What tools do I need as a Plumber? How much do Plumbers get paid?

What tools do I need as a Plumber? How much do Plumbers get paid?

Great question—and the answer depends on where you're at in your plumbing journey. So let’s break it down into stages:

#1 – New Hire (First Job in Construction)

If you're just getting started, don’t worry about loading up on gear right away. Focus on these essentials:

  • A Good Attitude
    Be positive, take feedback well, and listen. If you're easy to work with and eager to learn, your tradesmen will be more likely to support and teach you. This also often leads to more consistent pay bumps over time.
  • Smartphone
    Most companies use apps to log hours. While paper timecards exist, your boss will prefer digital—it saves them time and hassle.
  • Safety Boots
    Companies are meant to provide them, but having your own pair shows you’re serious. Plus, they’re useful to have even if the job doesn’t work out.

#2 – Apprentice Plumber

Your toolkit will grow with experience and responsibility. The more tools you own, the more self-sufficient and valuable you become—and that often leads to more pay.

Early Apprentice Toolkit

Start with these basics:

  • Tape measure
  • Pull saw
  • Square
  • Pencil
  • Large & small adjustable spanners
  • Bastard/metal file
  • Retractable/Stanley knife
  • Adjustable pliers/grips
  • Phillips and flathead screwdrivers
  • Cheap chisel
  • Hammer
  • Pipe crimpers (usually supplied by the company)
  • Hacksaw
  • Pipe cutters
  • Allen key set
  • Small and medium spirit levels
  • Grinder
  • Copper crox tools
  • Sealant gun

Later Apprentice Toolkit

Once you've built confidence and experience, add:

  • Drill & impact driver
  • Drill bit set
  • Socket set
  • Skill saw
  • Multi-tool
  • Copper benders & wheel cutters
  • Large spirit level
  • Pipe wrenches (stilsons) x2
  • Step ladder
  • Extension leads

#3 – Qualified Legend

By now, you’re the real deal. These tools take you to the next level:

  • 3-point 360° laser
  • Digital level
  • Hammer drill
  • Right-angle drill (hole hog)
  • Nail gun
  • Heat gun
  • Drop saw
  • Concrete saw
  • Specialized crimpers

Bonus: Consumables

As you work, you’ll naturally collect consumables like:

  • Hole saws
  • Drill bits
  • Allen/spade bits
  • Saw blades
  • String line
  • Glue & primers

You shouldn’t have to buy these out of pocket if you're savvy about when they can reasonably be added to a job's materials list.

Employer-Supplied Tools

If you’ve proven yourself, your employer might chip in for gear. During my apprenticeship, I was supplied:

  • Ladders
  • Extension leads
  • Hole saw kit
  • All consumables
  • All PPE (except my first pair of boots as I supplied my own to show determination)
  • Pipe crimpers
  • A replacement multitool (When mine broke on the job)
  • Course training

Not everyone will get the same treatment—I started at 21, took on responsibility early, and made sure to complete training and exams on time. I began my apprenticeship in 2016, which was a good time to be in the construction industry. I was able to earn 6 figures as a newly qualified plumber.

How I Pay My Team (2025 Model)

Apprentices

  • Base Pay: Minimum wage (not training wage), adjusted with the legal increases
  • + $0.50 per unit standard (12 units total)
  • + $1/hr for owning a complete apprentice toolkit
  • Extras (based on performance):
    Company vehicle, bonuses, paid phone, course fees, tool allowance

Projected End-of-Apprenticeship Pay (2025 Start):

$30.50/hour = $79,300/year (based on ~50 hrs/week)

Qualified Plumbers

$80,000 – $100,000+ per year
Our goal is six figures for qualified tradespeople. If you’re making good money, it means the company is too— Basically if you make the company a certain amount per year, we would aim to pay you a portion of that, the more money you make the company, the more money we pay you.

How do you increase your value to the company?

  • High productivity
  • Quality work
  • Fewer mistakes
  • Upselling products
  • Bringing in clients
  • Representing the brand well
  • Contributing ideas for growth
  • Team player / Supporting others

If you’re serious about a career in plumbing, investing in the right tools (and the right mindset) will make a massive difference. Whether you're brand new or years in, the value you bring to a company will always reflect in what you get back.

 

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