How to Become a Plumber (2025 Guide)
Updated August 14, 2025 | Brad Fishbein
- Why Plumbing Is a High-Demand Trade
- What Does a Plumber Do?
- Salary & Job Outlook
- Cost & Timeline to Become a Plumber
- Apprenticeship vs. Trade School vs. Direct-to-Work
- Step-by-Step: How to Become a Licensed Plumber
- State Licensing Requirements
- Continuing Education & Specialty Certifications
- Skills & Traits for Success
- Pros & Cons
- Day-in-the-Life: Sample Schedule
- Find Training Near You
- Frequently Asked Questions
Plumbers do more than fix leaks-they build and protect the water, gas, and waste systems that keep modern life running. With national demand outpacing supply, plumbing offers stable employment, strong wages, and real job security, along with a clear path to business ownership.
Why Plumbing Is a High-Demand Trade
Aging water infrastructure, code-driven retrofits, and steady new-home construction are all fueling job growth. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 6% employment growth from 2023 to 2033, faster than average for all occupations1. This translates to substantial opportunity, with the industry projected to add 23,400 jobs by 2029 alone, ensuring real job security for plumbers2.
What Does a Plumber Do?
Plumbers install, maintain, and repair systems that move water, gas, and waste. Typical tasks include:
- Cutting, threading, and assembling pipes and fittings
- Installing water heaters, boilers, and backflow preventers
- Laying and testing sewer and drainage lines
- Connecting gas piping to appliances
- Reading blueprints and interpreting local plumbing codes
- Estimating labor and material requirements for projects.
- Inspecting work sites to identify potential environmental or safety hazards.
- Installing or maintaining specialized systems, such as green plumbing or water handling systems.
- Marking reference points on construction materials for precise installation.
Specialties range from residential service to large-scale industrial, medical-gas, or fire-suppression work.
Salary & Job Outlook
| Career Level | Median Annual Pay (U.S.) | 2023-33 Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Apprentice | $40,0004 (estimate) | Steady |
| Journeyman | $63,0004 | Growing |
| Master | $85,000+4 | High Demand |
Top-paying states (annual mean):
| State | Mean Pay |
|---|---|
| New Jersey | $97,6905 |
| Massachusetts | $89,1405 |
| Illinois | $88,4205 |
| Oregon | $85,6805 |
| New York | $84,8905 |
Cost & Timeline to Become a Plumber
| Year | Path Milestone | Typical Cost* | Hours Earned |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | High-school diploma / GED | $0-$150 | - |
| 0-1 | Apply & start apprenticeship | Application fee $50-$200 | 0-2,000 |
| 1-2 | First year classes (school or union) | $839-$8,0006 | 2,000-4,000 |
| 3-4 | Final apprenticeship years | Mostly paid OJT | 4,000-8,000 |
| 4-5 | License exam & fees | $200-$500 | - |
*Union apprenticeships often charge modest classroom fees and provide rising wages with benefits.
Apprenticeship vs. Trade School vs. Direct-to-Work
| Path | Up-front Cost | Earnings While Training | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Union Apprenticeship | Low | High (wages + benefits) | Long-term stability, pension access |
| Open-Shop Apprenticeship | Low-Medium | Medium | Flexible entry, faster job placement |
| Trade School First | Medium-High | Low | Career-changers needing structured learning |
Step-by-Step: How to Become a Licensed Plumber
- Finish high school or earn a GED: Most plumbing apprenticeship programs require a high school diploma or GED, and sometimes a valid driver's license27.
- Apply for a registered apprenticeship (union or open-shop): Apprenticeships are generally 4 to 5 years long and combine paid on-the-job training with classroom study87. You'll earn a salary while you train2.
- Complete 4,000-8,000 hours of on-the-job training + classroom instruction9: This structured training ensures you gain practical skills and theoretical knowledge required for the trade.
- Submit proof of hours to your state board
- Pass your state's licensing exam: A license is generally required to work as a plumber in most states8.
- Upgrade to journeyman or master level with additional experience and/or exams: Most states offer pathways to journeyman and master plumber licenses after gaining further experience2.
State Licensing Requirements
| State | Guide |
|---|---|
| Florida | Become a Plumber in Florida |
| Texas | Become a Plumber in Texas |
| California | Become a Plumber in California |
| All States | Complete State List » |
State licensing requirements vary significantly. While a license is universally needed for plumbers, some states also have specific licensing for pipefitters, gas line workers, or other specialties28. For example, in Alabama, plumbers and gas fitters need certification from the Alabama Plumbers & Gas Fitters Examining Board2.
Continuing Education & Specialty Certifications
Enhance your career and earnings with credentials such as:
- Medical-Gas Installer (NFPA 99)10
- Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester
- Green Plumber Certification
- Sprinklerfitter Certificate
- Gas Piping Endorsements
CEUs are required in many states and often offered free through union halls.
Skills & Traits for Success
- Mechanical aptitude & troubleshooting
- Basic algebra and blueprint reading
- Physical stamina and safe material handling
- Code compliance mindset
- Clear, courteous communication
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- High wage ceiling
- Paid training through apprenticeships
- Business ownership potential
- Nationwide demand
Cons:
- Physically demanding
- 4-5 year training/licensing timeline
- Work in confined, wet, or hot spaces
Day-in-the-Life: Sample Schedule
| Time | Task |
|---|---|
| 7:00 AM | Dispatch, review work orders |
| 8:00 AM | Rough-in plumbing at job site |
| 11:30 AM | Lunch + tool prep |
| 12:00 PM | Service call: water heater swap |
| 3:00 PM | Permit inspection + paperwork |
| 4:30 PM | Truck cleanup, digital reports |
Find Training Near You
Ready to get started? Visit our Trade School Guide to explore accredited plumbing programs, apprenticeships, and career resources near you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become a plumber?
Most apprenticeships take 4-5 years, combining on-the-job training with classroom instruction9.
Is plumbing a good career in 2025?
Yes. Median pay is $62,970, and demand is strong with 6% job growth expected through 203314.
Do plumbers need math?
Yes-basic algebra and unit conversions are used for cuts, measurements, and compliance.
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U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/construction-and-extraction/plumbers-pipefitters-and-steamfitters.htm ↩ ↩ ↩
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Plumbing license requirements and career path overview, ServiceTitan, https://www.servicetitan.com/blog/plumbing-license-requirements ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩
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O*NET Code Connector, Plumbers, https://www.onetcodeconnector.org/ccreport/47-2152.00?redir=47-2152.02 ↩
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U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2024 National Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes472152.htm ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩
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U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) by State, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oessrcst.htm ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩
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Accredited trade school and online plumbing program cost averages, https://collegescorecard.ed.gov and https://nces.ed.gov ↩
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Plumber Apprenticeship Program Overview, Emily Griffith Technical College, https://www.emilygriffith.edu/programs/plumber-apprenticeship ↩ ↩
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CareerOneStop Apprenticeship Video: Plumbers, https://www.careeronestop.org/videos/careeronestop-videos.aspx?videocode=47215200 ↩ ↩ ↩
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U.S. Department of Labor, Apprenticeship.gov - Plumber program standards, https://www.apprenticeship.gov/apprenticeship-job-finder ↩ ↩
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National Fire Protection Association (NFPA 99) Certification for Medical Gas Systems, https://www.nfpa.org ↩
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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.
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