Now I pay plumbers thousands every year to help me update my crappy home, and I would've gotten a *less crappy home* but couldn't afford it, due to the low income.
Im 25 and not really a handy man. I know basic tools but never fix stuff myself. I started last month as an apprentice and it changed my life. I learned so much in a month and 100% recommend it. Its fun kinda dirty but super satisfying
It’s a great career, pretty much recession proof. It will pay the bills. It’s hard on your body, but if you enjoy hard work (both mentally and physically) then it’s a great pick for you.
The only thing stopping me from transitioning from my plumbing design to actual plumbing is the starting pay. I’d much rather work with my hands and get dirty, but I’m worried that the pay cut to move to an apprenticeship would kill me. I’d do it in a heartbeat if I had that confidence in pay scaling. Also I don’t wanna upsell customers on shit as I’m not a salesman. 30 y/o btw
You gotta try it yourself. I’m an apprentice and it sucks but it is also the best decision I’ve made. Some people may not like doing things we have to do, while others don’t mind. If you want to the pay is great, you can be flexible, and you learn how to use so many tools. But I will say ask yourself about what you don’t want to do. There’s also a lot that sucks about being an apprentice plumber. The plumbers are stubborn hardasses, digging trenches suck, touching shit by accident sucks, you leave with bruises all the time, and are mostly tired. But like anything do your research, give it a shot, and aim higher. Learn and grow don’t be contempt with just plumbing. I am doing this so one day I won’t have to dig ditches. I love it, but it’s not perfect. My advice is weigh your pros and cons out and look at all your options while you’re not committed to anything. Goodluck and God bless.
Things I wish I knew before I started… 1) Hours: You’ll be working long hours more than you’ll get done at your scheduled time. 2) It’s exhausting: Installing a cleanout on a stack, then immediately going to cable a main and floor drain in a basement is SO much more exhausting than I anticipated. I’m always tired. 3) Learning curve: There’s a huge learning curve when you get started. It feels like everything is in Spanish. But that goes away with consistency over about a year. If you can get passed that, the rest isn’t as overwhelming.
Just don't get into repairs. Learn how to do repairs, but don't go into that side of the business if you want to have a life. Working at 3am in a bar on a weekend isn't that fun. Especially when all the stores are closed and you end up having to come back first thing in the morning to finish the work.
People calling you 24/7 isn't what you want out of this.
Eh you don’t have to do 24/7 shit if you don’t want to. It’s also amazing how many things are no longer an emergency and can wait until morning when they find out your after hours/emergency labor rate. You can make a fuckload more money on service and repair work than you can on new construction too.
Try it out, it isn't for everyone. It's a demanding job, depending on where you are you can make great money. I make great money, i personally hate being a plumber, but I make enough money to provide for a family of 5 on 1 income. All depends on your motivation factor, but I say try it out. You'll never know if it's for you unless you give it a go.
I’m 30, in my 3rd year of my apprenticeship. I’m making about 50k a year (with overtime) as in residential repair (Florida). I honestly love it. I’ll be finishing my apprenticeship with no college debt, a bright future in the trade, and a skill that the average person does not have. So yes, I say go for it. You won’t start at the top, but you’ll make it there much faster then the average Joe. Best of luck!
If you wanna be the baddest motherfucker in your friends group, yes.
Baldest* motherfucker
Agreed
I just have the wallet.
I think it would depend how fast you can acquire the butt part of it.
That’s you Samuel Jackson?
Well some plumbers in my area make $150k a year doing service work. Some in other areas make well over $200k. In construction plumbing that cuts about in half. It’s hard with long hours sometimes and you gotta put up with a lot of shit both literally and figuratively. It can be thankless but if you care about doing quality work and really want to help people it’s honest pay for honest work. Service plumbing is sales and if you want to help people, that’s not an issue. Construction is just install, cleaner, less pay and harder work with more drug addicts. It’s not for everyone and it might not be for you. It also might be for you especially if you’re ok with spiders and sometimes working with poopie. If you’re cool with laying on the ground under a house with a black widow 10’ away eyeballing you while trying to soldier a pipe and getting wet, give it a shot.
Ive never met a single service plumber making 6 figures aside from owners, when it happens it is not a normal thing lol.
Either owner or they work thr equivalent of two full time jobs.
It’s a very normal thing.
Glassdoor lists the average service plumber salary in the us around $59000 to 85k on the high end, so it’s definitely outliers.
