Learn how to become a plumber. Explore the steps, requirements, and skills needed to start a fulfilling career in plumbing.
As the job market gets tighter and tighter, one profession continually stands the test of time and is in what seems to be never-ending demand: plumbing.
Today we'll show you why we think this is a great gig, and how to become a plumber today and start making money turning pipes.
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are around 469,000 plumbers in America as of 2021. In addition, there are around 48,000 job openings each year.
Plumbers are needed in varied settings where there are needs for piping systems. They work in businesses, residences, construction, and factories.
Their main responsibility is to make sure that a building's plumbing system is running smoothly.
Their duties involve installing pipes, diagnosing problems, locating the source of leaks and obstructions, and fixing or replacing broken pipes.
There are eight different areas of plumbing: water supply, sanitary, drainage, gasfitting, mechanical services, fire protection, roofing, and irrigation. There are also specialized fields in plumbing, such as:
A licensed plumber can earn an average of $27 per hour of work.
Depending on your qualifications, experience, and expertise, you can earn from $33,000 (25th percentile) up to $108,000 (75th percentile) annually.
Now that we know how to become a plumber, let’s explore why you should consider becoming one.
High School Diploma or Equivalent
You don’t need an associate’s degree or a bachelor’s degree to become a plumber.
However, a basic requirement is that you’ve completed high school or have earned a GED certificate.
Vocational Training
To become a professional plumber, you are required to put in hours through a vocational training program.
The amount of coursework needed will depend on the requirements of your state.
Apprenticeship
This will be the longest period in your journey of becoming a plumber. Don’t worry, you can start your apprenticeship while you’re still in school.
Plumbing License
A plumbing license is required before you can apply for your first official job as a plumber.
You'll have to pass an exam before becoming a licensed plumber.
Becoming a plumber can be difficult at first, but once you become licensed, it can be a pretty rewarding journey.
Although you don't need a college degree to become a plumber, there's still plenty of learning tied to the vocation.
It can be an uncommon side hustle, but the profession is not just fixing leaks or installing pipes.
It also involves a lot of calculations, especially when making blueprints and ensuring that you have the right tools and materials for the job.
You'll also have to pay attention to different building codes and safety regulations for every project you take on.
As part of your journey, you may get discouraged as an apprentice if you're only doing the easy tasks.
However, all the knowledge you'll get from it will help you once you become a professional.
If you plan to become a plumber, there are different paths you can take.
You can apply for an apprenticeship out of high school, and you can earn your journeyman license in 2-4 years.
If you went through a vocational training school, it'll take you about 2-5 years.
Once you have your journeyman license, you'll have to gain at least four years of precessional work experience before you can become a master plumber.
It may seem daunting to become a plumber, but it’s not that difficult. The following steps will guide you in becoming one:
Getting your high school diploma or earning a GED certificate is essential for a few reasons.
First, completing secondary education or GED teaches you fundamental concepts and skills, such as basic algebra, geometry, and communication.
You will also gain knowledge in physics and drafting which are concepts you'll apply once you start working.
Having a diploma also allows you to get into an apprenticeship as a plumber. Without it, you'd find it challenging to advance your plumbing career.
After getting your diploma, consider joining a vocational training class to further your skills.
Once you enroll in a trading school, you'll learn about the international plumbing code and different safety protocols.
You'll also be trained in different areas such as gas piping systems, water pumping systems, and backflow principles.
Of course, you'll be taught basic skills such as blueprint reading, soldering techniques, and installing and repairing plumbing systems.
You can attend a trade school, whether online or in person. Keep in mind that tuition fees and the time it takes to complete your coursework differ between the two.
For example, taking an online plumbing course from Penn Foster would cost you $790 and it’ll take around 5-9 months to complete.
Meanwhile, if you’re enrolling in a trade school like the South Florida Institute of Technology, you’ll have to shell out $14,000 for tuition and books. Then, the entire program runs for 15 months.
Apprenticeships are basically hands-on learning experiences and an excellent way to gain first-hand experience in the plumbing trade.
You don’t have to finish your training course to get into an apprenticeship program.
In fact, you can study and be an apprentice plumber at the same time. Some trading schools even include this in their curriculum.
If you only have your high school diploma or GED credential, you can still get into a plumbing apprenticeship.
To do this, you’ll need to approach a representative from the local plumber union in your area. They’ll be able to guide you with available plumbing apprenticeships.
It will take you 2-5 years to complete this program, depending on the company or your trading school curriculum.
Although they’re still working to be professionals, apprentices can earn as much as 50% of the plumber’s average salary.
You can use this money to cover your education and other needs.
At this stage, you should have gained enough technical knowledge and hands-on experience to become a professional in the plumbing industry.
After your training and apprenticeship, the next step is to get your plumber license.
There are two levels of plumber licenses: the journeyman plumber license and the master plumber license.
Although, requirements in each state may vary, and some states have different types of licenses.
USA Plumbing has compiled the different plumbing requirements per state. It lists everything you need to acquire a journeyman or a master plumber license.
Aside from this, you should also check out whether your state allows for a reciprocal license. Having one means you can work in certain states without taking another exam.
The minimum requirement to get a journeyman plumber license is to have a 4-year apprenticeship experience under a registered master plumber.
Once you have met the conditions, you can apply for the journeyman plumber certification exam.
Ensure you have competent knowledge about plumbing codes and different safety regulations.
You should also know the basics of maintenance, repair, and installation of plumbing systems.
In some states, such as Arizona and California, you'll need to have a contractor's license before you can get employed as a plumber.
In North Carolina, they have different types of licenses. They're called the Plumbing Class I and Class II licenses. The difference lies in which type of properties they can work in.
A plumber holding a Class I license can work in residential, industrial, commercial, and institutional properties. Meanwhile, a Class II plumber can only work in detached single-family houses.
As you obtain your first license as a journeyman, there are still steps you'll need to take before becoming a master plumber.
First, you'll have to gain relevant work experience for at least 2 years, but it depends on your state.
Alternatively, you can start your own plumbing business as long as you meet the necessary business permits.
After earning enough experience, you can apply for the master plumber licensure exam.
If you pass the exam, you can offer plumbing services, such as designing blueprints and consultations.
If you build your own business, you take on apprentices and guide them through the trade.
Remember that you'll also have to study to keep your license. Most states require at least 6 hours of Continuing Education for every 2-year licensing period.
The highest qualification in plumbing is becoming a master plumber. You get qualified as one after earning your journeyman and, subsequently, master plumbing licenses.
You’ll also have to complete 2-6 years of apprenticeship. Once you become a master plumber, you can earn as much as $64,000 annually.
A plumber’s toolbox is filled to the brim with various tools. The most essential plumbing tools they use consist of varied pliers, pipe cutters, and wrenches. They also use plungers, augers, and a hacksaw.
There are plenty of other professions out there that involve physical labor and problem-solving skill, including:
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