Plumbing Industry Analysis
The increasing demand for environmentally sustainable homes is placing new demands on the industry, especially for plumbers experienced with "green" plumbing products. Wages and employment are expected to rise for plumbers over the next decade.
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Employment
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According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 400,970 people employed as plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters as of 2009.
Wages
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Plumbers earned an average wage of about $47,000 annually as of 2008, according to the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors (PHCC) Association. A 2005 PHCC member survey found that about 73 percent of plumbing businesses earned more than $500,000 in sales annually.
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Green Plumbing
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A 2006 report by Global Foresight, Inc., found that there is an industrywide trend toward more efficient and environmentally friendly products, such as low-flow plumbing fixtures designed to save water. In addition, there will be a greater demand for plumbing products that allow water recycled from a home's washing machine to be used for the toilet.
Training
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Traditionally, unions provided training opportunities for plumbers. However, younger workers are not as involved in unions, which means that training responsibilities will fall on other industry participants, such as manufacturers and home improvement stores.
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References
- Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education: Global Foresight Inc. 2006 Report on Industry Trends.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Plumbers, Pipefitters and Steamfitters.
- Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association: A Typical Plumber Profile: A Proud, Trained, Hard-Working Professional; October 2008.
