15 Exciting Career Change Ideas for Plumbers Looking to Expand Their Skills

Key Takeaways

Plumbers have built skills like problem-solving, mechanical expertise, and time management that are highly valuable in other industries.
These talents open doors to careers like HVAC technician, automation technician, and facilities management—fields that are rapidly growing and offer competitive pay.
With minimal training, you can also break into green energy, installing solar thermal systems, or working in water conservation.
Teaching or consulting provides another path if you’re looking to share your expertise. Unique roles like aquaculture or gas line technician offer fresh challenges.
You can make these transitions smoothly, preparing for new opportunities.

Looking for a career change as a plumber? Your hands-on experience and problem-solving skills are highly valuable in many other fields. From HVAC and automation technician roles to green energy careers, the possibilities are endless.

When you're a plumber, you've built a strong foundation in problem-solving, working with your hands, and understanding complex systems. But maybe you're feeling the itch to try something different, or you want to take those hard-earned skills in a fresh direction. The great news is that plumbing has given you a solid set of abilities that translate easily into other career paths.

We’re going to dive into 15 career ideas that can help you branch out, whether you're looking to stay somewhat close to plumbing or leap into a totally different field.

You’ll find that many of these options take full advantage of your current expertise, while others give you a chance to learn something new. No matter what path you choose, the skills you already have are more valuable than you might think.

Assessing the Skills You Already Possess

As a plumber, you’ve developed more than just technical expertise.

Your problem-solving skills allow you to quickly diagnose and fix issues, setting you up to consider technician work in maintenance roles.
Years of working with tools have refined your manual dexterity, a critical asset in various trades in fields such as HVAC and green energy.
You’ve also built physical stamina, blueprint-reading skills, and a keen attention to detail—all useful for roles in construction management, quality control, and engineering.

These skills, coupled with your experience in customer service, time management, and safety regulations, provide a solid foundation for new career paths.

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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.

A network of white industrial pipes running along a ceiling.

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.

Technician repairing an air conditioning unit on a sunny rooftop.

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.

Man in shirt and tie standing in front of a whiteboard with math equations.

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.

Construction team with hard hats discussing over plans on a worktable.

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.

A hand adjusting a steam valve on industrial piping.

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.

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6- Train To Become A Building Inspector

As a plumber, you already know how crucial it is to get things right when it comes to safety and compliance. Becoming a building inspector allows you to apply your knowledge of systems, codes, and regulations to a wider variety of construction projects.

Building inspectors ensure that all aspects of a construction project meet the necessary standards, including plumbing systems. It’s a stable job that offers a lot of responsibility and an opportunity to keep learning about how buildings are put together.

Construction worker in a reflective vest taking notes beside a house.

7- Start A Home Renovation Business

Home renovation is another exciting field where your plumbing skills can come in handy. If you enjoy working on different parts of a house and have an eye for design, you could expand your work into remodeling kitchens and bathrooms or even managing full-scale home renovations.

Many plumbers who go into renovation find it’s a fun and creative way to use their skills while also bringing in great money. Plus, homeowners are always looking for professionals they can trust to handle every aspect of a project, including plumbing.

Construction workers in high-visibility vests discussing plans on a work site.

8- Work As A Plumbing Designer For An Engineering Firm

If you enjoy the technical side of plumbing and want to take your skills to a new level, becoming a plumbing designer for an engineering firm might be the perfect fit.

Plumbing designers create detailed plans for plumbing systems in large buildings like hospitals, office towers, and apartment complexes. You work alongside architects and engineers, making sure that plumbing systems are not only functional but also efficient.

It’s a highly specialized career path that allows you to stay connected to the plumbing industry while tapping into your technical and creative side. This role is in demand, especially as new construction projects become more complex.

Kevin Sherlock, a senior designer at Dewberry, suggests, "Start small with tenant up-fit work and move full steam ahead. Learn the local codes inside and out first; a huge asset in designing."

Various plumbing pipes laid on a bathroom floor plan drawing.

9- Become A Plumbing Consultant

With your years of experience in the plumbing field, you could shift into a consulting role. As a plumbing consultant, you’d advise companies, contractors, or even homeowners on the best plumbing systems, equipment, and solutions for specific projects.

You might work with builders on large commercial projects or consult for companies looking to improve their existing plumbing infrastructure. It’s a great option if you want to stay in the plumbing industry but prefer offering your expertise rather than doing hands-on work.

Consulting offers flexibility, allowing you to take on projects that interest you while setting your own schedule.

Worker in a yellow hard hat and high-visibility vest holding a tablet at a construction site.

10- Explore Water Conservation Specialist Roles

Water conservation is a growing concern, and many organizations are seeking professionals who understand how to make water systems more efficient. As a water conservation specialist, use your plumbing knowledge to help businesses, municipalities, and even individual homeowners reduce water waste.

This role might involve retrofitting older buildings with water-saving systems, advising on new green technologies, or working on policies that promote water conservation. It’s a career that allows you to use your plumbing skills for an important cause while also tapping into the growing demand for sustainable practices.

Two people discussing work in front of a computer screen in a busy office environment.

Looking for guidance on how to pivot into a new industry? Unmudl connects you with the training and employers you need to make a successful transition.

11- Get Into Plumbing Equipment Sales

If you enjoy the customer-facing side of being a plumber, plumbing equipment sales could be a natural next step. Many companies are looking for knowledgeable professionals to help sell everything from tools and fixtures to entire plumbing systems.

