How to become a plumber
Plumbing is a skilled trade you can enter without a college degree and get paid to learn. Most plumbers train for four to five years, then earn a license. The median pay is $63,800 a year, and about 465,840 people work as plumbers, pipefitters or steamfitters today.
Step 1: Finish high school or a GED
A high school diploma or equivalent is the usual starting point. Classes in math, shop and blueprint reading help, and many apprenticeship programs give an aptitude test that covers algebra and reading.
Step 2: Choose your way in
You have two main options, and many plumbers use both:
- Start an apprenticeship. You work for a contractor or union employer, earn a wage from day one and attend classes in the evening. Browse plumbing apprenticeships and union training centers.
- Take a plumbing program first. A college certificate or trade school course teaches pipe fitting, fixtures and code, and can help you get hired as a helper or apprentice. Under 25? Job Corps training is free for eligible students.
Step 3: Log your apprenticeship hours
A typical apprenticeship combines about 2,000 hours of paid on-the-job training each year with several hundred hours of technical instruction. You learn drain-waste-vent systems, water supply, gas piping, fixtures, blueprints and plumbing code under licensed plumbers, and your pay rises as you progress. Read our apprenticeship guide for how to apply.
Step 4: Get licensed
Most states require plumbers to be licensed. Requirements vary, but they typically include two to five years of experience and a passing score on an exam. Your apprenticeship hours count toward the experience requirement. Check your state licensing board for the exact hours, exam and fees. Pick your state on the state pages to find local programs.
Step 5: Move up
After your apprenticeship you are a journey-level plumber. With more experience and another exam you can become a master plumber, who can pull permits, supervise crews and start a plumbing business. Compare earnings in your state.
Common questions
How long does it take to become a plumber?
Most plumbers train for four to five years in an apprenticeship, finishing with about 2,000 paid on-the-job hours a year plus classroom instruction. A college or trade school certificate can take a few months to two years and often shortens the path.
Do I need a college degree to be a plumber?
No. Plumbers typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, then learn the trade through an apprenticeship. A certificate or associate degree from a college or trade school is optional.
Do plumbers need a license?
Most states require a license. The usual requirement is two to five years of experience and a passing score on an exam, but each state sets its own rules, so check with your state licensing board.
How much do plumbers make?
Plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters earn a median $63,800 a year ($30.67 an hour) in the United States, and more in high-wage states.