Plumber

Typical Work Tasks
People who work in this career often:

• Inspect plumbing systems or fixtures.
• Inspect work sites to identify potential environmental or safety hazards.
• Test green technology installations to verify performance.
• Clean equipment or facilities.
• Remove worn, damaged or outdated materials from work areas.
• Review blueprints or specifications to determine work requirements.
• Cut metal components for installation.
• Drill holes in construction materials.
• Fabricate parts or components.
• Install gauges or controls.

Typical Working Conditions

• Having face-to-face discussions.
• Exposure to contaminants (like gases or odors).
• Using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
• Exposure to minor burns, cuts, bites, or stings.
• Meeting strict deadlines.
• Wearing common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hearing protection, hard hats, or life jackets.
• Freedom to make decisions without supervision.
• The importance of being accurate or exact.
• Working outdoors exposed to weather.
• Responsibility for outcomes and results.
• Coordinating or leading others.

Tools & Technology used by Plumbers

Source: Minnesota CAREERwise

Most Important Skills for Plumbers

• Thinking Critically—Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
• Repairing—Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
• Controlling Quality—Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
• Coordinating with Others—Adjusting actions in relation to others’ actions.
• Listening—Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
• Monitoring Equipment—Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
• Solving Complex Problems—Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
• Helping Others—Actively looking for ways to help people.
• Learning New Things—Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
• Maintaining Equipment—Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.

Most Important Knowledge Areas for Plumbers

• Mechanical—Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
• Building and Construction—Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
• Design—Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
• Customer and Personal Service—Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
• Engineering and Technology—Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
• Mathematics—Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
• Education and Training—Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
• Public Safety and Security—Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
• Chemistry—Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal m
• English Language—Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Interests
Different careers may be a good fit for your personality or interests. This career is:

• Realistic—Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
• Conventional—Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.

Source: Minnesota CAREERwise

Low indicates 25% of workers earn less and 75% earn more. Median indicates 50% of workers earn less and 50% earn more. High indicates 75% of workers earn less and 25% earn more.

Demand
This career is seeing very high growth compared to other careers. There will be a 9.6% growth new for Plumbers to meet market demand between 2018-2028. This includes the demand due to replacement (workers leaving the occupation or retiring) as well as growth.

Source: Minnesota CAREERwise

This career is best for those with at least a high school degree, and many professionals earn an Associates degree or attend some college. This career does require a license.

View the local post-secondary education options from our partners: Central Lakes College & MSTATE.

Helpful High School Courses
Examples of helpful classes that help you prepare for this career:

• Accounting
• Algebra I and II
• Blueprint Reading
• Business Computer Applications
• CAD Design
• Drafting
• Electronics
• Geometry
• Physics
• Technical Writing
• Trigonometry
• Woodworking

Source: Minnesota CAREERwise