If you want to gain first-hand experience of the job as well as assurance of steady income then a career in plumbing can be a good option. Plumbing does not only mean working on blocked sinks and toilets - nowadays, it needs extensive study of Chemistry, Math and Applied Physics. Besides, plumbing as a profession is going to flourish in US in the next few years. Government economists expect a job growth for plumbers faster than all other careers through 2018.
Ways to become a plumber in US
In U.S, there are possibly two ways to become a plumber - serve as an apprentice or go to a trade school. Apprenticeship helps you to get a first hand experience on the work. On the other hand, trade schools provide you with classroom coaching and practical classes. A major advantage of most schools is that they provide job placement services for qualified students.
Types of Plumbers
Plumbers can be classified based on the kind of work they do. Some are specialized in installing new pipes and fittings in new houses while some in new commercial buildings. Whatever is the job to be done, a plumber must have the license by the state or appropriate authorities.
There are different levels in a plumbing license, which varies in different states. Many states offer a master plumbing license, a journey-plumbing license and an apprentice-plumbing license. Separate licenses are certified to work on natural gas lines, natural gas fitters and propane gas fitters.
Plumbing courses
Plumbers need to undertake courses to gain both theoretical and practical knowledge about the profession. Courses are offered by various technical schools, colleges and even online schools. The best course is one that meets the expectations and gives the training to meet the different needs. While selecting the courses, a vital point to be kept in mind is the strength of the class. A smaller class size helps in student involvement and promotes hands-on practice.
Again, the fees for the courses would vary widely depending on the level of the course, its duration and the outcome. A community center course in basic plumbing repairs is less than $200 US Dollars (USD), whereas, an advance course in water filtration system repairs can cost between $500 and $1,000 USD.
What does a licensed plumber earn?
A plumber can work either as an individual or in a firm. Depending on the experience, a plumber can earn a good living. According to statistics gathered by the U.S. Department of Labor - pipe layers, plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters are among the highest paid construction occupations. In 2002, median hourly earnings of plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters were $19.31. The middle 50% earned between $14.68 and $25.87. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $11.23, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $32.27.
A self-employed licensed plumber with experience can earn between $35 and $150 per hour depending on which part of the U.S he lives. In bigger cities, the rates are higher like in Boston plumbers charge over $125 per hour whereas in Mid Coast Maine charge is between $45 and $75 per hour.
Most plumbers belong to the UA (United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing, Pipefitting, Sprinkler Fitting Industry of the United States and Canada). Union members generally earn more than nonunion members do.
Typical mechanical work will not help a plumber flourish. He needs to have the ability and initiative to solve a problem, a creative head, a thirst for knowledge, sound judgment, understanding of evolving technology and the most important of all - honesty and professionalism.
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