Overview of the PLUMBING Trade
Plumbers are essential to our daily lives, ensuring that water systems function properly in homes, businesses, and public buildings. From fixing leaks to installing complex piping systems, plumbers are highly skilled professionals in one of the most recession-proof trades.
Average Time to Certification
Most plumbing certification programs can be completed within 6 months to 2 years, depending on your course load and whether you participate in an apprenticeship for hands-on experience.
Educational Requirements & Certification Path
To become a licensed plumber, you'll need to complete a plumbing program or apprenticeship, and then pass your Journeyman License exam. With additional experience, you can work toward your Master Plumber License to advance your career and increase your earning potential
Certification Steps:
- Trade School or Apprenticeship: Completing an accredited plumbing program or apprenticeship through a union or local contractor.
- Journeyman License: After training, apply for the Journeyman License, typically requiring 2-4 years of apprenticeship or training hours.
- Master Plumber License: After gaining experience as a journeyman, pass the state exam for a Master Plumber License, which allows you to operate independently or start your own business.
Salary Potential
Plumbers enjoy solid earning potential, with starting salaries around $40,000-$50,000 annually, and experienced plumbers making upwards of $60,000-$80,000 per year. Specializing in areas like pipefitting or gas piping can lead to even higher wages
Job Outlook
Plumbers are in demand across the U.S., with a projected 4% growth over the next 10 years. As the population grows and infrastructure ages, the need for skilled plumbers in both residential and commercial sectors continues to increase.
Tools and Equipment
Plumbers need a variety of specialized tools to complete their work. A typical starter toolkit includes items like wrenches, pipe cutters, and soldering equipment, with costs ranging from $500 to $2,000 depending on the quality of the tools.
Essential Tools:
- Pipe Wrenches
- Augers
- Soldering Equipment
Apprenticeship and Job Placement
Completing an apprenticeship is one of the best ways to gain hands-on experience as a plumber. Tradez connects you with industry-leading apprenticeship programs and direct job placement services once you're certified.
Career Growth Opportunities
Once you've gained experience as a journeyman plumber, you can advance your career by pursuing certifications like Backflow Prevention or becoming a Master Plumber, which allows you to start your own business.
Testimonial
"Tradez made it easy for me to find an apprenticeship program, and within a year, I was working as a journeyman plumber. Now, I'm earning more than I ever did in retail and have a stable career I'm proud of."
Journeyman Plumber
It usually takes 6 months to 2 years to complete the required coursework and apprenticeship to become a licensed plumber, depending on the state and program.
A journeyman plumber has completed their apprenticeship and is licensed to work under supervision, while a master plumber has more experience and can operate their own business.
While not always required, an apprenticeship is highly recommended to gain hands-on experience and improve job prospects.