Plumbers work in homes, corporate environments, and at construction sites and enjoy a great deal of freedom in their work. By working as a plumber you'll never have to be tied to a desk. Career opportunities for plumbers, pipefitters, pipelayers, and steamfitters are excellent. In fact, the number of jobs for plumbers and other plumbing professionals is expected to increase 16% between 2008 and 2018. Few other professions can boast such job growth.

Career Path for Plumbers

Because plumbing work is a skilled profession that requires on-the-job experience, it is a profession that requires an apprenticeship after or during your plumbing technology degree studies. Once you've started your coursework in plumbing technology, you can seek out an apprenticeship with a current plumber or plumbing contractor. After an apprenticeship of two or more years, you'll be able to seek a state license to legally work as a plumber on your own. Once you are licensed, you can set up your own freelance plumbing business, go to work for a contractor as a fully licensed plumber, or get work with a construction company. The path to becoming a fully licensed plumber is not a short one, but it leads to steady work in a high-paying field. As a successful plumber, you can expect to make, on average, between $45,000 and $76,000 per year.

How to Earn a Degree in Plumbing Technology

You can earn a degree in plumbing technology through a community college or via an online program. Accredited online schools with degrees in plumbing technology are a great way to earn your plumbing degree from the comfort of your own home. When you sign up for an online plumbing technology program, you'll be able to take classes in your free time and complete your coursework according to your own schedule.