how much do plumbers really earn? (retraining)

[newstart1234]

My DH want to retrain. He's middle-ish academic in an engineering field at a good uni. Everything is going well I suppose (plenty of funding) but the work is dissatisfying. Everything is a fight to make it happen. Lots of extra unpaid work. Very very long hours. His current job involved building a lot of processing equipment so his practical skills are there to build on. (He has almost no interest in teaching unfortunately. He teaches now but only what he absolutely has to)
He's thinking of throwing in the towel and doing plumbing - he's a practical guy and thinks this job would be more satisfying on a day to day level. How much do they earn, and the general conditions - if there is anyone who has direct experience - google isn't helpful because it doesn't give context. Eg, hours, geographical area, work reliability, particular challenges (physical or intellectual). Thanks. We are NE england.

Tell him to get into coding and cyber security as that's where the money is. Your dh should be able to handle the academic learning side of it as he has already has a degree.

My friend earns upwards of £100k as a software developer. I don't think your average plumber would earn anywhere near that amount.

https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/find-a-course/searchcourse?searchTerm=Cyber%20security%20&townOrPostcode=&sideBarCoordinates=&sideBarSuggestedLocation=

Anytime Plumbers can be a great fit for someone who enjoys practical work. Earnings range from £25k to £40k annually, with potential for more as an experienced plumber or business owner. Hours vary, with some flexibility, but it can be physically demanding. If he's looking for less stress and more hands-on satisfaction, it could be a good move!

Depends where and what kind and if self employed.
Pros: great practical skill, in demand, usually plenty of work once established, especially if offering bathroom replacement skills and can manage other trades like plastering and tiling.
its varied, out and about meeting people.

Cons: it is hard, sometimes heavy work and fiddly twisting into small spaces, so its difficult if he is bigger or mot so mobile. It will take its toll on hips, knees and hands over time leading to arthritis and other issues
Tools/ van and other costs are expensive
public liability insurance is a must but can be expensive due to hot work (soldering pipes)

Getting qualified is one thing, learning how to so things properly is another. Future money will be in heating via heat pumps so would suggest he learns that skill as well.

By the time costs are paid, income can be anything from £15-100k. For a one man band, realistically £20-40k.
The money is in setting up with several employees so less time on tools and more time managing them.

Day rate in the north east probably £200-250/ day