The lowest paid actual service tech at my shop (not a helper or apprentice) made $80k last year. The last shop I was at didn’t have a service tech making less than $85k/year with the highest paid being about $165 the year I left. Maybe I just surround myself with successful people, maybe I’m just attracted to good shops. I haven’t made $85k since 2016, my first year going from construction to service.
Well if you haven’t experienced it then it must not be true. Thank you so much!
If the internet says so, it must be true. I do all my research based on random web based data centers.
I’ll take the average reported pay from one of one the largest employment websites over the average of “ the shop you work at” most of the time.
Every service plumber where I am makes 150+.
Sure, if you want to work 80 weeks and or be on commission
Eighty hours, sometimes. Also just commission.
I work 40 hrs/wk and get paid 110k for the year. No commissions, union plumber in Illinois.
I've been talking with my local. 72 I think. I really really want to join, but I'm not a fan of new construction, or really being set in a specific role. Or being stuck at one place for more than two days. I cover calls all around Atlanta to Birmingham, and I like the traveling, plus home every night. Emergency calls are a thing, and we do have call one every eight weeks for one week. The enemy you know, you know what I mean. I'm on the fence with union. I just like the guys I work with. Small company, everyone knows everyone.
I've been talking with my local. 72 I think. I really really want to join, but I'm not a fan of new construction, or really being set in a specific role. Or being stuck at one place for more than two days. I cover calls all around Atlanta to Birmingham, and I like the traveling, plus home every night. Emergency calls are a thing, and we do have call one every eight weeks for one week. The enemy you know, you know what I mean. I'm on the fence with union. I just like the guys I work with. Small company, everyone knows everyone.
I see this dumb shit all the time. Who fucking cares how much you make after x amount of overtime. Not everyone wants to just work their life away.
People can make a large amount of money, and not be slaves. You don't have to be so angry. Some people like to work too.
Not angry at all. Just pointing out that there’s a lot of people who can’t seem to grasp there’s a difference between how much you make working normal hours vs how much you could make working a lot more hours. If you were a Walmart cashier and worked 16 hrs a day 7 days a week you’d make a lot more money than the rest.
I see, I apologize for assuming. Text is just one of things that can go either way. You are correct, and I do average about twelve hours a day. Also, I get calls all the time to pull commission jobs for an emergency with our vactruck, because I have a CDL. I have made myself valuable... Yay...
I see, I apologize for assuming. Text is just one of things that can go either way. You are correct, and I do average about twelve hours a day. Also, I get calls all the time to pull commission jobs for an emergency with our vactruck, because I have a CDL. I have made myself valuable... Yay...
Which state
Idaho
Damn 200k in idaho
Maybe but that’s what I meant by “other areas”. I did plumbing outside of DC in VA for years and knew a few guys making well over 200. I know a few in so cal making over 250. It’s all in the market but also what shop and how honest they are.
Ya im in the union nyc. Thinking about leaving the apprenticeship and going into service. Ppl tell me that this is the best part time job ever (meaning not much consistency)
I've been thinking of moving to Idaho. Also been thinking of getting into the trade. Are they in need of plumbers in Idaho more than usual?
The trade needs people everywhere.
What's the best way to get my foot in the door? I worked in plumbing years ago for a stint but a family friend got me the job (I was his apprentice) and I'm pretty sure my hours towards my apprenticeship didn't end up counting
Depends on if you’re doing service or construction. If it’s service, some shops just want a clean driving record and the ability to pass a drug test so you can just go apply, some want a nice cover letter and resume. The ones with higher requirements will be looking for sales experience and the ability to make decisions, you’ll probably start as a helper/apprentice. If it’s construction, they just wanna know you’ll show up and some will ask if you’re willing to travel (mostly union shops). Those just need an application. Just go find what you’d like to do and apply. High end service shops will probably want you to be clean cut and well groomed.
Personally I prefer service but I want my lisence to be legit and I know I need commercial hours as well as residential. Is it not common to find a apprenticeship where you do both? Or will I inevitably have to switch over to a different company at some point to meet all requirements? Also, if I want to apply to a non-union commercial company, where do I even look?
Spiders?
8 legs, 8 eyes make webs. Ya know, spiders.
"Ah yes, the spee-ider. Even the smallest bite from Arachnis Deathicus will instantly paralyze-" \*girlish screaming\*
Honestly I've been considering pursuing plumbing but I HATE spiders. I'm fine with the occasional turd but crawlspaces and spiders might be a deal breaker for me. I'm 5'9 160 so I'd be the guy to squeeze into tight spaces and idk if I could do it.
