Skilled Trades
Plumber
Install and repair plumbing systems for homes, businesses, and infrastructure. Master plumbers regularly earn six figures.
no-degree-requiredhigh-demandpaid-traininghands-on
64
ROI · Strong
Investment vs return
Cost · time · demand normalized 0–100
Salary progression
What you'll earn over your career
$48k
$72k
$118k
Entry
Mid-career
Senior
10-yr outlook
+6%
+6% (Faster than avg)
Open positions
51,000
Estimated nationwide
Entry paths
How to get here
Multiple paths lead to this career. Compare time, cost, online vs in-person delivery, and program links.
Fastest ROI
Apprenticeship In Person
Journeyman Plumber License
Time
4–5 years (paid)
Cost
Paid / Free
Paid apprenticeship — $40–55k while learning.
Trade School In Person
Plumbing Certificate
Time
9–18 months
Cost
$4,000 – $18,000
Speeds up apprenticeship hours.
Affiliate disclosure: Some of the program links above may be affiliate partnerships. If you enroll, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only link to programs we have actually reviewed against our methodology. See our methodology for how we evaluate schools.
Quick math
If you took the fastest path…
You'd train for
4–5 years (paid)
You'd spend (avg)
Paid / Free
Starting salary
$48,000
Mid-career
$72,000
Read more
Articles & resources
Sources: BLS OOH 2024 · UA