Written by Chris Carrier, RWC Senior Marketing Director The shortage of plumbers our industry is dealing with has become so serious, it’s making headlines in the business world. An article in Bloomberg Businessweek’s March 2024 issue puts the problem in a national context: “America’s Plumber Deficit Isn’t Good for the Economy.” The article elaborates with a slew of Read more
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Written by Chris Carrier, RWC Senior Marketing Director
The shortage of plumbers our industry is dealing with has become so serious, it’s making headlines in the business world. An article in Bloomberg Businessweek’s March 2024 issue puts the problem in a national context: “America’s Plumber Deficit Isn’t Good for the Economy.” The article elaborates with a slew of stats that back up this subheading: “Young people are shunning an occupation that’s physically demanding and sometimes dirty, though well paid.
While the labor shortage isn’t new to those who have been in the industry long, it’s worth exploring the main cause of it and ways to get more people into the trade right now.
Understanding the plumbing recruitment crisis: The age factor
Age plays two roles in the plumber shortage. A large portion of the current plumbing workforce is nearing retirement age, and recruiting young people into plumbing is proving difficult. Although the recruitment pipeline is leaking at both ends, the jobs are there for the taking, with plenty of new opportunities opening. The latest data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects there will be nearly 43,000 job openings for plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters each year through 2032. These jobs mostly result from the need to replace workers who retire, change occupations or leave the workforce.
Knowing plumbing is one of the steadiest industries, how can plumbing business owners stay staffed with good plumbers? The truth is that it’s going to take some convincing.
Images courtesy of SharkBite Plumbing Solutions.
Repairing the leaky recruitment pipeline through education
If you run a plumbing company, the most concerning consequence of the labor shortage is the challenge of keeping enough good plumbers on your team. In the skilled trades, recruiting hinges on educating recruits. Raising awareness of opportunities is foundational. Many young Americans are simply unaware of the specialty options, job security and earning potential in plumbing. As an industry, we must invest more resources in promoting the plumbing profession. Just ask Mark Brown, a Philadelphia high school plumbing program instructor.
“There are so many people in our country who struggle with finding a suitable career path for them, and I believe it’s due to lack of exposure to career choices such as plumbing,” Brown said. After telling young people an opportunity exists, we need to convince them to explore it. To be persuasive, explain why plumbing is an excellent career option. Then dispel the myths and be open and truthful about the hard parts. Any recruiting efforts—whether joint or solo, online, printed or spoken—should start by selling the benefits, including:
Clint McCannon owns Cannon Plumbing in Braselton, Georgia.
Job security and stability
When you need a plumber, it’s rarely optional. Plumbing is an essential service with consistent demand, providing long-term job security and protection against economic downturns. For example, when the COVID pandemic put millions out of work, plumbers stayed on the job with a steady income.
“I was really nervous when COVID hit,” said Clint McCannon, owner of Cannon Plumbing in Braselton, Georgia. “I didn’t know what was going to happen. Our numbers were up over 35%, and it didn’t slow down. It sped up. Even when the economy is going down, if it’s something they can’t handle on their own, they’re going to call you.”
Given the plumber shortage, it’s highly unlikely that this career benefit will change anytime soon. Even as technological advances disrupt other trades, in plumbing, new technology tends to make the work easier rather than displacing the workers.
High earning potential
Plumbers enjoy competitive wages, and many have opportunities for overtime and bonuses. Their extent varies depending on the employer and specific job role. Even without pursuing overtime or bonuses, plumbers can enjoy a financially rewarding career free from the burden of student debt.
A high school diploma or equivalent is the standard education requirement for starting paid training or trade school. The BLS lists the 2023 median pay at $61,550 per year ($29.59 per hour), up from $60,090 in 2022 ($28.89 per hour), with plumbers at the high end of the spectrum earning a six-figure salary.
Geography greatly influences earnings, with average wages varying by state, based partly on the cost of living. According to Consumer Affairs, Illinois ranks highest with an annual average wage of $88,000, while Arkansas is at the bottom with plumbers earning $47,000 on average. Nationally, the top 10% of wage earners made more than $101,000 annually, and industry wages have been climbing steadily since at least 2012.
