Get Your Degree!

Get information on programs from our featured schools.

What is a Plumber?

A Plumber is a trade professional focused on the assessment, analysis, and installation of systems that carry fluid for various residential and commercial applications.  A Plumber can use a combination of pipes, fittings, valves, fixtures, appurtenances, and tanks to properly convey fluids within Plumbing Technology.  The most common types of systems within Plumbing Technology are:

  • Heating Units
  • Cooling Units
  • Potable Water
  • Waste Removal
  • Irrigation
  • Venting
  • Hydronic

A Plumber can work for a general contractor, corporation, municipality, or be an independent contractor with specialized skills or a general set of plumbing knowledge.   The Plumbing Technology and Plumber degree track prepares students to prudently manage, inspect, and supervise a wide range of projects from small construction projects, high rise buildings, and a variety of associated projects to adhere to applicable codes and regulations.

Degree Median Salary vs Adjacent Degree Types

Source: BLS, US Census, and IPEDS

2025 Best Plumber Courses

Orleans Technical College makes it their mission to provide quality education with its innovative programs. It is a student-driven institution, which assists students in developing skills needed for their chosen career.   It offers a hands-on degree in plumbing and heating which is designed to equip students with practical knowledge and technical skills in becoming a competent plumber in the field. Its faculty consists of experienced lecturers who will train students based on the real-world scenarios and using modern technology. The program runs for six months and enables students to have opportunities for certifications from industry-recognized fields.

Acceptance Rate

60.69

Tuition

$14,938 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

20:1

As a non-profit private learning institution, Perry Institute of Technology offers 14 specialized technical training courses. Each of these technical training programs is carefully crafted to help students earn gainful employment for career advancement. 

The pipeline technician course offered by Perry Institute of Technology lasts for one (1) year. Students will learn the basics of plumbing systems and equip them with the ability to adapt to the needs of the industry, especially in terms of qualified, well-trained, and competent plumbers. The program for plumbing technicians ensures advancement in the plumbing industry with its diversified curriculum.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$42,175 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

The Lancaster County Career Technology Center is committed to maintaining its mission to provide the highest teaching standards. This is a technical and vocational school with the best capabilities in the industry. 

With its top rated plumbing course, students will have a chance of interacting with the experts in the industry. They will be able to perform the complex task of installing piping systems in businesses and residences. Students will learn the basics of constructing and explaining piping systems.  Learn more about the LCCTC vocational programs today by reaching out to collect admissions information from the school. 

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$14,965 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

Pennco Tech has three campuses, namely Bristol, Blackwood, and Pennsylvania. Since 1973, it has provided career-centric training and education. Its plumbing and heating programs are provided in the form of hands-on courses, enabling students to get a real experience in the field. 

Through this program, students will develop skills to solve all types of heating and plumbing engineering problems in commercial, institutional, and residential applications. After completing the course, students will be more capable of responding to changing problems in the industry.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$18,000 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

There are 9 various programs for certificates and degrees offered at Carver Career Center. Among the areas provided include personal and culinary services, related sciences, health professions and related programs, agriculture, and agricultural operations. 

In 2019, the International Code Council awarded a certificate of commitment for its plumbing and pipleline course. Carver Career Center provides a weekly scheduled spotlight pipeline that can run for 10 months or 1080 hours. It aims to give students the knowledge and skills required to assemble, install, and repair parts, pipers and heating installations, and water supply and drainage systems based on working drawings and building plans.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$6,653 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology is a private residential, two-year, and technical accredited college that provides learning opportunities for students to gain technical knowledge and skills, especially for students who are disadvantaged economically. It offers 24 high-skill technical programs that include a number of hands-on learning opportunities to explore.  Its piping technology program teaches students the basics of designing, installing, and maintaining commercial and residential piping systems and hydraulic heating systems. Students will learn skills such as adding various types of plumbing materials, reading, and interpreting design drawings, repairing, and installing boilers, faucets, sanitary equipment and even water heaters. Most of its graduates will have no difficulty finding employment in the private and public sectors.

Acceptance Rate

88.73

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

The goal of New England Institute of Technology is to turn a personal passion into a meaningful career by providing an affordable education. It offers more than 50 master’s, bachelor’s, associate, and online programs.