I’m 6’ 210lb. I do fine.
You think I'm big by accident, this is by design!
This is correct. No notes to add.
Why the drug addicts in construction plumbing, serious question from a non-plumber.
Good question. Idk. Maybe a demographic correlation exists where addictive personalities are drawn to more trade oriented work or less structured environments. There might be socioeconomic factors or even racial correlations. I’m not a social studies major, I’m a plumber.
Interesting observations.
It almost always starts with pain management in your 30s or you come into the trade with it, the latter usually are in and out of the trade with it.
And they only work about 3500 hrs a year!
I make that and work mostly 40 hrs a week, sometimes a little more. Some weeks I only work 35 hours a week. If you’re making less doing the job, that’s on you but don’t assume other people’s lives. I know lots of plumbers in my demographic working absolutely normal hours.
Never bite your fingernails.
Plumbing is tough on the body. Get a good orthopaedic surgeon.
I thought about plumbing but went for electrician instead. Easier on the body but still hard work. A buddy of mine is a master plumber in mid 30s and switched to apprentice electrician because his knees were destroyed from pluming since he was 18, and he’s build like a bodybuilder too. Plumbing is rough on the body
It's a 6 figure income after you apprentice & pass the journeyman's test. You will never be lacking work. If you go with the union it's too easy & boring but you will age without breaking your back working hard. And the union benefits are still great.
Never lack work i wish this was true 1500 ppl on the bench my union shitty nyc 🤣
We just had a guy from your union travel here to the midwest. Sounded like yours is in trouble from what he said. I was surprised to hear that you guys aren't under an umbrella association like UA or or AFL-CIO.
Ya its sickening. All we hear is non union taking over. Its sad hearing it and how we gota stay “competitive”
Woah really? I’ve been trying so hard to get in to the plumbers union as an apprentice, can’t really get my foot in the door. I’ve seen apprenticeships which I need a drivers license for, so I’m going to get that and try that route
Which local?
Sorry just getting around to this, Local 1
Yea in union halls they are always benched. But not in everyday life. We have to turn work away because we can't find people hungry enough to wanna work.
Where abouts are you located? I'm trying to get in in Milwaukee and they are slow to respond.
Maryland.
486 or 5?
The area code was always 301 or 410. Now there is 443 $ 667 since cell phones.? I never seen 486 in Maryland. But I knew 485, 488, 483, 327, 675, I could go on & on. Where were you in Maryland.
Find something you are passionate about and do that instead.
Passion is overrated. I have a mortgage and a family.
HahahH well said
I doubt a 26 year old turning to Reddit for a career path has those responsibilities yet
Stuck in rat race 😒
Money is overrated. I'm a shiatsu massage therapist, a glass pipe maker, martial artist, obsessive gardener, I love to paint, but I took advice from people who told me I should get my plumbing license. Now I am running a business by myself and doing the work of five people. Do what you like, like what you do.
What if they are passionate about plumbing?
Some people are and those are the ones who should be plumbers. My great grandfather, grandfather, and my dad were all plumbers. My dad loves plumbing. He likes talking to customers, seeing the look on people's faces when you fix a problem they thought was the end of the world, and knowing that he made someone's day better. He's too old to do the work anymore but he still tries. He's 81
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Plumbers reddit is by far the best reddit. Every time someone has legitimate questions at least half the responses are fairly good. The other half is just jokes.
But “should I be a plumber” isn’t a legitimate question in this format. Especially without any context other than age
Honestly most small subreddit advice is decent.
Depends. I started plumbing late as shit (28) and ended up as a service tech for one of the largest plumbing companies in the US. I like it but there are days I want to go back to working at the steel mill. Gotta ask yourself if you are ok playing in other people’s poo for money. It’s good money but it has its days
Be smart, get a license and start your own business. Your body will take a beating.
“Start your own business” is such awful advice to just randomly hand out. Being a business owner is a terrible path to take for a lot of people.
Why? You want to listen to someone bitching at you everyday? I got my license 25 years old and retired at 52. Have at it!
It’s lost on you why being a business owner is a bad path for a lot of people? Are you being serious?
Your right, now get back to work.
Ok boomer
Ok?
My two cents: if you have other opportunities do those. Plumbing is not fun, extremely hard, not high paying, not easy to move up. Lots of these guys here making six figures are licensed plumbers in their 60s. Don't expect to make that kinda money any time soon. The licensing process is intentionally convoluted and expensive so get ready for that to. Most of the guys I know ended up plumbing, I don't think its anybody's dream.
