According to 2012 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters working in commercial and industrial settings earned a median pay of about $49,000 a year nationally which is well above the $35,000 average for all occupations.
In addition, there is a strong demand for professionals in the plumbing industry since this is a necessity not only for residential but also for commercial spaces as well. Because of this, the Labor Bureau expects the number of people employed in this field to grow 22 percent by 2022.
While plumbers don’t typically need a college degree, they are still required to undergo intensive training and to pass an exam to obtain a license. Part from manual dexterity, plumbers need to have a decent grasp of calculations as well as a knack for problem solving.
Moreover, in order to make up to $200,000 a year especially for experienced plumbers, one has to work many hours or look for significant new construction projects.