Plumbers keep the modern world running; every home, hospital, school, and factory in the country depends on the systems they install and maintain, and the trade pays well without requiring a four-year degree.
The mean annual wage for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters was $72,170 (weighted median: $54,011; median hourly: $34.70) as of May 2025. The field includes 465,840 jobs nationally, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects about 44,000 openings every year as the existing workforce ages out.
This guide walks through the entire path from zero experience to a licensed plumbing career: training options, what an apprenticeship actually requires, how licensing works, and what you can expect to earn at every stage.
Plumber in the US: Quick Facts
| Training duration | 4–5 years (apprenticeship is the standard path) |
| Average program cost | $0 (apprenticeship) to $5,000+ (trade school, varies by program) |
| Mean annual wage | $72,170 per year (weighted median: $54,011; median hourly: $34.70) as of May 2025, BLS OEWS |
| Licensing required | Yes, requirements vary by state; most require a license to work independently |
| Job outlook | 4% growth from 2024 to 2034, BLS OOH |
| Annual job openings | ~44,000 per year, BLS projection |
| Total US plumbing jobs (2025) | 465,840, BLS OEWS May 2025 |
Table of Contents
What Does a Plumber Do Day-to-Day?
Plumbers install, maintain, and repair the pipe systems that carry water, gas, and waste through buildings, work that ranges from rough-in plumbing on new home construction to emergency repairs on a burst pipe in a hospital basement at 2 a.m. The work is hands-on, varies significantly by specialization, and rarely looks the same from one job to the next.
Residential plumbers
Residential plumbers install and repair water supply lines, drain-waste-vent systems, water heaters, and fixtures in homes. A large share of residential work is service and repair, responding to leaks, clogs, and fixture failures, alongside new installation work tied to construction and remodeling.
Commercial plumbers
Commercial plumbers work on larger-scale systems in office buildings, retail spaces, schools, and hospitals, often including more complex drainage design, backflow prevention, and medical gas piping in healthcare settings specifically.
Industrial plumbers and pipefitters
Industrial plumbers and pipefitters maintain high-pressure piping systems in manufacturing plants, power generation facilities, and process industries. This specialization typically commands the highest pay of the three categories and often overlaps with the steamfitting trade.
Core daily tasks across all specializations
- Reading blueprints and plumbing code requirements
- Installing and repairing water supply, drain-waste-vent (DWV), and gas piping systems
- Cutting, threading, and joining pipe using a range of materials (copper, PVC, PEX, cast iron, steel)
- Testing systems for leaks and proper pressure
- Following state plumbing code, most commonly the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) or International Plumbing Code (IPC), depending on the state
- Coordinating with general contractors, electricians, and HVAC technicians on new construction projects
How Long Does It Take to Become a Plumber?
Most people become licensed plumbers in 4 to 5 years, primarily through an apprenticeship that combines paid on-the-job training with structured classroom instruction. A smaller number of people complete a trade school certificate first, typically 6 months to 2 years, before entering an apprenticeship, which can strengthen their application but does not eliminate the on-the-job hours requirement that every state imposes.
This timeline is consistent with the broader skilled trades pattern: the credential that actually allows you to work independently, a state journeyman license, requires accumulated, documented field hours that no classroom alone can substitute for.
Step-by-Step: How to Become a Plumber
Step 1: Meet the baseline requirements
The entry requirements for plumbing are modest and fairly uniform across the country:
- Education: High school diploma or GED. Many apprenticeship programs require at least one year of high school algebra; some require Algebra II specifically for pipe sizing and load calculations.
- Age: 18 or older for most registered apprenticeships, though some pre-apprenticeship programs accept candidates as young as 17 with parental consent.
- Driver’s license: Required in most programs; you will be driving a company vehicle to job sites daily.
- Physical capability: The ability to lift 50+ pounds, work in tight crawlspaces, climb ladders, work in trenches, and kneel for extended periods.
- Drug screening: Standard at hire and common as ongoing random testing, particularly on federal and union projects.
