Plumber

What does a plumber do? Tasks, education, pay and career opportunities

Sanitary installers ensure that buildings are supplied with clean water and that waste water is safely drained off. They install water, gas and sewage systems, install sanitary facilities and check that everything remains tight, clean and functional. The job combines technical expertise, precision craftsmanship and a sense of responsibility — and is therefore indispensable on every construction site.

Responsibilities of a plumber — What does this include?

From rough installation to final assembly: Plumbers are specialists in everything that has to do with water.

Central activities:

• Laying and connecting water, sewage and gas pipes
• Install bathroom, kitchen and sanitary facilities (sinks, showers, toilets, faucets)
• Read plans, measure and test installations
• Carry out tightness and functional checks
• Take care of repairs, maintenance and refurbishment of pipes
• Cooperation with heating installers, electricians and construction managers

Whether new construction or renovation — sanitary plumbers are the professionals who ensure comfort, hygiene and safety in the building.

Education: Sanitary installer EFZ or sanitary practitioner EBA

The training offers a perfect mix of practice, technology and precision — ideal for people who think with their hands and want to take on responsibility.

Sanitary installer EFZ (4 years):

• Teaching practice: Installation of pipes, assembly, commissioning and service
• Vocational school: Speciality in sanitary engineering, materials science, physics, mathematics
• UeK: Practical exercises in welding, soldering, pressing, sealing and assembly
• Conclusion: Swiss Certificate of proficiency in plumber EFZ

Sanitary practitioner EBA (2 years):

• Introduction for skilled craftsmen
• Focus on assembly assistance, material processing and maintenance
• Opportunity to switch to EFZ teaching if you do well

Continuing education & career opportunities

After the apprenticeship, there are a variety of development paths available — from specialized service technicians to construction managers.

Possible continuing education:

• Heating installer or building technician
• Chief fitter or project manager building technology
• HF building technology technician
• Energy consultant or self-employed person with a federal diploma

The profession offers stable demand, good earning opportunities and career advancement potential — particularly with experience and expertise.

Salary as a plumber in Switzerland

Plumbers benefit from clearly regulated CLA wages and fair conditions — with stable prospects and attractive surcharges.

Indicative values:

• Learners: staggered according to apprenticeship year
• After completion of apprenticeship: approx. CHF 5,000 — 5'400/month
• With experience/specialization: CHF 5'400 — 6'200/month
• Project manager or chief fitter: CHF 6,500+/month

Expenses, on-call and weekend allowances are also possible.

Benefits of BAUSCOUT for plumbers

With BAUSCOUT Plumbers find the best jobs — quickly, fairly and without detours.

Benefits at a glance:

• Commission-free: No referral fees or middlemen.
• Direct contact: Communicate directly with construction companies.
• Flexible: Temporary, project-related or permanent — you decide.
• Quick: Searched today, on the construction site tomorrow.

BAUSCOUT connects specialists with companies that value their skills — transparently, efficiently and practically.