Plumbing has evolved significantly over the last few decades. Gone is the stereotypical slovenly, bumbling professional we all see in movies and television shows; professional plumbers today are highly skilled tradespeople who need to know everything from basic plumbing systems to cutting edge technologies. Now, to take part in this profession, you must have a deep knowledge of complicated systems, and you must always be adapting to the advancements of technology.
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This video explores how a plumber can climb the ranks to make a six figure salary, focusing on the personal experience of Richard Armendariz, a 30 year old plumber, who estimates that plumbers can make somewhere around $105,000 to $125,000 a year.
The plumbing world today is a far cry from a few decades ago. For many years, plumbing was seen as a profession with little future activity and poor income. Plumbers used to be stereotyped as blue collared workers with little formal education or technical training who could only make the simplest repairs such as fixing drippy faucets or baby poop dyed toilets. But the reality of modern plumbing is much more complex and rewarding than that. These days plumbers are part of a highly skilled engineering profession, and they do it all, from putting in kitchen sinks to managing virtual systems like tankless water heaters, French drains, and IOT integrated appliances.
With the rise in specialization knowledge and experience, the plumbing profession is now much more than a profession, it is a corporate career. They enable you to make that six figure salary as a plumber like Richard Armendariz outlines in the video, but they don't give you the knowledge required to be a successful plumber, they give you the basic skills but you need commitment to learning for life, investing in yourself, and staying up to date with the industry.
The 30 year old plumber in the video, Richard Armendariz, gives helpful advice on how anyone else can start their journey to earning six figures as a plumber. In a more traditional sense, Richard's journey began outside of the classroom. Rather, he began at a swimming pool company, which was his introduction to plumbing. He learned the trade of plumbing through hands on experience and real world problem solving that would lay the foundation of his career.
Richard continued to hone his craft in the early part of his career by working with apprentices. He didn't rely solely on formal education or training programs, he learned from experience and the professionals around him. Richard learned the craft from experienced plumbers, and by seeing and copying their hand actions he became more and more confident to take on more difficult (and high paying) jobs.
Another big observation that came from Richard was the value of investing in yourself. Richard had not only learned all of the new skills but had also made a large investment in the tools needed for solving most plumbing problems. Throughout his professional journey, Richard invested in top notch apparatus that enabled him to provide a full suite of plumbing capabilities to his clientele. Because he spent this money on his career, not only was she able to productively do his job, but he had an edge over others in the industry.
Modern plumbers need a set of tools to get their job done right. With the complexity and advancement in plumbing systems, the demand for dedicated equipment is increasing. From advanced diagnostic tools used for leak detection to the latest technology used to install IoT connected appliances, each of the proper tools allows plumbers to provide a better service with this better service often leading to higher paying jobs and increased earning potential.
Formal education in plumbing can certainly help, however, Richard points out that experience is key in getting a well paying career in plumbing. A lot of successful plumbers aren't particularly graduates of a formal trade school or college program. Instead, they earned their expertise through years of trial and error, solving problems and learning on the job. Richard himself was never schooled in plumbing the typical way, he learned hands on, working on jobs in both residential and commercial plumbing areas.
Richard learned that no two plumbing systems are identical, though, and neither are customers, so this experience allowed him to understand the details, from simple piping systems to complex systems like water filtration and tankless water heaters. Most plumbers increase the variety of services they provide as they gain more experience, resulting in better-paying jobs. Moreover, plumbers can demand higher rates for their services given specialization in niche areas, from high end residence plumbing to specialized commercial systems.
As Richard notes in the video, plumbing is no longer just about repairing leaks and unclogging pipes. Modern plumbing requires workers who can navigate and install complex systems that can integrate cutting edge technology. When the smart home and Internet of Things (IoT) exploded onto the scene, it opened a whole new world of opportunities, and challenges, for the plumbing world. Some contemporary houses even have appliances linked to the internet that include water heating systems, taps, and toilets. Plumbers who know how to use these technologies can offer services that help homeowners install, maintain, and repair IoT enabled plumbing systems, giving them a source for scaled plumbing options.
As a member of that innovative generation, you will also know that the digital world has opened doors to plumbing that back in well, back in your grandparents day was unimaginable, and it is creating a need for specialized skills even your parents never dreamed of, including tankless water heaters, energy efficient systems, and water saving devices that require specialized knowledge to plan, install, and maintain. Plumbers can also take advantage of time investment in grasping the latest trends from the industry as it allows them to create new revenue streams as modern bathrooms and kitchen setups look elegant with these advanced systems.
If Richard's journey provides insight into how you can earn a six figure income as a plumber, it isn't the only one. The same goes with many plumbers who started with an apprenticeship, learned, worked with an actual plumber, and spent on their tools and courses needed to be at par with their job. But the secret sauce to plumbing success, like in every trade, is a combination of technical skill, business savvy, and a good work ethic.
So if you are a plumber and are looking for 6 figure pay, you have to make things happen for yourself. This might involve gaining more certifications, focusing on areas in high demand, or providing services targeting wealthy customers. Plumbers who specialize in luxury homes or high end commercial buildings, for instance, typically earn more than their counterparts who work in less specialized markets. Experienced plumbers can also get into the plumbing business or become contractors themselves, working with several customers and calling their shots, thus increasing their earnings.
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