'Makes Rs 4,000 a day, AI-proof': IIM alumnus says his plumber in Delhi is making Rs 2-3 lakh per month,... - Moneycontrol.com
Viral X post estimates Delhi plumber's monthly income at Rs 2-3 lakh, sparking a fierce debate over blue-collar earnings, taxes, and the future of AI-proof
Viral X post estimates Delhi plumber's monthly income at Rs 2-3 lakh, sparking a fierce debate over blue-collar earnings, taxes, and the future of AI-proof jobs. Delhi plumber's income goes viral after X user calculates his monthly earnings A viral post on X by an IIM alumnus has reignited the debate over whether skilled blue-collar workers are quietly out-earning many white-collar professionals, echoing recent comments by Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang about the future of trade-based jobs. The discussion began after the user shared an encounter with a plumber in Delhi, whose earnings, according to his calculations, could rival or even exceed those of many corporate employees. X post calculates monthly income of a plumber In the now-viral post, the X user said he hired a plumber to replace a shower and install a tap.
The job reportedly took around 15 minutes and cost Rs 700. During the conversation, the plumber claimed he handles five to six similar assignments daily, earning roughly Rs 3,000-Rs 4,000 from plumbing work alone. Called a plumber to replace my shower in Delhi. He spent about 15 minutes fixing the shower and replacing a tap. He charged ₹700 and told me he gets 5–6 such jobs every day, earning around ₹3,000–₹4,000 daily from plumbing work alone. During the summer, he also installs and… — Ankit Kedia (@Ankittskedia) June 5, 2026 The user further noted that the tradesman also undertakes electrical work and earns additional income by installing and servicing air conditioners during the summer months. According to the plumber, AC-related jobs typically fetch between Rs 1,000 and Rs 3,000 each, and he manages two to three such assignments daily during peak season.
Based on these figures, the X user estimated that the plumber's daily earnings could range from Rs 7,000 to Rs 10,000, translating into a monthly income of approximately Rs 2 lakh to Rs 3 lakh. He argued that skilled trades such as plumbing, electrical work and AC servicing are witnessing a resurgence, adding that these hands-on professions are far less vulnerable to disruption from artificial intelligence. Internet debates the claim The post quickly gained traction online, drawing both support and skepticism. Several users questioned the calculations, arguing that the estimate failed to account for irregular work schedules and inconsistent demand. One commenter called the numbers "pure nonsense," claiming most plumbers struggle to save more than Rs 20,000-Rs 35,000 a month. The user added that plumbers often do not find work every day and that completing multiple jobs at different locations on the same day is uncommon.
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