Construction

Plumber

Love taking plans off of paper and making them a reality? Become a craftsmen responsible for one of the most critical elements of new buildings!

Install and repair pipes, fixtures, and fittings for water, gas, and drainage systems. Read blueprints and comply with building codes.

Salary Range

$41,000 – $105,000

per year (10th–90th percentile)

Median Salary

$56,330

per year

Growth Outlook

Average Growth(+4%)

2024–2034 projected

Plumbers, Pipefitters, & Steamfitters install and repair pipes that carry water, steam, air, or other liquids or gases

Browse Plumber Jobs

Tasks & Responsibilities

Cut, thread, or hammer pipes to specifications, using tools such as saws, cutting torches, pipe threaders, or pipe benders.
Lay out full scale drawings of pipe systems, supports, or related equipment, according to blueprints.
Inspect, examine, or test installed systems or pipe lines, using pressure gauge, hydrostatic testing, observation, or other methods.
Plan pipe system layout, installation, or repair, according to specifications.
Attach pipes to walls, structures, or fixtures, such as radiators or tanks, using brackets, clamps, tools, or welding equipment.
Modify, clean, or maintain pipe systems, units, fittings, or related machines or equipment, using hand or power tools.
Select pipe sizes, types, or related materials, such as supports, hangers, or hydraulic cylinders, according to specifications.
Assemble pipe sections, tubing, or fittings, using couplings, clamps, screws, bolts, cement, plastic solvent, caulking, or soldering, brazing, or welding equipment.
Install pipe assemblies, fittings, valves, appliances such as dishwashers or water heaters, or fixtures such as sinks or toilets, using hand or power tools.
Install automatic controls to regulate pipe systems.

Tools of the Trade

Specialty wrenchesPipe or tube cutterDrain or pipe cleaning equipmentLevelsPressure indicatorsBlow torchPower grindersPipe visesScrewdriversThreading machinePullersHacksawPneumatic grindersBench visesHoistsMetal detectorsMetal markers or holdersPressure or steam cleanersThreading die hand toolTorx keysGas welding or brazing or cutting apparatusPipe wrenchesDetection apparatus for non metallic objectsHex keysBandsaw wheelPipe bending toolsRatchetsFluid regulatorsLiquid leak detectorsPower drillsSquaresBlocks or pulleysDemolition hammersLocking pliersLaser measuring systemsSpot welding machineWire brushesStrap wrenchesHand reamerPower flaring toolPower sawsPipe reamerMill saw fileDepth gaugesMicrometersManlift or personnel liftTape measuresDrill press or radial drillSlingsWelder torchDewatering pumpsFlow sensorsPry barsNut driversCutting dieTachometersJacksIndustrial threading dieSquare fileHammer drillsSoldering ironWelding masksSlip or groove joint pliersHose cutterGas detectorsImpact wrenchesAlternating current AC arc welderTongsTracer or duplicating or contouring lathePersonal digital assistant PDAs or organizersPneumatic hammerGas generatorsDiagonal cut pliersInspection mirrorHydraulic truck cranesVibration testersCircuit tracersBox end wrenchesTapsSheet metal grooving machineTorque wrenchesConventional truck cranesOffset socket wrenchesSafety harnesses or beltsShearsTube end finisherOpen end wrenchesThreading tapsTapping machine attachmentDigital camcorders or video camerasBall peen hammerWire or cable cutterDeburring toolHole sawsAdjustable widemouth pliersThermographsTungsten inert gas welding machineLight trucks or sport utility vehiclesAdjustable wrenchesDrain or toilet plungerVoltage or current metersMetal inert gas welding machineTrenching machinesSawsPipe bending mandrelOil gunClaw hammerWheel loadersLevel sensors or transmittersShielded metal arc welding or stick welding machineLeak testing equipmentTinners snipsSkid steer loadersWater pumpsTwo way radiosStaple gunsImpact hammersLaddersDump trucksAir compressorsCold chiselsCalipersOhmmetersScaffoldingHammersBolt cuttersSump pumpsUtility knivesNotebook computersForkliftsExplosimetersMoisture metersPlumb bobsRaspsDirect current DC arc welderLaser printersVacuum gaugesCaulking gunsWater samplersDesktop computersSwaging toolsSewage pumpsPipe extractorsHeat gunsPersonal computersMud pumpsWinchesBackhoesAugersTablet computers

Knowledge Areas

Mechanical

Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance. 81/100

Building and Construction

Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads. 77/100

Design

Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models. 67/100

Mathematics

Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications. 61/100

English Language

Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar. 57/100

Public Safety and Security

Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions. 55/100

Customer and Personal Service

Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction. 53/100

Engineering and Technology

Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services. 51/100

Education and Training

Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects. 47/100

Physics

Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes. 44/100