In short
To become a plumber, most people either finish a 9-to-12-month trade school certificate and start as a helper, or join a paid apprenticeship that runs about 4 to 5 years and ends at journeyman pay. School costs roughly $2,000 to $15,000 before grants, and apprenticeships cost nothing because you earn while you learn. Experienced plumbers earned a median of about $62,970 a year in May 2024, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Most states or cities license plumbers after a test. Fill out the form to hear from plumbing programs near you.
Quick facts
| Training time | About 9–12 months at a trade school, or a 4–5 year paid apprenticeship |
|---|---|
| School cost | About $2,000–$15,000 before grants and aid; apprenticeships are tuition-free and paid |
| Licensing | Most states or cities license plumbers. Some certify at the state level, others city by city. Ask the school what your area requires. |
| Typical pay | About $62,970 a year for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters (national median, May 2024). The lowest 10% earned under about $40,670 and the highest 10% over about $105,150. |
| Job outlook | About 4% growth from 2024 to 2034, with many openings each year as experienced plumbers retire. |
| Good for people who | Like solving problems with their hands, don't mind crawl spaces and dirty work, and want a skill that is always in demand |
Is this job for you?
Five honest questions. There is no wrong answer, but if you say yes to most of these, plumbing is worth a look. And here's the trade-off up front: it is physical, you will be in tight and sometimes unpleasant spots, and the first year or two can be low pay while you're still learning.
- Do you like figuring out why something stopped working and fixing it for good?
- Are you okay working in basements, crawl spaces, and sometimes outdoors in bad weather?
- Would you rather be moving on a job site than sitting at a desk?
- Can you lift and carry tools and pipe, and stand or kneel for long stretches?
- Are you willing to study for a license test and keep learning as codes change?
If most of those are no, that's useful too - look at HVAC, dental assisting, or welding instead.
What the work is like
Most days you drive a truck of tools and parts to one or two jobs. Some jobs are new construction: you run pipe through a house or building before the walls go up, working from blueprints. Others are repairs: a leak, a clogged main, a water heater that quit, a gas line that needs to pass inspection. You'll cut and join pipe, solder or press fittings, snake drains, and test for leaks.
You'll also talk to people. Homeowners are often stressed and short on time. Being calm, explaining what you found in plain words, and giving a straight estimate is part of doing the job well. Service plumbers usually work regular hours with some on-call nights for emergencies; construction plumbers often start early.
Plumbing schools near you are taking students.
The form already has "Skilled trades" picked for you. A few more questions and you're done.
How to get trained
Trade school certificate
About 9 to 12 months, mostly hands-on, at a private trade school or a community college. You learn to read blueprints, cut and join pipe, and work safely, and you usually finish ready for an entry-level helper job. Fastest route to a paycheck.
Paid apprenticeship
You get hired by a plumbing contractor, work full time, and take classes a few hours a week. You earn a paycheck and a raise every few months while you build toward journeyman status. The federal government tracks registered apprenticeships, so the training standards are set and portable. Takes about 4 to 5 years to reach journeyman, but you are paid the whole way and pay no tuition.
Community college certificate or degree
A one- or two-year program at a public college. Usually the cheapest per credit, and state grants and the Pell Grant can cover most of it. Good if you want to combine work with general classes or move into plumbing-adjacent work like pipefitting or hydronics.
What school costs
| Where | Cost before aid | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Community college certificate | About $2,000–$6,000 | About 1 year | Pell, state grants, and job-training funds often apply |
| Private trade school | About $8,000–$15,000 | 9–12 months | Faster start dates; ask for the total cost in writing |
| Registered apprenticeship | Usually $0 (you are paid) | 4–5 years | No tuition; raises as you progress |
Before you sign anything, ask the school three questions: What is the total cost in writing? What did last year's students do after they finished? Who helps me find a first job? A straight school answers all three.
What it pays
| Stage | Typical yearly pay | What you're doing |
|---|---|---|
| First year | Around $30,000–$40,000 | Helper, learning on the job or in an apprenticeship |
| Mid-level | Around $45,000–$60,000 | Running jobs with less supervision as you build skill |
| Experienced (median) | About $62,970 | Journeyman-level work, service calls, or running small jobs |
| Top 10% | Over about $105,150 | Master plumbers, commercial and industrial work, or your own business |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024, for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters. Figures are national and rounded; they are not a promise of what you will earn. Pay is usually higher in big cities and lower in rural areas, and overtime is common.
Questions about plumbing
Do I need a license to work as a plumber?
It depends on where you live. Some states license plumbers; others leave it to cities and counties. As an example, West Virginia requires every person doing plumbing work to hold a state certificate, and Ohio licenses plumbing contractors through the state. Ask the school what your state and city require, and build the test into your plan.
Can I start without experience?
Yes. Schools and apprenticeships both expect beginners. Apprenticeships usually want a high school diploma or GED, a driver's license, and to pass a basic math and reading entrance test - they teach you the trade from the ground up.
Should I do school first or go straight to an apprenticeship?
Apprenticeships often have a waiting list and open applications only once or twice a year. A short school program can get you hired as a helper sooner, and some employers count that training toward apprenticeship hours. If you want to earn while you learn and can wait for the next application window, the apprenticeship is the better deal.
Is plumbing harder on your body than other trades?
It's physical: crouching, lifting, and working in tight spots. Many plumbers move into service work, estimating, or running their own shop as they get older, which is easier on the body. Staying fit and using the right tools and lifting habits help a lot.
Can I go to school at night while I keep my job?
Usually, yes. Many community college and technical programs run evening classes, and apprenticeships are built around working full time. Tell the school your hours and ask what schedule fits.