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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.
As a plumber, you’ve developed more than just technical expertise.
These skills, coupled with your experience in customer service, time management, and safety regulations, provide a solid foundation for new career paths.
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.
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.
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."
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.
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.
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.
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.
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."
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.
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.
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."
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
