There are currently an estimated 480,600 plumbers in the United States. The plumber job market is expected to grow by 15.6% between 2016 and 2026.

How employable are plumbers?

CareerExplorer rates plumbers with a B employability rating, meaning this career should provide good employment opportunities for the foreseeable future. Over the next 10 years, it is expected the US will need 81,900 plumbers. That number is based on 75,200 additional plumbers, and the retirement of 6,700 existing plumbers.

Are plumbers in demand?

A shortage of qualified licensed plumbers is expected to create employment opportunities, especially in view of growth in the construction and building renovations industries. Bathroom remodelling, in particular, should generate demand in the field. Job seekers with welding experience will enjoy further prospects. Of course, existing plumbing systems in both the residential and commercials sectors will continue to produce repair and maintenance jobs for plumbers. Construction of new septic tanks and waste water treatment plants may also contribute to the job pool. Stricter water efficiency standards for toilets and showerheads and rules for home and business sprinkler systems will likely lead to more work for plumbers. Most available jobs are predicted to be with plumbing and pipefitting contractors. A significant number of openings will follow the imminent retirement of many tradespeople in general.

What’s the supply of plumbers?

The plumber industry is concentrated in California, Texas, New York

Plumber job market by state

State Name Employed Plumbers
California 47,600
Texas 42,050
New York 27,410
Florida 24,200
Illinois 16,470
Pennsylvania 14,960
Ohio 13,720
Virginia 12,730
Massachusetts 12,380
Michigan 12,250
Indiana 11,540
Georgia 11,310
Louisiana 10,850
North Carolina 10,820
Washington 10,200
Maryland 9,870
Colorado 9,260
New Jersey 9,070
Minnesota 8,660
Wisconsin 7,300
Arizona 7,300
Oklahoma 6,600
Tennessee 6,380
Kentucky 6,230
Missouri 6,140
Utah 5,430
Alabama 5,400
Oregon 5,340
Nevada 5,050
Connecticut 4,840
Iowa 4,530
South Carolina 4,430
Kansas 4,290
Nebraska 3,900
Mississippi 3,570
Arkansas 2,680
New Mexico 2,540
Maine 2,180
Hawaii 2,050
Idaho 2,040
Montana 1,890
North Dakota 1,760
New Hampshire 1,580
West Virginia 1,560
South Dakota 1,410
Rhode Island 1,280
Alaska 1,260
Delaware 1,170
Wyoming 1,030
District of Columbia 1,020
Vermont 720
Puerto Rico 540
Guam 210