Paid training as an apprentice plumber
You don’t need any prior experience to start training to become a plumber, and once you apply for and secure an apprenticeship, it’s paid training on the job. Vocational-technical schools and unpaid pre-apprenticeships are the most common routes people take before getting on-the-job experience.
Choosing a paid plumbing apprenticeship over attending college with an unpaid internship can be a game-changer. With an apprenticeship, you’re earning money from day one while learning a valuable trade, rather than racking up student debt. You earn hands-on experience, real-world problem-solving skills and a direct path to a rewarding career in a high-demand field.
Apprenticeships also provide a structured learning environment where mentors are invested in your success, ensuring you gain both practical knowledge and industry credentials. For anyone looking to build a stable and prosperous future without the financial burden of college, a paid apprenticeship offers a practical and lucrative track.
Leslie McGlenen owns Pipe Wench Plumbing & Heating.
Career advancement opportunities
The plumbing profession also offers clear pathways for advancement, including opportunities to become a well-paid master plumber, start your own business or move into management roles. After finishing a plumbing apprenticeship, career advancement in the U.S. plumbing industry typically follows a structured path.
First, you become a journeyman plumber, gaining more responsibilities and independence. With experience and further certification, you can advance to a master plumber, which opens doors to higher-paying jobs and leadership roles. Any apprentice can become a master in this trade if they’re dedicated, and it pays to work your way up. An HR technology company called PayScale reports that in 2023, the median pay of a master plumber went up to $82,700—a jump of 21% from 2022.
Some plumbers eventually become contractors or specialize in areas like pipefitting, leading to even more career opportunities. Some of the most profitable plumbing businesses are owned or managed by plumbers who started as apprentices. Lesley McGlenen owns and operates Pipe Wench Plumbing & Heating in British Columbia, Canada.
“I got a lot of experience as a young apprentice,” she said. “Most of the time, I was the only apprentice at this company, so I got to work under three skilled journeymen who did different parts of the job. Depending on who I was working under, I learned different techniques.”
Successful franchise owners like Lesley can expand their businesses, creating a comfortable income and good jobs.
Kim Yeagley owns Gold Canyon Plumbing in Gold Canyon, Arizona.
Job satisfaction and community impact
Plumbers play a vital role in maintaining public health and safety. Being an essential part of your community’s workforce provides a sense of pride and fulfillment for those who appreciate making a tangible difference in people’s lives, homes and workplaces.
“When you leave, you’ve fixed their problem, you’ve made their day. That’s a good feeling inside,” said Kim Yeagley, owner of Gold Canyon Plumbing in Gold Canyon, Arizona. Despite the occasional dirty conditions, the satisfaction of solving problems and providing essential services to your community is genuinely rewarding. And like other skilled trades, plumbers take pride in their craftsmanship and enjoy building something from scratch. As a plumber, you can also choose to prioritize family and personal time.
“I don’t live to work. I work to live,” said Russel Sweeney, owner of Sweeney Remodeling and Plumbing in Jacksonville, Florida. “Through the years, I’ve learned that there is a necessity for work-life balance.”
Flushing fears and reconfiguring perceptions of plumbing
While there are many benefits in plumbing, there are still a lot of misconceptions and valid concerns that must be addressed in recruitment, including:
Physical demands
Don’t sugarcoat it. Plumbing is physically strenuous, often involving heavy lifting, strong tool work, awkward positions and repetitive movements. But desk jobs aren’t for everyone either. Plumbing can be a great career fit for people who love working with their hands. Former plumbing apprentice Anna Pearson said an office job just wouldn’t suit her.
“Forty hours out of my life every single week, being stuck in a cubicle, it’s just my actual nightmare,” she said.
Modern equipment helps with the physically challenging aspects. Advancements in technology and tools have made most tasks easier and more efficient than in decades past. For example, push fittings like SharkBite Max make it easy for new plumbers to start repairing and reconfiguring pipes with minimal instruction, performing smaller jobs in just minutes. They also help plumbers get in and out of tight or uncomfortable spaces more quickly so they can put minimal strain on their bodies.
Russel Sweeney owns Sweeney Remodeling and Plumbing in Jacksonville, Florida.
