What Does a Plumber Do?
The particular job at hand determines what exactly a plumber's day will look like. From designing piping systems for new construction, to unclogging stopped up drains in existing residential and commercial spaces, plumbers handle many different tasks.
Additional responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Interpret blueprints
- Adhere to state and local building codes
- Inspect, determine, and troubleshoot existing/potential problems
- Understand piping systems and their installation
- Basic carpentry skills — as well as an ability to attach and weld fillings
Find a trade school near you.
How to Become a Plumber
To become a plumber:
- You must be at least 18
- You must have either a High School Diploma or GED
- You will have to pass a basic math test
- You will need a clean drug test
- You will need some working knowledge of computers
- Get training at either a trade school or community college program
- Complete an apprenticeship program which (taking around 4-5 years to complete)
- Get licensed in plumbing for your state (state requirements can vary)
Difference Between Apprentice, Journeyman, and Master Plumbers
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Apprenticeship
As a plumbing apprentice, you’ll study under a journeyman or master plumber, both through on-the-job experience, as well as through traditional coursework. Most plumbing unions assist with apprenticeship placement. A great resource to find local apprenticeships is through the United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipefitting Industry of the United States and Canada.
- Most apprenticeship programs are an average of 2,000 on-the-job hours.
- You’ll also have about 246 classroom hours to complete.
- Apprenticeships generally take around 4-5 years to complete.
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Journeyman
A journeyman plumber has completed the required apprenticeship and can practice the trade on his or her own.
- A licensing exam must be passed to become a journeyman plumber. The licensing exam tests the knowledge and skills you’ll have learned throughout your apprenticeship.
- There are continuing education requirements including licensing exam renewals.
- Some states expect renewals yearly, while others may only require renewals every three to five years.
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Master Plumber
To become a master plumber, you must first work for at least two consistent years as a Journeyman.
- Master plumbers must also take an exam and pass both the written and practical portions of it.
- Once you’ve passed and are a master plumber, you can work supervisory roles.
- You are also qualified to plan and design entire plumbing systems in addition to your journeyman responsibilities.
Cost of Plumber Training
The most popular program for aspiring plumbers is an apprenticeship. However, many also choose either a certificate or associate degree program to begin their plumbing training. Find a local plumbing trade school program.
|
Type of Program |
Cost for Education |
Course length |
|
Online |
$800-$3,000 |
Self-paced |
|
Certificate program |
$3,000-$10,000 |
1 year + apprenticeship |
|
Associate degree |
$10,000-$23,000 |
2 years + apprenticeship |
|
Apprenticeship |
$0-$1000 |
4-5 years |
Additional costs for training
Most plumbing training programs will include coursework and on-the-job training. This hands-on experience can incur other costs, such as: books, tools, and uniforms. The needed uniforms can range between a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. You should also take your cost of living into account, as well.
Find a trade school near you.
Financial Aid for Plumber Trade School
Schooling can be expensive, but there are resources available to assist students. These can include certain scholarships, grants, or student loans. When applying for financial aid, your first step is to fill out FAFSA. Once you complete your FAFSA form, you will have a better understanding of what assistance you are qualified to receive.
Scholarships specific to plumbing
- World Plumbing Council: Scholarships through the World Plumbing Council are allotted to cover the cost of education and possible living expenses to the candidate.
- American Society of Plumbing Engineers (ASPE): Many chapters of the ASPE offer the Alfred Steele Scholarship for plumbing applicants.
- PHCC Educational Foundation: Students entering plumbing or HVAC are eligible for the PHCC Educational Foundation scholarships. These scholarships are to help offset apprenticeship costs, which can add up.
Plumber Salary
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the average earnings for plumbers in 2023 was $67,840, with the top 10 percent earning $103,140, or more. Apprentices usually bring home between 30%-50% of what fully-trained plumbers earn. With more experience can come a more favorable pay.
States with the Top Average Pay for Plumbers in 2023
|
State |
Salary |
|
$97,690 |
|
|
$89,140 |
|
|
$88,420 |
|
|
$85,680 |
|
|
$84,890 |
Industry Demand
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment outlook for skilled plumbers is expected to grow 2 percent by 2032. While this growth is a little slower than the national average, there will still be a demand for skilled plumbers. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that around 42,600 jobs will open for plumbers each year over the next decade. Employers will be looking to fill the gaps created by plumbers who are retiring. Additionally, new building construction and regulations translate to continued job openings and opportunities.
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Plumbing Specializations
- Pipelayers install the pipes needed for plumbing systems. Think drainage for storms or water mains. Their work is very strenuous because they also have to do the digging for the pipes, as well as grading the trenches where the pipes will be placed. Pipelayers secure the pipes by using special glue, welding, or cementing them firmly in place.
- Pipefitters are in charge of large industrial plumbing projects. They also install and maintain heating and cooling piping systems in manufacturing, industrial, and commercial settings.
- Steamfitters install the piping systems which move steam under high pressure in any setting where heat and electricity are generated.
