How to Become a Plumber in Connecticut

Knowing a trade means you’ll hardly be out of employment.

A lucrative career option in Connecticut is that of a plumber.

If you want to know more about what this occupation is all about and how to become one, continue reading!

Plumber Job Description and Requirements

The word plumber comes from the Latin word for lead, and this is the main material these professionals were working with at the time.

These days things have slightly changed, and these professionals work with almost anything that requires a system of pipes.

This system can be either for water or gas, in a residential, commercial, or industrial setting, or even at the city level.

It includes the water supply system and the sewage system.

The work performed includes:

• The installation of the system
• Its maintenance
• Its repair
• Soldering
• Measuring
• Adhering to safety regulations

To work as a plumber you’ll need a license, and only those who train will obtain the license.

Other requirements for this position include:

• Having a clean criminal record
• Being at least 18 years old
• Showing a valid driver’s license
• Having a high school diploma or the GED equivalent
• Being proficient in English, math, science

Training as a Plumber in Connecticut

All plumbers need to first complete an apprentice period which is around 4 years long.

This can be done either on its own or after completing a training program at a vocational college.

Regardless of the chosen method of training, you’ll have to attend some classroom education as well.

Your first few steps include registering as an apprentice with the Office of Apprenticeship Training.

For this you’ll need these forms filled out:

• Apprentice Registration Agreement
• Journeyman List
• Registration/Payment Invoice
• Pay the enrolling fee

Your sponsor has to pay $60 and you must pay $50 for the enrolling.

All the documents must be sent to the Connecticut Department of Labor, to the Office of Apprenticeship Training.

If you’re accepted, you’re supposed to receive an apprentice identification card through your employer.

All the documents must be sent to the Connecticut Department of Labor, to the Office of Apprenticeship Training.

If you’re accepted, you’re supposed to receive an apprentice identification card through your employer.

As an apprentice, you have the possibility of getting paid as well as becoming a union member.

To note is that as an apprentice you’ll work while being supervised by a journeyman.

Becoming a Journeyman in Connecticut

In Connecticut, journeymen work for plumber contractors, but to hold this title you’ll have to:

• Complete the apprenticeship
• Pass an exam

To take the exam you’ll have to fill out 2 applications and attach a few documents:

• The Occupational Trade License Application
• The exam application
• A legal copy of your apprenticeship completion certificate
• Paying the application fee – $90
• Paying the exam fee – $65

The exam is taken through PSI exams and the passing score is 70%.

Candidates need to bring 2 identification documents, both with pictures and one of them must have your signature.

Becoming a Contractor Plumber in Connecticut

The first thing you need to know is that there are 2 types of licenses you can obtain in Connecticut as a plumber contractor.

These licenses are:

• Limited
• Unlimited

Limited contractors can only perform certain tasks, while an unlimited contractor can perform all plumbing tasks.

You can become a contractor only if:

• You have worked as a journeyman for at least two years.
• You pass an exam

To take the exam you’ll have to fill out 2 applications and attach a few documents:

• The Occupational Trade License Application
• The exam application
• A copy of your journeyman license
• Paying the application fee – $150
• Paying the exam fee – $130

The exam is taken through PSI exams and the passing score is 70%.

License Reciprocity Agreements

Unfortunately, Connecticut has no license reciprocity agreement with other states.

However, if you obtained your license in a different state you can use it to skip the apprenticeship period.

Employment and Salary Information

As mentioned already, apprentices are already employed, therefore finding a job as a plumber is quite easy.

You’ll even see that many vocational schools will help students find an apprenticeship position.

The salary as an apprentice is pretty low, but it gradually increases the more experience you accumulate.

There are a series of other factors that will dictate how much you’ll earn.

These factors include:

• Your union membership
• The city you work in
• Who your employer is

The cities with higher than average salaries include Stamford, Greenwich, and Norwalk.

Regional Salary in Connecticut

Additional Information

There are many plumbers who are union members.

While they earn more than non-unionized members, they’ll sometimes have to submit to the union’s decisions, even if they don’t agree with the decisions.

Schools Offering Plumbing Programs in Connecticut

Plumbing License by City

Plumbing License by State