It provides basic practice and theory of plumbing and heating, as well as hands-on and experienced laboratory training. The program is a combined education of heating and plumbing in residential and commercial structures. It’s a four-term program that includes the study of methods of fabrication, study of basic tools, drainage, water piping methods, and other plumbing techniques. 

Acceptance Rate

63.2

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

For more than 50 years, Manatee Technical College has been a provider of excellent educational experiences that result in great careers. In Florida, it is the largest provider of various career-oriented programs.

Students in the plumbing technology degree program are prepared for entry-level vocation. They are also expected to receive advanced training in the commercial and residential plumbing industry. The capabilities they will develop from the program include safety, blueprints, pipe-related mathematics, building codes, work codes, rough piping, pipe cutting and connection skills, storm drains and water heaters.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$4,332 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

Osceola Technical College is the first and only state post-secondary technical college in the county. It predicts success for students and prepares them for the future. 

Its plumbing program assists students with the know-how of plumbing and guides them in gaining expertise for use. Its procedures include reading or interpreting construction documents, understanding the building codes of the plumbing industry, pipe layout and installation, and pipe cutting and joining techniques. After completing the plumbing works, students participating in the AS program may be eligible for clear credits.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$5,819 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

19:1

The mission of Irvine Institute of Technology is to empower students to provide education not only for their future but also for the community. It ensures that its graduates are highly trained and productive in their line of work.   Irvine Institute of Technology prides itself on having highly qualified trainers. They train students in interpreting documents for construction and building codes. The faculty at IIT teach students the layout and installation of various pipes to help prepare them for a future in the plumbing trade after program completion.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$3,818 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

20:1

Sheridan Technical College is a public school offering technical and career study programs for students to have opportunities to gain knowledge and skills in high demand occupational fields. All its programs have online learning formats while 13 of its programs are offered fully online. 

The top ranked plumbing degree program at Sheridan Institute of Technology takes 960 hours to complete. It is focused on training future plumbers in the plumbing systems in industrial, commercial, and residential setup. Students will be taught about soldering, reading blueprints, cutting/joining pipes, as well as interpreting local and national plumbing codes. They will also gain mastery in all aspects of plumbing such as labor issues, community issues, technical & production skills, planning, finance, management, health, safety as well as environmental issues.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$4,375 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

Since 1933, Mid Florida Tech, or also known as Orange Institute of Technology, is a first-class technical education that has changed people's lives through its academic programs. It has five campuses and provides employment opportunities for skilled students.

It provides apprenticeship programs that focus on vocational training for individuals selected by sponsors or employers to participate in accordance with the standards of the US Department of Labor. One of the courses under the apprenticeship program is Plumbing. Aspiring plumbers will get to study the field for four years in Mid Florida Tech.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$2,240 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

Fort Myers Technical College is a post-secondary school that has been providing career-based training certificate programs for more than 50 years in Florida. As part of the Lee County School District, it provides students with technical training programs for current and emerging industries. 

The pipeline project at Fort Myers Institute of Technology can be completed in less than a year. Students were trained on the basics of plumbing, such as installation, drainage, gas plumbing systems for residential, commercial, and industrial sites, and waste and vents. Plumber is one of the most demanding professions. Experts predict that the growth rate of job opportunities will reach 16% in the next 8 years.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$2,233 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

20:1

Pinellas Technical-St. Petersburg is accredited by SACSS and COE. Since 1962, it has provided first-class technical and vocational education. 

Its degree in plumbing is part of its apprenticeship program for four years. The employer sponsors the apprenticeship training for students participating in the course. These courses are held in the evening, and their knowledge and skills must be verified through on-the-job training.  To learn more about the exciting vocational programs offered at Pinellas Technical College in Saint Pete’s, please request information from the school today.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$2,190 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

The Sarasota County Technical Institute is located in Florida and offers an affordable education. The school first opened in 1967 with about 500 students. At that time, the school offered 13 programs. Now, the school has 75 acres and offers 39 programs in Automotive & Marine Technologies, Business Technologies, Child Care Careers, Drafting, Cosmetology, Criminal Justice Academy, Emergency Medical Services, Fire Science Academy, Health Science, HVAC, Veterinary Assisting, Precision Machining, and Restaurant & Food Services. The cost of full-time technical programs runs from $3,000 to $5,600.

