Embarking on a career in the plumbing trade in West Lafayette, IN, typically begins with an apprenticeship, blending hands-on experience with classroom learning, enabling individuals to earn while they learn. Apprenticeships last about four to five years, requiring extensive training under licensed professionals. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are approximately 736,000 plumbers nationwide, with a median annual wage of $61,550, equivalent to $1,183 per week. In West Lafayette, IN, apprentices earn an average of $1,100 per week, with experienced plumbers often surpassing $1,500 per week. Vocational schools, unions, and platforms like Gild assist aspiring plumbers in finding apprenticeship opportunities, leading to a career with strong earning potential.