Safety and working conditions
The job sometimes involves working in dirty and confined environments, which can be unappealing or seen as hazardous. Fortunately, plumbers of all types get paid to earn comprehensive safety training through their certifications that prepare them to handle potentially dangerous job site situations safely. Plus, safe working conditions are required by law. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) enforces federally mandated safety standards that plumbing employers must comply with, which apply to both service and commercial plumbers. Employers provide all the necessary protective gear and equipment to ensure safety and comfort on tough jobs, including water-proof gloves, knee pads, safety glasses, hard hats and respirators.
Serious injuries are very rare for plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters. Nonfatal injuries are also exceptionally rare for both residential plumbers and commercial plumbers who work on new builds, even though working in people’s homes is generally considered safer than plumbing on a construction site. In 2022, BLS data shows that out of 865 reported fall injuries, including slips and trips, only 27 involved plumbers (3%). The BLS lumped plumbers in with HVAC contractors. This group had no reported injuries that year from exposures to harmful substances or environments, and no injuries caused by contact with objects or equipment.
Social stigma and perception
The reality is that many college graduates have student debt and still earn less than the plumber they call to fix their toilet, but there’s a strong societal push toward college degrees in high school, leading many young people to overlook the trades as they’re considering a career path. In the absence of hard facts, students often view trades like plumbing as a less prestigious career compared to white-collar jobs.
However, plumbers earn competitive salaries with excellent job security because they’re essential to our homes, businesses and critical infrastructure. Remind recruits that this trade offers opportunities for entrepreneurship and a stable, upward career path, with the added satisfaction of helping people every day. Another perk is that you can live almost anywhere and still have excellent job prospects.
Job security concerns
Some mistakenly perceive plumbing as less stable compared to careers in rapidly growing tech and service sectors where layoffs are actually far more common. Layoffs are very rare in plumbing, even during recessions, and the labor shortage shows that’s unlikely to shift.
“It’s a very recession-proof job,” Sweeney said. Research firm IBISWorld reports that “constant demand keeps direct competition low.” Industry analysts expect a steady demand for plumbing services in new construction, and IBISWorld states that “refurbishment and maintenance of aging plumbing systems have remained steady streams of income for independent plumbers and companies alike. This will not change in the near future.”
If you encounter stability concerns as you do outreach, set the record straight and back it up with facts. The U.S. Department of Labor provides a helpful resource with its Occupational Outlook Handbook for Plumbers, Pipefitters and Steamfitters. This periodically updated handbook answers every question a plumbing recruit is likely to ask.
Training requirements
Extensive apprenticeships and on-the-job training can deter those looking to enter the workforce quickly. Plumbing apprenticeships can indeed last up to 5 years, but they allow you to earn a living while gaining hands-on experience in the field, providing valuable training without the high costs of a traditional degree.
Another option is vocational-technical programs that fast-track your plumbing career, offering practical skills, recognized certifications and employment immediately after graduating.
Mark Brown, a Philadelphia high school plumbing program instructor.
Take advantage of the facts
Whether it’s educational social media videos, partnering with trade schools or hosting open- house demonstrations in your community—whichever format, strategy or platform you choose for your recruiting efforts—take a fact-based approach. Reality is your ally in persuasion. With excellent job prospects and rising pay, it’s a great time to join the plumbing profession, and having the facts on your side can make recruiting a little easier. Take it from Pearson.
“I researched it for a few days, I saw nothing but good things,” the former plumbing apprentice said. “And so, I decided to go ahead and take the plunge.”
SharkBite Forges a Powerful New Collaboration with Women in Plumbing & Piping (WiPP) In a move that underscores its commitment to diversity and innovation, SharkBite has entered a seminal partnership with Women in Plumbing & Piping (WiPP). SharkBite’s latest venture into progressive plumbing partnerships heralds a concerted effort to reshape the plumbing industry’s landscape, emphasizing Read more
SharkBite Forges a Powerful New Collaboration with Women in Plumbing & Piping (WiPP)
In a move that underscores its commitment to diversity and innovation, SharkBite has entered a seminal partnership with Women in Plumbing & Piping (WiPP). SharkBite’s latest venture into progressive plumbing partnerships heralds a concerted effort to reshape the plumbing industry’s landscape, emphasizing the critical role of women in its collective future.
