How To Become A Plumber
We’ll guide you step-by-step on your journey to a successful career in plumbing.
Step 1
Get your high school diploma or GED.
A plumber needs a foundation in math (i.e., algebra and geometry), science (i.e., physics) and computers (i.e., computer-aided drafting). If offered, you may also want to take classes in drafting and blueprint reading.
Step 2
Get formal training.
Complete an apprenticeship program or training at a local trade school.
Step 3
Get licensed.
A majority of states require that you have a plumber’s license. Although licensing standards aren’t uniform, 2-5 years of experience and passage of an exam of the plumbing trades and local codes are typical requirements.
The Plumber Career Path
You can take advantage of any of these opportunities when you choose the plumbing trade.
Why Become a Plumber?
While many career paths require years of schooling and expensive tuition, in the field of plumbing you will be trained while on the job – and while earning a wage!
Plumbers begin their training as an apprentice. On average, apprenticeships last four years and are a combination of 8,000 hours of hands-on and classroom instruction.
The average plumber makes about $59,880/year according to the 2021 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Becoming a plumber grants you the opportunity to find a job today. The demand for skilled tradespeople continues to grow.
Science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) are the essential building blocks of careers that cross industries and impact our daily lives in different ways. STEM is the foundation of technical careers that propel our future workforce forward to stability, career growth and success. STEM is the skilled trade of plumbing.
New technologies in water conservation and money-saving are more popular now than ever. Choosing a career in plumbing means you’ll be at the forefront of advances in environmental science to save water and conserve energy.
You can be proud of the fact that you’re not only improving the lives of homeowners through the plumbing trade, but you’ll also be helping save the planet.
