can anyone explain how plumbers make so much more than the other trades here ? (San Diego: rent, crime)

[NYSD1995]

Originally Posted by NJ Brazen_3133

Electrical probably does not need fixing a lot.

But I really do not notice this phenomenon anywhere else. Like in the NYC metro there is no one trade makes more. Its whoever can get the most business. Even Union type jobs is all about what your union can get. There is no general notion that one makes more than the other.

Yet for most "plumbing" work like unclogging toilet, replacing broken pipes, etc, etc, I just hire handy man. You dont need the licensed guy unless you are gut renovating, and need to pull permits.

Heck even with installing water heater, a handy man should suffice. Those guys come cheap because they are a plethora.

I know union electricians in NYC who make 200k+

[joosoon]

Originally Posted by NJ Brazen_3133

Yet for most "plumbing" work like unclogging toilet, replacing broken pipes, etc, etc, I just hire handy man. You dont need the licensed guy unless you are gut renovating, and need to pull permits.

Some counties I believe require a permit just to replace a water heater. The homeowner can do it without one but an unlicensed handyman can't or at least not legally. The risk is on them however the homeowner could run into an insurance issue if there was a major leak.

[joosoon]

Originally Posted by NJ Brazen_3133

Electrical probably does not need fixing a lot.

This. Recently I installed a few LED wafers in an upstairs room. Rooting around in the attic for the circuit, I found a connection outside a j-box that was soldered together. Even so, it still worked -- no issues. This is a 60 year old house and the way it looked (original big metal staples along the romex), it had been that way since day one. I don't think inspections were done more than once on old construction and who knows how detailed a check those guys did back then. I doubt that was code even in the 60s.

[Des-Lab]

Why does this bother you in the first place? Plenty of valid reasons have been given that justifies their pay. Also not mentioned is that plumbing can never be outsourced to India or China.

Are you one of those ones that had "college degree" drilled into your head since birth, got one, and only making $50k a year and it gets under your skin and makes you go bananas that some of these workers didn't and they make more than you?

It's a valuable trade. That's the beginning and end of it.

[roodd279]

"non union electrician apprientices start at 15$/hr."

So do full-timers at Hobby Lobby. No exp. needed. Min. wage is 15/hr lots of places - and in those cases, I'd prefer the hobby lobby job to plumbing apprentice, for the same pay.



I think you guys add up the annual pay - but forget the work.


100K a year / 2000 hours is "just" $50/hour. Do you know a single trade - plumber, electrician, carpenter - that will do an hourly job at your residence at less than 50/hour? I don't. Do it full time, own your own shop = 100K. But most charge much more. And pay an answering service out of that.


Don't envy the workers, folks - they WORK. Don't want them to earn that much? Do the work yourself. It's that simple.

[dg628]

Originally Posted by Des-Lab

Why does this bother you in the first place? Plenty of valid reasons have been given that justifies their pay. Also not mentioned is that plumbing can never be outsourced to India or China.

Are you one of those ones that had "college degree" drilled into your head since birth, got one, and only making $50k a year and it gets under your skin and makes you go bananas that some of these workers didn't and they make more than you?

It's a valuable trade. That's the beginning and end of it.

No I’m gonna join the trade. Electrical seems under paid and is really hard to get into out here. You’re taking about making 80k + even on the non union side with plumbing. And honestly that’s what I’m seeing on the lower side of the commercial ads. Electrical pay is very hit or miss here and I’m talking about commercial/industrial.

Nassco pays their electricians too little. 25/$ hr ? You’re doing back breaking industrial work. I wouldn’t even get out of bed for that much as a electrician with a state journeyman’s license.

Not sure how you assumed I went to college , I despise gthe doctrine of going into debt for a worthless piece of paper only to enter a over saturated market.

I just find it odd plumbers make so much while every one is under paid out here. Normally plumbers and electricians make the same in most areas.

[hitman619]

San Diego's Plumbing is Terrible and old. Most homes built here in the 40,50,60,70 are not even code compliant anymore.


if you live in the North Park, Hill Crest, Sport Arena, Rolando area this is a weekly occurrence


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O1j6vunsliU

[malcorub16]

Originally Posted by Des-Lab

Why does this bother you in the first place? Plenty of valid reasons have been given that justifies their pay. Also not mentioned is that plumbing can never be outsourced to India or China.

But it could be "outsourced" to a TJ resident at least in SD.

[moved]

Originally Posted by malcorub16

But it could be "outsourced" to a TJ resident at least in SD.

This is true.

[moved]

it would help if the OP decided where he wanted to live first, though.