The institute offers outstanding services. On campus, you will find a cafeteria, media center, test center, and student organizations. Child care is available as well.

At Sarasota County Technical Institute financial aid is available. Last year alone, over $613,500 in scholarships and grants were awarded to SCTI students. Not to mention that the institute has been accredited by the Commission of the Council on Occupational Education (COE), and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS).

Florida residents can take the GED course offered for just $45. This course helps individuals prepare for the GED examination. Anyone who completes the examination will be given a State of Florida High School Diploma. The course will cover Mathematics, Language Arts/Reading, Language Arts/Writing, Social Studies, and Science.

English for Speakers of other Languages classes are offered at an affordable price. The course covers conversation, grammar, workforce readiness, computer operations, citizenship preparation.

Most programs will allow students to earn college credits at universities in Florida.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$6,272 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

4:1

Bridgerland Applied Technology College (BATC) main campus is located in Logan, Utah with three other campuses in the state—another part of Logan, Brigham City, and Woodruff. Programs:

  • Basic Skills/Communications Academic Learning Center
  • Business/Marketing Professions Accounting, Business Administrative Support/Computer Applications, Real Estate, Farm/Ranch Business Management, and Fashion Merchandising
  • Computers/Software Professions E-Commerce, Information Technology, and Media Design
  • Drafting/Construction Professions Apprenticeships: Electrician, HVAC, Industrial Maintenance, Machinist, and Plumbing; Cabinetmaking & Millwork; Carpentry; Drafting; and Heavy Equipment Operator/CDL
  • Health/Dental Professions Animal Sciences (Veterinarian Assistant / Pre-Vet Tech), Dental Assisting, Medical Assisting, Medical Coding, Medical Office Administration, Nursing Assistant Training (CNA), Pharmacy Technician, and Practical Nursting
  • Manufacturing Professions Electronics, Industrial Automation Maintenance, Machining Technology, Welding Technology
  • Service Professions Cosmetology/Barbering, Esthetician, Nail Technicial, Culinary Arts, Emergency Medical Services, Fire & Rescue Services, Interior Design, Meat Services, Policy Academy
  • Transportation Professions Auto Collision, Automotive Service, Diesel, CDL – Professional Truck Driving Training, Heavy Equipment Operator
Job placement assistance is given to students upon completion of their training. Other student services include access to the learning center and cafeteria, retail meat services, copy center, and Cosmetology services. View BATC’s Get Started Guide and registration process for online classes can be found on their website or by requesting information from our portal.  Get started today and learn what BATC can do for you.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$3,005 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

N.A

Industrial Management Training Institute operates as a less than 2-year private career school that offers a great education environment for its students located in and around Waterbury. Over the past several years Industrial Management Training Institute awarded degrees to over 190 students with 74% of students who start the program continue it to completion. Industrial Management Training Institute offers several programs to choose from. Below is a list of the more popular programs being offered:

  • Refrigeration Technology
  • Electrician
  • Plumbing Technology
  • Electrical Maintenance and Repair Technology

To help students and recent graduates, Industrial Management Training Institute may offer student services including:

  • Work study style employment
  • Helping students find work after graduation

The Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges has accredited the program courses of Industrial Management Training Institute for over twenty straight years. To see more and get consumer disclosures, you can visit imti.edu.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$19,635 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

Apex Technical College has been serving resident of New York City for over fifty years. ATC provides technical programs to help students develop the skills necessary to enter the workforce with confidence. Apex utilizes real shops and professionals as instructors to ensure the education received by students is applicable.

Academics

ATC offers 6 technical courses of study, each taking approximately seven months to complete for full time students.

These programs are:

  • Automotive Technician Program
  • Refrigeration, Air Conditioning, Appliance and Controls
  • Auto Body Repair
  • Electrical and Advanced Electrical
  • Combination Welding Technology
  • Construction Skills: Plumbing, Carpentry, Electrical

ATC offers day and evening courses starting every month.