Step 2: Choose your entry path, apprenticeship, or trade school first
You have two realistic starting points. An apprenticeship gets you earning wages from day one and is the most direct route to a journeyman license.
A trade school certificate program (6 months to 2 years) builds foundational classroom knowledge first, which can make you a stronger apprenticeship applicant, but you will still need to complete the same on-the-job hour requirement afterward. Neither path is objectively superior; see our dedicated comparison for how to weigh the trade-offs for your specific situation.
Step 3: Apply to and complete a registered apprenticeship
Whether you choose a union (UA) or non-union (PHCC/ABC) program, the application process generally involves submitting your education records, passing an aptitude test, and completing a structured interview.
Programs rank applicants and admit from the top of the list as spots open. Once accepted, you begin accumulating on-the-job hours under a licensed journeyman or master plumber while attending required classroom instruction.
Step 4: Sit for your journeyman exam
After completing your state’s required hours, typically in the 7,200 to 10,000 range depending on the program and state, and your classroom instruction requirement, you become eligible to sit for your state’s journeyman plumber exam.
The exam generally tests knowledge of your state’s adopted plumbing code (UPC or IPC), pipe sizing, fixture requirements, and safety practices.
Step 5: Work toward your master plumber license
After one to several years as a licensed journeyman (the exact requirement varies significantly by state), you become eligible to test for a master plumber license. The master license is what allows you to pull permits independently and, in most states, operate your own plumbing contracting business.
Plumber Apprenticeship: How It Actually Works
A registered plumbing apprenticeship is the backbone of how most people enter this trade, and it is worth understanding the mechanics clearly before choosing a program.
What a typical apprenticeship includes
Apprenticeship combines two parallel tracks: on-the-job training (OJT) under the direct supervision of a licensed journeyman or master plumber, and Related Technical Instruction (RTI), structured classroom learning covering plumbing code, math, safety, and trade theory.
Both tracks run simultaneously over the life of the program, and both are documented and reported to your state’s apprenticeship oversight body.
Real wage progression: an actual union pay scale
Apprentice pay increases at defined intervals as you progress through the program. Rather than describing this only in abstract percentage terms, here is an actual published wage schedule, from a UA-affiliated local’s published collective bargaining agreement, to show what this looks like in real dollars:
Below is a sample of Oklahoma data. Before making a decision, confirm current rates with your local for the latest rates
| Apprenticeship Year | Hourly Wage (representative schedule) |
| Year 1 | $22.00/hr |
| Year 2 | $24.00/hr |
| Year 3 | $26.00/hr |
| Year 4 | $28.00/hr |
| Year 5 | $32.00/hr |
| Journeyman | $40.00/hr |
On top of hourly wages, union apprentices typically receive a benefits package layered in as they progress; for example, the same Local 344 schedule includes an annuity contribution beginning with the apprentice’s very first hour of employment, health insurance coverage after 600 on-the-job hours, and pension coverage beginning at third-year apprentice status.
How many hours does it actually take?
This is where apprenticeship structures genuinely differ depending on the sponsoring organization:
- UA (United Association) union apprenticeships are structured as 5-year programs. Individual UA locals report varying total hour requirements; some structure this as 1,800 hours per year for 5 years (9,000 total hours), while UA’s national program materials cite figures closer to 10,000 OJT hours plus approximately 1,230 classroom hours.
- PHCC and ABC non-union apprenticeships are typically structured as 4-year programs with approximately 7,200 to 8,000 hours of on-the-job training, plus 576 to 800 hours of classroom instruction (commonly delivered as 144 to 156 RTI hours per year). These programs are registered with state and federal labor departments, and graduates qualify for journeyman licensure on the same basis as union graduates.
The “skip test” option guide
Several state PHCC chapters allow apprentices who already have documented industry experience to test out of entire program years rather than starting from scratch. Maryland’s PHCC chapter, for example, allows apprentices holding a state apprentice certificate with 2,000 hours of documented experience to sit for a “skip test”.
