It's Good to be a Plumber!
Pat Scheper
I was listening to Jill Schlesinger this morning on my way to the office. She is on WBAL every Friday morning with some sound financial observations and advice. The topic this morning was jobs outlook for current college graduates. Jill said the job market is very good. A college graduate this year can expect to land a job making a $50,000 annual salary. She said that is a very good salary for someone just out of college entering the market. Jill also said that the average debt from college expenses is $37,000.00. She believes that a graduate with a $50k job will be able to handle that debt.
Well, this got me to thinking about the trades (electrical, carpentry, HVAC, plumbing, etc…) in general and my trade, plumbing, in particular. And I’m thinking that it is good to be a plumber.
Let’s take a look at where young person will be after four years of “Plumber College” at Apple Plumbing:
After finishing four years of Plumbing College at Apple Plumbing and successfully passing the State Journeyman Test, he/she will be earning anywhere from $50,000 -$80,000 annually .
During his/her four years of Plumbing College an apprentice will have earned approximately $104,000 in pay. Wait a minute! We are paying someone to go to our Plumbing College? They aren’t accumulating college debt? WOW!
In addition to great pay, there are other benefits an Apple Plumbing College graduate is entitled to:
80 hours annual paid time off
24 hours annual sick time off
Health, vision and dental insurance
Company iPhone
Company truck to take home
Paid training and continuing education
Paid re-certifications
Quarterly performance bonus
Matching IRA up to 3% of earnings
Company paid uniforms
Company credit card
Personal tool replacement
Paid holidays
Not bad at all for someone fresh out of college.
Yes, IT’S GOOD TO BE A PLUMBER!