Is There a Plumber Shortage?
Yes, there is a growing demand for plumbers in the United States, and many areas face challenges finding enough qualified skilled-trade workers. The shortage is influenced by retirements, the need to replace experienced workers, new construction, and ongoing repairs in existing homes and commercial buildings.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters is projected to grow 7% from 2025 to 2035, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. The BLS also projects about 42,000 job openings each year during that period, many because workers leave the occupation or retire.
Why Is There a Plumber Shortage?
One major reason is that experienced plumbers are retiring. Plumbing is a skilled trade that takes years of hands-on training to master, so replacing an experienced worker isn’t as simple as hiring someone with no previous experience.
At the same time, homes and businesses continue to need plumbing installation, maintenance, and repairs. Older buildings can require significant plumbing work, while new construction creates additional demand for skilled workers.
This combination can make qualified plumbers difficult to find in some markets.
Are Plumbers in High Demand?
Yes. Plumbing is an essential service, which helps create consistent demand.
People need plumbers for everything from relatively simple repairs to major projects involving water lines, sewer systems, drainage, and new construction.
The BLS specifically notes that demand comes from both new construction and maintaining and repairing plumbing systems in existing residences and other buildings.
Why Does It Take So Long to Become a Plumber?
Plumbing isn’t a job that can typically be learned completely in a few weeks. New workers generally learn through apprenticeships and extensive on-the-job training.
An apprentice can spend years learning how to install piping, diagnose problems, work with different materials, understand codes, and safely complete repairs.
Most states also require plumbers to obtain a license, although specific requirements vary by location.
Because experienced plumbers have accumulated years of practical knowledge, losing them to retirement can create a gap that isn’t immediately filled by new apprentices.
Are More Young People Becoming Plumbers?
There are people entering plumbing and other skilled trades, but the industry still needs enough new workers to replace those leaving the workforce.
One advantage is that plumbing can provide a career path without requiring a traditional four-year college degree. The BLS lists a high school diploma or equivalent as the typical entry-level education and an apprenticeship as the typical on-the-job training route.
This makes plumbing an attractive option for people who prefer hands-on work and want to develop a specialized skill.
Does the Plumber Shortage Affect Customers?
It can.
When there aren’t enough qualified plumbers available, customers may experience longer wait times, particularly during busy periods or after major storms and other events that generate large numbers of plumbing emergencies.
A shortage can also make scheduling more difficult for contractors handling larger construction or renovation projects.
However, availability varies significantly by location. A shortage in one city or region doesn’t necessarily mean every area has the same problem.
Does a Plumber Shortage Increase Prices?
It can contribute to higher labor costs, especially when demand for skilled workers exceeds the available workforce.
Plumbing prices are influenced by many factors, though, including the type of repair, materials, emergency service, project complexity, business overhead, and local market conditions.
A shortage of qualified workers is therefore only one factor affecting what customers pay.
What Types of Plumbers Are Most Needed?
Demand exists across several areas of plumbing, including:
- Residential service plumbers
- Commercial plumbers
- Construction plumbers
- Industrial plumbers
- Drain and sewer specialists
- Water heater technicians
- Pipefitters
- Plumbing maintenance technicians
- Emergency plumbers
Experienced plumbers who can diagnose complicated problems and handle specialized systems can be particularly valuable.
Is Plumbing a Good Career During a Labor Shortage?
For someone interested in the skilled trades, plumbing can be a strong career option.
The current BLS outlook shows faster-than-average employment growth and approximately 42,000 openings per year for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters from 2025 through 2035.
Plumbing can also provide opportunities to advance. A worker may eventually become a master plumber, supervisor, estimator, project manager, or plumbing business owner, depending on their experience and local licensing requirements.
How Much Do Plumbers Make?
Plumber earnings vary based on experience, location, specialization, employer, and whether the person owns a business.
The BLS reports a median annual wage of $63,800 for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters in May 2025. The highest-paid 10% earned more than $108,420.
Business owners can potentially earn more than employees, but they also have additional expenses and financial responsibilities.
Will the Plumber Shortage Get Worse?
The demand for plumbers is expected to remain strong over the next decade. The BLS projects employment to increase from about 510,600 jobs in 2025 to 545,200 in 2035, representing 7% growth.
Whether an actual shortage becomes more severe will depend on how many new workers enter the trade compared with how many experienced workers retire or leave the occupation.
Training more apprentices and encouraging people to consider skilled trades can help address the workforce gap.
FAQs
Is there really a shortage of plumbers?
Yes. Many areas have difficulty finding enough experienced skilled-trade workers, while national employment projections show continued demand for plumbers and substantial annual job openings.
Why are plumbers in such high demand?
Plumbing is an essential service. Homes and businesses constantly need plumbing installation, maintenance, repairs, drainage work, and water and sewer services.
Are plumbers becoming harder to find?
They can be, particularly for experienced or specialized plumbers. Availability varies depending on the local labor market and current demand.
Is plumbing a good trade to get into?
Plumbing can be a strong trade for people who enjoy hands-on work and want a career with opportunities for training, specialization, advancement, and business ownership.
Will plumbers be needed in the future?
Yes. The BLS projects 7% employment growth for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters from 2025 to 2035, with about 42,000 openings annually.
Conclusion
There is a growing need for plumbers in the United States, driven by new construction, ongoing maintenance, repairs, and the retirement of experienced workers. While the severity of the shortage varies by location, the long-term employment outlook for plumbers remains strong.
For homeowners and businesses, the situation also highlights the importance of having a reliable plumbing professional available when problems occur. For people considering a career in the trades, the demand for skilled plumbers can make the profession worth exploring.
For plumbing needs in Northeast Ohio, Plunger Plumber provides professional plumbing services for customers throughout the Cleveland area and surrounding communities. Call (216) 399-7569 for plumbing assistance.