Plumber Licensing and Certification
Plumbing licenses are regulated on a state level. Most states have some sort of licensing requirement for plumbers and any general contractors. However, if plumbers aren’t licensed, they could be subjected to expensive fines which could affect their ability to work as a plumber in the future.
- Licensing: Each state has their own rules and regulations. Most states do require 2-5 years of plumbing experience before the plumbing licensing exam can be taken. Practice tests are available online and can increase the chances of passing the somewhat difficult licensing exam. The plumbers licensing exam will test one's knowledge of local codes and best practices.
- Certification: Certifications are not requirements, but they do help plumbers with career advancement. Once the plumber has completed the apprenticeship and has successfully gotten their license, they will be eligible to sit for the certification exams. There are a few different certifications available to plumbers.
- Through the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling-Contractors Association, in partnership with Green Plumbers USA, there is a training and certification program available for water and energy-efficient technologies. With a continued shift toward green energy, it is a strong certification for plumbers to consider. There is also the National Inspection Testing Certification (NITC) available to journeymen plumbers. The NITC also offers journeyman and master level certifications for plumbing codes and a Mastery certification exam for plumbers with over 5 years of experience. There are fees involved, and they vary depending on the exam.
State-by-State Plumber License Resources
Alabama requires a license for general contractors and subcontractors if the project cost, including labor, is at least $50,000.00 for commercial and industrial jobs, $10,000.00 for residential jobs, and $5,000.00 for swimming pools.
Alaska requires a separate license for commercial and residential contractors. Non-residential contractors aren’t required to take an exam, but residential contractors need to complete the Alaska Craftsman Home Program or post-secondary course in Arctic engineering, followed up by an Endorsement Application for Residential Construction.
Plumbers, electricians, and those who work with asbestos abatement, hazardous paint, boilers, and explosives must also have a Certificate of Fitness for the Trades.
Arizona has separate licenses for commercial and residential work, and also has dual licensing to cover both on one license. Residential construction is defined as houses, townhomes, condos, cooperative units, and apartments with four units or fewer. A license is necessary to bid on jobs of $750.00 or more.
A homeowner in Arkansas doesn’t need a license to do the work himself or herself. However, a contractor (if used) must be licensed if the work, including labor and material, exceeds $2,000.00. Subcontractors working for a licensed contractor do not need their own license. However, if the general contractor is not licensed, then the subcontractor does need their own license.
In general, California requires a license for jobs exceeding $500.00 whether on a single project or on multiple projects totaling this amount.
General contractors are not licensed by Colorado. Rather, they are licensed locally. Electrical and plumbing contractors, however, are licensed by the state. Contractors are required to get a business license, but not every contractor is required to get a contractor’s license. Local regulations should be checked.
Connecticut differentiates between “major contractor” from “minor contractor”. A major contractor is licensed to work on institutional residences (care homes, jails, etc.), hotels/motels, multi-family residences, and other large sites. A minor contractor is licensed to work on private homes and small multi-family units. A license is needed if the job exceeds $200.00, or if the yearly work exceeds $1,000.00 total.
Delaware requires a license for jobs exceeding $50,000.00. Digging a water well and/or installing a pump requires a separate license in Delaware.
Florida has two license types: registered and certified. A registered contractor is licensed to work at the local level, while a certified contractor can take work anywhere in the state. Irrigation contracting is considered a specialty license and requires that specific license.
Georgia requires a license for work on detached single-family or two-family homes or single-family townhomes less than four stories tall, and for projects exceeding $2,500.00. A contractor must also take the Georgia Business Law exam.
Hawaii requires a licensed contractor for jobs exceeding $1,000.00 and/or requiring permits. Electrical and plumbing licenses are required for jobs involving those specific trades. General engineering contractors are needed for land leveling, sewers, excavations, and paving. General building contractors are needed for building structures such as additions and new construction.
Idaho doesn’t license general contractors at the state level. However, electrical, HVAC, plumbing, well drillers, fire sprinkler systems, and public works contractors are licensed by the state. General contractors are licensed at the local level.
Aside from public works and roofing, Illinois doesn’t issue contractor licenses. Requirements must be checked at the local level.
Indiana only licenses plumbers at the state level. All others should be checked locally.
Iowa requires that all construction contractors be registered with the Iowa Division of Labor only if their work will earn $2,000.00 for that year. “Construction” includes new construction, building alterations, and home improvement projects.
Kansas only licenses water well drillers and asbestos abatement contractors. All others are handled at the local level.
Website
Kansas licenses can be researched at individual city and county websites.
Kentucky only licenses electrical, plumbing, and HVAC contractors. A homeowner can perform his or her own plumbing work with the proper permits, but for safety’s sake HVAC and electrical require a licensed contractor. Kentucky has HVAC reciprocity with Ohio.
Louisiana requires a building contractor be registered if construction work exceeds $75,000.00. Home improvement and repair contractor limits are between $7,500.00 and $75,000.00. If a repair or improvement exceeds this limit, the home improvement contractor must register as a building contractor.
