If you’ve ever thought about septic pumping as a career, then you should know that the field has seen a lot of rapid growth and strong demand recently. Increasing job vacancies in the field have increased the need for septic services, with no apparent end in sight. If you want to turn this kind of work into cold, hard cash, take a look at our septic service industry tips.
Why septic service?
Servicing septic tanks isn’t for the faint of heart and it isn’t for everyone, but it’s a rapidly growing field with increasing demand and substantial reward for those willing to take it on. On that note, we've compiled three great reasons to make septic pumping your new career.
1. Long-Term Job Vacancies
The septic pumping career field currently features a lot of job vacancies, making it great for job searchers trying to break in. This gives workers strong opportunities, even those with an initial lack of experience.
A lot of people looking for new careers want something recession-proof with continuous job growth. How does fifteen straight years of positive career growth sound? The septic pumping industry has seen nothing but sunshine since 2004. Even through the Great Recession, demand for septic services kept climbing. After the economy recovered, robust job growth continued and septic pumping stayed in high demand. Today, we see more of the same (according to data from Recruiter.com). Everything seems to indicate good tidings for the septic service industry.
2. Strong Job Growth
Even as these vacancies get filled, more jobs open for septic service applicants, leaving little reason for concern regarding employment in the field.
Available jobs in the field have increased nearly 50 percent between 2004 and 2018, with an average growth of 7.68 percent per year. Southern and Western states have experienced the fastest increases, with demand ballooning by 112% in Louisiana, 81.25% in Maryland, 76.47% in Utah, and over 40% growth in each of these states: Hawaii, Oklahoma, New Mexico, and Wisconsin.
Of course, with great job growth often comes great pay, another perk of working in this industry.
3. Great Pay
Septic pumping offers great pay. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, average hourly wages sit at $19.97 for septic pumpers, which equates to mean annual wages of $41,530 total. At the high end, experienced workers can expect to bring home $61,320, or over $30 an hour for their work. With more years in the field, you may get even higher wages. Self-employed septic service technicians may set their own salaries, too.
What It Takes to Break Into Septic Pumping
The right skillset can serve you well in the septic service field, as can proper preparation for the working conditions and environments you'll experience in the industry.
Septic Skills
People who work well with their hands and have an interest in maintaining septic systems will make the best fits for septic pumping careers. Generally, on-the-job training is common and you probably won't have to complete much classroom training. Still, you should check with your state and local area to find out the expectations in the area where you live and work. Many septic technicians learn everything from their employers and quickly become very knowledgeable and capable professionals.
Working Conditions
As you consider making the switch to a new career in septic service, you should weigh the typical working conditions and whether or not the job feels right to you.
You'll typically work long hours, see a variety of different work situations, and spend time on the road, particularly in rural areas. Septic tanks are common in many rural areas with limited or unavailable sewer service. As such, you may have to regularly travel long distances and do your work in relative solitude. You'll often need to stay flexible regarding your schedule.
Starting a New Career
If the irregularities of this career path don't deter you, go ahead and look for the right first job. Poke around online, in local job classifieds, and with local companies to find the right fit. Seek out information about your new career and get started!
