OLMIS

by Jason Payton
Published Mar-7-2012

Righty Tighty, Lefty Loosey! How to Become a Plumber What do Plumbers Earn? Job Security is as Close as the Nearest Leaky Faucet

The effort to become a journey-level plumber is well rewarded in Oregon, as the average wage here is one of the highest in the nation for plumbers.

If you are considering a change in career paths during these trying times, you may want to consider the plumbing trade. Journey-level plumbers complete home repairs, work on new commercial and residential construction, or in manufacturing plants around the state.

Plumbers assemble, install, alter, and repair pipelines or pipe systems that carry water, steam, air, or other liquids or gases. They may install heating and cooling equipment and mechanical control systems. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), plumbers will typically specialize in one of five areas: pipe laying, pipe fitting, steam fitting, sprinkler installation, or general plumbing.

Working conditions can vary depending on the job and industry. Plumbers might use hand and power tools or welding or soldering equipment depending on what work is needed. Plumbers need a combination of strength and stamina as the work may require lifting heavy pipes, fitting into uncomfortable or sometimes cramped locations, and being able to stand for long periods of time. Plumbers can also be exposed to all kinds of weather, especially in Oregon, as their work may take them outdoors.

Nationwide, the BLS estimates that most plumbers are employed by building equipment contractors, nonresidential building contractors, and utility system construction firms. Some of the top paying plumbing positions are found in support activities for mining, foundries, and motor vehicle parts manufacturing. In 2008, the BLS estimated that a little more than 12 percent of plumbers were self employed, while about 31 percent of plumbers were part of a union.

Becoming a plumber typically involves getting a state plumber's license by completing an apprenticeship. If someone wants to apply to an apprenticeship program they must first meet the minimum qualifications. The state requires applicants to provide proof of high school graduation or GED equivalent, and the applicant must be 18 years or older. Local apprenticeship committees oversee the apprenticeship and may have additional minimum requirements. For instance, one of the Eugene apprenticeship committees requires applicants to show proof that they received a C or better grade in high school algebra or an equivalent class. More information about apprenticeships and local committee requirements can be found at the Bureau of Labor and Industries Apprenticeship Division website at  www.oregon.gov/BOLI/ATD.

A plumber's apprenticeship typically lasts four to five years. Apprentices start out earning about half of what their journey-level counterparts make. Depending on progress in the program, wages can increase every six months. The apprenticeship includes at least 8,000 hours of on-the-job training. It will also include a minimum of 144 hours of related instruction each year of the apprenticeship. Instruction topics include: service and repair, water system installation, blueprint and drawing training, and Oregon OSHA safety regulations for construction.

Plumbers are one of the top paid construction occupations. According to the BLS Oregon plumbers had the 13th highest median wage in the nation in 2009. The Oregon Employment Department estimates half of all Oregon plumbers earned more than $27.57 per hour, or just above $57,000 a year. Table 1 shows Oregon wage estimates.

The Oregon Employment Department projects plumber employment will grow faster than the state average between 2010 and 2020, at about 26 percent. It is projected that over those 10 years 921 openings in the occupation will become available due to growth. Another 1,157 openings will be due to retirements or plumbers leaving the trade. The downturn in construction beginning in 2008 lowered available openings, and as the industry recovers, it will add back a lot of these jobs. This explains why the growth rate is so high. As long as factories need pipe systems installed and maintained, or homes need plumbing systems repaired and built, there will be a need for plumbers.