100+ Plumber Jobs Employment in 2025
100+ Plumber Jobs in the UK with Employment Opportunities in 2025
The plumbing industry in the UK is a crucial sector within the construction and maintenance industries, providing essential services to both residential and commercial buildings. As the UK continues to develop, expand its infrastructure, and maintain its existing buildings, the demand for qualified plumbers remains high.
If you’re looking to secure a plumbing job in the UK in 2025, there are numerous opportunities available across various regions, ranging from entry-level plumbing assistant roles to specialized and managerial positions. This comprehensive guide will explore the different types of plumbing jobs, the qualifications needed, how to find employment in the UK, the salary expectations, and tips for gaining a plumber job with visa sponsorship if you’re from outside the UK.
1. Overview of the Plumbing Industry in the UK
The plumbing sector in the UK has evolved significantly in recent years, with high demand for skilled tradespeople driven by factors such as the construction boom, the need for energy-efficient systems, and the constant maintenance of heating and water systems. Plumbing isn’t limited to traditional pipework; it also includes:
- Heating systems installation and maintenance
- Drainage and sewage systems
- Gas fitting
- Plumbing design and consultancy
- Water filtration systems
With the UK’s government continuing to prioritize infrastructure investment and sustainability, there will be a consistent demand for plumbers to manage, repair, and install systems in residential homes, commercial properties, and public buildings.
2. Types of Plumbing Jobs in the UK
In 2025, plumbers can find various roles across different industries. These jobs often vary depending on the level of specialization, experience, and the geographical location within the UK. Some of the common plumbing job titles include:
1. Plumber / Plumbing Engineer
A general plumber is responsible for installing, maintaining, and repairing piping systems for water, gas, and drainage. They often work on both residential and commercial projects and handle everything from fixing leaks to installing new water heaters.
- Skills Required: Excellent problem-solving, manual dexterity, knowledge of building codes.
- Average Salary: £28,000 – £34,000 annually.
2. Gas Safe Plumber
Gas Safe plumbers are certified professionals who specialize in gas systems, including installation, maintenance, and repair of gas pipes and appliances. The Gas Safe Register is required for any plumber who works with gas in the UK, ensuring safety for all involved.
- Skills Required: Gas certification, extensive knowledge of gas safety regulations.
- Average Salary: £30,000 – £45,000 annually.
3. Commercial Plumber
Commercial plumbers work on larger-scale projects, such as office buildings, shopping malls, or factories. These projects tend to involve complex plumbing systems and require plumbers to have experience working in commercial environments.
- Skills Required: Project management, large system knowledge, health and safety compliance.
- Average Salary: £35,000 – £50,000 annually.
4. Domestic Plumber
Domestic plumbers typically work in homes and apartments, providing services like installing water systems, heating units, or fixing minor plumbing issues such as leaks and blockages.
- Skills Required: Residential plumbing skills, customer service.
- Average Salary: £22,000 – £30,000 annually.
5. Heating Engineer
Heating engineers specialize in the installation, maintenance, and repair of central heating systems, including boilers, radiators, and underfloor heating systems.
- Skills Required: Understanding of HVAC systems, knowledge of energy efficiency standards.
- Average Salary: £28,000 – £40,000 annually.
6. Plumber’s Mate / Assistant
Plumber’s mates assist more experienced plumbers with daily tasks, including gathering materials, carrying out minor repairs, and ensuring the workplace is clean and safe. This role is perfect for those starting out in the plumbing trade.
- Skills Required: Basic plumbing knowledge, physical stamina.
- Average Salary: £18,000 – £22,000 annually.
7. Drainage Specialist
Drainage specialists focus on drainage systems, from clearing blockages to installing new pipes for sewage and wastewater systems. This role often involves working with high-pressure systems and specialized tools.
- Skills Required: Knowledge of drainage systems, problem-solving skills.
- Average Salary: £26,000 – £40,000 annually.
8. Pipefitter
Pipefitters install and maintain high-pressure piping systems used in industries like oil, gas, and water treatment. This specialized skill set often requires additional qualifications and training.
- Skills Required: Welding, fabrication, pipe installation techniques.
- Average Salary: £30,000 – £45,000 annually.
9. Plumbing Consultant
Plumbing consultants are experts in designing plumbing systems for large-scale building projects. These professionals work with architects, engineers, and clients to design and specify plumbing systems.
- Skills Required: Technical expertise, CAD software, project management.
