Besides unclogging drains and fixing leaking toilets there are many specialized careers for qualified plumbers. Not only are these workers in high demand, plumbing related jobs are among the highest paid workers in construction. The middle 50 percent earned between $16.63 and $29.66 as of 2008.
Pipelayers
Pipelayers dig and level trenches to lay pipes for drainage, sewer, water, or gas systems underground. Typically pipelayers receive training on the job. Due to the nature of the work, cement, clay, iron, or plastic pipes are used to prevent decay.
Pipefitters
Pipefitters install, maintain and fix low and high pressure pipes for commercial hydroelectric power plants, factories, or central air conditioning and heating. Some states require pipefitters to be licensed.
Steamfitters
A type of pipefitters, steamfitters install pipes used to transport materials like gases that are very high pressured. Stimulus plans backing the building of new infrastructures create a current and future demand for steamfitters.
Sprinklerfitters
Another type of pipefitters is a sprinklerfitter. They specialize in putting automated sprinkler system in buildings for fire alarm systems. Proposed construction code changes set for 2011 requiring the installation of fire sprinkler systems in residential building, creates a demand for qualified sprinklerfitters.
