| If you want to gain first-hand experience of the job as | | | | the training to meet the different needs. While selecting |
| well as assurance of steady income then a career in | | | | the courses, a vital point to be kept in mind is the |
| plumbing can be a good option. Plumbing does not only | | | | strength of the class. A smaller class size helps in |
| mean working on blocked sinks and toilets - | | | | student involvement and promotes hands-on practice. |
| nowadays, it needs extensive study of Chemistry, | | | | Again, the fees for the courses would vary widely |
| Math and Applied Physics. Besides, plumbing as a | | | | depending on the level of the course, its duration and |
| profession is going to flourish in US in the next few | | | | the outcome. A community center course in basic |
| years. Government economists expect a job growth | | | | plumbing repairs is less than $200 US Dollars (USD), |
| for plumbers faster than all other careers through 2018. | | | | whereas, an advance course in water filtration system |
| Ways to become a plumber in US | | | | repairs can cost between $500 and $1,000 USD. |
| In U.S, there are possibly two ways to become a | | | | What does a licensed plumber earn? |
| plumber - serve as an apprentice or go to a trade | | | | A plumber can work either as an individual or in a firm. |
| school. Apprenticeship helps you to get a first hand | | | | Depending on the experience, a plumber can earn a |
| experience on the work. On the other hand, trade | | | | good living. According to statistics gathered by the U.S. |
| schools provide you with classroom coaching and | | | | Department of Labor - pipe layers, plumbers, pipefitters, |
| practical classes. A major advantage of most schools | | | | and steamfitters are among the highest paid |
| is that they provide job placement services for | | | | construction occupations. In 2002, median hourly |
| qualified students. | | | | earnings of plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters were |
| Types of Plumbers | | | | $19.31. The middle 50% earned between $14.68 and |
| Plumbers can be classified based on the kind of work | | | | $25.87. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $11.23, |
| they do. Some are specialized in installing new pipes | | | | and the highest 10 percent earned more than $32.27. |
| and fittings in new houses while some in new | | | | A self-employed licensed plumber with experience can |
| commercial buildings. Whatever is the job to be done, a | | | | earn between $35 and $150 per hour depending on |
| plumber must have the license by the state or | | | | which part of the U.S he lives. In bigger cities, the rates |
| appropriate authorities. | | | | are higher like in Boston plumbers charge over $125 |
| There are different levels in a plumbing license, which | | | | per hour whereas in Mid Coast Maine charge is |
| varies in different states. Many states offer a master | | | | between $45 and $75 per hour. |
| plumbing license, a journey-plumbing license and an | | | | Most plumbers belong to the UA (United Association |
| apprentice-plumbing license. Separate licenses are | | | | of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing, |
| certified to work on natural gas lines, natural gas fitters | | | | Pipefitting, Sprinkler Fitting Industry of the United States |
| and propane gas fitters. | | | | and Canada). Union members generally earn more |
| Plumbing courses | | | | than nonunion members do. |
| Plumbers need to undertake courses to gain both | | | | Typical mechanical work will not help a plumber flourish. |
| theoretical and practical knowledge about the | | | | He needs to have the ability and initiative to solve a |
| profession. Courses are offered by various technical | | | | problem, a creative head, a thirst for knowledge, sound |
| schools, colleges and even online schools. The best | | | | judgment, understanding of evolving technology and |
| course is one that meets the expectations and gives | | | | the most important of all - honesty and professionalism. |