Why Are So Many People Asking About the Pros and Cons of Being a Plumber on Reddit?
If you’ve ever scrolled through Reddit and stumbled upon threads like “Pros and cons of being a plumber”—you’re not alone. Thousands of people are weighing whether to trade their 9-to-5 for a truck, a tool belt, and a lifetime of clogged drains. And honestly? That’s smart.
Plumbing isn’t just about fixing leaks. It’s a trade that offers financial security, independence, and deep societal value—but it also demands physical grit, long hours, and emotional resilience. Unlike many college degrees that leave graduates with debt and uncertainty, plumbing offers a clear path to earning while you learn.
But is it right for you? Let’s cut through the noise. Below, we’ve compiled real insights from Reddit users, industry data, and expert opinions to give you the unfiltered truth about being a plumber in 2025.
What Do Reddit Users Actually Say About the Pros of Being a Plumber?
Reddit is a goldmine of raw, unfiltered experiences. In r/Plumbing, r/CareerAdvice, and r/Trades, users consistently highlight these 5 major pros:
✅ 1. High Earning Potential — No Degree, No Problem
You don’t need a $50,000 student loan to start earning $60K+ annually. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for plumbers was $60,090 in 2023, with top earners in high-demand areas like California and New York making over $95,000.
“I started as an apprentice at 22. Now at 30, I make $85K/year. No debt. Just calluses.” — u/PlumbLife4Life, r/Plumbing
Many plumbers work overtime, emergency calls, and weekend jobs—each adding $50–$150 per hour. Some even run their own businesses and pull in $120K+.
✅ 2. Job Security That Lasts a Lifetime
Every house, apartment, hospital, and school needs plumbing. Unlike tech jobs that evolve overnight, plumbing is essential, timeless, and recession-proof.
The BLS projects 5% job growth for plumbers between 2022–2032—faster than average—due to aging infrastructure and a shortage of skilled workers.
“During the pandemic, everyone was home fixing leaks. My schedule was booked 3 weeks out. No layoffs. Ever.” — u/PlumbingDad
✅ 3. Immediate Satisfaction — See the Results
Most jobs involve waiting weeks to see impact. As a plumber? You fix a burst pipe at 2 a.m., and the homeowner cries tears of joy. That’s instant, tangible reward.
Reddit users frequently describe the “feel-good factor”:
“I helped an elderly lady whose basement flooded. She gave me homemade pie. That’s why I do this.” — u/PlumbWithHeart
✅ 4. Work Independence — Be Your Own Boss
Many plumbers start as apprentices, then become journeymen, and eventually open their own companies.
“After 7 years, I bought a van, got licensed, and now I’m my own boss. No boss yelling at me. Just me, my tools, and my schedule.” — u/OwnTheTruck
✅ 5. No Student Debt — Learn While You Earn
Apprenticeships pay you to learn. Most programs last 4–5 years, combining classroom instruction with on-the-job training. You earn $15–$25/hour as an apprentice, rising to $30–$50/hour as a journeyman.
Compare that to a college grad with $30K in debt and a $40K entry-level salary. Plumbing wins.
What Are the Real Cons? Reddit Users Don’t Hold Back
Let’s be honest—it’s not all pie and praise. Here are the top 5 cons Reddit users warn about:
❌ 1. Physical Toll — Your Body Will Pay
Plumbing is hard on your body. You’re lifting heavy pipes, crawling under houses, kneeling on concrete for hours, and working in freezing basements or sweltering attics.
“I’m 38 and already have chronic lower back pain. I’ve had two cortisone shots this year.” — u/PlumberWithPain
The CDC reports that plumbers have one of the highest rates of musculoskeletal disorders among trades.
❌ 2. Unpredictable Hours — No “Off” Switch
Emergencies don’t care about your weekend plans.
“My kid’s birthday party? Cancelled. Baby’s first steps? Missed. That’s the trade.” — u/PlumbingDad
Emergency calls (burst pipes, no heat in winter) often come at 11 p.m. or on holidays. You’ll miss birthdays, holidays, and family dinners.
❌ 3. Dealing With the Gross Stuff
Yes, you’ll unclog toilets filled with… everything. You’ll handle sewage backups, mold-infested pipes, and broken septic systems.
“I once had to reach into a toilet that had been blocked for 3 months. I still smell it.” — u/PlumbAndPray
It’s not for the faint of heart. If you’re easily grossed out, this isn’t the job.
❌ 4. Startup Costs and Licensing Hurdles
While you earn while learning, the initial costs add up:
- Tools: $3,000–$8,000
- Truck or van: $15,000–$40,000 (if you go solo)
- Licensing fees: $100–$500 per state
- Insurance: $1,500–$3,000/year
And licensing varies by state. Some require 8,000 hours of work + exams. It’s not easy—but it’s doable.
❌ 5. Public Misunderstanding — “You’re Just a Fixer”
Some people assume plumbers are “less educated” than engineers or doctors.
