There aren’t too many good-paying jobs that you can get with a high school education, but plumbing happens to be one of them. Across the United States and right here in Boston, plumbers are in high demand. Employment for plumbers is expected to grow by more than 20% between 2012 and 2022. Better still, a large number of experienced plumbers are retiring, which means that incoming plumbers will see better job prospects and higher wages. Currently, the median salary for Boston plumbers exceeds $55,000. That figure takes into account all plumbers at all levels of experience. An entry-level position won’t pay that much to begin, but even the entry-level salaries are good. Plumbing is classified as a skilled trade, so most states (including Massachusetts) require plumbers at all levels to be licensed.
Classroom training is an important part of the process, but you really learn how to be a plumber on-the-job. As an apprentice (yes, you get paid!), a Master Plumber must directly or indirectly supervise your work. Most apprentices in the State of Massachusetts will need to document 1,700 hours of on-the-job experience and 110 hours of classroom training per year for five years when they apply to take the exam for a Journeyman license. (That’s about 35 hours per week of work and school combined.) If a Master plumber hires you, you can start working without being enrolled in a classroom program, but you must hit the books within 9 months.
Once you work full-time for at least one an additional year as a Journeyman plumber, you can apply to take the exam to become a Master plumber. A Master license means that you can work unsupervised, and that you can supervise journeyman plumbers and apprentices. There is a limit to the amount of time (10 years) you can work as a licensed apprentice. You must earn at least a journeyman license to remain employed as a plumber. As a Master plumber, you can work for yourself or you can work for someone else. Plumbers don’t just work on water pipes, either. Plumbers can also install gas lines, fire suppression systems, steam systems and other specialized construction for commercial, residential, industrial and medical construction.
If you’d like more information about becoming a plumber, please visit Cape Cod Plumbing School.
Currently at Boston Standard Plumbing & Heating, we’re looking for experienced plumbers and HVAC technicians. We offer a competitive salary, excellent benefits and paid time off. If you would like more information about open positions at Boston Standard Plumbing & Heating, please give us a call at (617) 362-0377
or email us at [email protected].
Categories:
DIY Blog, DIY Plumbing
