On this page
Plumber at a glance
- Main tasks
- Install pipes, fixtures and appliances, repair leaks, blockages and broken parts and install and service water heaters and heating systems
- Typical entry
- Apprenticeship or vocational training in plumbing
- Average pay
- $62,000 per year in the U.S.
What does a Plumber do?
A Plumber installs, maintains and repairs the pipes and fixtures that carry water, gas and waste in buildings. Typical tasks are installing sinks, toilets, showers and water heaters, fixing leaks and blockages, and fitting heating systems. Plumbers read building plans, measure and cut pipes, connect systems and test them for leaks. They work on new construction, renovations and emergency repairs, in homes as well as in commercial and industrial buildings.
Plumber duties and responsibilities
Typical tasks in a Plumber job:
- Install pipes, fixtures and appliances
- Repair leaks, blockages and broken parts
- Install and service water heaters and heating systems
- Read plans and follow building codes
- Test systems for pressure and leaks
- Advise customers and provide cost estimates
Qualifications and skills
Education & qualifications
- Apprenticeship or vocational training in plumbing
- Plumbing license or certification, depending on country or state
- Knowledge of building codes and safety rules
- Driver's license, often required
Skills & requirements
- Problem-solving skills
- Physical fitness and manual skills
- Customer-friendly and reliable
- Readiness for on-call or emergency work
Plumber salary 2026
The average salary for a Plumber in the U.S. is about $62,000 per year. Pay depends on experience, employer, industry and region:
- Entry level0-2 years $46,500
- Mid level3-5 years $55,800
- Experienced6-10 years $62,000
- Senior11+ years $68,200
- Top earners20+ years $77,500
Based on public data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and Payscale. Career-level figures are estimates derived from the national average.
Plumber career path
Plumbers usually start with a multi-year apprenticeship that combines work on site and classroom training, followed by a journeyman level.
With experience, plumbers can become master plumbers, supervisors or estimators, or specialize in heating, gas or sustainable systems such as heat pumps. Many start their own business.
Work environment
Plumbers work in homes, offices, factories and construction sites, often in tight spaces, basements or outdoors.
The job is physically demanding, and emergency repairs can mean work in the evenings or on weekends.
Frequently asked questions
What does a Plumber do?
A Plumber installs, maintains and repairs the pipes and fixtures that carry water, gas and waste in buildings. Typical tasks are installing sinks, toilets, showers and water heaters, fixing leaks and blockages, and fitting heating systems. Plumbers read building plans, measure and cut pipes, connect systems and test them for leaks.
How much does a Plumber earn?
The average salary for a Plumber in the U.S. is about $62,000 per year. Entry-level pay starts around $46,500, experienced professionals can reach $77,500 or more, depending on employer, region and experience.
What qualifications do you need to become a Plumber?
Typical requirements are: apprenticeship or vocational training in plumbing, plumbing license or certification, depending on country or state, knowledge of building codes and safety rules and driver's license, often required.
What is the career path for a Plumber?
Plumbers usually start with a multi-year apprenticeship that combines work on site and classroom training, followed by a journeyman level. With experience, plumbers can become master plumbers, supervisors or estimators, or specialize in heating, gas or sustainable systems such as heat pumps. Many start their own business.
Where do Plumbers work?
Plumbers work in homes, offices, factories and construction sites, often in tight spaces, basements or outdoors. The job is physically demanding, and emergency repairs can mean work in the evenings or on weekends.
About this profile: This Plumber job description is based on public sources such as the BLS and Payscale and was structured with the help of AI. It is a general orientation; duties, requirements and pay differ by employer, country and experience.
