Monthly Salary Over NT$60,000! Taiwan's Plumbing and Electrical Industry Faces Severe Labor Shortage—High Income Regardless of Academic Background

Taiwan's plumbing and electrical industry continues to face a severe labor shortage, with many companies unable to attract young workers despite offering high salaries. In particular, the plumbing and electrical trades are experiencing a critical talent gap due to an aging workforce and high youth turnover. A young business owner preparing to take over his family's plumbing and electrical company revealed that apprentices start at a daily wage of NT$1,600, translating to a minimum monthly income of over NT$38,000 with six days off per month. The company provides lunch and drinks, and offers a half-day wage for overtime exceeding two hours. Year-end bonuses include two months' salary during Lunar New Year, plus an additional two months' bonus upon successful project completion, totaling up to four months' salary annually. Salaries are reviewed and adjusted every six months based on performance, ensuring steady income growth for committed workers. The owner stated that it is not difficult for skilled workers to earn over NT$60,000 per month after two to three years of experience, with many senior technicians earning over NT$1 million annually—some even exceeding NT$2 million. However, the physically demanding nature of the job remains a major concern. Workers often labor for long hours in high-temperature environments during summer, exposed to dust and hazards, leading some to describe it as "earning money at the cost of their lives." Irregular holidays and limited family time further contribute to job dissatisfaction. Key reasons for youth turnover include harsh working conditions, rigid master-apprentice hierarchies in traditional work crews, and inefficient training methods. Additionally, the two- to three-year apprenticeship period is seen as a high time investment compared to other industries, discouraging young applicants. Some online commentators point to Hong Kong, where senior plumbing and electrical technicians earn significantly higher wages than in Taiwan, suggesting that current pay levels do not adequately compensate for the physical risks and labor intensity. Online discussions emphasize that work environment and quality of life matter more than salary alone, indicating that broader industry reforms are needed beyond just financial incentives.