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The plumbing industry in Texas keeps growing, so getting into the field can be a good idea.
Read ahead for detailed information on the licensing process and required training.
In Texas, the plumbing certifications are managed by the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners.
Article Table of Contents
Plumber Job Description and Requirements
A plumber has to finish a variety of daily duties, such as:
- Reading or drafting blueprints
- Installing the piping system
- Maintaining the water system
- Repairing the system whenever needed
- Ensuring the safety standards
- Meeting building regulations
- Using the appropriate devices to measure or solder
In Texas, there are 4 different certifications to apply for:
- Plumbers Apprentice
- Tradesman Plumber
- Journeyman Plumber
- Master Plumber
How to Become an Apprentice in Texas
The first thing to do for a candidate is to enroll in an apprenticeship program.
Such a program will provide the training you need to get a plumbing license.
You will need to attend a program that lasts from 3 to 12 months.
You can also enroll in a university and pursue a higher degree that will help with licensing.
The plumbing training programs are generally offered through trade schools.
A program includes theory and practice hours where you will get hands-on experience.
Depending on your free time, you can choose a program online or one in person.
Even if you choose an online program, you may still need to attend the practice sessions in person.
Some of the theory classes include:
- Drafting,
- Mathematics,
- Science,
- Sprinkler installation,
- Pipefitting
- Reading blueprints
While you don’t need a license to be an apprentice, you will still need to register with the Board in Texas.
To get into a program, you have to show proof of:
- 16 years of age
- High-school diploma or equivalent
- A driver’s license
- A birth certificate copy
- Proof of being a citizen of the US
- A processing fee
- Pass a drug test
- Understand written and spoken English
Your practice hours as an apprentice will be supervised by a master plumber.
The training program you choose must be accredited by the state of Texas in order to qualify as work experience.
How to Get a Journeyman License in Texas
In Texas, you need a journeyman license to practice without supervision.
In order to get a journeyman license, you have to:
- Be 18 years old
- Show proof of apprenticeship
- Social security number
- Training program certificate
- Take and pass an exam
- 8,000 hours of job experience
- Submit an application form and pay a $40 fee
You will also have to take and pass the journeyman exam.
Earning the Tradesman Plumbers Certification
In Texas, you can also apply for tradesman plumbers certification.
But, this certification will only allow you to do limited plumbing work.
You will be able to perform work on homes for only 2 people.
To apply for one, you must:
- Pass a background check
- Show proof of apprenticeship
- Pass the required exam and pay a $55 fee
- Send an application
- Pay the $35 application fee
- 4,000 hours of experience
- Proof of citizenship
You’ll also need to finish a 24-hour training course accredited by the TSBPE or to finish a program accredited by the United States Department of Labor Office of Apprenticeship.
The exam includes the following topics:
- Plumbing fundamentals and safety;
- Materials used, and specifications;
- Traps, interceptors, and backwater valves;
- Plumbing fixtures, fixture fittings, and plumbing appliances;
- Water supply systems;
- Backflow preventions;
- Gas appliances and piping;
- Plumbing mathematics.
You will also have to be an apprentice for a minimum of 2 years to get this license.
How to Get a Master Plumber License in Texas
To become a master plumber in Texas, you must show proof of:
- Be at least 18 years old
- 1 year of experience as a journeyman
- Fill out the application form
- Pay the application fee of $175
- Pass the required exams
To get the master plumber license, you need to take an exam.
This exam includes 210 questions regarding plumbing and reparations.
The questions pertain to the following topics:
- Plumbing fundamentals and safety;
- Materials used, and specifications;
- Traps, interceptors, and backwater valves;
- Plumbing fixtures, fixture fittings, and plumbing appliances;
- Water supply systems;
- Backflow preventions;
- Gas appliances and piping;
- Plumbing mathematics.
Plumber Employment and Salary Information
In Texas, you can expect a good salary if you decide to become a plumber.
An entry-level plumber earns around $42,454 per year.
Once you get some work experience, your salary can increase to $56,526 a year, on average.
If you get employed in cities such as Houston, Dallas, and Plano, you will get a better salary.
