Apprenticeship, Journeyman, and Master Plumbers: Understanding the Difference
Many professions and industries have classifications and licensing requirements that define your experience level, and plumbing is one of them. As you move through your career in plumbing, you’ll start with an apprenticeship. From there, you’ll become a journeyman, and then finally earn the classification as a master plumber.
Here’s what you need to know about the three levels of plumbing and how to start your plumbing career.
Plumbing Apprenticeship
As a plumber apprentice, you’ll be doing plumbing jobs under the guidance of a journeyman or a master plumber. You’ll still be responsible for coursework during your apprenticeship. These programs usually take three to five years to complete and include both classroom and supervised on-the-job training.
Registered plumbing apprenticeships are extremely important to the plumbing industry. It’s how the industry maintains its high level of professionalism and skills, and is a highly valued form of mentorship.
HOW TO BECOME A PLUMBER APPRENTICE
You’ll apply and interview for an apprentice plumbing program just as you would apply for a job. Apprenticeship programs are provided through trade schools, industry organizations, state programs, and service companies. To find a program near you, check out our apprenticeship map.
WHAT IS A JOURNEYMAN PLUMBER?
Journeyman plumbers are the level between apprentice and master plumbers. You’ll become a journeyman plumber after you’ve completed the requirements for your apprenticeship and passed the licensure exam in your state. At this point, you’re able to go out on service calls without supervision.
Responsibilities as a journeyman plumber in residential service include installing new and existing plumbing, drainage systems, and gas lines. Journeyman plumbers are experts in fittings, pipes, and fixtures.
WHAT IS A MASTER PLUMBER?
After you have about five years of experience as a journeyman, you’re eligible to become a master plumber. Additional training and education, along with another exam, are necessary to achieve the master plumber license.
As a master plumber, you will serve in more leadership roles, often supervising journeyman plumbers and apprentices. Master plumbers are also responsible for creating plumbing schematics, planning water systems, and working with officials from the code and permit offices.
Apprenticeship
As a plumber apprentice, you’ll be doing plumbing jobs under the guidance of a journeyman or a master plumber. You’ll still be responsible for coursework during your apprenticeship, and the programs usually take three to five years to complete and include both classroom and supervised on-the-job training.
Registered apprenticeships are extremely important to the plumbing industry. It’s how the industry maintains its high level of professionalism and skills and is a form of mentorship highly valued around the world. Remember, you’ll apply and interview for a program just as you would apply for a job. Apprenticeship programs are provided through trade schools, industry organizations, state programs and service companies. To find a program near you, check out this map.
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READY TO TAKE THE NEXT STEP? EXPLORE MORE RESOURCES
No matter where you are in your career journey—whether you’re just beginning or aiming to take the next step—the skilled trades offer a fulfilling and future-ready path. If you’re eager to dive deeper into plumbing or explore other exciting trade opportunities, check out our resources for those new to the trades. Plus, take our quiz to discover which trade aligns best with your skills and interests!