How can I grow my income as a plumber?

Plumbing is a trade with room to grow, steady work, and no college degree required. Whether you want to work for an established company or eventually run your own business, plumbing offers a clear path forward. Pay varies with location, employer and experience. The Plumbing course page shows the typical starting salary for this career.

1. Start with an Entry-Level Role Most plumbers begin as Apprentice Plumbers, gaining hands-on experience with installations, repairs, pipe fittings, and troubleshooting plumbing systems. Our Plumbing Career Course is designed to prepare you for your first role, even if you have no background in the field. You’ll learn everything from pipe systems and fixture installations to safety codes and regulations. We also provide job search support, interview prep, and access to a student community to guide you along the way.

2. Move Up with Experience With experience, you can advance into roles like Journeyman Plumber or Licensed Plumber. These positions come with more responsibility (installing and maintaining complex systems, managing job sites, and mentoring apprentices) and typically higher pay. Earning your license significantly increases your credibility.

3. Start Your Own Plumbing Business If you’re entrepreneurial, owning a plumbing business lets you:

• Set your own rates and schedule
• Offer premium services (like emergency repairs)
• Hire and manage a team
• Scale your business on your own terms

Plumbing is a stable, essential service that people rely on every day.

Check out our plumbing course →