Admission and Financial Aid

Admission ATC requires students to be at least 17 years of age, have a high school diploma or equivalent (if neither a standardized test will be given and satisfactory score achieved), meet with a school representative, pay the application fee and sign an enrollment agreement.

ATC provides financial aid services, including loan and grant assistance. Interested students should contact ATC or visit the financial aid office as well as fill out and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$18,400 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

East Valley Institute of Technology, located in Phoenix, Arizona, was founded to provide service and education to the metropolitan areas of east Phoenix. The school is a public institution that primarily serves high school students from the surrounding region that meet the prerequisites for admission at the 10th, 11th, or 12th grade level. Students concurrently enrolled in high school may attend EVIT for free. The school provides technical training and has been nationally recognized for its program offerings and implementation.

Academics

Programs at EVIT provide students with training and education that allows for the development of skills and abilities useful in the student's chosen field of study. The goal of the school is to provide a quality educational and instructional environment that best prepares students as professionals, allowing for immediate workforce entry upon completion. Though the school is primarily geared for teenagers in high school, the school does offer training and continuing education courses for adults wishing to develop or upgrade their skills.

Programs offered include:

Admissions and Financial Aid

High school students enrolling at EVIT may do so through the application available through their current associated high school. Student will clear a portion of their schedule, allowing for EVIT classes take their place. Adults wishing to enroll must complete and submit an application, provide all pertinent information and meet with a counselor. Adults in need of financial assistance may complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to see if they qualify for grants and loans. Qualifying individuals will be contacted with information regarding tuition payments and disbursement of funds.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$14,555 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

20:1

Hohokus School of Trade and Technical Sciences is a less than 2-year career college dedicated to offering a solid education for students in Paterson and surrounding areas. Over 290 students have received a degree in the last few years with around 73% of students who start the program complete it. Hohokus School of Trade and Technical Sciences offers several programs to choose from. The more popular programs are shown below:

  • Welding
  • Property Management
  • Electrician
  • Plumbing Technology

To help students and alumni succeed, Hohokus School of Trade and Technical Sciences may offer services like those listed below:

  • Counseling assistance
  • Employing students to lower education costs
  • Assistance to find work

The last reported accreditation for this school was done by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges. Please visit eastwickcolleges.com for more information on programs offered and consumer disclosures.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$13,170 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

Pamlico Community College provides personalized attention to students based on their needs and preferences. Since 1962, it has been an industrial education institution.  Students in plumbing engineering will receive training in the installation of pipes, fittings, fixtures, and valves. The program also includes instruction about the fundamentals in basic plumbing. It is part of the construction industry provided by the college.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

Berk Trade and Business School is a less than two year career college that offers training and education opportunities for its students located in and around Long Island City. Over the previous several years Berk Trade School has granted degrees to over 240 students with a graduation rate of more than 72%. Berk Trade and Business School offers several programs to choose from. Some of the more popular programs being offered:

  • Electrical and Power Transmission Installation
  • Plumbing Technology

To help students and alumni succeed, Berk Trade and Business School may offer services like:

  • Remedial instructional courses
  • Counseling assistance
  • Helping students find work after graduation

The last reported accreditation for this school was done by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges. Get more information by visiting the school's official website, where you can see programs available, financial aid & tuition, and disclosures.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$11,225 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

The Southeastern Technical Institute (STI) is a technical vocational school located in Easton, Massachusetts. Easton has a population of 23,112 and is a smaller town in Massachusetts. As one of the first towns to be settled in the late 1600s, Easton has a plethora of American history within its borders and encourages visitors and residents alike to check out its historic landmarks. In the year 2012, enrollment was 11 and tuition at STI was $1,500. It has an outstanding retention rate: 87%, and the majority of students who are admitted graduate from the institution. At STI, students are allowed to work in full and part time programs that are taught by accredited and talented instructors. Here are some of the programs that are available for students:

