The average yearly wage of all workers in the US was $56,310 in 2020. Plumbers made more, though, with their mean wage being between $59,890 and $61,100. That’s about 6% to 8% higher than the earnings of the bottom half of the US workforce.

That higher wage is one reason having and maintaining a perfect plumbing system can cost a lot of money. So the question now is, what exactly drives the higher-than-average wage of plumbers?

We’ll take a look at some of the top reasons in this guide, so be sure to read on!

Plumbing Systems Are Critical Infrastructures

Health experts and scientists themselves say that modern plumbing saves millions of lives. After all, these infrastructures are necessary for water supply, hygiene, and sanitation. Moreover, it’s thanks to these systems that people have access to safe, potable water.

Because of their roles in public health, plumbing systems are critical infrastructures. For the same reasons, plumbing components must be of high-quality materials. Otherwise, they won’t withstand daily use, which can lead to hazardous pipe leaks.

High-quality materials, in turn, cost a lot to source or produce. That’s why you can expect higher costs if you want perfection in plumbing.

Plumbing Professionals Are Essential Workers

Back in 2020, the US White House itself identified plumbers as essential workers. Without them, plumbing networks could fail, putting everyone’s health and safety at risk.

It’s also because of the dangers that plumbers face that they deserve a high pay grade. Think about it: not all folks are willing to handle human waste or decaying organic materials.

Do note that sewage and wastewater harbor pathogens, which are disease-causing microorganisms. These include bacteria, fungi, protozoa, viruses, and worms. If drains and sewer pipes get clogged or damaged, wastewater can overflow or back up the system.

When that happens, germ-filled sewage and wastewater can flood buildings.

Plumbers have the skills, knowledge, and equipment to handle all that and more on behalf of the public. That’s why you can rely on emergency plumbing experts to fix your plumbing woes any time of the day. As essential workers, they can work round-the-clock, be it in the middle of the night or during holidays.

Plumbers Undergo Specialized Training

In the US, most state and local governments regulate the plumbing industry. For example, many states require plumbers to complete licensure exams. For plumbers to be eligible to take these tests, they first need to be apprentices for about four to five years.

So, even if plumbers may not need a college degree, they still need specialized education. They invest a lot of time and resources in their apprenticeship and training. This is another reason plumbers deserve the high compensation they charge.

A Perfect Plumbing System’s Benefits Outweigh Its Cost

Granted, paying a plumber about $45 to $200 an hour is no doubt costly. However, it’s a necessary expense if you want to maintain a perfect plumbing system. Besides, you definitely wouldn’t want to handle sewage on your own, which is why it pays to pay a plumber instead.

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