If you’re starting a plumbing company, knowing how much to pay your plumbers is crucial. A few factors will influence your plumber’s salary, including state averages and the cost of living.
Another factor is the city in which your plumbers work. This can have a significant impact on your average plumber’s salary.
Earning Potential
Plumbing is one of the recession-proof trades, and as a result, it offers a good salary. The average entry-level West Palm Beach plumber earns $30,000 to $45,000 annually nationally, and master plumbers can make up to $89,000 a year.
Those wishing to maximize their earning potential should consider joining a union plumber or a local association. These groups offer training programs and seminars that help you advance your career. In addition, they have lobbyists who work to ensure you get paid what you deserve.
Another way to increase your earning potential as a West Palm Beach plumber is to market yourself effectively. You can build a website and social media accounts to showcase your skills and provide valuable information. Additionally, you can add value to your services by offering additional services not directly related to plumbing, such as duct cleaning, septic system cleaning, and inspections. This will help you attract more customers and keep them coming back for your services in the future.
Education
In most states, you can get into the field through a plumbing apprenticeship program, which will train you on the job while you earn a wage. Once you’ve graduated from an apprenticeship, you can apply to become a journeyman plumber.
After that, you can start making more and more money based on your experience and location. For example, master plumbers who find good clients can make more than $100,000 a year. There are also ways to increase your earning potential, like getting a promotion or starting your own business. Those two options are more complex but exist for those pursuing them.
Licensing Requirements
Plumbers are required to have a state-issued license to do their work. The licensing process and exam requirements vary from state to state. In most cases, licensed plumbers must have a minimum number of years of experience in the field.
Most plumbers gain their initial experience through a formal union or trade association apprenticeship program. These programs usually last for several years and cost nothing to join. They also allow the apprentices to earn money immediately while they learn on the job.
Union plumbers typically make higher salaries than their non-union counterparts and may enjoy other benefits, including health insurance, paid vacation, and retirement plans. The cost of living in each city also influences the plumber’s salary.
Work Environment
Many plumbers start through an apprenticeship program, which lasts about four to five years and includes classroom instruction (on topics like plumbing codes and regulations, physics, and blueprint reading) and hands-on experience with real-life appliances and plumbing systems. Apprentices work under the supervision of an established West Palm Beach plumber and earn a wage that increases over time as they gain skills and experience.
Plumbers often work directly with customers, so they need strong customer service skills to understand client needs, explain technical information clearly, and address any concerns or questions. They may also need to work outside regular business hours to respond to emergencies.
