Before I go into figures I will say that there is a LOT of variation in pay and the figures stated are only approximations based on research. What plumbers get paid depends on experience, education and where you live. Ask yourself: Is there a demand in your area? Or are plumbers adverts all over the classifieds page begging for work? More demand means more work and more pay! Are you 
qualified to fit and maintain gas or oil boilers? Etc…
The average wage for a plumber is £26000 per annum. This is a very distorted figure and it takes into account long established self employed London plumbers some of whom can earn around £50000 according to one source. At the other end of the scale you can work for £0, yes £0! People are so keen to gain experience they will work for free. I am sure I will have to do the same. There was a young lad on the local radio looking for an unpaid position only a couple of weeks ago. And with employment being like it is employers have the upper hand and at the same time are keen to reduce costs by reducing expenditure on wages.
In comparison with other trades, plumber’s wages are now very much in line.
In summary:
- Trainee Plumbers desperate for experience sometimes work on a voluntary basis.
- Newly qualified plumbers with an NVQ3 can start on £15000-£21000.
- Experienced plumbers can earn £21000-£35000.
- Experienced Plumbers in supervisory positions can earn £35000 or more.
- Self employed city plumbers putting in the hours can earn around £50000 but more
- Self employed plumbers earnings normally range from £30-40k full time.
i worked for 3 months unpaid when i was training, not good but sometimes these things have to be done.
How long after qualification, do you become an experienced plumber???
You can get work instantly a lot of the time, in your training you normally build up enough contacts to have access to a good flow of work. If you want to work for the likes of British Gas thats a different story and you will have to endure the induction process which can take weeks. Thanks for your comment, appreciate you visiting the site. To become an ‘experienced plumber’ will take years, plumbing is one of those life long learning trades… which makes it more interesting IMO!