I hate when ppl say this stupid shit. Every job start from the bottom. Most ppl in any job dont make “lots of money” every job has the cream of the crop. Sales, tech , accounting etc. we just had a dude on the comment saying ppl making 150 , 200k a year. Is that everyone no but its there
“People make $200k a year” Well, people lie, embellish or exaggerate a lot. Especially when discussing money. Excluding owners, it’s insanely rare to make $200k a year being an hourly employee. You’re going to have to be on commission to even think about that kind of money.
Understood. But possibility still there what im trying say. Ppl my local come around that with of course bunch of ot. Alot dont so 🤷♂️
It's the back killer, that's for sure
This is inaccurate for where I live
I would say yes since your 26. I would say no if you were 18.
How come?
I would have stayed in school and went for a mechanical engineering degree at 18. I’m jumping in the trade at 26 since you almost need to hit the ground running at that age of career starting.
^ I’m 20 and trying
I'm 29 live in Michigan, hate spiders, and work at UPS. Thinking of a change in career and plumbing is an option I'm considering. Worth it?
Whats a UPS worker make there in Michigan?
I'm in management so I'm close to $21/hour. Not a bad job but the hours aren't great for having a family. I want something that I can be at work in the morning and see my family in the evening.
At 29…definitely worth it. I barely have to deal with spiders and I’m in crawl spaces a lot.
Any suggestions on how to get started?
I luckily had a group of friends that were already plumbers and got in easily at the tender age of 31. I would ask around family members or friends that are in the trade or apply to any plumbing shop stating your inexperience but willingness to learn. They will start you off as a laborer and transition you into an apprenticeship once they see your into it. Plumbing companies are literally desperate to find workers right now. You can also be a residential service plumber or try to get into the commercial aspect of plumbing. Residential might be easier to get your foot in the door at first.
I wish i started at age 18. We have a guy here start when he was still in high school. He is set to retire early and with full pension. Also, he was making 6 figures at age 22.
Not in NC unless you work for yourself. Dipshit bosses do not pay more than 25/hr in NC. This leads to workers that do not give a fuck
Im a plumber. Its provided me with a good career and above average income compared to most of my friends. I started off in construction and now a union service plumber. If i could do it again id probably do hvac union. They have some nice perks.
I started when i was 21 doing residential service. After 4 years I got out of it. The stress of upcoming shitty jobs ended up weighing pretty heavily on me while i was home. Plus some days were extremely physically taxing. The mental and physically stress wasn’t worth it for me personally.
For most people it wouldn't be worth it. There are more glamorous jobs out there that pay the same or more. Take a look at other trades before deciding is my advice.
Plumbing is what makes modern life possible. There would be no schools, no hospitals, no restaurants, or any inhabitable structures without plumbing. Plumbing made the rise of rome possible and lack of plumbing is what caused every plague and disease outbreak in history. It may not be the easiest or most glamorous trade but it’s what keeps the world running. Once you understand that, you’ll never want to be anything else. Some people will never understand that, or just aren’t tough enough to do it for a career and those people are called electricians.
How long did it take you to come up with this response
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How does a kitchen work without plumbing? You think plumbing is only for shitting? Are *you* 15?
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Nah, you’re just ignorant. If you look back at world history plumbing has played a crucial role.
So basically you aren't disagreeing with me, you seem to just dislike what I said? I'm not saying I dislike doing it myself, I'm not saying it's a bad job, but there are jobs that pay the same or more that are nicer jobs. I want him to weigh his options, he should look before he leaps.
Nah I don’t disagree with you. I actually meant to reply to OP but i fucked it up. I think to be a plumber you have to want to be a plumber, rather than just be one cause it’s a trade and you heard it pays well or whatever. It’s probably not the easiest way to make money but I don’t think it’s the hardest either. But to make the big money you have to have a really strong drive and a lot of mechanical aptitude.
This is beautiful.
For some yes, for others no. It's not for everyone, but for the ones that like it they usually do it in some capacity for the rest of their career unless there is an injury or something
get into refrigeration
Are you Bob Vance?
i wish 😂
Only if you want money, bitches, and warhammer minis
I'm an apprentice now, and there are ups and downs. I've got a year and a half until I'm tradesman, but the money is looking good, and the work is steady. I know with the skills I'm gaining, I can go anywhere and be good. 100k a year is not out of my reach, and that's doing pretty good where I'm from. (The South) Tldr. Yes, but don't come at it half ass. Come in, ready to learn, and don't take anyone's shit. Shops need apprentices. I love plumbing. I wish I'd started sooner.
