Everyone, yes, everyone, needs a plumber.

Plumber

A skilled tradesperson who installs, repairs, and maintains pipes, fixtures, and appliances used for water, gas, and sewage systems in residential and commercial buildings.

How to Start as a Plumber

Show Up on-time, carry tools, work hard, learn fast…

1. HOW DO YOU START (JUST SHOW UP)

Age needed: 18+ Education: High school diploma or GED

Experience: Zero. Nada. Zilch.

Your first step is simple: Walk into a plumbing shop and say: “I’ll show up on time, work hard, carry tools and learn fast.”

That alone puts you ahead of 50% of applicants.

Starting roles:

  • Plumber’s Helper / Laborer
    • Pay: $15–$20/hr
    • Hours: 35–45/week
    • Duties: Carry tools, dig trenches, fetch parts, watch and learn.

Goal in in the first 90 days:

  • Learn names of 50 tools
  • Learn how to solder a copper joint
  • Learn how to snake a drain
  • Learn how to NOT flood a house
Union is the railroad. Independent is the horse. Both get you there

2. INDEPENDENT OR UNION

UNION PATH (UA Local 38, 393, 467, etc.)

  • Apprenticeship: 4–5 years
  • Hours required: 6,000–8,000
  • Pay:
    • Year 1: $22–$28/hr
    • Year 4–5: $35–$45/hr
  • Benefits: Health, pension, steady work
  • Cost: Usually $0 (they train you)

INDEPENDENT (NON UNION) PATH

  • Work for a licensed plumber
  • Take classes at a trade school (optional)
  • After enough hours, take the Journeyman Exam
  • Hours required: 4,000–8,000 depending on state
  • Exam cost: $100–$300
  • License fee: $150–$300

Which is better?

  • Union = structure, benefits, steady raises
  • Independent = faster to start your own business

Saying is: “Union is the railroad. Independent is the horse. Both get you there.”

Employers Want: No attitude, Lift 50 pounds, Don’t leave after lunch

3. HOW TO GET YOUR FIRST JOB

Best ways:

  1. Walk into 10 plumbing shops (introduce yourself)
  2. Call property managers (they ALWAYS need help)
  3. Apply to union apprenticeship programs
  4. Trade schools (often place students)
  5. Craigslist / Indeed / ZipRecruiter

Employers want: “No attitude, Lift 50 pounds, Willing to learn, don’t disappear after lunch” – If you can do these four things while showing up on time… you’re already in the top 10% of applicants.

Starter Kit: $250-$300 (Tool Bag, Wrenches, Pliers, Gloves..

4. COST OF TOOLS & LICENSES

TOOLS (Starter Kit):

  • Tool bag: $40
  • Wrenches (set): $60
  • Pipe cutters: $30
  • Torch kit: $50
  • Pliers (2 pairs): $40
  • Tape measure: $10
  • Gloves, knee pads, misc: $40

“Starter Kit: $250–$300 (Tool Bag, Wrenches, Pliers, Gloves, Pads, Cutters…)”

TOOLS (Next Level):

  • Drain snake: $300–$600
  • Cordless drill: $150–$250
  • Inspection camera: $100–$200
  • Wet/dry vac: $80–$120

Total “Next Level” cost: $700–$1,200

LICENSING & EXAMS:

  • Trade school (optional): $1,000–$5,000
  • Journeyman exam (if desired): $100–$300
  • License fee: $150–$300
Year 1: Make $30-$40K…Apprentices make $40-$50K

5. WHILE LEARNING MAKE $30-50K

Year 1 realistic earnings:

  • $18/hr × 40 hrs/week × 50 weeks = $36,000
  • Overtime (5 hrs/week): +$4,500
  • Occasional weekend drain calls: +$1,000–$3,000

“Year 1: $40,000–$45,000 Top performers hit $50,000”

Show up, learn drains, buy a truck as soon as you can.

SECRETS (What it really takes)

Secret #1: Show up early…
Plumbing rewards reliability more than genius.

Secret #2: Learn drains first…
Drains = fast money. Water heaters = bigger money. Leaks = emergency money.

Secret #3: Take every emergency call…
People pay double when water is on the floor.

Secret #4: Build relationships with property managers…
One property manager = 50–200 units = endless work.

Secret #5: Buy a truck as soon as you’re ready…
A truck turns you from a “worker” into a “plumber”.

“Show up, learn drains, get some tools and (as soon as you can) a truck”

Make Money as a Plumber
(3-Stages: 1-5 Years)

STAGE 1: $50K-$100K (1-2 Years)

Position: Apprentice / Junior Plumber
 
Money:
  • $25-$40/hour
  • 40-50 hour/week
  • Plus, weekend, Overtime
  • $50K-$100K 
Jobs:
  • 3-6 jobs/day (assisting, basics)
  • Simple repairs: $150-$400 each
  • Earn a portion as hourly + bonus
“Be the guy who can handle jobs without babysitting”

STAGE 2: $100K-$200K/year (2-3 Years)

Position:  Journeyman / Lead Plumber
 
Money:
  • $40-$80/hour or Job-Based pay
  • 5-8 jobs/day
  • $100K-$200K
Typical Day:
  • Water Heater Install: $1,500-$3,000
  • Drain Cleaning: $200-$500
  • Leak Repair: $150-$400
Math:
  • 5 jobs/day x $300 = $1,500/day
  • 5 days/week = $7,500/week
  • 48 weeks = $180K
“Keep a chunk (all if Independent), Speed + Skill = more money”

STAGE 3: $200K-$500K/year (3-5 Years)

“Now stop being a Plumber.  Be-a-Plumbing Business”

Position:  Owner / Contractor

Setup:

  • Office (home & answering service)
  • 2-3 Trucks
  • 2-5 plumbers (scheduling)

Numbers:

  • Each plumber = $150K-$250K/year
  • 3-5 Plumbers = $450K-$1,250K/year
  • Expenses (Labor, Gas, Parts)= $300K-$750K
  • Not guaranteed. You keep up to $500K

Secrets:

  • Answer your phone
  • Show up fast
  • Charge fairly
  • Hire reliable people

Bottom Line

  • Start with Zero experience
  • Learn (Year 1) – Make $30K-$50K
  • 2-3 Years – Earn $100K-$200K
  • 3-5 Years – Build a $200K-$500K business

“No college. No debt. Just skill, time & hustle”

Your Great Career Starts Today.

Choose Your Path.