Career Opportunities in the Plumbing Industry

Many employ plumbers to fix leaks or install sinks, although, plumbers, pipefitters, pipelayers do much more than this. They install and perform work on various pipe systems, from water treatment plants that service entire towns to homes and skyscrapers. Plumbers could also work on waste removal, gas or climate control systems. Pipes are an essential factor in all of these different areas.

The demand for plumbers will stem from new building construction and stricter water efficiency standards for plumbing systems, such a low-flow toilets and showerheads. Also, the construction of new power plants and factories should spur demand for pipefitters and steamfitters.

Job prospects for those entering this industry are projected to be excellent as there is low competition in this sector. The majority of workers gain their skills by completing the Certificate II in Building and Construction Pre-apprenticeship (22338VIC) and then going on to complete an apprenticeship. The plumbing industry has one of the highest numbers of workers and one of the highest incomes in the entire construction industry.

Industry Overview

The building and construction industry is engaged in the construction of buildings and other structures, alterations, additions, reconstruction, installation and maintenance and repairs of buildings and other structures. The construction industry provided $20.9 billion to Victoria’s output in 2013-14, representing 6% of the total. The sector employs approximately 238,700 people, with a growth of 6% over the past five years, with the largest growth in the construction services sub-sector. In 2014, the top five employing occupations in the construction industry accounted for 42% of all employment within the industry, they are:

• Plumbers
• Electricians
• Construction Project Managers
• Painting Trades Workers

Some of the job opportunities in the plumbing industry include Air Conditioning and Mechanical Services Plumber, Drainer, Gasfitter, Plumber and Roof Plumber. This profession is currently experiencing a shortage in skills and needs many skilled workers to join the industry. There are currently 28,300 plumbers in Victoria. In general, over the coming years, the size of this large occupation is predicted to remain steady and future employment prospects for the coming five years are good. The average weekly wage employees can expect is $1,628.80 with an hourly earning of $43.90.

Plumber - Median salary AU $53,782

Over the next fours years to November 2019, the number of job openings for plumbers is expected to be above average. Employment opportunities for this occupation have rose strongly in the past five years and will continue to grow strongly in the long-term with many job prospects available. This very large occupation suggests that opportunities should be available in most regions. Plumbers have a high proportion of full-time jobs at 92.5%. For those Plumbers working full time, the average weekly hours are 40.9. Plumbers are mainly employed in Construction, Public Administration and Safety and Transport, Postal and Warehousing.

Gasfitter - Median salary AU $58,738

The numbers of job openings for gasfitters is expected to be above average. On average, gasfitters can expect to earn between $1,000 and $1,249 per week, all dependent on their level of experience, and the type of organisation they work for. Many gasfitters are self-employed and/or work as part of a team as an individual sub-contractor. As a subcontractor or small business operators, your earnings will depend entirely on your level of skill and experience, the level of demand for their services, as well as the amount of work completed.

Lead Plumber/Foreman - Median salary AU $68,933

Master Plumber - Median salary AU $74,032