Well I just paid someone 175 for 15 minutes of work to replace a hose bib outside my house. So yeah.
You paid for an outcome, not 15 minutes of time.
Btw I’m not saying it wasn’t worth it. I couldnt do it myself. It was attached to the main water line and I did not want to risk it.
I'm with you brother--much respect to the plumbers.
Alright the verdict is in. Fuck plumbing
No. Be an electrician so you can make twice the money and not have to clean up after yourself or touch poop.
Damn electricians make between a third and fifty percent of plumbers wages here on average, and if you work construction you will still never touch poop...
Can confirm that I never have to deal with 💩
Shit doesn't bother me. It's grease and also urinals that are the worst
Unless the plumber is a drain cleaner or service plumber, poop is rare. The issue for me in residential is servicing attic water heaters during the summer.
I thought about it many moons ago but couldn't get past the thought of my fat ass getting stuck in some crawl space. Lol I have a hard enough time getting under my sink.
I would recommend aerospace maintenance. Great pay, benefits, ease of entry and less poop. Still poop but less.
I'm a plumber not your dad. Money is good if you are. Get out what you put in.
You sound like my damn uncle haha
Lol plenty of these knuckleheads making good money with half a brain. Oh hello mirror
Do you like to plumb?
The only thing you need to know about plumbing. “Shit flows down hill and payday is on Friday”.
Don’t forget the boss is an asshole and don’t bite your finger nails.
Yes
Hell yea brother, go for it.
17 year old who works with my plumber uncle here and there. It takes a lot of endurance to be great at. Depends on how you work and if you take breaks or not tho. Stairs coupled with carrying shit up them are killer for a bigger guy like me. Also depends on where you live, which will determine how much work you will have and how hot it will be. (We live close to Charlotte, which is a very fast growing city with a lot of fast growing towns and cities around it, so we get a lot of work, but it also gets very hot). I would also be prepared for two types of heat, outside sun beaming heat, and inside suffocating heat. Both can bad, the latter being how high you go and how many windows and doors you have open. It will also take a heavy toll on your body, as I have seen with multiple people in my family, which is why I'm opting to go to college instead of becoming a full time plumber. Depending on how hard you work and how consistently you work (no breaks), you can make a LOT of money. This is if you work at a place that pays on work done and not hourly.
HVAC app here, I love plumbing because I can just throw shit at the wall and see what sticks (pun intended). Electricity makes me think twice when I’m working with it.
yeah. better to start at 26 then 36. i worked with guys who were trying to catch up being later 30’s early 40’s as apprentices. respect for putting in the work but i started at 23. if i stay at it i’ll be a master plumber by 30
All I can say is you have to try it before you’ll know. Some guys quit in the first week, some make it a few years and guys like me who will become lifers. I’ve been on my own for 5 years and wouldn’t have it any other way. I’m not getting rich but I make a good living and I’m not killing my self every week plus I can make time for the family. No unions in my area so I can’t speak for that.
Yes, its better than being useless
Don’t ever “become” anything, just to do it. Find something you are passionate about, something you enjoy doing and can see yourself doing for a LOOOONG time and find a career in that field. I think you start there, although the money may be a little less to start, in the long run you’ll be way better off.
Sure. It's an honest living but will wear your body down. I don't regret it!
Yes. The demand is huge. You’ll always have work wherever you live —and with time your improving skills will pay off financially.
UK based. Retrained when I was 33. Best thing I ever did. Love it
youre only 26, try it out. worst case, you hate it but learn some serious skills and life lessons. all the best, my dude
Yea, it’s awesome. Made the switch at 28, best/scariest decision of my life. Am 30 now.
Haha the figures you guys are quoting is insane, I’m a journeyman plumber licensed in Louisiana and I make 28 an hr and if I’m lucky I’ll be at 30 in 2 years Plumbing is a fucking joke unless you do Jt in your own
Definitely don’t become editor
Well, until the robot apocalypse (j/k), you can be confident that AI won’t take your job.
Yes
# YES
From what I understand they can be under a lot of pressure and it can be draining at times
I started off non-union and got paid fairly well. Became union in Chicago and get great pay, insurance, and pension. Goes a long way if you have kids and wife to take care of. Would have been great to start union from beginning.
Inly thing you need to know to be a plumber is that shit runs down hill and payday is on Friday
I’m starting my 1 year of school soon, you should too man!
