How to Become a Plumber: A Complete Guide

Plumbers make important contributions to communities around the country. They help keep our homes and workplaces safe, functional, and healthy. Plumbers perform a variety of tasks ranging from the installation and repair of piping systems in homes, commercial buildings, and other contexts. Beyond the face value, they’re responsible for monitoring water supply and drainage systems, helping to stave off waterborne diseases and other threats. Their work is often out of sight and out of mind, but it has real impacts.

As members of the trades, plumbers have their hands in a lot of areas, including water heater installation, fixing leaks, and even overseeing proper sewage disposal. The value of a good plumber is often overlooked until a problem surfaces, often resulting in inconvenience and costly repairs. But their everday work helps community members live comfortably in indoor environments while also helping to shape public health and foster environmental sustainability.

The path to this profession is fairly straightforward and accessible. Aspiring plumbers typically dedicate four or four years to their trade school education when all is said and done. In most cases, that looks like a mix of classroom training, apprenticeships, and licensing activities. Many are attracted to the plumbing field due to its stability and good pay.

There’s also great potential because the industry is facing a significant skills gap. Many veteran plumbers are retiring, and fewer people are stepping up to the plate. This means that those new to the trade can find their niche and apply their specialty skills while pursuing a rewarding career that likely won’t be replaced by a robot anytime soon.

5 Steps To Become a Professional Plumber

Becoming a plumbing professional starts by enrolling in a trades program and ends with a plumbing license. Here’s a look at those steps and the ones in between:

Get Your High School Diploma or GED

Your journey to becoming a plumbing will start with obtaining a high school diploma or a General Educational Development (GED) certificate. STEM classes can help you better understand principles and techniques. You also can’t go wrong with building strong communication skills during this time. Plumbers often need to interact with customers, vendors, and other contractors on the job.

Complete Vocational Training for Plumbing

Vocational programs help plumbers acquire plumbing skills and apply textbook theories to real-world situations. Be sure to seek out a technical college or trade school accredited by trade organizations. You can expect a blend of classroom instruction and hands-on experiences.

Vocational training will expose you to everything from plumbing basics to codes. Often your education will be rounded out by coursework related to safety. Many schools will touch on the importance of customer service, as plumbers will need to behave professionally, especially when in people’s homes.

Complete a Plumbing Apprenticeship

A vocational training program will lay the groundwork for a plumbing apprenticeship. These on-the-job learning programs usually last for about four to five years. You’d work alongside and under the supervision of a licensed plumber and gain practical experiences you can’t get in a classroom.

This is the time you’ll be exposed to the tools and materials of the trade. You’ll also learn how to troubleshoot issues and complete installations and repairs. This time in the field is important to master the ins and outs of the plumbing trade. Apprenticeships are also helpful in that they expose you to diverse projects in both the residential and commercial sectors, so you can expand your horizons and adapt to different working environments.

Once you’ve reached apprentice status, you can move on to become a journeyman plumber. This privilege means you can work in the field and perform tasks that require more skills and training. In some cases, journey-level tradespeople are permitted to train apprentices. While journeymen work in contextual settings, they still do so under the supervision of a master plumber. He or she has attained the highest certification in the plumbing profession. Reaching this level allows you to supervise Journeymen, pull permits for projects, and manage your own enterprise.

Get Licensed

A license will be your ticket to employment after you’ve worked as an apprentice. Licensing requirements vary by state. You’ll need to inquire with your local government to determine how to proceed. Generally speaking, you can expect to take a licensing exam that proves your knowledge and qualifications.

What steps will I need to take to become a plumber?

The path to becoming a professional plumber requires a great deal of time, attention, and dedication. Here’s a summary of the general timeline:

• High School Diploma or GED: Plan on four years of high school or a few months to complete a GED program.
• Vocational Training: Expect six months to one year in a trade or technical school.
• Plumbing Apprenticeship: Most will require four to five years of experience in the field..
• Licensing Preparation: Dedicate a few months to prepare for and pass the exam.

