Plumbers are skilled tradespeople who install, repair, and modify piping systems that carry water, gases, and other liquids used for sanitation, drainage, and industrial applications.
Wages
Hourly Wage: $50.58
Hourly Benefits: $36.30
Plumbers install a wide range of fixtures and systems, including sinks, bathtubs, showers, basins, appliances, and grease line systems. They work from blueprints and drawings to determine materials and layout requirements. Their tasks include cutting, threading, and joining pipes using tools such as pipe cutters, torches, and threading machines, as well as connecting pipes with mechanical or soldered joints.
Working Conditions
Plumbing work can take place indoors or outdoors and in a variety of environments, including on ladders or scaffolds, underground trenches, crawl spaces, or unfinished basements. The job can be physically demanding and sometimes dirty, involving dusty or muddy conditions. It requires standing, bending, crawling, lifting, pushing, and pulling. Work must follow strict plumbing and mechanical codes.
Aptitude and Interest
Plumbers must be strong problem-solvers, as they regularly diagnose and fix a wide range of issues. Good communication skills are important, as the job often involves interacting with customers. Plumbers may also be required to work evenings, weekends, or holidays to handle urgent repairs.
Training
Becoming a skilled plumber requires extensive training and proper licensing. Training pathways may include:
- On-the-job training
- Employer-sponsored programs
- Trade or vocational/technical school instruction
- Labor or management-sponsored training programs
- Registered apprenticeship programs combining classroom and hands-on experience
- A combination of these methods
Formal training programs are generally considered to provide the most comprehensive preparation.
Recommended High School Courses
Students interested in plumbing should consider English, mathematics, drafting, blueprint reading, physics, and chemistry.
Liscensing
Connecticut Occupational Licensing Regulations require a minimum number of number of on-the-job training years. Plumbing License
Ready to Start your Career as a Plumber?
Learn about Plumber Apprenticeships in CT.
**Wage and compensation information based on CT Department of Labor data reported as of July 1, 2025.
***Apprentices are paid on a graduated scale as their skill and experience increases.