Women in Plumbing & Piping has publicly embraced a synergistic relationship with SharkBite, a brand at the vanguard of plumbing innovation. As a founding sponsor of the organization, SharkBite’s new alliance with WiPP exemplifies a shared resolve to foster inclusivity and diversity within the plumbing and piping sectors, especially when it comes to gender.
With an eye toward the future, WiPP and SharkBite envision 2024 as a springboard for engendering new prospects for plumbing enterprises and aspiring women in this essential and financially rewarding trade, which is brimming with opportunities for progression and specialization.
“At this juncture, our engagement with Women in Plumbing & Piping marks a pivotal chapter in our journey,” stated Chris Carrier, senior director of marketing at Reliance Worldwide Corporation (RWC), where SharkBite is a leading brand and business unit. “Considering the current representation of women, a mere 1.1%, in the plumbing workforce, it is crucial that we champion the cause of women’s empowerment and their advancement on a national scale. Our collaboration with WiPP is not just an industry investment; it’s also a stepping stone for women already within the trade to prosper and excel in their careers.”
WiPP’s four foundational tenets—Mentorship, Education, Recognition, and Networking—provide the infrastructure to profoundly influence the professional lives of countless women in plumbing and piping.
Kim Gill, the Executive Director of WiPP, expressed her enthusiasm. “We are delighted to welcome SharkBite as a sponsor of WiPP. Their commitment to plumbing innovation aligns seamlessly with our mission to bring the plumbing and piping industries to new levels of excellence,” said Gill. “Together, we will continue to address workforce shortages, empower women and drive positive change.”
The partnerships WiPP forges are steeped in mutual trust, transparency, and a dedication to shared objectives, fueling expansion and outreach to a variety of communities.
Strategic Alliance with WiPP Spearheads Empowerment and Industry Excellence
A relatively new and already impactful player in the U.S. plumbing arena, established in 2022, Women in Plumbing & Piping is a nonprofit entity, conceived by forward-thinking women committed to cultivating a dynamic community for their peers in the industry. WiPP champions the vital contributions of women, acknowledging their role as an integral force in sculpting the trades’ future. Based in suburban Denver, Colorado, more information on membership benefits can be found at womeninplumbandpipe.org.
To explore partnership opportunities, visit: WIPP Parternship Opportunities.
SharkBite stands as an exemplar of ingenuity, making them an ideal ally in the crusade to empower women in plumbing. Together with Reliance Worldwide Corporation, SharkBite is a beacon of innovative push-to-connect plumbing solutions globally, including the venerated SharkBite Max product line.
For over twenty years, SharkBite has spearheaded the development of products that address industry challenges and arm plumbing professionals with the means to enhance productivity and efficiency. Leading the charge in push-to-connect plumbing technologies, SharkBite’s team adeptly caters to a breadth of applications ranging from residential and commercial construction to complex industrial projects of all scales.
SharkBite’s proven product suite streamlines installations by eliminating the need for specialized tools or complicated procedures, reducing the margin for error. Their comprehensive system encompasses an array of fittings, pipes and accessories indispensable for constructing a potable water system.
As a cornerstone of the RWC brand portfolio, SharkBite is instrumental in sustaining RWC’s esteemed global reputation as an innovator and manufacturer of water control systems and plumbing solutions for a myriad of applications.
The first-ever @plumbingnationals wrapped up on Friday (10/27/23) in Tampa Bay, Florida, and boy was it a blast. The energy was high as family and friends cheered on the five finalists who completed the last plumbing challenge of the competition. https://youtu.be/ZG5sNkp9g3k?si=lEHO5wTdywSjIl5D The Plumbing National Championship was created to provide a one-of-a-kind platform to recognize the plumbing trade Read more
The first-ever @plumbingnationals wrapped up on Friday (10/27/23) in Tampa Bay, Florida, and boy was it a blast. The energy was high as family and friends cheered on the five finalists who completed the last plumbing challenge of the competition.
The Plumbing National Championship was created to provide a one-of-a-kind platform to recognize the plumbing trade and the people who keep the country moving every day. The competition provides a platform for men and women in the industry to showcase their incredible training, dedication and skills in a series of head-to-head dynamic challenges showcasing the world-class skills of the trade.
The competition’s first round started in July 2023 in the form of a digital qualifying challenge. Competitors took a three-minute multiple-choice quiz that tested their knowledge across all areas of the plumbing trade. The top 20 scorers advanced to Round 2 in September and received a custom at-home challenge kit designed by industry experts to test their skills on a unique and dynamic task.
