By Corbin Moyer
Let me take you back to my college days. I was knee-deep in engineering textbooks, formulas, and caffeine-fueled study sessions, chasing the "American Dream" of a high-paying office job. Fast forward a couple of years, and—surprise!—I’m a master plumber and backflow expert living a life that’s just as fulfilling (and lucrative) as that dream, but with way less student debt and a much more hands-on approach to solving problems. My career is thriving, my wallet is comfortable, and my kids are well taken care of. Life is good.
How did I get here? It wasn’t exactly linear, but I’m here to tell you that careers in the trades are a goldmine of opportunity, especially in fields like plumbing, HVAC, and specialized roles like backflow testing. So let’s dive in, shall we?
The Trade Crisis: Where Have All the Skilled Workers Gone?
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room: America’s got a serious skilled labor shortage. It’s like every kid in high school was told, “You’ve gotta get a four-year degree or you’ll never succeed.” The result? A generation flooded with bachelor’s degrees but lacking electricians, plumbers, and HVAC technicians to keep the lights on and the air conditioning running.
The Numbers Don’t Lie
Skilled trades gap: According to a 2023 study, there are nearly 700,000 unfilled skilled trade positions in the U.S.
Retiring workforce: Over 50% of current tradespeople are over the age of 45. Someone’s gotta replace them!
Job growth: The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 14% increase in demand for plumbers and HVAC technicians by 2032.
And remember, these salaries often come with little to no student debt. Compare that to college grads, many of whom spend years just trying to break even.
National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER). (2023). "Addressing the Skilled Trades Gap: Workforce Trends and Challenges." Retrieved from [https://www.nccer.org/].
Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). (2023). "Occupational Outlook Handbook: Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters." Retrieved from [https://www.bls.gov/ooh/construction-and-extraction/plumbers-pipefitters-and-steamfitters.htm].
Federal Reserve. (2023). "Report on the Economic Well-Being of U.S. Households." Retrieved from [https://www.federalreserve.gov/].
My Story: Why I Ditched College for the Trades
The Dream
I started strong and began learning how to fly helicopters. I got about 100 hours in, earned my private pilot's license and my instrument rating but life hit and the financial realities changed my path. I then headed in a different direction, earned my associate’s degree and was working toward an engineering degree. The path was looking good—until I became a dad. Suddenly, the idea of taking on tens of thousands of dollars in student debt seemed... well, pretty dumb. I had a family to support, and those tuition bills weren’t going to wait.
The Wake-Up Call
While crunching numbers in engineering school, I had this epiphany: I could make just as much money in the trades (and was already working for 1-A Services, so it wasn't a giant leap) without the mountain of debt. It wasn’t an easy decision to walk away from college, but here’s the thing—working in the trades turned out to be one of the smartest moves I’ve ever made.
Now, I’m a licensed master plumber, licensed backflow tester and expert, and licensed HVAC contractor. My career is thriving, my wallet is comfortable, and my kids are well taken care of. Life is good.
Why the Trades Are a Smart Career Choice
If you’re still not sold, let’s compare some numbers.
Degrees vs. Trades: Show Me the Money
Average starting salary for a college grad: $55,000/year (if you’re lucky and in a high-demand field).
Average salary for a journeyman plumber: $60,000–$75,000/year.
Master plumber earnings: $90,000–$120,000/year or more (hello, financial freedom).
HVAC technician salary: $50,000–$80,000/year.
Backflow testers: Highly specialized and can command top dollar—$85,000+ with experience.
And here’s the kicker: those trade salaries often come with little to no student debt. The money you’d spend on college? You could invest it in your own business instead.
The Work Is Always in Demand
Trades aren’t going anywhere. People will always need clean water, working AC units, and functioning electrical systems. Jobs in the skilled trades are projected to grow by 14% by 2032, far outpacing many degree-required fields (Bureau ofLabor Statistics, 2023).
Let’s Talk Plumbing, HVAC, and Backflow Testing
Plumbing: It’s Not Just About Toilets
When most people think of plumbing, they picture clogged drains and overflowing toilets. But plumbing is so much more. We’re talking about building infrastructure, designing complex water systems, and yes, saving lives with backflow testing (no one wants contaminated water, trust me). Plus, the work is steady because, let’s face it, everyone needs water.
HVAC: The Unsung Heroes of Comfort
Have you ever been stuck in a heatwave without air conditioning? Exactly. HVAC technicians are the people who make summers bearable and winters cozy. With a focus on energy-efficient systems, this field is growing faster than you can say “thermostat.” Bonus: HVAC work often involves high-tech equipment, so it’s great for anyone who loves gadgets.
Backflow Testing: Saving the World, One Valve at a Time
Okay, maybe “saving the world” is a stretch, but backflow testers play a crucial role in public health. Preventing contaminated water from mixing with clean supplies is no small feat. Plus, backflow certification is a niche skill that can make you stand out—and earn more money—in the plumbing world.
What About the Other Trades?
Let’s not forget the broader trade world. Whether it’s electricians, welders, carpenters, or mechanics, these are the folks who keep society running. If you’ve flipped a light switch, driven a car, or walked on a floor, thank a tradesperson.
Here’s why all trades are awesome:
Job security: People will always need houses, cars, and electricity.
Physical and mental challenges: These jobs keep you on your toes and never get boring.
Room to grow: Many tradespeople end up running their own businesses.
Busting the Stigma: Trades vs. College
Let’s address the giant pile of BS surrounding the trades. For years, schools have been pushing the idea that “college equals success.” Meanwhile, trades have been treated like a fallback option for people who “couldn’t hack it academically.”
Reality Check
College grads: Many end up with $30,000–$50,000 in student loans, working in fields that don’t require a degree.
Tradespeople: Get paid to learn (hello, apprenticeships!) and graduate debt-free.
Earnings: Trades often match or exceed degree salaries, especially when you account for the years spent earning instead of studying.
Why We Need More Tradespeople
The world doesn’t run on PowerPoints and Excel spreadsheets alone. We need skilled hands to build, fix, and maintain everything from skyscrapers to sewer systems. Without plumbers, HVAC techs, and electricians, modern life as we know it would grind to a halt.
My Final Sales Pitch: Why the Trades Rock
Here’s the bottom line: the trades offer financial stability, job security, and a sense of accomplishment that’s hard to match. Whether you’re fresh out of high school or considering a career change, this path is worth exploring. And if anyone tells you otherwise, just show them your paycheck.
So, grab a wrench, a wire cutter, or a welding torch, and get ready to build your future—literally.
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