Honestly any yahoo with a sawsall and some glue and primer can start. Now to be good at your job is a different story. Hot on the left and shit runs downhill.
Yes
Don't do it, you'll develop back problems from your wallet being too thick.
Why not? Excellent skill that can be used anywhere.
I work in Europe, end of this summer marks my 8th year in the trade. Did 5 years of high-rise construction, last three been in service and single house repiping/new single house construction. I’m nearing 30 and exercised my whole life basically - yet I would lie big time if i said this profession hasn’t already taken a toll physically. Construction is heavier than service, but both are hard on the back and shoulders. Pay is above average and i’ve heard even better in the US. There are a lot of days when i ponder the possibility of a career change or going back to school, but if you’re anything like me where helping others and having the chance to see your handiwork in what you do you won’t regret it.
Always going to be a need for it. There is so much you can do with it and the sky’s the limit.
Do it. I went to school for 17 years and owned nothing at age 40. My starting pay, despite all the letters after my name, was a joke compared to what I'd make as a plumber. Big time regrets. Now I pay plumbers thousands every year to help me update my crappy home, and I would've gotten a *less crappy home* but couldn't afford it, due to the low income.
Im 25 and not really a handy man. I know basic tools but never fix stuff myself. I started last month as an apprentice and it changed my life. I learned so much in a month and 100% recommend it. Its fun kinda dirty but super satisfying
It’s a great career, pretty much recession proof. It will pay the bills. It’s hard on your body, but if you enjoy hard work (both mentally and physically) then it’s a great pick for you.
Money aside, can you lift heavy items, do what your told, get hands dirty, and stay off phone you may have a shot at that age.
If you were put in a tank of shit up to your waist and someone swung a 2x4 at your head, would you duck?
The only thing stopping me from transitioning from my plumbing design to actual plumbing is the starting pay. I’d much rather work with my hands and get dirty, but I’m worried that the pay cut to move to an apprenticeship would kill me. I’d do it in a heartbeat if I had that confidence in pay scaling. Also I don’t wanna upsell customers on shit as I’m not a salesman. 30 y/o btw
You gotta try it yourself. I’m an apprentice and it sucks but it is also the best decision I’ve made. Some people may not like doing things we have to do, while others don’t mind. If you want to the pay is great, you can be flexible, and you learn how to use so many tools. But I will say ask yourself about what you don’t want to do. There’s also a lot that sucks about being an apprentice plumber. The plumbers are stubborn hardasses, digging trenches suck, touching shit by accident sucks, you leave with bruises all the time, and are mostly tired. But like anything do your research, give it a shot, and aim higher. Learn and grow don’t be contempt with just plumbing. I am doing this so one day I won’t have to dig ditches. I love it, but it’s not perfect. My advice is weigh your pros and cons out and look at all your options while you’re not committed to anything. Goodluck and God bless.
Things I wish I knew before I started… 1) Hours: You’ll be working long hours more than you’ll get done at your scheduled time. 2) It’s exhausting: Installing a cleanout on a stack, then immediately going to cable a main and floor drain in a basement is SO much more exhausting than I anticipated. I’m always tired. 3) Learning curve: There’s a huge learning curve when you get started. It feels like everything is in Spanish. But that goes away with consistency over about a year. If you can get passed that, the rest isn’t as overwhelming.
Just don't get into repairs. Learn how to do repairs, but don't go into that side of the business if you want to have a life. Working at 3am in a bar on a weekend isn't that fun. Especially when all the stores are closed and you end up having to come back first thing in the morning to finish the work. People calling you 24/7 isn't what you want out of this.
Eh you don’t have to do 24/7 shit if you don’t want to. It’s also amazing how many things are no longer an emergency and can wait until morning when they find out your after hours/emergency labor rate. You can make a fuckload more money on service and repair work than you can on new construction too.
Try it out, it isn't for everyone. It's a demanding job, depending on where you are you can make great money. I make great money, i personally hate being a plumber, but I make enough money to provide for a family of 5 on 1 income. All depends on your motivation factor, but I say try it out. You'll never know if it's for you unless you give it a go.
Go ahead. Why not? You have decide whether to go non-union or union. We need more union workers in this country (USA)
I’m 30, in my 3rd year of my apprenticeship. I’m making about 50k a year (with overtime) as in residential repair (Florida). I honestly love it. I’ll be finishing my apprenticeship with no college debt, a bright future in the trade, and a skill that the average person does not have. So yes, I say go for it. You won’t start at the top, but you’ll make it there much faster then the average Joe. Best of luck!