As per the Bureau of Labor Statistics, plumbing jobs will see a growth of 12% in the next years.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Houston | $59,003 |
| San Antonio | $55,975 |
| Dallas | $57,190 |
| Austin | $56,614 |
| Fort Worth | $56,091 |
| El Paso | $50,349 |
| Arlington | $55,999 |
| Corpus Christi | $54,029 |
| Plano | $56,944 |
| Laredo | $51,307 |
Regional Salary in Texas
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Abilene, TX | 250 | $52,850 | $25.41 | $73,830 | $34,310 |
| Amarillo, TX | 420 | $50,790 | $24.42 | $63,800 | $32,710 |
| Austin-Round Rock, TX | 3,970 | $59,120 | $28.42 | $79,940 | $37,850 |
| Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX | 1,010 | $63,200 | $30.39 | $83,580 | $38,650 |
| Brownsville-Harlingen, TX | 230 | $42,190 | $20.29 | $59,450 | $29,240 |
| College Station-Bryan, TX | 360 | $50,160 | $24.11 | $67,760 | $33,810 |
| Corpus Christi, TX | 880 | $56,460 | $27.15 | $71,870 | $34,600 |
| Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX | 10,490 | $56,040 | $26.94 | $75,430 | $36,960 |
| El Paso, TX | 740 | $47,270 | $22.73 | $61,920 | $30,280 |
| Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX | 9,680 | $58,740 | $28.24 | $77,750 | $36,720 |
| Killeen-Temple, TX | 330 | $51,610 | $24.81 | $68,660 | $35,290 |
| Laredo, TX | 160 | $42,240 | $20.31 | $59,010 | $21,270 |
| Longview, TX | 370 | $50,930 | $24.49 | $70,120 | $33,960 |
| Lubbock, TX | 580 | $49,160 | $23.64 | $67,060 | $31,240 |
| McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX | 360 | $44,850 | $21.56 | $59,770 | $29,770 |
| Midland, TX | 340 | $55,770 | $26.81 | $74,780 | $37,350 |
| Odessa, TX | 240 | $56,790 | $27.31 | $74,810 | $37,950 |
| San Angelo, TX | 180 | $47,210 | $22.7 | $62,010 | $30,930 |
| San Antonio-New Braunfels, TX | 3,010 | $51,760 | $24.88 | $72,420 | $34,550 |
| Sherman-Denison, TX | 170 | $48,790 | $23.46 | $68,180 | $31,240 |
| Texarkana, TX-AR | 140 | $50,270 | $24.17 | $69,330 | $31,830 |
| Tyler, TX | 270 | $49,220 | $23.66 | $66,070 | $32,480 |
| Victoria, TX | 120 | $51,270 | $24.65 | $66,280 | $35,980 |
| Waco, TX | 360 | $50,600 | $24.33 | $63,850 | $35,100 |
| Wichita Falls, TX | 140 | $51,080 | $24.56 | $61,150 | $36,250 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Additional Information
In Texas, reciprocation licenses are considered on a case-by-case basis.
This will depend on the state you are coming from and your license.
Schools Offering Plumbing Programs in Texas
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Plumbers Local Union 68 | 502 Link Road / P O Box 8746 Houston, Texas 77249-8746 |
| Texas State Technical College | 3801 Campus Drive Waco, TX 76705 |
| Paris Junior College | 2400 Clarksville St, Paris, Texas 75460 |
| PCETX | 1001 Haltom Rd. Fort Worth, Texas |
| Johnny Kurten Plumber Education | 1050 S State Hwy 95 Taylor, TX 76574 |
| Texas Plumber Training | P. O. Box 1112 Paris TX 75462-1112 |
| PLUMBER TRAINING TEXAS | |
| Winn's Career Education, Inc. | 750 E US Hwy 80, Suite 200 Box 671, Forney, TX 75126 |
| PHCC Texas | 145 Trademark Dr | Buda, TX 78610 |
| Blinn College District | 902 College Avenue | Brenham, TX 77833 |
| Craft Training Center Of The Coastal Bend | 7433 Leopard St. Corpus Christi, Texas 78409 |
Read the full guide: How to Become a Plumber
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Plumbing License by State