Your background in the field gives you an edge, as you understand exactly what other plumbers and contractors need. It’s a chance to get out of the trenches and into a more business-oriented role, where you can leverage your expertise to help companies make smart buying decisions.

Plus, equipment sales roles often come with the opportunity to make a higher income through commissions.

Assorted plumbing parts and valves arranged on a white surface.

12- Move Into Facilities Management

Facilities management is a broad field that requires professionals who understand how to keep large buildings and complexes running smoothly.

You’ve already gained experience in maintaining systems, so stepping into a facilities management role would be a natural progression. You’d be responsible for overseeing the maintenance of plumbing, HVAC, electrical, and other essential systems in commercial buildings, schools, or even hospitals.

This role combines technical knowledge with managerial skills and often comes with competitive pay, making it a great option for plumbers looking to expand their career horizons.

"Some organizations will just promote their top technician. But if you're applying for jobs you need to demonstrate you are capable of managing effective teams or have the training to do so."

Three construction workers in hard hats discussing over plans and a model building at a job site.

13- Aquaculture Technician

If you’re interested in marine life and sustainable food production, working as an aquaculture technician could be a fascinating shift.

Aquaculture involves raising fish, shellfish, and other aquatic organisms in controlled environments like fish farms. Plumbers have the technical know-how to manage the intricate water systems required to maintain these environments. In this role, you’d ensure that tanks and water systems are functioning correctly to support aquatic life.

Wastewater / Water Treatment is a great choice if you understand the chemistry and are willing to do shift work. I worked in an aquarium for 13 years and am now a lab analyst for my municipal water system.

It’s a rewarding career for those who want to apply their plumbing skills in a completely different industry that focuses on environmental sustainability.

Aerial view of aquaculture fish ponds with various shades of green and blue water.

14- Brewery Technician

The brewing industry requires precise control over water systems and sanitation, areas where plumbers excel. As a brewery technician, you’d work on the maintenance and installation of the water filtration systems, piping, and cooling mechanisms essential to the brewing process.

It’s a fun and creative role that allows you to contribute to an industry that’s both technical and social. Plus, working in a brewery environment offers a break from traditional job sites, blending hands-on work with a bit of artistry.

Person operating a stainless steel brewing vat with a pressure gauge and hoses.

15- Become An Automation Technician

If you’re looking for a hands-on, high-demand career that blends your skills in mechanical systems, electronics, and problem-solving, becoming an automation technician could be the perfect fit.

Automation technicians work in industries like manufacturing, automotive, and robotics, where they install, maintain, and troubleshoot automated machinery. The role involves working with advanced systems that control everything from conveyor belts to robotic arms, helping companies streamline operations and reduce manual labor.

With the growing push toward automation, this career offers stability, competitive pay, and plenty of room for advancement.

As one Glassdoor Senior Consultant describes,

"My dad went to trade school for HVAC and eventually his neck hurt all the time. He took night programming classes at the local community college and moved to building automation. Having been a former HVAC guy made him more valuable as a building Automator as he better understood the equipment he was programming than a guys fresh out of his computer science degree."

Two technicians in overalls with a robotic arm in an industrial setting.

Summing it Up

With these ideas in mind, you can start thinking about how to transition into a new career while building on the foundation you’ve already laid in the plumbing industry.

Whether you want to continue working with your hands, move into a management role, or start your own business, the skills you’ve gained as a plumber can take you a long way.

Find The Starting Point Of Your Career Change Journey

Figuring out how to change careers can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re already deeply invested in a trade like plumbing. However, with some targeted training and the right guidance, you’ll quickly see that your current skills hold significant value in many industries.

Whether you want to move into a completely different field or explore adjacent areas, there are plenty of options to build on what you already know while adding some new knowledge along the way. The key is recognizing the potential your experience brings.

Explore Fast, Affordable Courses

You don’t have to go back to school for years to make a career switch. Unmudl offers fast, affordable, and flexible courses that are specifically designed for working adults like us. These courses help you quickly upskill or reskill, opening up new career opportunities without requiring long-term education commitments.

Whether you're interested in mechatronics, healthcare, or business, there's a wide range of options to explore.

Get Connected With Employers

One of the biggest challenges of changing careers is getting your foot in the door. Unmudl makes this easier by connecting you directly with employers looking to hire talent from their community college networks.

Many of these companies value practical skills and are eager to work with people who have hands-on experience, like plumbers.

Man in blue sweater over shirt with arms crossed in an office environment.

Leverage Community College Partnerships

Community colleges have always been great at offering practical, career-focused education. Unmudl partners with these institutions to provide you with courses that are directly aligned with the skills employers need today.

You can take advantage of this partnership to earn credentials that will boost your marketability without spending years in traditional education programs.

Start Your Career Change Journey Today

Ready to take the first step toward a new career? Unmudl can help guide you through the process, offering everything from short courses to connections with companies looking to hire.

Explore your options and take control of your future today by visiting Unmudl. Find the course that will set you on the path to your next great career.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Last updated on:

October 15, 2024

Contributor(s)

Unmudl Skills Team

The Unmudl Skills Team is a team of experts with decades of experience in helping learners acquire the skills needed to secure meaningful employment in the workforce.

15 Exciting Career Change Ideas for Plumbers Looking to Expand Their Skills

Key Takeaways

Assessing the Skills You Already Possess

We help people in Texas find high-paying trade jobs.

We help people in New Mexico find high-paying trade jobs.

We help people in New Mexico find high-paying trade jobs.