Plumber
A trade that’s in high demand.
What's it like to be a Plumber?
Plumbers are specialist tradespeople who install and repair water, drainage, gas and sewerage pipes and systems. They often specialise; for example, they may work on large-scale construction projects or focus more of smaller domestic projects. Plumbers often work closely with other tradespeople and project management teams.
Tasks and duties
- Studying blueprints, drawings and specifications to determine the layout of plumbing systems and materials required.
- Installing hot and cold water systems and associated equipment.
- Installing gas appliances, flues and pressure regulating devices.
What can I earn as a Plumber?
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The most common salary in AUS for a Plumber is between $65k and $75k
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Source: SEEK job ads
How to become a Plumber
You can become a Plumber by completing a 4-year apprenticeship, during which time you have to be employed in an apprenticeship arrangement. As part of this, you will complete the Certificate III in Plumbing (CPC32413), which is a nationally accredited qualification.
- Find a licensed plumbing practitioner under whom you can do your apprenticeship. An Apprenticeship Network provider or Group Training Organisation in your area can assist you with finding a host employer and starting your apprenticeship.
- Complete a plumbing apprenticeship and the Certificate III in Plumbing (CPC32413). Additionally, if you plan to work in the construction industry, you’ll need to hold a White Card.
- Ensure you have the required licenses and accreditation to work as a plumber. Check with the licensing authority of the state you will be working in to ensure you’re compliant.
- Experienced plumbers can further their training and gain exposure to tasks they may not commonly encounter in their day-to-day work. The Diploma of Plumbing and Services (CPC50408) is aimed at specialist and senior plumbers.
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What skills are employers looking for?
Employers want
- Construction induction white card
- Written skills
- Self motivation
- Background check
- Construction
Shortlisted applicants
- Elevating work platform licence
- Team work
- Integrity
- First aid certification
- Time management
Hi there, what skills have you included in your SEEK Profile?
Source: SEEK job ads and SEEK Profile data
How do Plumbers rate their role?
Latest reviews from 14 Plumbers surveyed on SEEK
Work-life balance
3.8
Job satisfaction
4.0
Career progression opportunities
3.9
Job security
3.4
Pay / Salary
3.5
Variety of work
4.1
Latest reviews
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Positive
Negative
Plumbing/Gas fitting- wouldn't choose anything else
Reviewer's Qualification
Certificate IV in Plumbing and Services
Experience
10+ years
Organisation size
Medium (20-199 employees)
Specialisation
new homes, construction, lecturing
The good things
Best part about being a plumber is the large amount of different areas i am able to work in with the qualification, no two days are the same. Huge opportunities for employment and able to earn a great...
The challenges
hardest part can be the physical side, hot and wet weather can play a large part
Read more
Plumbing, the up's and downs from a plumbers perspective.
Reviewer's Qualification
Certificate III in Plumbing
Experience
10+ years
Organisation size
Small (1-19 employees)
Specialisation
Commercial and domestic
The good things
After 20+ years in the plumbing industry it's safe to say I've experienced most of the opportunities plumbing has to offer, good and bad. Let us start by listing some of the positive factors that "you...
The challenges
After 20+ years in the plumbing industry it's safe to say I've experienced most of the opportunities plumbing has to offer, good and bad. Let us start by listing some of the positive factors that "you...
Read more
Self employed plumber is hard but has great flexibility
Reviewer's Qualification
licensed plumber
Experience
10+ years
Organisation size
Small (1-19 employees)
Specialisation
plumbing
The good things
Variation is great with new tasks and places to go everyday and sense of achievement. Being outdoors and variety removes monotony. Being able to shuffle work and life and family is terrific with abi...
The challenges
A good business sense is essential. Be prepared to accept an irregular income with long hours and nighttime invoicing. Should be well organised and disciplined.
Long term its not good, you must be d...
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Plumbing is a tough job, I think fast and smart .
Reviewer's Qualification
Diploma and office automation
Experience
5 - 9 years
Organisation size
Medium (20-199 employees)
Specialisation
Construction & Maintenance Plumber
The good things
I love plumbing especially when I succeed in a challenging role and I find people drinking water, using water in their houses. I work neatly and tirelessly to enable people acquire one of the most ess...
The challenges
There are a lot of challenges plumbers do face; laying drainage pipes on ground to the ceptic tank and some mechanisms that I am used to, since there different types and shapes but have the same funct...
Read more
dedication is key
Reviewer's Qualification
certificate
Experience
1 - 4 years
Organisation size
I'm self-employed
Specialisation
plumber hot and cold maintainance
The good things
it that im pas-severed, like working as a group because two mindis better than one mind and a learner who strive to learning new thing about anything. the go getter who's dedicated.
The challenges
It because im a strategy thinker always like to try new thing to improve may work and costumer's satisfaction, is the key to be work places which i take into consideration when doing my work. and comm...
Read more
Plumbing, more than a trade It’s an art
Reviewer's Qualification
Certificate 3 in plumbing
Experience
10+ years
Organisation size
Small (1-19 employees)
Specialisation
Roofing
The good things
Plumbing is an amazing and diverse skill and trade that can take you anywhere in the world and help so many people. It took me to remote Northern Territory for over 5 years
You are always working with...
The challenges
Being a plumber has so many benefits but you can come home dirty and muddy when installing drains or covered in spider webs and dust running pipes under houses
Read more
PLUMBING WAS A CAREER IN PAST DECADES BUT NOW WOULDNT RECOMMEND IT TO ANYONE NOW
Reviewer's Qualification
superviser
Experience
10+ years
Organisation size
Medium (20-199 employees)
Specialisation
plumber
The good things
GOOD PAY RATES ON EBA SITES
The challenges
LABOR HIRE IS RUINING THE INDUSTRY
Read more
Plumbing is the best job as I’m fascinated with water and how it’s used
Reviewer's Qualification
License plumber and gas fitter
Experience
10+ years
Organisation size
Small (1-19 employees)
Specialisation
Not applicable
The good things
The scope of work that you can do .
The challenges
Keeping the consumer happy and satisfied at a reasonable price for one the plumber to make money and 2 the client thinks it’s a reasonable price.
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Plumbing in General
Reviewer's Qualification
Cert 3 plumbing
Experience
10+ years
Organisation size
Small (1-19 employees)
Specialisation
Licenced plumber.
The good things
You meet great people on work sites.
Plumbing is a great trade to do.
Plumbing is something every building needs therefore creating more work for plumbers.
The challenges
Plumbing can be a very demanding job.
Blocked sewers and burst pipes need fixing and sometimes the pressure can get to you.
Read more
Hard job rewards in the end
Reviewer's Qualification
Commercial plumber
Experience
10+ years
Organisation size
Medium (20-199 employees)
Specialisation
Sanitary
The good things
It's a challenge every day different
The challenges
Requires thinking a lot solving issues
Read more
Source: SEEK Role Reviews
What are the job opportunities for Plumbers?
Find out how the job market is trending
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Latest Plumber jobs on SEEK
Source: SEEK job ads
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