Best Plumber Schools in Kansas

Compare accredited Plumber schools across Kansas below, then review pay, licensing steps, and training paths for the trade.

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Best Plumber Schools in Kansas

How we rank schools – graduation rate, graduate earnings, cost and retention. Advertising plays no part.

This page lists 5 schools, closest group first, then ordered by BOC Score with the highest at the top. 5 of them carry a score.

Location / proximity to this page
Defines the local group
Graduation rate how often students finish
30%
Median earnings, 10 years after entry whether it paid off
25%
Average net price what students actually pay after aid; lower ranks higher
20%
Retention rate how many come back for year two
15%
Fully online availability whether you can study while working
10%

Scores come from IPEDS (2024) and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings are for all graduates of a school, not one program, so treat them as a signal about the institution rather than about this subject. Sponsored listings are paid placements and are labelled as such; they are separate from this ranking and never change it. Read the full methodology.

#1

Washburn Institute of Technology

Topeka, KS In-state option BOC Score 71.0
Tuition Contact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Completion rate: 65.5% (College Scorecard)
  • Programs offered: 54
  • Annual completions: 1756
  • Median graduate earnings, 4 yrs after completing (all majors, not a single program): $56,774 (College Scorecard)
  • Online programs available

Source: ACCSC IPEDS College Scorecard

#3

Neosho County Community College

Chanute, KS In-state option BOC Score 55.0
Tuition Contact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Completion rate: 36.5% (College Scorecard)
  • Programs offered: 42
  • Annual completions: 886
  • Median graduate earnings, 4 yrs after completing (all majors, not a single program): $55,338 (College Scorecard)
  • Online programs available

Source: ACCSC IPEDS College Scorecard

#4

Johnson County Community College

Overland Park, KS In-state option BOC Score 55.0
Tuition Contact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Completion rate: 30.2% (College Scorecard)
  • Programs offered: 64
  • Annual completions: 2912
  • Median graduate earnings, 4 yrs after completing (all majors, not a single program): $52,956 (College Scorecard)
  • Online programs available

Source: ACCSC IPEDS College Scorecard

#5

Barton County Community College

Great Bend, KS In-state option BOC Score 50.8
Tuition Contact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Completion rate: 37.7% (College Scorecard)
  • Programs offered: 41
  • Annual completions: 606
  • Median graduate earnings, 4 yrs after completing (all majors, not a single program): $48,242 (College Scorecard)
  • Online programs available

Source: ACCSC IPEDS College Scorecard

Compare Plumber Schools in Kansas

BOC Score, tuition, graduation rate, and median graduate earnings from federal IPEDS and U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard data. Earnings are reported across all programs at the school (all majors), not a single trade. Distance is measured from the main population center in Kansas.
#SchoolBOC Score (0–100)TuitionMedian grad earnings (all majors)Graduation rateOnlineDistance
171.0Contact school for pricing$56,77466%Yes*In-state
266.7Contact school for pricingNot reportedNot reportedYes*In-state
355.0Contact school for pricing$55,33836%Yes*In-state
455.0Contact school for pricing$52,95630%Yes*In-state
550.8Contact school for pricing$48,24238%Yes*In-state

Schools closest to the main population center in Kansas are gathered first, then ranked by BOC Score; distance from the main population center in Kansas is shown for reference. The BOC Score is an independent measure of school outcomes (graduation, earnings, net price, retention) expressed as a 0–100 percentile within each school's peer group; higher is better and advertising never affects it. *Online availability refers to coursework; hands-on trade training is completed in person. Read the full methodology.

Median Graduate Earnings at Plumber Schools in Kansas
Median graduate earnings by school, Best Plumber Schools in Kansas (College Scorecard)Washburn Institute of Technology $56774; Neosho County Community College $55338; Johnson County Community College $52956; Barton County Community College $48242.Washburn Institute of Techno...$56,774Neosho County Community Coll...$55,338Johnson County Community Col...$52,956Barton County Community Coll...$48,242
Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard - median earnings of all graduates at each school (not a single program).
Median graduate earnings by school for schools serving Best Plumber Schools in Kansas
SchoolMedian graduate earnings
Washburn Institute of Technology$56,774
Neosho County Community College$55,338
Johnson County Community College$52,956
Barton County Community College$48,242

Plumber Pay and Job Outlook

Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters annual wage by percentile: $44,150 at the 10th percentile, $63,800 median, $108,420 at the 90th. Source: U.S. BLS OEWS, May 2025 release.
What plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters earn across the pay scale
Projected job growth for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters: 504,500 jobs in 2024 to 527,200 in 2034, +4.5% change. Source: U.S. BLS Employment Projections, 2024-2034.
Projected job growth for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters
Top-paying states for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters - District of Columbia leads at $101,020. Source: U.S. BLS OEWS, May 2025 release.
Top-paying states for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters

Kansas Quick Facts

MetricValueSource
State median annual wage$65,220BLS OEWS, May 2025
State employment4,590 workersBLS OEWS, May 2025
State location quotient1.06BLS OEWS, May 2025
State unemployment rate3.5%BLS LAUS (2024)
Federal Davis-Bacon prevailing wage$38.64/hr ($27.79 base + $10.85 fringe)DOL Wage and Hour Division, 2026

Top Cities for Plumber Training in Kansas

The cities below have the highest concentration of plumber training programs and population centers within Kansas. Click through for school listings near each:

How to Become a Licensed Plumber in Kansas

  1. Choose an accredited training path. Options typically include trade schools, community colleges, and registered apprenticeships.
  2. Complete the required classroom instruction in code, safety, and trade theory.
  3. Log on-the-job training hours under a licensed or experienced professional.
  4. Pass the state or local licensing exam where required.
  5. Apply for licensure or certification, then maintain it through continuing education as required.

