Becoming a Plumber – Careers & Salary Outlook

Steps to Become a Plumber

Step 1: Education Requirements

To become a journeyman plumber, no specific education is required, but a high school diploma or GED is necessary. Many plumbing companies provide hands-on training, but you must be at least 18 years old. A common way to start is by visiting a job site and asking for work, which offers on-the-job training, experience with tools, and knowledge of local plumbing codes. Another path is to complete a certificate course through trade schools or a plumbing apprenticeship program, which offers a structured way to learn and advance towards becoming a master plumber.

For those specializing in medical gas piping, formal training may be required. Some states, like Washington, mandate an approved 32-hour course for this specialty. Aspiring plumbers should check with their state's licensing agency to ensure they meet all requirements.

Step 2: Internship or Apprenticeship

Plumbers must complete an apprenticeship to earn a license or certification in their state. Some programs may include classroom work, but most focus on supervised work over about four years. Requirements vary by state, but generally, plumbing apprentices must complete four years, with at least two years (or 4,000 hours) on industrial or commercial installations. It's crucial to track hours and work with licensed supervisors who can validate them with the state.

Consult state authorities or a licensed supervisor for specific guidelines. After finishing an apprenticeship and starting work, keeping detailed records of completed jobs is advisable. Additionally, maintaining a folder with photos of projects can be beneficial for building a resume.

Step 3: Licensing & Certifications

To become a licensed journeyman-level plumber, most states require a four-year period working as an apprentice or trainee. Washington State, for example, requires 8,000 hours working under a certified journeyman plumber. Four thousand of those hours should be on commercial or industrial installation projects. Residential projects and jobs may have separate requirements to obtain a plumbing license. Washington State for example only requires 3 years or 6,000 hours of supervised work.

After a plumber has completed the trainee period, they need to pass a certifying licensing exam. The test covers the current Uniform Plumbing Code in order to become a licensed plumber. To prepare for the licensing exam, candidates may want to take a course at a trade school or otherwise implement structured study methods. All plumbers should check their state's specific license requirements.

Step 4: Continuing Education and License Maintenance

Be sure to also review state requirements for renewing and maintaining your plumbing license. Many require continuing education for all licensed or certified plumbers. You will also need to keep track of the dates when the state requires renewal materials including all fees, proof of continuing education, and applicable plumber's license renewal paperwork.

What is a Plumber and What do They Do?

A plumber is a trades professional who installs, repairs, and maintains plumbing systems in homes and businesses. This career is always in demand as people rely on indoor plumbing for waste removal, drinking water, cleaning, and cooking. Becoming a plumber can lead to high pay grades and senior status within the field.

One advantage is that it's relatively easy to enter the trade—no formal education is required, and many companies hire entry-level workers. A person can progress from an entry-level position to a journeyman plumber, eventually becoming a supervisor or even starting their own business. Skilled plumbers have many opportunities, from working for large companies installing complex systems to apprenticing with a small business handling basic repairs.

On the downside, plumbers often deal with unpleasant materials in drains and work in tight spaces like under sinks or in crawlspaces. The work location varies frequently, with plumbers traveling to homes, construction sites, or office buildings instead of reporting to a central office every day.

Frequently Asked Questions