SharkBite Plumbing Solutions brand is showing its support for the trades by sponsoring the inaugural Plumbing National Championship, which culminated on October 27 at the Tampa Convention Center in Tampa, Fla. Over four months, the field whittled down to the top 5 plumbers now competing for plumbing glory by winning the title of first-ever Plumbing National Champion and their share of a $20,000 prize.
The finalists were: Craig Childress from Massachusetts, David McDonough from Indiana, Joe Jaspers from Ohio, Justin Coutu from Virginia and David Shanor from Virginia. One of these lucky plumbers won this week’s final round of competition in a custom-built arena along with a $10,000 prize and a unique trophy. Second place won $7,000 and third won $3,000. The winners will be revealed on the television broadcast.
In December, CBS Sports Network will provide national exposure for the plumbing trade, telling the competitors’ personal stories and bringing them all the fun moments of the national championship competition where one plumber won the title of best plumber in the U.S., claiming the industry’s ultimate bragging rights. In addition to the opportunity to win cash prizes, each finalist received a custom VIP prize package from sponsors like SharkBite Plumbing Solutions. You can watch the finals on CBS Sports in December, specifc date yet to be announced.
In today’s competitive market, it’s important to choose products that improve productivity and profitability. PEX isn’t a new pipe material, but more plumbers are choosing it as their preferred pipe type — and for good reason too. Explore the key reasons PEX is the best tubing to use for your next plumbing installation. 1. It’s Read more
In today’s competitive market, it’s important to choose products that improve productivity and profitability. PEX isn’t a new pipe material, but more plumbers are choosing it as their preferred pipe type — and for good reason too. Explore the key reasons PEX is the best tubing to use for your next plumbing installation.
1. It’s more versatile
The initial cost of PEX is already budget-friendly, but its flexibility makes it even more so. The bendable tubing can maneuver around corners without the use of elbows or other additional fittings, making it easier for getting into places where rigid pipe isn’t easy to use.
Because its flexibility helps reduce the number of connections, PEX helps lower the cost of materials and minimizes potential leak points. Plus, you can install PEX pipe in longer runs with the use of coils that come in lengths up to 1,000 feet.
2. It’s quicker to install
One of PEX’s biggest draws is that it’s compatible with quick-installing plumbing solutions like SharkBite EvoPEX push-to-connect fittings that help you stay on schedule. In today’s labor market, that’s no small thing. Here’s why,
You need less labor. When you plumb PEX with push-to-connect fittings, you don’t need glue, solder, solvents or torches. These traditional techniques often require you to start and stop during installation, wait for glue or for water to dry before testing the plumbing system, or spend extra time cleaning up scrap material.
Bypassing these time-consuming processes means you can complete your installation with fewer people and without ever needing to pause your work. It also keeps potentially dangerous chemicals out of plumbing systems and removes the potential risk of fire from using torches on the job site.
You don’t need a specialized toolbox. Since they don’t require special tools, push-to-connect PEX systems give you more mobility compared to a two-hand system like crimp/clamp, while also significantly reducing the chance of installation errors and leaks. This in turn lessens the risk of water damage and mold.
As an advanced PEX push-to-connect plumbing system, SharkBite EvoPEX fittings even display a green visual indicator to assure you that a proper and permanent connection has been made. Plus, you can immediately test the plumbing system once the installation is done.
3. It performs better in the winter
The chemical composition of cross-linked polyethylene, the synthetic material PEX pipe is made from, allows the structure of the pipe to have more freeze resistance and elasticity under pressure. That means PEX will expand if water within the pipe freezes, and it’ll contract to its original shape when it thaws. This can help prevent other plumbing issues in the winter.
Additionally, the tubing has a host of other attractive features:
- It’s chlorine-resistant and resists scale buildup, which is common in copper pipe. Corrosion resistance facilitates more water pressure and better hot water delivery.
- You can find PEX that is tested to the highest level of chlorine resistance (100% chlorine at 140°F) and is certified to meet ASTM F876 oxidative-resistance requirements for continuous recirculation.
- PEX can withstand not only extreme low temperatures, but also extreme high temperatures too.
