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Pros and Cons of Being a Plumber
Successful plumbers can earn a good income. But the work can be hard, and plumbers who earn the most money will have to work evenings and on weekends. There is plenty to consider when debating the pros and cons of a plumbing career.
Pro: A Growing Field
Employment opportunities for plumbers are expected to grow by 6 percent from 2006 to 2016, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Pro: Solid Wages
The average plumber earns a solid income of $47,000 a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Pro: Steady Work
Reliable plumbers can quickly build a steady client base. Pipes burst often, toilets clog frequently and kitchen sinks seem to always drain slowly. Homeowners may need to call on plumbers to resolve these problems.
Con: Long Hours and Late Nights
To earn the most dollars, plumbers must be willing to work evenings and on the weekends. Plumbers are always on call for emergencies.
Con: A Job that Can Be Grueling
The busiest plumbers spend a lot of time hunched over drains, crawling into tight spaces and hauling heavy equipment. This can take its toll and result in back or leg pain.
Resources
Writer
Don Rafner has been writing professionally since 1992, with work published in "The Washington Post," "Chicago Tribune," "Phoenix Magazine" and several trade magazines. He is also the managing editor of "Midwest Real Estate News." He specializes in writing about mortgage lending, personal finance, business and real-estate topics. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in journalism from the University of Illinois.
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