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Plumbers are essential workers, ensuring we have running water and functioning wastewater systems. Their work impacts daily life, and becoming a plumber can be challenging due to state regulations. Numerous educational outlets and associations support the profession's growth and development.

While plumbers don't need a bachelor's degree (just a high school diploma), continuing education helps maintain licensure and supports those who start their own businesses. The plumbing field follows a traditional apprenticeship system, focusing on mentorship and professional growth, with experienced workers helping newcomers advance in their careers.

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Steps to Become a Plumber


  • Step 1: Education Requirements

  • Step 2: Internship or Apprenticeship

  • Step 3: Licensing & Certifications

  • Step 4: Continuing Education and License Maintenance

steps-to-take-plumber-careers

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.

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Where Do Plumbers Work?


A licensed plumber can find work in various ways. Some connect with a friend in need of an assistant, while others use platforms like Craigslist. Those in technical schools often find job leads posted on campus or shared by instructors who still work in the trade.

The work environment can change frequently. Independent contractors often spend their days in homes, installing fixtures or handling repairs, sometimes moving between multiple locations in a single day. For larger projects, like new home construction or major remodels, plumbers may return to the same site over several days to coordinate with other trades and complete the work in stages.

Why Become a Plumber?


There are many reasons to become a plumber. There’s no strict education requirement for entry-level positions, and while a college degree can be helpful, it’s not common in the field. Anyone willing to work hard can start as an apprentice and advance in their career. Though starting pay is modest, experienced and trusted journeymen can earn significantly more.

For those with an entrepreneurial spirit, plumbing is a great option. After about five years of experience, a plumber can become licensed, buy a work van, and start their own business. Licensed plumbers can earn high wages and may be subcontracted for large commercial projects, as their credentials are recognized by insurance companies. Note that becoming a licensed, or master plumber, requires passing an exam to prove knowledge of plumbing codes.

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Professional Organizations


Professional organizations are a vital part of any trade. While the plumbing industry may not seem like an organized profession, they certainly are. In fact, there are a number of national and local professional associations to choose from. Plumbers who join a professional organization will have many opportunities to learn and grow in their trade. Associations like these offer educational and professional resources that they might not otherwise have access to. They even offer special certifications that can lead to new and varied projects. The fellowship opportunities likewise enable these contractors the opportunity to collaborate and compare notes. Even apprentices may find and association's resources invaluable.

One key advantage to joining a professional association is the opportunity to easily access continuing education resources that include webinars. After all, after a busy day it's helpful to have a well-organized repository of educational resources that help maintain one's license.

  • American Society of Plumbing Engineers
    The ASPE offers its members opportunities to grow within their profession. The society offers opportunities for professional growth and development, networking, publishing, events, and even scholarships. Their educational programs are helpful for techs who need continuing education opportunities as well as those who seek a new certification.
  • Plumbing Heating Cooling Contractors Association
    The PHCCA offers its members loads of opportunities to grow through educational resources, meetings, and conferences, and loads of other professional resources. For instance, their website offers the National Standard Plumbing Code for sale. PHCCA also supports apprentices and students with special materials.
  • United Association: Union of Plumbers, Fitters, Welders, & Service Techs
    Plumbers who join the United Association find that they are supported in their profession by like-minded plumbing techs who are intent on continually improving the profession. Membership provides leadership opportunities, advanced training, and a peek into what other technicians are working on.
  • Plumbing Contractors of America
    The PCA represents union plumbers and contractors. Specifically, they represent the United Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters. This group is a lobbying effort that helps protect the interests of their members.
  • National Kitchen and Bath Association
    This association forms a bond between all kitchen and bath professionals. Considering that the bulk of all plumbing work occurs in a kitchen or bathroom, this is a vital organization for the trade. The organization offers members the opportunity to develop professionally, conduct research and gain new insights, as well as meet other like-minded professionals.
  • Water Quality Association
    This association is geared towards a special group of water workers – those in the industrial water treatment industry. The association invites anyone who is interested in improving water quality to join their association. The WQA hosts conferences, supports a certification program, and offers a bevy of educational resources to its members.

Plumber Career and Salary


There is a strong demand for plumbers and other tradespeople, as their work can't be automated. Skilled tradespeople can expect long careers installing and repairing kitchens, bathrooms, and more. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the sector including plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters is projected to grow by 6% from 2023-33, adding over 26,300 jobs, with a median salary of over $61,500.

The lowest paid plumbers earn a median salary of just under $33,000, with top earners making nearly $100,000. These figures are based on jobs posted on their platform and may not include independent contractors. The outlook for plumbers is strong, with steady job growth and solid salaries expected to continue.


Frequently Asked Questions


What are local plumbing codes?

Local plumbing codes are specific rules and regulations that ensure all aspects of pluming are executed in a safe manner. Local plumbing codes help plumbers avoid accidents and the spread of disease.

What do pipefitters and steamfitters do?

Pipefitters and steamfitters assemble, and repair, and install plumbing fixtures and pipes based on plumbers plans and codes. Pipefitters and steamfitters install and maintain pipes that carry chemicals, gases, and acids.

What is the job outlook for plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters?

The job outlook for plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters is expected grow by 5% by 2030. This is lower than the average job outlook for all jobs.

Can you become a plumber with on the job training?

Most states require a plumber to be licensed. Most plumbers learn through an apprenticeship programs that last about four to five years. Others may choose a more formal education. Most plumbing education is taught at vocational schools, technical schools and community colleges.

What is the work environment of a plumber?

Plumbers spend most of their time traveling or at customers houses doing repairs. Plumbers often respond to emergencies and need to be on call. Many plumbers work nights, weekends, and holidays. They may also need to work overtime.

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