Best Plumbing Schools in San Rafael, California (2025)

Updated October 22, 2025 | Brad Fishbein

Table of Contents

Plumber Training in San Rafael, California

Plumbers in California enjoy steady demand, competitive salaries, and excellent job stability.

While there are many ways to become a plumber, one of the most effective is enrolling in a top-rated training program. Below we've outlined how to get started, plus a few of the best plumbing schools near San Rafael.

Affordable Online Plumbing Programs Now Accepting Students in San Rafael, California:

Plumbing Training Near San Rafael

#1 Diablo Valley College

Pleasant Hill, CA • 24.6 miles away

Diablo Valley College is a Public, 2-year in Pleasant Hill, CA. Diablo Valley College offers plumbing technology training alongside programs like Dental Assistant, Graphic Design, Industrial Maintenance. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across CA.

Tuition

Contact school for pricing

Contact

321 Golf Club Rd Pleasant Hill, CA 94523

#2 College of San Mateo

San Mateo, CA • 33 miles away

College of San Mateo is a Public, 2-year in San Mateo, CA. College of San Mateo offers plumbing technology training alongside programs like Cosmetology, Cybersecurity, Dental Assistant. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across CA.

Tuition

Contact school for pricing

Contact

1700 W Hillsdale Blvd San Mateo, CA 94402-3784

#3 Foothill College

Los Altos Hills, CA • 48.4 miles away

Foothill College is a Public, 4-year in Los Altos Hills, CA. Foothill College offers plumbing technology training alongside programs like Cybersecurity, Dental Assistant, Electrician. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across CA.

Tuition

Contact school for pricing

Contact

12345 El Monte Rd Los Altos Hills, CA 94022

#4 Mission College

Santa Clara, CA • 50.7 miles away

Mission College is a Public, 2-year in Santa Clara, CA. Mission College offers plumbing technology training alongside programs like Graphic Design, Network Systems Administration, Plumbing Technology. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across CA.

Tuition

Contact school for pricing

Contact

3000 Mission College Blvd Santa Clara, CA 95054-1897

#5 American River College

Sacramento, CA • 78.1 miles away

American River College is a Public, 2-year in Sacramento, CA. American River College offers plumbing technology training alongside programs like Automotive Technology, Cybersecurity, Electrician. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across CA.

Tuition

Contact school for pricing

Contact

4700 College Oak Dr Sacramento, CA 95841-4286

Licensing Steps in California

Most plumbers in California follow this pathway:

  1. Complete an approved trade school, community college program, or registered apprenticeship.
  2. Log the required on-the-job training hours under a licensed journeyman or master plumber.
  3. Pass the state-required exams covering the state plumbing code (UPC/IPC), safety, and business rules.

Tips for Choosing a School

  • Tour the lab to see the tools, pipe mockups, and safety gear students use every day.
  • Compare schedules — many San Rafael programs offer evening, weekend, or accelerated tracks.
  • Ask about tuition assistance, GI Bill eligibility, and employer sponsorships that lower out-of-pocket costs.
  • Confirm the program helps you document hours for state licensing or union apprenticeship applications.

Next Steps

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Brad Fishbein Licensed Mold Assessor

Meet the author: Brad Fishbein is a Florida Licensed Mold Assessor and council-certified Microbial Investigator. He’s the founder of TradeCareerPath.com and has completed over 5,000 mold inspections since 2009. Brad now helps homeowners and tradespeople make smart decisions about mold, licensing, and skilled career paths.