  • Computer courses
  • Driver’s Ed
  • HVAC
  • Health Claims
  • Massage Therapy
  • Auto Body repair
  • Welding
  • Woodworking
  • Plumbing
  • Electrical Apprenticeship
  • Practical Nursing
  • Phlebotomy
Students in the Southeastern Technical Institute program are able to get hands on training with quality professionals that are tailored to their individual needs. For those interested in applying, you need a high school diploma with at least a 2.0 GPA, or a passing GED score. After those are presented, the admissions candidate must pass a placement test for full admission. There are federal loan options available for most students, and the graduates from Southeastern Technical Institute are able to move on to high quality technical jobs in the area.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$11,125 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

About Emily Griffith Technical College, located in Denver, Colorado, was founded in 1916 through the efforts of Colorado educator Emily Griffith who had dreamed of opening a school that provided educational opportunities for individuals of all ages. The school maintains a location in downtown Denver, granted in 1916 by the Denver Board of Education to begin this new type of school. Today the school offers over 40 certificate programs and maintains and has served over 1.5 million students since its founding.
Academics Emily Griffith Technical College utilizes nine areas of study to divide its programs; Apprenticeships Training Division, College of Business and Technology, Corporate Training Division, College of Health Sciences, College of Trades and Industry, College of Design Industries, Extended Learning Division, Language Learning Center, and Emily Griffith High School. Individuals studying through one of these divisions will receive a short term education, typically lasting less than two years, that provides the skills and abilities necessary to enter the workforce as a qualified professionals.
Programs offered include:

Admissions and Financial Aid Emily Griffith Technical College admits any individuals interested in attending through the submission of an application and payment of fees. Students should have a social security number, a valid Colorado driver's license, and if under 23 years of age, assistance from one's parents to provide information, and the completion of the application online. Financial aid is available in the form of grants and scholarships. Students in need of assistance must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the information from which is used by the school to assist in forming a financial aid plan.
Additional financial aid information may be found at: www.fafsa.ed.govwww.pin.ed.gov, www.emilygriffith.edu/admissions

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$10,781 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

Adult & Continuing Education-BCTS (Bergen County Technical School) is a technical school located in Bergen County in a relatively large town that provides incredible education resources to the whole county. This technical school is aimed at providing relevant resources to the county residents. They achieve this with great learning facilities and vocational training courses. Since its inception, BCTS has helped many people gain practical skills from the hands-on training gained from such courses as carpentry, electrical technology, energy conservation, fire fighting, plumbing and welding. These are courses that equip the learner with the necessary skills and knowledge to deal with the plethora challenges technical workers face each and every day in the field.

There are also courses that enable high school students to pass their GED exams and opportunities to study English as a foreign language. They open their doors to all applicants and their fees are relatively low, $9,675 in 2012.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$8,855 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

What Does a Plumber Do?

A plumbing professional helps gas and liquids properly flow through piping. From drinking water to sanitation, piping is required to keep our modern life moving in a predictable, safe manner.

Plumbers are charged to comply with all local and federal regulations while properly installing pipes and fittings to move gas and/or liquids from one point to another in an airtight and watertight manner. The tools of the trade include a variety of wrenches, saws, torches, welding torches, fittings, and connectors.

Trade professionals understand the variants in materials from sector to sector. In other words, the piping for residential jobs will likely differ from an industrial or commercial application. For example, a residential home will call for water pipes that are comprised of plastic, PEX, copper, and/or steel. Industrial power plants, on the other hand, utilize a series of large steel piping to move water and steam.

Plumbing professionals are hired as independent contractors or part of a larger organization. Jobs will vary in size and scope depending on the situation. Generally, a plumber is hired to perform the following types of tasks: installation of new systems, repair and maintenance of existing systems, construction management, modifying current piping systems, and removing existing piping systems. Considerations of each type of job include staying within budget, conforming to local and national building codes, passing inspection, adhering to design specifications, ensuring the system works within the existing building configuration.

Why Become a Plumber?

Students seeking a career in the plumbing field enter this industry for a number of reasons. Primary reasons range from job stability, above average income, satisfying work, and diversity of work to name a few. In a recent survey, professionals provided a list of top reasons they entered the trade.