4. It’s sustainable
As the world focuses more on sustainable building practices, there’s a growing emphasis on reducing the long-term impact of building materials, including pipes. The good news is PEX addresses all three pillars of sustainability: environmental, economic and social impact.
Environmental. Polyethylene is a byproduct of oil or natural gas that’s already being extracted for other energy use, so PEX doesn’t require the extraction of natural resources just to make the tubing. It also doesn’t take a lot of energy to create PEX.
When the pipe is installed, it saves energy too. Polyethylene is a non-conductor and has insulation properties, which means PEX plumbing systems require less energy than copper systems to achieve a desired water temperature. And at the end of its life, the tubing can be ground up and used as a filler in composite lumber, playground equipment, traffic barriers and more.
Economic. Not only is PEX cheaper than other piping materials, but its bendability and compatibility with efficient plumbing solutions like push-to-connect fittings help save on parts and labor costs. Because it’s flexible and corrosion-resistant, it also has a long lifespan (about 50 years per PPI TR-3). This reduces costs, increases customer satisfaction and lessens waste.
Social. PEX and the innovative plumbing systems that it can be used with help address the industry’s labor shortage. It supports pros who have limited help in the field by making installations faster, safer and more reliable. Some other social benefits include:
- PEX is joined using mechanical fittings rather than soldering, which creates a potential fire hazard during installation.
- PEX systems are certified to NSF/ANSI/CAN 61, so they’re approved for potable water application.
- PEX is resistant to leaching, pitting and mineral buildup.
When picking a PEX manufacturer to work with, consider one that offers the highest-rated chlorine resistance and six-month UV resistance, such as SharkBite PEX-B. This tubing is also made in the U.S. — right in Cullman, Alabama — which creates and maintains jobs that boost the national economy.
Organizations will work together to emphasize career opportunities in the trades Reliance Worldwide Corporation (RWC), a leading manufacturer of premium branded push-to-connect plumbing products, valves, secondary pipe supports, firestopping solutions and fluid control technologies, is partnering with Home Builders Institute (HBI), a national leader in career training for the building and construction industry, as the exclusive Trade Read more
Organizations will work together to emphasize career opportunities in the trades
Reliance Worldwide Corporation (RWC), a leading manufacturer of premium branded push-to-connect plumbing products, valves, secondary pipe supports, firestopping solutions and fluid control technologies, is partnering with Home Builders Institute (HBI), a national leader in career training for the building and construction industry, as the exclusive Trade Sponsor for its 22 plumbing programs across the U.S., primarily serving Job Corps students and justice-involved individuals.
These HBI programs provide students with the skills, experience and placement services they need to have a successful career while helping the trade address labor shortages.
“We are thrilled to engage with HBI and believe this is the beginning of an important, long-lasting partnership,” said Chris Carrier, Marketing Director, Americas at RWC. “HBI’s ability to connect, train and place potential new talent into the trade makes them an ideal partner. Not only do we see this as an opportunity to help our trade, but also an opportunity to help the local communities that these programs are in.”
This partnership was a natural opportunity for RWC to double down on its commitment to promote and further the plumbing trade after its Careers in Construction Month efforts, through its SharkBite® and HoldRite® brands, in October.
“Our diverse product portfolio enables us to produce solutions that are designed to help plumbing contractors work more efficiently in the field,” Carrier continued. “In our conversations with them, we’ve recognized the need to help the trade address its labor challenge.”
HBI’s programs help approximately 10,000 students each year receive real life, hands-on training and find meaningful careers in the trades. HBI also provides them with job placement and transition assistance, and qualified graduates are able to enter advanced training programs to expand their education and experience.
“Home Builders Institute is proud to welcome our new partner, Reliance Worldwide Corporation,” said HBI President and CEO Ed Brady. “Together, we are training the next generation of skilled labor for the building industry. As HBI’s exclusive Trade Sponsor of our plumbing programs, RWC will provide its excellent products to help train our students in 22 locations nationwide. In the process, they will develop customers for life as our graduates enter the industry. I look forward to working with RWC and to seeing how the many resources they bring to the table will help enhance our training programs and ensure the future success of our students.”
To further discuss this partnership during IBSx – the 2021 International Builders Show – please visit RWC or HBI’s exhibits. Learn more about RWC and its family of brands.