If you ask a young child what they want to be when they grow up, they’ll probably tell you an astronaut, or a firefighter. You probably haven’t heard any say they want to be a plumber.
While it might not be the kind of job kids are excited about, there are plenty of reasons that plumbing is a great job. Becoming a plumber could be the perfect option if you’re not interested in pursuing your bachelor’s degree and want a well-paying blue-collar job. Here are six reasons why plumbing is a fantastic career that will have you searching for the nearest plumbing trade school.
1. Good Pay
According to indeed.com, the average hourly wage for plumbers in the US is $26. Depending on your experience and where you live, you can earn a lot more. It’s one of the best-paid trade jobs out there, and if you choose to specialize in certain areas of plumbing, you can snag an even better salary.
2. No Need For An Expensive Degree
For most high-school graduates, going to college and getting a bachelor’s degree is their next step before starting their working career. But university isn’t for everyone. A four-year degree costs a lot of money, and many college students graduate with student loan debt they’ll be paying for years to come. Some would prefer to start working after high school instead of studying for another four years or longer.
If you choose to become a plumber, there’s no need to get a university degree. A trade school is much more affordable than a university education. You’ll also be able to start working right away.
3. Get Paid While You Learn
Many people find trade jobs appealing because they don’t require a university degree. If you want to become a plumber, you can get started by attending a trade school, or starting an apprenticeship directly. Unlike a degree where you have to pay or take on debt to learn the skills you need for your career, in a plumbing apprenticeship, you’ll get to make money while you learn alongside experienced plumbers. You also get a hands-on education instead of years of classroom time.
4. Trade Workers Are In Demand
Trades like plumbing are in need of skilled workers. While some people struggle to find work in other fields, there’s always work for plumbers and other trade workers. Most young people pursue higher education and white-collar jobs, and the trades aren’t a popular career path. But there’s more work than ever. Other careers decrease in demand, especially during a recession, but plumbers are essential workers. If you choose to become a plumber, chances are you won’t have to job hunt for long.
5. Enjoyable Work
Plumbers offer a wide variety of services, from installing new plumbing systems, repairing gas leaks, fixing appliances, and much more. There are plenty of specialties you can focus on as well. As a plumber, you get to solve problems for people and help your community. You’ll participate in physical work, as well as use your problem-solving abilities. You also get to interact with your clients and get to know new people. For many, it’s satisfying work, and it’s definitely not boring.
6. Work For A Company Or Start A Business
Once you’ve gained experience and are a licensed plumber, you have the opportunity to work for an established company or start your own business. If you get a job with a plumbing company, you might be offered benefits like medical insurance. A job at a company also provides you with reliable work. Even when working at a company, you can still work independently once you’ve earned their trust and proven that you’re experienced.
If you prefer to start your own business, you can easily do so as a plumber. You’ll have to register your business and get your own clients. But you’ll get to manage your own schedule and hire employees to handle work that you can’t do on your own. While it requires more work than showing up at a job, you can potentially make more money if you decide to start a business.
Is becoming a plumber right for you? There are plenty of benefits to this job. You can make a decent salary without a college degree, and even get paid while you’re still learning the ropes. There’s a lot of demand for trade workers, so you don’t have to worry about a long job hunt to land your first job. To be a plumber, you need physical stamina and problem-solving skills. But it’s enjoyable work that helps others and allows you to work independently. Once you’ve gained some experience, you’ll even be able to start your own business if you want to. If you’re interested in working in a trade, why not consider becoming a plumber?
