How to Become a Plumber:
The Definitive Guide


Plumbers can be a godsend!

It always seems like pipes clog up when you just don’t have time to deal with it.

Thankfully we have plumbers to handle the dirty work.

Plumbers deal with all types of issues from sinks, drains, toilets, and appliances.

Calling a plumber is like calling on a superhero, they’re always willing to help get those pipes unclogged and back in working order!

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What is a Plumber?

Plumbers install and repair pipes that carry liquids such as water, or gases into and out of homes and businesses.

Plumbers also install and repair sinks, toilets, water heaters, and so much more.

The job will take you inside and outdoors, so being comfortable in both atmospheres is a plus.

This is a job where you’ll get dirty, so if you’re worried about germs, maybe you want to steer clear of a career as a plumber.

Duties

  • Prepare and understand the layout of plumbing systems
  • Find and more positions of connections
  • Measure pipes and mark for cutting
  • Cut, thread and bend pipes
  • Install pipes, valves, and fittings
  • Test lines to ensure they are up to local regulations
  • Install equipment like water heaters, boilers, gas appliances, toilets, sinks, etc.
  • Welding
  • Maintaining and repairing problems

Salary

In the United States, the average plumbers salary is around $55,000.

When you first start out, you can make roughly $48,000, but when you get more experience you can make up to $63,000.

Salary ranges depend on education, certifications, specific skill sets, and the number of years you’ve worked as a plumber.

  • Annually
  • Monthly
  • Hourly

Annually National Average Salary: $63,350

$36K
$46K
$63K
$77K
$99K
10%
25%
50%
75%
90%

Average Annual Salary by State

StateAvg. Annual Salary
Alabama$47,470
Alaska$85,300
Arizona$55,470
Arkansas$45,440
California$72,000
Colorado$57,390
Connecticut$65,330
Delaware$68,250
District of Columbia$76,660
Florida$48,120
Georgia$57,200
Hawaii$72,830
Idaho$48,990
Illinois$86,200
Indiana$62,450
Iowa$59,050
Kansas$55,050
Kentucky$57,630
Louisiana$57,040
Maine$54,160
Maryland$60,350
Massachusetts$84,090
Michigan$63,460
Minnesota$77,980
Mississippi$47,430
Missouri$62,080
Montana$63,480
Nebraska$57,550
Nevada$64,750
New Hampshire$58,590
New Jersey$82,740
New Mexico$50,150
New York$77,490
North Carolina$48,340
North Dakota$58,820
Ohio$62,780
Oklahoma$50,850
Oregon$81,470
Pennsylvania$65,580
Rhode Island$65,090
South Carolina$48,680
South Dakota$47,460
Tennessee$53,600
Texas$52,470
Utah$55,120
Vermont$53,840
Virginia$55,120
Washington$79,390
West Virginia$53,470
Wisconsin$70,230
Wyoming$53,610
Guam$39,370
Puerto Rico$23,680
Virgin Islands$56,470

Annual Average Salary: Top 5 States

The top earning state in the field is Illinois, where the average salary is $86,200.

These are the top 5 earning states in the field:

Illinois - $86,200
Alaska - $85,300
Massachusetts - $84,090
New Jersey - $82,740
Oregon - $81,470
*Salary information based on the May 2021 Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) Survey.
Conducted by: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Department of Labor.
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.

How to Become a Plumber

Step 1Get an Education

The first step that you are going to want to take in order to become a plumber is to get your high school diploma or GED.

You’ll want to have basic knowledge of reading, science, math, and writing.

This job requires you to make accurate measurements, so a proficiency in algebra, metric units of measure, and geometry will suit you well.

Other factors that may hinder you from becoming a plumber are hits on your record.

So, try and steer clear of DUI’s, reckless driving convictions, misdemeanors, felonies and failed drug tests.

Step 2Find a Technical Program

After you graduate or get your GED, finding a technical school will help you toward your career of choice.

Many states require that you put in a certain number of hours in the classroom in order to become a licensed plumber.

You can find programs at community colleges, trade institutes, and even the Professional Plumbing Association.

Each state may have different requirements for what type of classes you’ll need to take.

