Plumbing Schools & Programs

Plumbers earn a median salary of $61,550 per year, making plumbing one of the highest-paying skilled trades in the country (BLS, OEWS, May 2024). Plumbing programs teach students to work with copper, PVC, PEX, and cast iron piping systems, along with fixture installation, drain-waste-vent (DWV) layout, and plumbing code compliance. With aging water infrastructure across the nation, ongoing construction demand, and approximately 48,600 job openings projected annually, licensed plumbers consistently rank among the most sought-after and well-compensated tradespeople.

What Is a Plumbing Program?

A plumbing program trains students in the installation, maintenance, and repair of water supply lines, drainage systems, gas piping, and plumbing fixtures in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. Coursework covers pipe fitting, soldering and brazing, drain-waste-vent (DWV) system design, water heater installation, and local plumbing codes. Programs aligned with United Association (UA) apprenticeship standards or accredited by NCCER follow nationally recognized curricula that employers trust. Unlike general maintenance programs, plumbing training focuses specifically on piping systems, water treatment, and code compliance, preparing students for a clearly defined licensure path. Graduates are ready to begin plumbing apprenticeships or enter entry-level positions with plumbing contractors.

What You’ll Learn

• Pipe fitting with copper, PVC, CPVC, PEX, and cast iron using soldering, brazing, and mechanical connections
• Drain-waste-vent (DWV) system layout, sizing, and installation per plumbing code
• Water supply system design including pressure calculations and backflow prevention
• Fixture installation for sinks, toilets, bathtubs, showers, and water heaters (tank and tankless)
• Gas piping installation, pressure testing, and leak detection
• Blueprint reading and isometric drawing interpretation for plumbing layouts
• Plumbing code fundamentals (Uniform Plumbing Code or International Plumbing Code, depending on jurisdiction)
• Trenching, underground piping, and sewer line repair techniques
• Water treatment basics and cross-connection control
• OSHA safety standards and confined space entry procedures

How Long Does Training Take?

Certificate programs in plumbing technology typically run 6 to 12 months and cover core piping skills and code basics. Tuition for certificate programs may range from $3,000 to $15,000 depending on the institution and location; check with individual schools for current pricing. Associate degree programs take about 2 years and include more advanced topics like commercial plumbing, gas fitting, and hydronic heating. Most states require completion of a formal apprenticeship (typically 4 to 5 years) that combines 8,000 to 10,000 hours of on-the-job training with several hundred hours of related classroom instruction before a candidate can sit for the journeyman plumber exam. Trade school training can often satisfy the classroom portion of an apprenticeship, giving students a meaningful head start.

Admissions & Requirements

• High school diploma or GED is required by most programs
• Math skills, particularly in fractions, measurement, and basic geometry for pipe fitting
• Physical ability to work in tight spaces (crawl spaces, trenches), lift heavy pipe and fixtures (up to 50+ lbs), and work on your feet for extended periods
• Valid driver’s license (plumbers travel to job sites daily)
• Good manual dexterity for working with pipe connections and fittings in confined areas
• Some apprenticeship programs require aptitude testing through the United Association (UA) or local joint apprenticeship committees

Licensing & Certification

Every state regulates plumbers, though specific requirements vary. Most states require plumbers to hold a journeyman license after completing an apprenticeship (typically 4-5 years of supervised work plus classroom hours) and passing a licensing exam based on the applicable plumbing code (Uniform Plumbing Code or International Plumbing Code). Exam fees generally range from $50 to $250 depending on the state. Master plumber licensure requires additional experience beyond the journeyman level, usually 2 to 4 more years, plus a separate exam. Master plumbers can typically pull permits, run their own plumbing businesses, and supervise other plumbers. License renewal is commonly required every 1 to 3 years, often with continuing education credits. Some states also require separate licenses for gas fitting or medical gas installation. Always verify current requirements with your state’s plumbing licensing board.

Career Outlook & Salary

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median annual wage of $61,550 for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters as of May 2024. Entry-level plumbers at the 10th percentile earn approximately $36,930, while experienced plumbers at the 90th percentile earn around $92,325 per year. The middle 50% of earners fall between $49,240 and $73,860 annually. Employment of plumbers is projected to grow 2% from 2022 to 2032, slower than average for all occupations, but the field still generates an estimated 48,600 openings each year due to the ongoing need to replace workers who retire or leave the occupation. Total employment is expected to rise from 496,400 to approximately 506,328. Plumbers who specialize in commercial or industrial piping, medical gas systems, or fire sprinkler installation tend to earn above the median. Advancement to master plumber, plumbing contractor, or estimator roles can push earnings well beyond the 90th percentile (BLS, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024).

