Becoming a plumber involves education, hands-on training, and licensing. The journey typically takes between 4 to 5 years but can range from 2 to 10 years, depending on the chosen path and certification level, according to Illinois Plumbing Consultants.
Educational Pathways
- High School Diploma or GED
- The process begins with obtaining a high school diploma or GED as a basic requirement for further training.
- Vocational Training or Plumbing School
- Some people attend a vocational school to learn plumbing. This can take 6-12 months or up to two years. In school, you learn essential plumbing skills and get ready for your first job.
- Apprenticeship Programs
- Other people work with a plumber and learn while they work. This is called an apprenticeship, which usually takes 4-5 years but can be as short as two years or as long as five years, as noted by Winnsce.
- Community College
- Another option is to attend community college, where plumbing programs usually take 1-2 years to complete, according to Faraday Careers.
Apprenticeship Program Details
During an apprenticeship, you learn both in the classroom and on the job. You need to complete at least 144 hours of classroom instruction each year and at least 6,375 hours of on-the-job training, based on guidelines from Illinois Plumbing Consultants and Winnsce. Apprenticeship programs cover topics such as:
- OSHA safety training
- Chemistry, mathematics, and physics
- Blueprint reading and drafting
- State codes
- Water treatment systems, water heaters, plumbing appliances, and fixtures
Licensing Process
- Journeyman Plumber Experience
- After completing your training, you can become a plumber called a “journeyman.” This means you can work independently.
- State Licensing Examination
- To advance, you need to pass a state licensing examination. This allows you to work on your own and gain more experience.
Master Plumber Certification
Becoming a master plumber takes longer, usually 7-10 years in total, and requires passing a special state exam, as explained by Amwarshaw Plumbing. This also requires several years of experience as a journeyman plumber.
Alternative Career Paths
- Trade School Option
- Trade school programs typically take 1-2 years to complete. Costs can range from $1,250 to $3,000.
- Community College Route
- Community college plumbing programs usually take 1-2 years. The average cost is about $3,440 per year, according to Faraday Careers.
State-Specific Requirements
Licensing requirements vary by state. For example, in Arizona, plumbers must pass two exams: a business management exam and a trade exam (Phoenix Plumb and Drain). Additionally, they need a minimum of five years of practical experience before taking the exam.
Career Progression and Earnings
- Apprentice Plumber
- Apprenticeship typically lasts 4-5 years, with earnings ranging from $12 to $19 per hour.
- Journeyman Plumber
- After becoming a journeyman, earnings range from $17 to $43 per hour.
- Master Plumber
- Master plumbers earn between $36 and $67 per hour.
Fast-Track Options
Some programs offer ways to shorten the process:
- Credit for previous plumbing experience or training can reduce the requirements by up to 50%.
- Those with significant experience may start at an advanced level, such as Year 3 of an apprenticeship program.
Conclusion
The journey to becoming a plumber can vary in duration, from a few months to several years, depending on your chosen path. Whether you opt for vocational school, an apprenticeship, community college, or another route, the plumbing profession offers stability, growth, and rewarding opportunities.
The ultimate goal for many is to become a journeyman or master plumber. Achieving these levels requires dedication, practice, and passing exams. With high demand for skilled plumbers, this career offers the potential for a fulfilling and well-paying job.
