Best Plumbing Schools in Hickory, North Carolina (2025)

Updated October 22, 2025 | Brad Fishbein

Table of Contents

Plumber Training in Hickory, North Carolina

Plumbers in North Carolina 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 Hickory.

Affordable Online Plumbing Programs Now Accepting Students in Hickory, North Carolina:

Plumbing Training Near Hickory

#1 Cleveland Community College

Shelby, NC • 33.3 miles away

Cleveland Community College is a Public, 2-year in Shelby, NC serving about 1,236 students and accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Cleveland Community College offers plumbing technology training alongside programs like Cosmetology, Electrician, Emergency Medical Technician. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across NC.

Tuition

Contact school for pricing

Contact

137 S Post Rd Shelby, NC 28152-6224

#2 Forsyth Technical Community College

Winston-Salem, NC • 63 miles away

Forsyth Technical Community College is a Public, 2-year in Winston-Salem, NC. Forsyth Technical Community College offers plumbing technology training alongside programs like Automotive Technology, Aviation Maintenance, Dental Assistant. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across NC.

Tuition

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Contact

2100 Silas Creek Pky Winston-Salem, NC 27103-5197

#3 Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Elizabethton

Elizabethton, TN • 66.7 miles away

Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Elizabethton is a Public, 2-year in Elizabethton, TN. Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Elizabethton offers plumbing technology training alongside programs like Automotive Technology, Cosmetology, Electrician. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across TN.

Tuition

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Contact

426 Highway 91 Elizabethton, TN 37643

#4 Guilford Technical Community College

Jamestown, NC • 80.6 miles away

Guilford Technical Community College is a Public, 2-year in Jamestown, NC. Guilford Technical Community College offers plumbing technology training alongside programs like Automotive Technology, Aviation Maintenance, Cosmetology. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across NC.

Tuition

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Contact

601 E. Main Street Jamestown, NC 27282

#5 Southeast Kentucky Community & Technical College

Cumberland, KY • 125.8 miles away

Southeast Kentucky Community & Technical College is a Public, 2-year in Cumberland, KY. Southeast Kentucky Community & Technical College offers plumbing technology training alongside programs like Automotive Technology, Electrician, Emergency Medical Technician. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across KY.

Tuition

Contact school for pricing

Contact

700 College Rd Cumberland, KY 40823

Licensing Steps in North Carolina

Most plumbers in North Carolina 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 Hickory 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.