OccupationHQ6 countries · 20 careers

Career profile · Skilled trades

Plumber

Pay, outlook, entry requirements and what the work is like.

O*NET-SOC 47-2152.00PlumberLocal occupation match
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United States facts

Pay, opportunity and entry

United States figures: BLS OEWS May 2025 and 2024–34 employment projections.

Median annual earnings$63,800May 2025 / 2024–2034
Median annual earnings$63,800May 2025 / 2024–2034
Current employment465.8KMay 2025 / 2024–2034
Projected growth4.5%May 2025 / 2024–2034
Annual openings44KMay 2025 / 2024–2034
Typical educationHigh school diplomaMay 2025 / 2024–2034
Training / credentialApprenticeshipMay 2025 / 2024–2034

Missing, suppressed and stale facts are never replaced with another country’s values. Annualised figures and benchmarks are identified in their labels and source notes.

Work characteristics

What the work is like

Occupation percentiles, not ratings. Work signals are native O*NET occupation percentiles.

Social interaction33
contact, teamwork and public-facing work
Physical demand91
movement, posture and hands-on activity
Pressure exposure65
time pressure, conflict and consequences
Analytical content40
analysis, reasoning and problem-solving
People-oriented27
helping, service and relationship work
Technical content57
technology, systems and troubleshooting

Useful foundations

  • Troubleshooting
  • Repairing
  • Equipment selection

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Compare this option

Choices worth considering

Two established skilled-trade pathways with strong user intent.Plumber vs ElectricianCompare these careers →Closely related building-services trades with strong comparison intent.Plumber vs HVAC TechnicianCompare these careers →Construction trades with different systems, tools and licensing routes.Plumber vs CarpenterCompare these careers →Pipe systems and fabrication compared across training and work context.Plumber vs WelderCompare these careers →Hands-on systems work versus software systems work.Plumber vs Software DeveloperCompare these careers →Practical infrastructure versus digital infrastructure protection.Plumber vs Security AnalystCompare these careers →

Career changes

Where this option could lead

See transferable strengths, qualification gaps and the realities of making each switch.

A building-services transition with shared site context but a distinct licensed pathway.Electrician → PlumberView career change →An adjacent building-services move with meaningful trade-context overlap.Plumber → HVAC TechnicianView career change →A building-services career change that retains site experience while requiring a new electrical apprenticeship or licence route.Plumber → ElectricianView career change →

Explore another career

Electrician→HVAC Technician→Welder→Carpenter→

Other countries

Sources and dates

What this profile uses

See the complete data-source register and OccupationHQ methodology.