Where You’ll Work

Plumbers work in a variety of environments depending on their specialization. Common employers include residential and commercial plumbing contractors, general construction companies, facilities maintenance departments, municipal water utilities, and self-employment. Residential plumbers travel between homes for service calls and new installations, while commercial plumbers often work on larger construction projects in offices, hospitals, and schools. The work is physically active and involves crawl spaces, trenches, and elevated locations. Outdoor work is common for underground piping and new construction, while service plumbers often work inside occupied buildings.

Online vs In-Person Options

Plumbing is a hands-on trade that requires in-person training for the core curriculum. Cutting and joining pipe, soldering copper, installing fixtures, and working with DWV systems must be practiced in a plumbing lab or training facility with real materials and equipment. Some programs offer hybrid delivery for supplemental coursework like plumbing code study, blueprint reading, or math for the trades, but the technical skills training must be done on-site. When evaluating programs, look for well-equipped plumbing labs with both residential and commercial training setups and adequate hands-on time per student.

Browse by Location

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Career Guide

Ready to learn more about what plumbers do day-to-day, salary expectations, and advancement opportunities? Our career guide covers the plumber career path from apprentice to master plumber, including specialization options in commercial, industrial, and service plumbing.

Career Guide: Plumber →

FAQs

What is the difference between a journeyman plumber and a master plumber?

A journeyman plumber has completed a full apprenticeship (typically 4-5 years) and passed a state licensing exam. Journeyman plumbers can perform plumbing work independently but generally must work under the supervision or permit of a master plumber. A master plumber has additional years of experience (usually 2-4 more years as a journeyman) and has passed a more advanced licensing exam. Master plumbers can pull their own permits, bid on projects, supervise other plumbers, and operate their own plumbing businesses.

Do plumbing programs prepare me for the journeyman license exam?

Plumbing trade school programs cover the foundational knowledge needed for the journeyman exam, including piping methods, plumbing code, and system design. However, in most states you cannot sit for the journeyman exam based on classroom training alone. You will also need to complete the required hours of supervised on-the-job work through an apprenticeship. Trade school coursework typically counts toward the classroom portion of an apprenticeship, giving you a significant head start on the licensing path.

Is plumbing work physically demanding?

Yes, plumbing is a physically demanding trade. Plumbers regularly work in crawl spaces, trenches, and confined areas, often in awkward positions. The work involves lifting heavy pipe and fixtures, standing and kneeling for long periods, and occasionally digging trenches for underground piping. Good physical conditioning is important, and proper lifting techniques and body mechanics are typically covered in training programs. The physical demands are balanced by the strong earning potential and job security that licensed plumbers enjoy.

How much does plumbing training cost?

Tuition for plumbing programs depends on the type of institution and program length. Certificate programs at trade schools typically range from $3,000 to $15,000, while associate degree programs at community colleges may cost $8,000 to $25,000 or more. Union apprenticeships through the United Association (UA) provide paid on-the-job training, often at no tuition cost to the apprentice. Additional expenses may include tools, textbooks, and exam fees. Financial aid and scholarships are available at many accredited schools, so check with individual programs for current cost information.

What is the job demand for plumbers?

The BLS projects 2% employment growth for plumbers from 2022 to 2032, which is slower than average. However, with approximately 48,600 annual openings driven largely by the need to replace retiring workers, job prospects for licensed plumbers remain solid. An aging workforce means many experienced plumbers are leaving the trade, creating consistent openings for new entrants. Demand is also supported by aging water infrastructure that requires repair and replacement, as well as ongoing residential and commercial construction activity.

Can plumbers specialize in a specific area?

Yes, plumbers can pursue several specializations after building foundational skills. Common specialties include residential service and repair, commercial new construction, industrial piping, medical gas installation, fire sprinkler systems, and hydronic heating. Some specialties require additional certifications, such as medical gas installer certification or backflow prevention tester credentials. Specializing often leads to higher pay and more focused career opportunities, particularly in commercial and industrial sectors where the work is more complex.

Do plumbers work regular hours or is it shift work?

Most plumbers work full-time schedules during standard business hours, but the specific schedule depends on the type of work. New construction plumbers often work regular daytime hours, Monday through Friday. Service and repair plumbers may be on call for evenings and weekends to handle emergency situations like burst pipes or sewer backups. Some commercial and industrial settings involve shift work or scheduled overtime. Overall, the earning potential of overtime and emergency calls contributes meaningfully to annual income for many plumbers.

Salary data reflects U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) for May 2024. Actual salaries vary by location, experience, and employer. Program availability and tuition costs vary by school.

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