In most cases, the process will take four to five years after high school to make the transition. Every student’s situation is different, however. How long it takes to complete the trade school program and the availability of apprenticeship opportunities will affect the timeline.

The vocational training phase is important, as students will get a firm command of the theoretical aspects of plumbing from both time in the classroom and on the job. The curriculum will reflect areas like pipe fitting, blueprint reading, and safety best practices. The goal is to offer a well-rounded education that prepares students for the realities of the job.

You can also expect hands-on sessions to practice your skills in a controlled environment. These experiences are important, as they expose students to real-world situations and challenges they can expect in the field. Once they become an apprentice, they’re qualified to work under the supervision of licensed professionals. Many apprentices find this experience enriches their lives and inspires them to explore different facets of the trade.

Is plumbing hard?

Plumbing can be physically challenging but that’s not the only strain it can present. These are some other ways plumbing can challenge even the most confident of professionals:

Physical Demands

Plumbing requires physical fitness. Contractors will need to lift heavy materials, work in confined spaces, and stand for long hours without a break.

Complex Problem-Solving

Critical thinking is a must. That’s reflected in the exam questions. Plumbers will need to think creatively to resolve various plumbing issues on the fly.

Licensing Requirements

Studying for and passing a licensing exam can be stressful and time-consuming.

Variable Work Hours

Plumbing isn’t a 9-to-5 job. Instead, you can expect to put in hours in the evenings and on the weekends. You might be on call and have to contend with emergency situations.

Not everyone is cut out for a job as a plumber. But those who find a way to overcome these challenges are often satisfied with their jobs and the pay. Plus, the field is dynamic. New technologies and practices emerge all the time, keeping plumbers on their toes. This continuous learning can make things interesting. Plus, plumbers have the chance to contribute to sustainability and help homeowners and business owners use less energy.

The sense of community is also a high point. Many plumbers work in close settings and have close bonds with their peers. Senior plumbers often take newer ones under their wings, helping ease their transition. The relationships formed on the job can lead to a cohort of plumbers who support each other no matter what.

Career Outlook and Statistics

The plumbing career forecast in the United States is generally positive. As cities grow around the nation, older infrastructure will require attention. Plumbers will be the ones who answer the call. Other factors like an uptick in new construction and the focus on sustainable practices mean plumbers will be on call to satisfy modern building codes and consumer preferences.

How many plumbers are in the US?

According to 2023 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, nearly half a million plumbers were employed in the U.S. The job outlook for plumbers is projected to grow by about 6% from 2023 to 2033, a faster rate than average compared to other jobs. In other words, you can expect job security from holding a plumbing license.

Average Salary of a Plumber

How much a licensed plumber will take home is based on factors like years of experience, geography, and niche. According to 2023 data, the median annual salary for a plumber is around $61,550. Veterans and those in specialized fields could bring home as much as $103,140 annually. Of course, where they live, their level of experience, and the type of employer will play into this number. It’s also true that many plumbers get health insurance, retirement plans, and overtime pay, all of which can increase their earnings. Apprenticeships and plumbing school programs have opened more doors, making plumbing an attractive choice for those looking for security and satisfaction with their career.

Make the Most of Your Plumbing Career With Podium

Success as a plumber calls for staying current on industry trends, customer expectations, and new technologies. Having the right tools matters a lot. With that in mind, Podium can give new plumbers a leg up as they look to grow their businesses.

Plumbers can manage customer interactions more effectively, track leads, automate workflows, and improve customer satisfaction with a few clicks. Having such a resource helps plumbing professionals stay competitive in a fast-paced business environment. The same goes for Podium’s wealth of educational resources. Webinars, workshops, and blog posts explore topics affecting the profession and those who work in it. As plumbing changes, this knowledge can set you apart from your peers.

Speaking of resources, we strongly recommend reading this primer on how to run a plumbing business, so you can grow and scale the smart way. While you’re there, be sure to watch a demo and check out Podium’s lead management and communication tools in action.