- Average Salary: £40,000 – £55,000 annually.
3. Qualifications and Certifications Needed for Plumbers
While some plumbing jobs can be started with basic training, most roles require specific qualifications, particularly in specialized fields like gas safety or heating engineering. To work as a plumber in the UK, you typically need:
1. City & Guilds Level 2 and Level 3 Diplomas in Plumbing
These qualifications are the most widely recognized credentials for aspiring plumbers in the UK. Level 2 provides the foundational knowledge, while Level 3 delves into more advanced plumbing skills.
2. Gas Safe Registration
For plumbers who work with gas systems, being on the Gas Safe Register is mandatory. The certification requires training and passing assessments on gas safety, installation, and repair.
3. NVQ (National Vocational Qualification) in Plumbing
An NVQ is often required for apprenticeships and is a practical qualification designed to show that a plumber has the necessary skills to work in the field.
4. Apprenticeship
Most plumbers start their careers through apprenticeships, where they combine classroom learning with hands-on work. An apprenticeship typically lasts 2-4 years, providing a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical training.
5. CPD (Continuing Professional Development)
To stay current with industry developments, many plumbers engage in CPD, which includes additional courses, seminars, and training.
4. Plumber Jobs in the UK for 2025: Where to Find Employment
There are many platforms and resources that can help you find plumbing job opportunities in the UK. Here are some of the top options:
1. Job Boards
Plumbing jobs can be found on general job websites such as:
- Indeed UK: A major platform for finding plumbing roles, with plenty of listings for both apprentices and experienced plumbers.
- Reed.co.uk: Offers many plumbing vacancies, including opportunities in different sectors (domestic, commercial, gas, etc.).
- Totaljobs: Another large job board that features plumbing vacancies, often with options to filter by salary and experience level.
2. Specialist Plumbing Recruitment Agencies
Some recruitment agencies specialize in the trade industry and plumbing jobs. Examples include:
- BPS (British Plumbing Society): Offers a variety of job listings and networking opportunities.
- Randstad: A recruitment agency that often features plumbing roles within both residential and commercial construction sectors.
3. Networking and Trade Associations
Engaging with trade associations such as the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE) or attending industry events and expos is a great way to meet employers and discover job opportunities.
4. Direct Applications
For those who have specific companies in mind, applying directly to a company’s career page can often yield results. Leading plumbing companies such as British Gas, Draper Tools, and Plumbase are frequently hiring.
5. Salary Expectations for Plumbers in the UK (2025)
Salary expectations for plumbers vary depending on the role, location, and experience level. As of 2025, the typical salary ranges are:
- Apprentice Plumber: £12,000 – £18,000 per year.
- Domestic Plumber: £22,000 – £30,000 annually.
- Gas Safe Plumber: £30,000 – £45,000 annually.
- Commercial Plumber: £35,000 – £50,000 annually.
- Heating Engineer: £28,000 – £40,000 annually.
- Plumbing Consultant: £40,000 – £55,000 annually.
Plumbers who work overtime or who take on more complex projects may earn significantly more, especially if they specialize in areas like gas fitting or heating systems.
6. Visa Sponsorship for Plumbers in the UK
For non-UK residents looking to work as plumbers in the UK, there are pathways to secure employment with visa sponsorship. The Skilled Worker Visa is the most common route for non-EU nationals, but the role must meet certain salary thresholds and skill levels.
Visa Sponsorship Process
- Eligibility: To be eligible for a Skilled Worker Visa, plumbers must have a job offer from a licensed sponsor, meet the minimum salary threshold, and demonstrate proficiency in English.
- Applications: Once you have a job offer, your employer will initiate the sponsorship process by issuing a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).
Jobs with Visa Sponsorship
Many plumbing companies in the UK are willing to sponsor skilled plumbers from overseas, especially in specialized fields like gas fitting and heating engineering, where shortages of skilled workers are common.
7. Conclusion
In 2025, there are more opportunities than ever for qualified plumbers in the UK, especially with the expected growth in construction and building maintenance. Whether you are looking for a traditional domestic plumbing role or a specialized position like a heating engineer or gas safe plumber, the UK offers a wide variety of jobs across the nation.
By obtaining the right qualifications, networking with industry professionals, and utilizing the right job search platforms, you can successfully land a plumbing role. Additionally, for international plumbers seeking to work in the UK, securing a position with visa sponsorship is a viable route, especially with the high demand for skilled workers in this essential industry.