  1. Job Stability: Of those surveyed, the top reason for choosing a career in the plumbing field was job stability. Regardless of the broad economy, this trade has proven to be nearly impervious to market undulations.
  2. Career Opportunities: In this trade, there are ample opportunities for growth and upward mobility. Moving from apprenticeship programs to master plumber takes hard-work, dedication, and industry knowledge. This level of expertise can be translated into substantial career moves affecting title, position, and income.
  3. Respect: The next most common reason students select this trade is the respect they earn from others. A respected member of a team and within a community provides a sense of self and confidence that is worth its weight in gold.
  4. Affordability: Earning an online degree in plumbing or a similar certificate from an accredited college takes less time than a 4-year business degree. Graduating with minimal debt in an above average paying field helps students move ahead financially with smaller student loan bills.
  5. Satisfaction: The inherent satisfaction of taking on a job and seeing it through to completion is a key component of any trade. Seeing hard work take shape and help others can provide immense satisfaction job after job.
  6. Problem Solving: Being a trained problem solver is a key aspect of any trades person. Designing solutions to overcome repair and maintenance problems for large commercial projects or small home improvement jobs creates a self-reinforcing cycle for plumbers of all ages.

Top Plumbing Degrees

Degrees and certificate programs in the plumbing trade are plentiful.  While some trade professionals prefer on-the-job experience plus a high school diploma or GED, a formal education  can rapidly accelerate knowledge acquisition and provide for a more versatile career.  High school students across the country may consider certificate and degree programs in the industry.

To help you determine which formal path makes the most sense for you, we have compiled a summary of the most popular types of programs.  Learning more about specific degree programs and accredited colleges is as simple as connecting with schools below.

Online Plumbing Certificate Programs

Online schools offer certificate programs in the plumbing trade via a series of focused, clustered courses to transfer specific knowledge and skills to students.  Plumber courses at the certificate level can be earned as quick as six months up to two-years depending on course load and the requirements of the college.

Some certification programs provide a broad overview of the trade while others teach a set of specific skills.  For example, a trade school may design a certificate program for plumbers that intend to work within a commercial construction business while other programs may be created for those focused on residential work.  In either case, a certificate from an accredited college or university can be a viable path towards a career in the field.

Online Plumbing Associate Degrees

An associates degree offered by plumbing schools are conferred as either an Associate of Science (AS) or Associate of Arts (AA).  How a degree is conferred by a college is dependent upon the contents of the coursework and overall emphasis of the degree.  Students should expect the program to last about 2-years based on full-time study.

You also should anticipate taking a number of general education classes in addition to the required core classes to help build a set of holistic thinking skills.  General education classes may include communications, English composition, philosophy, sociology, economics, and psychology.

Distance learning or online plumbing courses at the associates degree level provide essential tools for the trade.  Classes you may take include technical plumbing program courses that including the following examples:

  • Introduction to Plumbing Fixtures & Technology
  • Basic Plumbing and Heating Principles
  • Fixtures and Appliances
  • Blueprints, Drawings, and Specs
  • Mathematics and Statistics
  • Special Purposes Installation
  • License Law & Regulations
  • Calculations and Procedures
  • Fixtures and Installation
  • Construction Management & Building Inspection
  • Basic Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC)
  • Job Estimating
  • Advanced Layout Procedures
  • Plumbing Code

Skills & Abilities Required of Plumbers

  1. Oral Comprehension - The ability to keenly articulate training concepts and design solutions of a project or program.
  2. Speech Recognition - Understand others regardless of accent or speaking inflection on the job site.
  3. Written Comprehension - Ability to read written words, search training documents, and blueprints related to a specific project.
  4. Speaking - Talking clearly and carefully explaining ideas or concepts related to a project or job from start to finish.
  5. Instructing - Directing others on the job-site to help manage work and complete projects on-time and on budget.
  6. Reading Comprehension - Read and understand training manuals, safety concerns, and instructions to efficiently solve work-based queries.
  7. Active Listening - Actively engage with others by asking pointed questions and providing positive non-verbal cues.
  8. Writing - Clearly write numbers and words to record information and document project data.
  9. Speech Clarity - Speak clearly and concisely to convey solutions to job tasks to individuals or working groups of stakeholders.
  10. Oral Expression - Understand overt and covert communication cues through high level, meaningful dialogue.

