There’s a quiet shift happening in the workforce—and it’s about time we talked about it. The average plumber in Texas is now 52 years old and nearing retirement. At the same time, fewer young people are entering the trades. The result? A shrinking talent pool in a field that’s essential to everyday life.
At Radiant Plumbing & Air Conditioning, we’ve seen firsthand how challenging it can be to find the right plumber—someone skilled, reliable, and great with customers. And while we’re proud of the incredible team we’ve built, we also know the industry needs more fresh faces and strong hands.
What Happened to Working With Our Hands?
Somewhere along the way, we stopped celebrating the trades as a first-choice career path. College became the default—even if it meant racking up student loan debt for a degree that didn’t guarantee a well-paying job.
Don’t get us wrong—college has value. But so does real work. The kind that keeps homes safe, water clean, and families comfortable. And more young people deserve to hear that message loud and clear: You can build a stable, successful, and fulfilling life in the trades.
Plumbing Isn’t a Fallback Job—It’s a Career
There’s a misconception out there that plumbing is for people who couldn’t do anything else. In reality, plumbers are highly skilled professionals. It takes mechanical know-how, strong math skills, problem-solving abilities, and—especially in service work—great communication to succeed in this field.
“I would rather choose to be a plumber… to find that modest degree of independence still available under present circumstances.”
—Albert Einstein, The Reporter, 1954
(Shortly after making that comment, Einstein was granted honorary membership in the Plumbers and Steamfitters Union. He was reportedly quite pleased.)
In Texas, plumbers must complete 8,000 hours of on-the-job training as an apprentice before they can even take the Journeyman’s exam. This isn’t a side gig. It’s a licensed, respected, and regulated profession.
Earn While You Learn
One of the best parts of becoming a plumber? You earn as you learn. Apprentices get paid throughout their training, without taking on the crushing student loan debt that comes with many other career paths.
And the demand is only growing. With fewer tradespeople entering the field and more infrastructure aging every day, plumbing is a future-proof career. Starting salaries typically range from $37,000 to $50,000—and that’s just the beginning. With experience, many plumbers earn six figures and gain long-term job security.
A Career With Purpose
Plumbers are essential workers in every sense of the word. From protecting drinking water to preventing disease, this job touches public health in ways most people never realize. It’s time we return the respect this trade deserves—and encourage the next generation to take it up with pride.
We need more smart, capable young people who are ready to build something real, right here at home.
Just Call Radiant.
Whether you’re looking to join a team that values skilled trades—or you need expert plumbing or HVAC service—Radiant is here for you. Click here to see currently open positions at Radiant.
