Plumber vs. CNA in Phoenix: Two Essential Careers, One Big Choice

I’ve always believed that the best career choices aren’t just about money—they’re about lifestyle, values, and what kind of stress you can live with. A few months ago, I found myself chatting with two friends over coffee at a diner off Bell Road in Phoenix. One had just finished a long day crawling under a house fixing a busted water main. The other was fresh off a double shift at a nursing home, her scrubs still wrinkled, her eyes tired but kind.

One was a plumber in Phoenix, AZ, the other a Certified Nursing Assistant—and that got me thinking: what’s it really like to be in those two careers here in Phoenix? Couldn’t be more different, right? But both are essential. Both are demanding. And both tell a story about what kind of work you want to wake up to.

Life as a Plumber in Phoenix, AZ

Let’s start with my buddy Mark, the plumber. He’s been doing it for over 12 years. In Phoenix, where summer temperatures hit 110°F and homes constantly battle hard water, plumbers are in high demand. Mark spends his days replacing water heaters, unclogging drains, repiping old houses in the Arcadia area, and doing emergency work in the middle of the night because someone’s shower exploded before their in-laws arrived.

“People don’t call you when things are good,” he told me. “But they’re really glad to see you when things are bad.”

Pros of being a plumber in Phoenix:

• High earning potential — especially with overtime and weekend calls. Licensed plumbers in Phoenix often make $55K–$90K/year, and more if self-employed.
• Skill-based: It’s hands-on, mentally engaging, and no two days are exactly alike.
• Job security: Plumbing isn’t going away, and with the city growing fast, new construction and remodels mean steady work.
• Independence: Once licensed, you can run your own business and set your own schedule.

Cons:

• The heat: Working under sinks, in attics, or outdoors in the summer? Brutal.
• It can get gross: Let’s just say not all pipes are clean.
• Licensing takes time: You need training, apprenticeship hours, and must pass state exams.

Life as a CNA in Phoenix

Then there’s Jessica, the CNA. She works at a long-term care facility near Central Phoenix, helping elderly patients with bathing, feeding, mobility, and emotional support. Her job is as physical as it is emotional—moving patients, changing linens, helping people through dementia, and sometimes just holding a hand during the hard moments.

“I don’t make a ton,” she said, “but I go home every day knowing I mattered to someone.”

Pros of being a CNA in Phoenix:

• Meaningful work: CNAs are often the heart of patient care. You build real relationships.
• Quick entry: You can become a CNA in as little as 4–12 weeks with a certification program.
• Flexible environments: You can work in hospitals, assisted living, private homes, or hospice.
• Stepping stone: It’s a great launchpad if you want to become an RN or LPN later.

Cons:

• Physically demanding: Long hours, lifting patients, constant movement.
• Emotionally draining: Witnessing pain, loss, or loneliness takes a toll.
• Lower pay: Most CNAs in Phoenix earn between $32K–$42K/year, depending on the facility.

So… Which Is Better?

It’s not about better. It’s about fit.

If you like working with your hands, solving problems on the spot, and don’t mind a little (or a lot) of sweat—plumbing in Phoenix can be a great path. It’s got financial upside and long-term stability.

If you’re more of a caregiver at heart, and you thrive on human connection—even when it’s difficult—being a CNA might be your calling. It may not be glamorous, but it’s one of the most compassionate jobs out there.

Final Thought

In the end, both Mark and Jessica are essential. One keeps the water flowing; the other keeps the human spirit alive. One builds with tools; the other builds with care.

So whether you’re turning a wrench or helping someone turn over in bed, just know that there’s dignity in both. And in a growing city like Phoenix, there’s room—and respect—for both kinds of work.