A passing score of 75% or higher skips the first program year entirely, and with 4,000 hours of experience and an 85% score on that first test, an apprentice can attempt a second skip test to bypass the second year as well.
Please confirm whether similar options exist in your target state before applying for a skip test. This kind of credit-for-experience option can be a genuinely significant time-saver for career-changers coming from adjacent trades or unlicensed handyman work.
A note on remote classroom instruction
For apprentices working in shops without convenient access to in-person classroom training, PHCC Academy offers an online Related Technical Instruction option recognized by the US Department of Labor, approximately 156 classroom-equivalent hours per year, delivered through a self-paced online platform.
It is the apprentice’s own responsibility to confirm that this option is accepted for licensing purposes in their specific state. Washington State, notably, does not currently grant licensing credit for this particular online course, even though the course itself remains available there for professional development.
Union (UA) vs. Non-Union (PHCC/ABC) Apprenticeships
| Factor | UA (Union) | PHCC / ABC (Non-Union) |
| Program length | 5 years | Typically 4 years |
| OJT hours | ~9,000–10,000 (varies by location) | ~7,200–8,000 |
| Classroom hours | ~1,230 (varies by local) | 576–800 (144–156/year) |
| Tuition | $0 | $0 (employer/association funded); some state chapters charge modest tuition for members vs. non-members |
| Benefits | Pension, annuity, health insurance (thresholds vary by local) | Varies by sponsoring employer |
| Entry competitiveness | Real, some locals accept roughly 1 in 4 applicants per cycle; varies | Generally more accessible |
| Application process | Apply to a specific local’s Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (JATC); aptitude test + interview + ranking | Similar structure; varies by sponsoring chapter |
Neither path is objectively better. UA union programs generally offer stronger wage scales and a defined benefits package, but admission to a specific local’s program is genuinely competitive in many markets.
PHCC and ABC non-union programs are typically faster to enter and still lead to the same state journeyman license at the end, just usually with a shorter overall program length and a benefits package that depends entirely on your specific sponsoring employer rather than a negotiated union contract.
Licenses and Certifications Required
Plumbing licensing is regulated at the state level in the US; there is no single federal plumbing license, and the specific hour requirements, exam structure, and fee schedules vary by state.
What is consistent nationally is the general structure: an apprentice/trainee registration, a journeyman license earned after accumulating field hours and passing an exam, and a master license earned after additional years of journeyman experience and a second exam.
Most states adopt one of two model plumbing codes as their legal standard:
- Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC): published by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO)
- International Plumbing Code (IPC): published by the International Code Council (ICC)
Knowing which code your target state has adopted matters directly for exam preparation, since the two codes differ in specific technical requirements.
Optional certifications that increase pay
Beyond your state license, several voluntary certifications add specialized value:
- Backflow Prevention Certification: required by many municipalities for anyone testing or repairing backflow prevention devices; offered through state-approved providers and organizations like the American Society of Sanitary Engineering (ASSE)
- Medical Gas Piping Certification: required to work on medical gas systems in healthcare facilities; also administered under ASSE standards in most states
- Green plumbing/water efficiency certifications: increasingly relevant as water conservation codes expand, particularly in drought-prone states
For Texas-specific licensing details, including TDLR’s specific journeyman and master requirements, see our state guide once published. For Florida-specific details, see our existing guide to the best plumbing schools in Florida, which also covers Florida’s distinct county-level journeyman licensing structure.
Plumber Salary and Job Outlook
The BLS OEWS May 2025 release places the mean annual wage for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters at $72,170, with a weighted national median of $54,011 and a median hourly rate of $34.70.
The field employs 465,840 workers nationally, with the BLS projecting 4% employment growth from 2024 to 2034 and roughly 44,000 job openings per year, driven primarily by the need to replace retiring workers.
For the first time in recent survey history, plumbers outpaced electricians on both median hourly ($34.70 vs. $34.37) and mean annual wages ($72,170 vs. $71,490), a reflection of sustained demand pressure driven by aging infrastructure and the ongoing skilled worker shortage.
