In the last two years, the economy and the life of the average American have changed in dramatic ways. During the ups and downs of various industries over the course of the pandemic, trades jobs have maintained strong demand.
In fact, the demand for one such trades role – qualified plumbers – has seen a spike in the past several months. The rapid uptick in open plumbing positions has led to a nationwide shortage of these crucial workers, which in turn, has had an upward influence on the prospective wages of available plumbers. The trades professionals at Nexstar Jobs dive into the market outlook for the plumbing trade in 2022 and highlight why it may be time for you to consider a career in the trades.
The Plumbing Job Market
In 2020 and 2021, thousands of families found themselves searching for more space. This led to a massive exodus from urban areas and a surge in new home sales. When there are more homeowners, naturally, there is a higher demand for home-related services – in particular, electrical, HVAC, and plumbing.
This past year, online searches for plumbing services hit their highest level in five years as many new building managers and homeowners sought the services of a trained professional. This has led to an imbalance between the number of plumbers demanded and the number currently in the profession, which bodes positively for the outlook of the trade – both in the number of jobs and compensation.
Plumbers Have Serious Opportunity
There has never been a better time to consider a job in the plumbing trade. As the economy recovers and new buildings are being built, those pursuing a career in the trades have the unique opportunity to enter into a high-demand, sustainable, and rewarding career.
The need for qualified plumbers is so high, that several initiatives have arisen that highlight the lifestyle of American plumbers in an effort to attract new candidates to the trade. This docuseries shows prospective plumbing apprentices how the flexible schedule and friendly hours of the plumbing trade allow plumbers to pursue hobbies such as horse training, drag racing, and kite surfing outside of work.
Demand is forecasted to remain strong in the coming years, with the dual forces of older trades workers retiring and more jobs being necessitated as a result of amplified homeowner requests.
Discover a Rewarding Career as a Plumber
We have written many times about the long list of benefits and privileges of working in the trades; and now, there has never been a better time to dive in. Working in the plumbing trade allows for independence of managing your own jobs, working with your hands to solve real-world problems, and using critical thinking and strategy to create the best outcome.
Plumbers also enjoy financial stability, with many workers never incurring a period of debt in their lives. Contrast this to the situation of many four-year degree students, who pay off hundreds of thousands of dollars in student loans for the first chunk of their career. When you work in the trades, you will be paid even as an apprentice, and your wages will continue to rise as your experience grows.
Learn More About the Plumbing Trade with Nexstar Jobs
If you are interested in beginning your career in the plumbing trade, Nexstar Jobs is here to help. NexTech Academy offers candidates the unique opportunity to learn the basics of a new trade, at your own pace and on your own time. A combination of in-person fieldwork and online training could help you complete your apprenticeship in just 18-24 months.
The Nexstar Jobs network can also open your horizons to a wide market of new trades professionals. Visit our site to connect with other trades workers and experience helpful resources. Let us help you craft the future you’ve always dreamed about and discover a rewarding career in the trades today.