Plumber | Average UK Salary & Outlook

Plumbers fit and service hot and cold water systems, heating systems and drainage networks.

Typical task
Working hours
Attractive values

Cut, thread, or hammer pipes to specifications, using tools such as saws, cutting torches, pipe threaders, or pipe benders.
Lay out full scale drawings of pipe systems, supports, or related equipment, according to blueprints.
Inspect, examine, or test installed systems or pipe lines, using pressure gauge, hydrostatic testing, observation, or other methods.

Cut, thread, or hammer pipes to specifications, using tools such as saws, cutting torches, pipe threaders, or pipe benders.
Lay out full scale drawings of pipe systems, supports, or related equipment, according to blueprints.
Inspect, examine, or test installed systems or pipe lines, using pressure gauge, hydrostatic testing, observation, or other methods.
Plan pipe system layout, installation, or repair, according to specifications.
Attach pipes to walls, structures, or fixtures, such as radiators or tanks, using brackets, clamps, tools, or welding equipment.
Modify, clean, or maintain pipe systems, units, fittings, or related machines or equipment, using hand or power tools.
Select pipe sizes, types, or related materials, such as supports, hangers, or hydraulic cylinders, according to specifications.
Assemble pipe sections, tubing, or fittings, using couplings, clamps, screws, bolts, cement, plastic solvent, caulking, or soldering, brazing, or welding equipment.
Install pipe assemblies, fittings, valves, appliances such as dishwashers or water heaters, or fixtures such as sinks or toilets, using hand or power tools.
Install automatic controls to regulate pipe systems.
Shut off steam, water, or other gases or liquids from pipe sections, using valve keys or wrenches.
Keep records of work assignments.
Direct helpers engaged in pipe cutting, preassembly, or installation of plumbing systems or components.
Fill pipes or plumbing fixtures with water or air and observe pressure gauges to detect and locate leaks.
Maintain or repair plumbing by replacing defective washers, replacing or mending broken pipes, or opening clogged drains.
Locate and mark the position of pipe installations, connections, passage holes, or fixtures in structures, using measuring instruments such as rulers or levels.
Review blueprints, building codes, or specifications to determine work details or procedures.
Anchor steel supports from ceiling joists to hold pipes in place.
Estimate time, material, or labor costs for use in project plans.
Install underground storm, sanitary, or water piping systems, extending piping as needed to connect fixtures and plumbing.
Inspect structures to assess material or equipment needs, to establish the sequence of pipe installations, or to plan installation around obstructions, such as electrical wiring.
Install green plumbing equipment, such as faucet flow restrictors, dual-flush or pressure-assisted flush toilets, or tankless hot water heaters.
Cut openings in structures to accommodate pipes or pipe fittings, using hand or power tools.
Inspect work sites for obstructions or holes that could cause structural weakness.
Install fixtures, appliances, or equipment designed to reduce water or energy consumption.
Install pipe systems to support alternative energy-fueled systems, such as geothermal heating or cooling systems.
Weld small pipes or special piping, using specialized techniques, equipment, or materials, such as computer-assisted welding or microchip fabrication.
Operate motorized pumps to remove water from flooded manholes, basements, or facility floors.
Repair hydraulic or air pumps.
Repair or remove and replace system components.

Average salary
32,569 GBP *
per year

Average salary for Plumber

32,618 GBP

Average salary for full-time Plumber

Showing:

32,569 GBP
32,618 GBP

Salary over time for Plumber

Salary for this role has increased over time

28,960 GBP
28,711 GBP
29,238 GBP
31,500 GBP
31,451 GBP
32,877 GBP
32,569 GBP
31,702 GBP
26,099 GBP

Ads

Future outlook for Plumbers

Balanced outlook

58 000+ jobs available

Balanced outlook

-1% yearly wage growth (on average)

Balanced outlook

52% chance of automation in the future

Which qualifications do I need?

Find out what you need to know in order to become a Plumber and the highest average level of education for people in this role.

In terms of people already doing this job:

66% of people in this role have a Diploma of Higher Education or equivalent
23% of people in this role have a Bachelor's degree
11% of people in this role have a certificate of higher education or equivalent but no degree

You could do a Level 2 and 3 Diploma in Plumbing and Domestic Heating.

This would teach you some of the skills needed for the job and will help you when applying for a trainee position with a plumbing company.

You'll need:

the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
knowledge of building and construction
to be thorough and pay attention to detail
knowledge of maths
the ability to work well with others
the ability to use your initiative
the ability to work well with your hands
customer service skills
to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Get the right qualification to begin your journey to becoming a Plumber

Plumbing

Attention to Detail Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks. Integrity Job requires being honest and ethical. Cooperation Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude. Concern for Others Job requires being sensitive to others' needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job. Dependability Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.

Not sure if you are in the right job?

Take our career change quiz

Plumber | Average UK Salary & Outlook

Salary statistics

Similar Courses

Introduction to Plumbing

Plumbing Diploma L2 (PT)

NVQ in Plumbing and Heating L2

Plumbing Level 2 Diploma (Reading)

Plumbing Studies Level 2 Diploma

Plumbing Level 2 Diploma (Guilford)

City & Guilds Full Plumbing Package

Home Study Level 2 Plumbing Course

Plumbing Level 2 Diploma (Part-time)

Future outlook for Plumbers

Plumber - Your future job?

Which qualifications do I need?

Things to highlight for your Plumber interview

Related jobs

Plumbing

Thermal insulation engineer

Plumbing

Kitchen and bathroom fitter

Plumbing

Pipe fitter

Plumbing

Water treatment worker

Plumbing

Water network operative