Employment in Plumbing

Earning a plumbing certification or an Associate's degree in plumbing can set students up for long-term employment. Students can attend a vocational school or career college that provides exceptional plumbing training with or without a direct hire engagement. Direct hires are arrangements that employ qualified students directly from school with little to no downtime after graduation.

Students seeking to expand their vocational opportunities in the trade may consider a continuing education programs or jobs in similar trades. Examples of trades of interest may include any number of the following career tracks: steamfitter, general contractor, pipe fitter, boilermaker, cost estimator, mechanical engineer, specialty contractor, budget analyst, electrician, construction manager, or project manager.

Plumber Careers & Job Outlook

The next decade looks bright for plumbing professionals. Estimates from the Bureau of Labor Statistics indicate a growth rate in this industry of 16%. Compared to the national average of 7%, this trade represents a growth rate in excess of double the national average over the coming decade. Put another way, the industry is poised to add over 75,000 new plumbing jobs during this time period. This growth represents ample career opportunities for trained professionals in the plumbing trade.

Similarly, trades in adjacent areas of construction are also projected to be well above the national average. Specifically, the employment growth of building inspectors is forecast to jump 12% and a 14% increase for electricians. Coupling an industry growing at a rapid rate and above average income can result in a long-term plumbing career. In addition, growth is often associated with upward mobility opportunities as plumbing companies expand their operations to take on new work.

How Much to Plumbers Get Paid?

Plumbing professional typically receive a level of income that is well above average.  Career information gathered from the Bureau of Labor Statistics calculates the average plumbing professional earns nearly $52,000 per year on average.

This average wage represents approximately 38% more than the median annual salary for all jobs across our nation’s economy.  However, it is important to recognize regional differences across the country.

Deeper data reveals that the top 10% of plumbing professionals receive an annual income of $90,530 on average while the bottom ten percent earn just over thirty-thousand dollars annually in pay.

States Employing the Most Plumbing Professionals
  • California   43,040
  • Texas           40,530
  • New York    28,320
  • Florida         23,060
  • Illinois         15,860
Top Paying States for Plumbers
  • New York                          $76,750
  • Illinois                               $75,530
  • Oregon                               $73,960
  • District of Columbia       $71,120
  • Alaska                                $71,030

Job Duties of a Plumber

Exact job responsibilities of a plumber will vary from job to job. However, a set of general expectations are summarized below to help you understand what to expect as a professional in the trade.

  • Assembling tubes, pipes, and fittings with coupling, solvent, cement, soldering, and welding tools
  • Installing valves, fittings, pipes, and pipe assemblies for small appliances such as hot water heaters or dishwashers toilets, and sinks
  • Keep records of work assignments
  • Ensuring piping and fixtures are in good working order using gauges, visual inspection, and flowing water trough piping to test flow
  • Inspecting, measuring, cutting, threading, bending pipes by hand or with a machine to create proper size and shape for job
  • Analyzing codes, specs, and blueprints to create an estimate of costs, material, sequence, labor, and time involved in a project
  • Installing green plumbing equipment like dual-flush systems, tankless hot water tanks, faucet flow restrictors, and pressure-assisted flush toilets
  • Creating openings in walls or structures to make necessary room for piping and pipe assemblies using power tools or hand tools
  • Installing an array of alternative water sources like graywater reuse water systems or rainwater harvesting systems based on customer request and local building requirements
  • Researching water saving and energy efficient systems to benefit the owners use and sustainable practices

Top Resources for Plumbing Students

  1. American Society of Plumbing Engineering (ASPE)
  2. United Association (UA)
  3. Water Quality Association (WQA)
  4. Association of Independent Manufacturers/Representatives (AIM/R)
  5. Plumbing Heating Cooling Contractors Association (PHCC)
  6. American Water Works Association (AWWA)
  7. International Association of Plumbing & Mechanical Officials (IAPMO)
  8. National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA)
  9. American Backflow Prevention Association (ABPA)
  10. American Supply Association (ASA)
  11. Plumbing Manufacturers International (PMI)

Find Your College Match

Sort By