“I have a degree in mechanical engineering. I chose plumbing because I love working with my hands. But people still ask, ‘Why not be a real engineer?’” — u/EngineerToPlumber
It’s frustrating. But most plumbers learn to shrug it off—and take pride in their craft.
Pros vs. Cons of Being a Plumber: Quick Comparison Table
| Income | $60K–$95K+ median; overtime = big pay | Lower starting pay; slow build to top earnings |
| Work Hours | Flexible if self-employed | Emergency calls = no work-life balance |
| Physical Demand | Keeps you active | Chronic pain, injuries common |
| Education | Free apprenticeship; no student debt | Licensing takes years; upfront tool costs |
| Job Stability | Always in demand; recession-proof | Manual labor = aging workforce challenge |
| Social Respect | High satisfaction from helping people | Some underestimate the trade |
Is Plumbing a Good Career for Introverts? (Reddit Answers)
Many people assume plumbing is “too social.” But here’s what Reddit says:
“I’m an introvert. I love being alone in a basement fixing a pipe. No small talk needed. Clients just want it fixed.” — u/ShyPlumber
Most plumbers work solo or in small teams. You’re not on a sales floor. You’re solving problems. If you’re detail-oriented and prefer quiet focus, plumbing can be perfect.
How to Start as a Plumber in 2025: A Step-by-Step Guide
If you’re serious, here’s how to begin:
- Get Your High School Diploma or GED – Most apprenticeships require this.
- Find an Apprenticeship – Search through your state’s Department of Labor or PlumbingHeatingCooling Contractors Association (PHCC) (external link: Wikipedia – Plumbing ).
- Complete 4–5 Years of Training – Includes 2,000+ hours of on-the-job training + 144+ hours of classroom instruction annually.
- Pass Your Journeyman Exam – Varies by state (e.g., California has a 4-hour written test + practical).
- Work as a Journeyman – Gain experience, build reputation.
- Get Your Master License (Optional) – Required if you want to pull permits or run your own business.
- Buy Tools & Start Your Business (Optional) – Or keep working for a company.
💡 Pro Tip: Many community colleges offer prep courses for plumbing licensing exams. Check yours—they often cost under $500.
FAQ: Your Top Questions About Being a Plumber, Answered
Q: Can you make six figures as a plumber?
A: Yes—easily. Plumbers who own their businesses, work in high-cost areas, or specialize in commercial systems (like hospitals or high-rises) regularly hit $100K–$150K/year. Emergency call-outs and seasonal demand (winter pipe bursts) boost income significantly.
Q: Is plumbing a dying career?
A: Absolutely not. The average plumber is 55+. As older workers retire, there’s a massive shortage. The BLS calls it a “critical skills gap.” If you enter now, you’ll have job offers waiting.
Q: Do plumbers get sick often from sewage exposure?
A: With proper PPE (gloves, masks, goggles), risk is low. Most pros follow OSHA safety guidelines. But yes—accidents happen. Always wear protection. One Reddit user said, “I got a nasty infection once from a raw sewage leak. Never again without gloves.”
Q: How hard is the plumbing exam?
A: It’s challenging but fair. Most people study 2–3 months. The test covers codes (IPC/UPC), math for pipe sizing, water pressure calculations, and safety rules. Many use practice tests from PlumbingExam.com .
Q: Is plumbing better than electrician?
A: Both are excellent trades. Plumbers often earn slightly more on average, but electricians may have more commercial opportunities. It depends on your interests:
- Love water systems? → Plumbing
- Love circuits and wiring? → Electrical
Q: Can women be plumbers?
A: Yes—and they’re thriving. Women make up ~5% of plumbers in the U.S., but that number is rising. Organizations like Women in Plumbing offer mentorship. One female plumber on Reddit said: “I’ve never been treated differently. Clients just want the job done right.”
Final Thoughts: Is Plumbing Right for You?
Let’s cut to the chase.
Choose plumbing if you:
- Value financial independence without student debt
- Don’t mind physical work and getting dirty
- Want a career that’s always in demand
- Prefer working with your hands over a desk
- Are okay with irregular hours early in your career
Avoid plumbing if you:
- Hate manual labor or being on your feet 10+ hours/day
- Need a predictable 9-to-5 schedule
- Are easily disgusted by bodily waste
- Want a “glamorous” job with social media fame
Reddit doesn’t sugarcoat it. And neither do we.
But here’s the truth: plumbing isn’t just a job—it’s a legacy. You’re keeping homes safe, families warm, and communities running. And in a world obsessed with screens, being someone who builds and fixes is deeply honorable.
💬 Share This With Someone Thinking About a Trade Career
If this article helped you see the real picture—whether you’re 17, 30, or 45—share it with a friend, sibling, or coworker wondering if plumbing is worth it.
👉 Post it on Reddit in r/Plumbing or r/CareerAdvice
👉 Tag a parent who thinks college is the only path
👉 Save it for when you’re ready to pick up that first wrench
Your future self will thank you.
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