Specific plumber licensing rules vary in Kansas; verify current requirements with the relevant state agency before enrolling.

State Wage and Employment

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports approximately 4,590 plumbers working in Kansas as of May 2025, earning a median annual wage of approximately $65,220 (BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025). Kansas’s location quotient of 1.06 indicates jobs in this trade are more concentrated than the national average (BLS OEWS, May 2025).

Apprenticeships in Kansas

In Kansas, registered apprenticeships are listed through the Kansas Registered Apprenticeship (CareerOneStop, U.S. Department of Labor). Apprenticeships combine paid on-the-job training with related classroom instruction, typically over 3 to 5 years. United Association (UA) of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipe Fitting Industry sponsors registered apprenticeships in nearly every state.

Federal Prevailing Wage in Kansas

Federal Davis-Bacon prevailing wage rates set the minimum hourly compensation on most federally funded construction projects. As of 2026, the active general wage determination for this trade in Kansas lists $38.64/hr total compensation ($27.79 base + $10.85 fringe) (DOL Wage and Hour Division, 2026).

Find Plumber Programs Across Kansas

The cities below have local plumber program directories. Click any city to compare schools nearby:

Frequently Asked Questions

Do plumbers need a license in Kansas?

Licensing requirements for plumbers vary across Kansas. CareerOneStop and the relevant state agency publish current credential lists; verify scope and exam rules before applying.

How long does plumber training take in Kansas?

Typical certificate programs run 6 to 12 months, associate degrees take about 2 years, and registered apprenticeships generally last 3 to 5 years while paying on-the-job wages.

What is the median wage for plumbers in Kansas?

BLS reports a median annual wage of approximately $65,220 for this occupation in Kansas (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Wages vary by experience, employer, and metro area.

Plumber Wages and Workforce in Kansas

In Kansas, Plumber programs train for an occupation with a median wage of about $65,220 per year, and most earn between $39,130 and $109,290 (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Kansas employs roughly 4,590 workers in this occupation, a workforce concentration of about 1.06 times the national average (BLS OEWS, May 2025).

Trade-relevant schools serving Kansas include Washburn Institute of Technology, Fort Hays State University-Northwest Kansas Technical College, and Johnson County Community College. Compare tuition, program length, and graduation outcomes in the table above (IPEDS and College Scorecard).

Plumber Training and Licensing in Kansas

Licensing for Plumber varies by state and locality. Confirm current training, exam, and credential requirements with the appropriate Kansas licensing board before you enroll; many employers also look for recognized industry certifications.

Training paths typically range from certificate programs (6 to 12 months) and associate degrees (about 2 years) to registered apprenticeships (3 to 5 years) that combine paid on-the-job training with classroom instruction (TradeCareerPath program data).

Frequently Asked Questions

What does plumber training in Kansas involve?

Plumber training in Kansas is offered through trade school certificate programs (typically 6 to 12 months), community college associate degree programs (about 2 years), and registered apprenticeships that combine paid on-the-job training with related classroom instruction over 3 to 5 years. Coursework generally covers safety, applicable codes and standards, hands-on lab work, and exam preparation for any required credential.

How much do plumbers earn in Kansas?

According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), plumbers in Kansas earned a median annual wage of approximately $65,220. Pay varies with experience, certification, and employer; the 10th to 90th percentile range was approximately $39,130 to $109,290 (BLS OEWS, May 2025).

What is the Kansas license or certification process for plumbers?

Licensing for plumber work is handled at the state level in Kansas. Consult Kansas's licensing board for current training, examination, and renewal requirements before enrolling in a program.


About this guide: Researched and written by the TradeCareerPath Editorial Team. Our editorial team researches and sources every trade school and career guide using federal labor and education data, including BLS OEWS and Employment Projections, DOL apprenticeship records, IPEDS, College Scorecard, and state licensing boards. We follow the editorial standards documented at /editorial-policy/.

Data sources

Figures on this page are sourced from the federal and state datasets below. Methodology: how we rank and source data.

DataProviderVintage
Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS)U.S. Bureau of Labor StatisticsMay 2025
Employment ProjectionsU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics2024-2034
Integrated Postsecondary Education Data SystemNational Center for Education Statistics (IPEDS)2024
College Scorecard (school-level outcomes)U.S. Department of Educationlatest release
College Scorecard (field-of-study earnings)U.S. Department of Educationlatest release (updated 2026-06-12)
Occupational licensing requirementsCareerOneStop (U.S. Department of Labor)latest release (updated 2026-02-22)
Registered apprenticeship programsCareerOneStop / Apprenticeship.gov (U.S. Department of Labor)latest release (updated 2025-10-25)