In the United States today, there is a shortage of all types of tradespeople: carpenters, electricians, HVAC techs…and plumbers. These are all great careers with numerous benefits. Here we provide the benefits of becoming a plumber. We will divide these into financial benefits and non-financial benefits.
Financial Benefits
- Great pay. In Illinois, the average annual pay for a plumber is almost $72,000, translating to $34.59 an hour. That number is higher in the Chicago area. Additionally, based on experience and specialization, many plumbers can earn more than $100,000 a year. Add on overtime, and $130,000 a year is not unheard of.
- And benefits. Union plumbers, such as those we employ, can receive numerous benefits including life, health, dental and vision insurance, as well as a retirement plan. Those can add tens of thousands of dollars to overall compensation.
- Advancement opportunities. You can also earn more money through career advancement. For example, you can become a foreman, a master plumber, a project manager, or more.
- Job security. Being a plumber brings job security. There is already a demand for plumbers. And that need is expected to grow 3% to 5% over the next several years as older plumbers retire and the demand for plumbers grows
- Low cost of entry. No need for a six-figure university degree. Plan on spending only about $5,000 for a community college or a vocational school. Plus, many apprenticeships pay, so you earn while you learn.
Non-Financial Benefits
- You’re helping your customers. People call plumbers because they need them. Whether it’s fixing a minor problem like a leaky toilet to something major such as installing a new sewer line, you’re helping your customers.
- You’re helping your community. Communities rely on plumbers to maintain their water supply, and to install drainage, gas piping, water, and vent and waste solutions
- You’re respected. Customers understand that what you do is not easy, and it takes skill and experience. They will respect you for that.
- Sense of accomplishments. Your work and the respect it merits will give you a sense of accomplishment. Plus, you see the results of your work immediately.
- Physically challenging. You will not be sitting around a desk. You’ll be lifting heavy equipment and materials and operating heavy equipment.
- Mentally challenging. Being a plumber means being a problem solver. You will need to analyze a problem and then come up with a solution.
Contact Ravinia Plumbing for Career Opportunities
Ravinia Plumbing, Sewer, Heating & Electric’s is always looking for both experienced plumbers and people who want to enter the field. We offer excellent compensation, opportunities for advancement, and interesting and rewarding work. Our customers have relied on us since 1928 (that’s 98 years!) for quality products, knowledgeable technicians, and superior service, including 24/7/365 emergency service. That is why we are the most trusted plumbing, sewer, heating and air conditioning, and electrical company in Chicago’s North Shore and Northwest suburbs. Contact us today or visit RaviniaPlumbing.com/careers.