How to Become a Plumber

Plumbers install and maintain the water, gas, and drainage systems that every building depends on. It's physically demanding, mentally engaging, and extremely well paid — making it one of the smartest career choices available without a four-year degree. And with a projected shortage of skilled plumbers in the years ahead, your job security is about as solid as it gets.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, plumbers earn a median wage of $61,550 per year, with experienced master plumbers earning $90,000 or more. Employment is projected to grow 6% through 2033.

What Do Plumbers Actually Do?

Plumbing is far broader than most people assume. Plumbers work on water supply lines, drain systems, gas piping, water heaters, fire suppression systems, and even radiant floor heating. A typical week might include:

• Installing new plumbing in a housing development
• Diagnosing and fixing a burst pipe in a commercial building
• Replacing a water heater and checking gas connections for safety
• Installing bathroom fixtures in a renovation project
• Using camera inspection tools to locate clogs or damaged sewer lines

The Plumbing Career Ladder

Like most trades, plumbing follows a structured progression:

1. Pre-apprentice / helper: Entry-level, assisting journeymen on job sites
2. Apprentice: 4–5 year program combining on-the-job training with classroom hours
3. Journeyman plumber: Licensed to work independently on most projects
4. Master plumber: Highest license level — required to pull permits and run your own business

Step 1 — Find an Apprenticeship Program

Apprenticeships are the most direct path to becoming a licensed plumber. You earn while you learn — starting at roughly 50% of journeyman wages and receiving a raise every 6 months.

The two main apprenticeship sponsors are:

• United Association (UA): The largest plumbing union in North America, offering 5-year apprenticeship programs through local chapters
• Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association (PHCC): Offers non-union apprenticeships nationwide

Applicants typically need a high school diploma or GED, be at least 18 years old, and pass a math aptitude test. Physical fitness requirements are also standard.

Step 2 — Complete Your Apprenticeship Hours

UA apprenticeships require 246 hours of classroom instruction per year plus a minimum of 1,700 on-the-job training hours per year — totaling roughly 8,000 hours over the program's duration. You'll cover pipe fitting, blueprint reading, plumbing codes, safety, and water treatment systems.

Non-union apprenticeships vary slightly in structure but cover similar material and typically lead to the same journeyman licensing exam.

Step 3 — Pass Your Journeyman Exam

After completing your apprenticeship, you'll take a state journeyman plumber exam. The exam covers the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) or International Plumbing Code (IPC) depending on your state, plus local amendments. Study materials are available through your union local or the PHCC.

Many states also require a journeyman license fee and continuing education credits to keep the license current.

Step 4 — Pursue Your Master Plumber License

After working as a journeyman for 2–4 years (varies by state), you can sit for the master plumber exam. A master license is required to:

• Pull permits for plumbing projects
• Run your own plumbing business
• Supervise apprentices and journeymen
• Take on larger commercial and municipal contracts

Master plumbers can earn $85,000–$120,000+ as employees, and significantly more as business owners.

Plumbing Specialties That Pay More

Once you're a journeyman, developing a specialty increases your income:

• Pipefitter/steamfitter: Industrial pipes for high-pressure systems — often earns $80,000+
• Medical gas installer: Specialized certification, premium pay in hospital settings
• Fire suppression installer: Requires additional licensing, high demand from building codes
• Green plumbing: Rainwater harvesting, greywater systems, high-efficiency fixtures

Is Plumbing Right for You?

Plumbing is a great fit if you're physically fit, good at problem-solving, and comfortable working in tight spaces. You won't be at a desk — you'll be on job sites, in crawlspaces, and occasionally on call for emergency repairs. But the pay is excellent, the work is essential, and the path from apprentice to master plumber is well-defined.

Ready to learn more? Visit our Plumber career profile to compare programs, salaries, and licensing requirements in your state.