Typically, you’ll take classes like:

  • Draining and venting
  • Local plumbing codes
  • Water heating systems
  • Pipe cutting

Step 3Become an Apprentice

Most states also require that you start out as an apprentice before you can be a licensed plumber.

Some apprenticeships can take two years, while others can take up to five.

One of the good things about doing an apprenticeship, is that you can start while you are still in school.

To find where you can go for an apprenticeship, check out your trade school or organization, they can lead you in the right direction.

You can also check with local plumbing businesses to see if they are hiring apprentices.

Step 4Get Licensed

After you finish those long years of job shadowing, you’ll finally be able to get your license.

Except, you’ll have to take a test.

Most places expect you to take a written exam and a practical exam, before you can become licensed.

Once you pass the test, you are now a licensed plumber!


Education

You need to enroll in a technical program to become a plumber.

After a year in school, you’ll be required to do an apprenticeship for on the job training.

This can take you around five years to complete, depending on where you want to work.

It’s possible to begin your apprenticeship while you’re still in school.

Video About The Career


Licensing

After you complete your apprenticeship, you’ll be required to take a test before getting your plumbing license.

This exam will include written and practical tests that show your strengths and knowledge about the field.

Once you pass the test, you will be a licensed plumber!

Certification Example:

plumber certificate example

Average Training Program Duration: 4+ Years

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Job Outlook

The job outlook for plumbers is great.

The career is on the rise, and in the next ten years will climb 16%.

New homes and new businesses will increase the need for plumbers.

Employment Growth Projection: 5%

469,900
2020
493,200
2030

That's a higher than average projected growth of 23,300 jobs.

Plumber: Interest Over Time


Should You Become a Plumber?

Overall Satisfaction: High

Overall Satisfaction

This job has a lower stress level than a lot of other jobs in the field, but there is rarely an opportunity for upward mobility.

The balance between home life and work is good, which means that the job satisfaction is fairly high for plumbers.

Average Salary: High

Average Salary

The average salary for a plumber is around $48,000.

There are opportunities to make up to $63,000.

When you have more education and special skills, you’ll make more money.

Job Growth Outlook: High

Job Growth Outlook

The growth for this career will be up 16% within the next ten years.

Most demand for this job will be due to new construction of homes and businesses.

Upgrading and updating older homes and businesses will be good for business as well.

Education Duration: 4+ Years

Education Duration

The in-class education takes around a year, but apprenticeship can take up to five years.

You won’t be able to get a job without an apprenticeship.

Most apprenticeships are paid positions.

Personal Skills Needed

Personal Skills Needed
  • Hand eye coordination
  • Ability to work independently
  • Work in varying temperatures
  • Communication skills
  • Customer service skills
  • Physical able to do job
  • Mobility
  • Enjoy hands on work

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How much does a plumber make?

Typically, a plumber makes around $48,000 a year. Those that have more experience and education can make more.

Q. How to become a licensed plumber?

You must do an apprenticeship for up to five years, and once you have completed your training, you’ll be required to take an exam.

This exam will allow you to become a licensed plumber if you pass it.

Q. How long does it take to become a plumber?

It can take up to five years to become a plumber.

Q. What does a plumber do?

A plumber fixes pipes, installs new fixtures, repairs appliances, and makes sure everything is up to code.

Q. How much does it cost to become a plumber?

An online training program can cost between $800 and $1,000.

An associate’s degree in plumbing, which can take up to two years, costs around $3,000.

Apprenticeships cost between $0 and $500, depending on where you go.

State licensing can cost between $75, and $300, and need to be renewed every two years.


Plumber Information by State


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3 Comments
  1. Avatar for Jerry Jerry

    I love my work as a plumber, I am not stuck in an office sitting all day, I feel like I am actually working, it’s never boring, the pay is decent and it’s overall a nice business to run. I run my own plumbing business and I got 2 junior plumbers working with me as well as. good luck to anyone who wants to become a plumber.

  2. Avatar for Ian Smith Ian Smith

    Now here is a really detailed guide about becoming a Certified Plumber and what kind of salary you would expect by being one. I personally do not agree with the “takes up to 5 years to become one” as some apprenticeships can really help one learn quickly about plumbing and I’ve personally seen people get really professional at the job in two years.

    1. Avatar for Kelly Kelly

      Yeah strictly true

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