Plumber
Install, fix, and maintain pipes, heating, and water systems.
This UK plumber career guide covers what the role involves day to day, typical salary at each stage, the usual entry route, the skills employers expect, and related careers worth comparing.
Quick facts
- Starting salary
- £22,000 - £28,000 (apprentice)
- Mid-career salary
- £32,000 - £45,000
- Senior salary
- £50,000 - £80,000+ (self-employed)
- Work environment
- Homes, sites, businesses - travel between jobs
- Time to entry
- 2 - 4 years
- Degree required
- Not required
- Category
- Skilled Trades
What a Plumber does
Install, fix, and maintain pipes, heating, and water systems.
- Heating Engineer (Gas Safe) - Install and service boilers and gas appliances.
How to become a Plumber
- Look up Plumber roles on LinkedIn or Indeed and read 5 real job ads
- Talk to someone already working as a Plumber - even a 15-minute call helps
- Find one beginner course or qualification used by people in this role
- Build one small piece of evidence you've explored this (project, shadowing, short course)
- Apply to one entry-level role or related opportunity within the next month
Key skills
- Practical skills
- Diagnostics
- Customer service
- Stamina