Maine only licenses plumbing, electrical, and asbestos abatement contractors. Although general contractors need not be licensed, a business license is still required.
Maryland licenses plumbers (including gas fitters), electricians, HVAC, and home improvement contractors. They must have an MHIC license.
Massachusetts requires anyone supervising or performing construction work to be licensed.
Michigan requires all contractors to be licensed.
Residential roofers, remodelers, and builders must be licensed if gross receipts equal at least $15,000.00. Plumbers are licensed by the Minnesota Department of Health, electricians by the Board of Electricity. HVAC contractors are licensed at the local level.
Any project exceeding $500.00 in Mississippi requires a contractor license.
Missouri requires licensing only for work done in towns that exceed a population of 15,000.
Website
License searches are done at the local level.
A construction contractor or subcontractor must register with Montana’s department of Labor and Industry only if they have employees. Electricians and plumbers are required to be licensed regardless of number of employees.
Builders, plumbers, renovators, and HVAC contractors do not need licenses, but they do require registration if the contract exceeds $2,500.00. Electricians must be licensed with the Nebraska State Electrical Division. Counties with populations of 100,000 or more require a business license.
Nevada requires all contractors have a license regardless of the contract.
New Hampshire only licenses asbestos and lead abatement contractors, plumbers, and electricians. For electrical work, license requirements are determined by the type of circuit. Signaling circuits such as fire alarms do not require a license for installation. Circuits for heat, light, or power do require a license.
New Jersey home builders and home repair contractors must be registered with the state. Electricians, plumbers, and home improvement contractors must be licensed. Home repair contractors dealing in cash payments over a period of 90 days or less do not need licenses.
All contractors in New Mexico must be licensed with the state regardless of the contract.
Asbestos abatement is the only contract work licensed at the state level in New York. All others are handled at the local level.
Website
License searches must be done at the local level.
North Carolina requires a general contractor’s license for jobs costing $30,000.00 or more. All electricians, plumbers, HVAC, and fire sprinkler contractors must be licensed.
North Dakota requires a license for any job costing $4,000.00 or more.
General contractors are licensed at the local level. Electrical, plumbing, HVAC, refrigeration, and hydronics are licensed at the state level regardless of contract.
Oklahoma licenses plumbers, electricians, and mechanical (HVAC) contractors. General contractors are licensed at the local level.
Oregon requires a license for anyone performing construction activity for compensation. The exceptions are handyman projects totaling less than $1,000.00 and being “casual, minor, or inconsequential in nature”.
Pennsylvania only licenses asbestos and lead abatement contractors at the state level. All others are locally licensed.
Website
Licenses are researched at the local level.
Rhode Island requires registration with the Contractor’s Registration Board for building, repairing, or remodeling 1- to 4-family residences. Electricians, plumbers, and HVAC contractors must be licensed.
South Carolina requires a license for residential work totaling over $200.00.
South Dakota only licenses plumbers, electricians, and asbestos abatement contractors. General contractors are licensed at the local level.
Website
License search: electrical call 605-773-3573, plumbers call 605-773-3153
Tennessee requires a license for bidding on jobs exceeding $25,000.00, and on masonry work exceeding $100,000.00.
Only specialty contractors, including HVAC, fire sprinkler systems, plumbing, and well drilling/pump installation specialists, need to be licensed in Texas.
Utah requires all contractors be licensed at the state level regardless of the size of contract. There are over 50 classifications of licenses.
Vermont licenses general contractors or home improvement contractors at the local level. Plumbing/HVAC and electrical contractors are licensed at the state level.
Tradesman licenses are required for electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and all gas fitting. Construction contractors are licensed by the Virginia Board for Contractors at three levels:
- Class A: Single contracts at $70,000.00 or more, or $500,000.00 in a single year.
- Class B: Single contracts at $7,500.00 to less than $70,000.00, or $150,000.00 to less than $500,000.00 in a single year.
- Class C: Single contracts at $1,000.00 to less than $7,500.00, or less than $150,000.00 in a single year.
General and specialty contractors must be registered with the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries. Electricians must be licensed and plumbers certified.
General contractors are not required to be licensed, but any subcontractors must be, even if the general contractor is licensed. DC has project cost limits according to license class:
- A – No limit
- B – $10,000,000.00
- C – $5,000,000.00
- D – $2,000,000.00
- E – $500,000.00
All contractors and subcontractors must be licensed if the work performed is $2,500.00 or more. Plumbers and HVAC contractors must be certified.
Website
License search
Plumbing, electrical, HVAC and building contractors must apply for credentials at the state level. Building contractors must have a Dwelling Contractor Certification and a Dwelling Contractor Qualifier Certification to pull permits.
Only electricians are licensed at the state level. All others are licensed at the local level. Inspectors are not guaranteed on every permitted electrical project, but they may be specifically requested if you want to be assured of an inspection.
Wyoming Contractor Licenses
Electrician licenses are checked by calling 307-777-7288.
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