Salary by career stage
| Career Stage | Approximate Annual Pay | Notes |
| Apprentice (Year 1) | ~$37,000–$46,000 | ~40–50% of journeyman rate; increases each year |
| Apprentice (Year 5) | ~$60,000–$67,000 | Approaching journeyman scale |
| Journeyman (entry) | ~$69,000–$72,000 | Independent work varies by state and union status |
| Master Plumber (employee) | $80,000–$85,000+ | Higher for business owners; BLS 90th percentile: $105,150+ |
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025 (SOC 47-2152); career-stage ranges are estimates aligned to BLS percentile bands.
Federal construction projects are also governed by Davis-Bacon prevailing wage requirements, and the US Department of Labor sets minimum hourly rates that contractors must pay on federally funded construction work. These are wage floors, not averages, meaning actual market pay on private projects can be, and often is, higher.
For a complete state-specific breakdown, see our existing guide to plumber salaries in Texas.
Is Plumbing Physically Demanding?
Yes, genuinely, and the data backs up what most people already assume. According to BLS Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses data, plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters reported approximately 211.7 days-away, restricted-duty, or job-transfer cases per 10,000 full-time-equivalent workers, roughly 2.12 cases per 100 FTE workers.
The trade requires climbing, crawling, pulling, lifting, crouching, and working in cramped quarters, often outdoors in semi-sheltered or unfinished buildings, or in trenches and ditches. Mechanical aptitude and finger dexterity matter as much as raw strength.
For a fuller, honest discussion of the physical and lifestyle trade-offs of this career, alongside the case for why it remains a strong choice for the right person, see our dedicated guide on ” Is plumbing a good career.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need a college degree to become a plumber?
No. A high school diploma or GED is the standard education requirement, and most successful plumbers enter the trade through an apprenticeship or trade school plus on-the-job training rather than a college degree.
How long does a plumbing apprenticeship take?
Most plumbing apprenticeships run 4 to 5 years. UA union programs are typically structured as 5-year programs; PHCC and ABC non-union programs are typically 4 years. Both combine on-the-job training with a parallel classroom instruction requirement, and both lead to journeyman license eligibility upon completion in most states.
Is plumbing a union or non-union trade?
Both options exist at meaningful scale. The United Association (UA) of Plumbers and Pipefitters sponsors the largest union apprenticeship network, while the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association (PHCC) and Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) sponsor the two largest non-union apprenticeship networks. Both paths are registered with state and federal labor departments and lead to legally recognized journeyman licensure.
How much does a plumber make when starting?
Apprentice pay varies by local and program, but a representative union wage schedule shows first-year apprentices starting around $22 per hour, with structured raises each year reaching $32 per hour by the fifth year and roughly $40 per hour at journeyman status. Non-union programs vary more by individual employer, but generally follow a similar progressive wage structure tied to training milestones.
Can you skip part of a plumbing apprenticeship if you have prior experience?
In some states, yes. Several PHCC state chapters offer a “skip test” option for apprentices with documented prior industry experience; Maryland’s program, for example, allows apprentices with 2,000 hours of documented experience to test out of the entire first program year with a passing score of 75% or higher. This option is not universal across all states and programs, so confirm directly with your target apprenticeship sponsor whether a similar option is available to you.
Conclusion
Plumbing is one of the most license-protected, recession-resistant trades in the country. Every fixture, drain, and gas line in the US is governed by code, and that code is enforced by a state-issued license that takes real time and documented experience to earn.
The path is well-defined: meet the baseline requirements, choose between union and non-union apprenticeship (or trade school first), accumulate your hours, and sit for your journeyman exam. The trade pays well, the workforce is aging out faster than it is being replaced, and the barriers to entry are lower than almost any other career path with comparable earning potential.
Not sure yet whether this career is the right fit for you specifically? Read our honest, data-backed breakdown of “is plumbing a good career“. Ready to start looking at specific programs? See our guide to the best plumbing schools in Florida, or calculate what you could earn in your state on: Plumber Salary by State: 2026 Calculator and Real BLS Data.