Plumbing Industry Adds $442B to U.S. Economy, Faces 550,000-Worker Shortage
Two recent studies find the economic impact of plumbers & plumbing manufacturers, and the projected shortfall of plumbers by 2027.
A pair of studies reveal the economic impact of plumbers and plumbing manufacturers while projecting a shortfall of about 550,000 plumbers by 2027.
Plumbing Manufacturers International’s “Plumbing Manufacturing Industry Economic Impact Study” reveals the combined, total economic impact of plumbers and plumbing manufacturers to be more than $442 billion annually, with almost 1.8 million jobs, and over $142 billion in wages. Together, both industries generated almost $60 billion in tax revenue. For plumbing manufacturers alone, the total economic impact is $129 billion, 500,487 jobs, and $37 billion in wages. For plumbers, the total economic impact is $313.5 billion, 1,283,579 jobs, and $105.1 billion in wages. These data can be sorted by state and by congressional, state house, or state senate district.
The second study commissioned by PMI member LIXIL, “Blocked Pipes: The Economic Consequences of Skilled Worker Shortages,” reveals a projected shortfall of about 550,000 unfilled plumbing positions by 2027. This skilled labor deficit causes construction delays for builders and drives up costs for property owners, constraining economic output. The study found that the addition of only 16,400 plumbers would reduce plumbing costs by nearly $1.27 billion annually and save an additional $144.5 million on maintenance of plumbing infrastructure.
Both studies were conducted by economic research firm John Dunham & Associates, with the LIXIL study in collaboration with economist Michael Flaherty.
“These economic impact data illustrate the vital symbiotic relationship between plumbing manufacturers and plumbers,” noted PMI CEO/Executive Director Kerry Stackpole. “Our combined industries generate good-paying jobs, opportunities to learn in-demand technical skills, and a tax base that funds schools, infrastructure, and other public services.”
LIXIL Study Finds Plumbing services Essential to Most U.S. Industry Sectors
The LIXIL study revealed that the true impact of plumbing extends far beyond construction jobsites. Plumbing services are essential to 519 of the 544 U.S. industry sectors, including healthcare, manufacturing, aerospace, and automotive industries. As skilled labor supply tightens, service costs rise and the risks of inefficiencies, quality issues, and missed deadlines increase—jeopardizing major projects, slowing innovation, and constraining economic output.
The study also found that about 90% of plumbing-related spending is directed toward new construction, drawing limited labor resources away from routine maintenance. This imbalance heightens the risk of system failures nationwide, threatening not only economic activity but also the resilience of critical infrastructure. Addressing the labor gap is a critical requirement to maintain safe, clean water infrastructure and to manage repair expenses for the broader housing market.
Addressing the Gap: Career Pathways and Second-Career Appeal
“Skilled trades are not just for young people entering the workforce—they can also be an exciting and viable second career,” remarked Troy Benavidez, leader of strategic partnerships, government relations and policy at LIXIL and a PMI Board of Directors member. “The study’s findings underscore the significant economic opportunity and long-term stability the plumbing trades offer, serving as pathways to innovation, business ownership, and economic mobility.”
Stackpole added that an expanded plumbing workforce supports faster housing delivery, more efficient water use, and safer buildings. “It creates upwardly mobile career paths that don’t involve excessive student debt. It strengthens domestic manufacturing by ensuring that innovative, high-performing products can be properly installed and maintained. And most importantly, it reinforces the systems that Americans rely on every day for safe, clean water,” he said.
Revitalized Education and Further Collaboration Required
Filling the plumbing workforce gap will require revitalized vocational education programs, increased apprenticeships, and further collaboration between the plumbing industry, policymakers and educators.
PMI recently supported legislation that allows Americans to use 529 education savings accounts to pay for costs related to learning the plumbing trade, taking certification exams, and maintaining certification credentials, allowing lifelong students to upskill and reskill throughout their careers. PMI also supports legislation and grant funding to increase student participation in work-based learning opportunities.
“At LIXIL, we’re taking action through our TradeUp and GIVE programs, working with educators, customers, and local communities to provide students with the training, tools, and inspiration needed to succeed in the trades,” Benavidez said. “We also partner with global organizations like WorldSkills and national groups such as Tools & Tiaras, while collaborating with state and local governments to support and advocate for policies that elevate the value of skilled trade careers. By valuing and investing in the trades today, the U.S. can secure the plumbing workforce it needs to build, maintain, and innovate for the future.”
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