Careers in Construction: Plumbing

Workforce Development
Contact: Greg Zick
gzick@nahb.org
(202) 266-8493

Woman using a wrench to tighten a pipe

Average National Wage: $65,190 | $31.34/hour

Nearly all areas of construction rely on plumbers. If you enjoy working with your hands and solving problems, then this is the trade for you. Plumbers install, repair, and maintain pipes in residential, commercial and/or industrial buildings.

In the plumbing trade you will learn to:

  • Identify hand and power tools
  • Cut and install pipes and fittings
  • Install fixtures and hot water heaters
  • Test water lines for leaks
  • Make underground pipe connections
  • Install sprinkler systems
  • Weld properly

Once you complete training, you have a variety of employment options:

  • Plumbing contractors
  • Remodelers
  • High-rise and apartment complexes
  • Sub-contractors

Careers in the Trades: Plumber