17 Exciting Career Change Ideas for Plumbers Looking to Expand Their Skills
When you’ve spent years in the plumbing industry, you’ve built up an impressive set of skills that can open up doors to a wide variety of career paths.
Whether you’re thinking about stepping away from the job site or simply want to expand your own business, we’ve got some ideas for you. Each career change we’re going to explore builds on your existing experience, so you won’t feel like you’re starting from scratch.
Let’s dive into the exciting opportunities that can help you explore new directions while still utilizing the hard-earned expertise you’ve developed as a plumber.
1- Start Your Own Plumbing Company
Many plumbers eventually decide to take the leap and start their own business. If you’ve been in the industry for a few years, you’ve likely built up a good reputation and a solid base of satisfied customers. You could become a master plumber, train other plumbers, and grow your own company to take on larger projects.
It’s a challenging but rewarding path that gives you more control over your work-life balance and allows you to build something you’re proud of. And let’s face it, being your own boss comes with some great perks—like deciding your schedule and how much you charge for your services.
2- Move Into HVAC Installation And Repair With Your Own Company
You already understand how plumbing systems work in a house, so transitioning into HVAC installation and repair can feel like a natural next step. This field is in high demand, and many companies are always looking for skilled professionals who can handle both HVAC and plumbing.
With a few weeks of additional education, you can start offering these services to your existing customers, expanding your own company’s service list. Plus, many HVAC technicians earn a solid median salary, making this an attractive option for plumbers who want to increase their pay without stepping too far from the plumbing field.
Ready to take the next step in your career journey? Explore flexible courses on Unmudl that can help you gain the skills needed for your new path.
3- Teach Plumbing At A Trade School
Have you ever thought about sharing your knowledge with others? Teaching plumbing at a trade school can be a rewarding way to pass on what you’ve learned to the next generation of plumbers.
Many trade schools look for instructors who have hands-on experience in the field, and your ability to work with plumbing systems in real-life situations is invaluable to students. You’ll get the chance to mentor future plumbers, giving them the skills and confidence to succeed in the industry.
Plus, teaching is a career that offers stability, regular hours, and the opportunity to build long-lasting relationships with your students.
4- Shift Into Construction Management
If you love working on the job site but are ready to take on more responsibility, construction management could be a great fit for you. As someone who understands how buildings come together and how essential plumbing systems are to any project, you’re already halfway there.
Construction managers oversee the entire process of building a house or commercial space, ensuring that everything runs smoothly. You’ll still be involved in the action but with the added bonus of higher pay and the satisfaction of running large-scale projects.
It’s a big step up from being a service plumber, but with your experience, it’s a career change idea that makes sense.
5- Become A Gas Line Technician
Many plumbers work with gas lines in addition to water systems so that this career shift could feel like a natural extension of your current skill set.
Gas line technicians install, maintain, and repair gas systems in homes and commercial buildings. It’s a specialized field, but plumbers with the right experience can quickly make the transition. Plus, gas line work tends to pay well and is always in demand, which means steady jobs and plenty of opportunities to grow in the field.
"Because of the nature of this work, there are increased safety risks that should be taken into consideration when deciding if it is the right path for you."
If you’ve worked on boilers or heating systems, you already have a good foundation to build from.
Don’t let the idea of change hold you back—start small with targeted training that builds on your existing skills. Find the right course for you on Unmudl.
