Do You Need a Degree to Be a Plumber? (Spoiler: No!)

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Thinking about a stable, hands-on career but worried you need a four-year degree? You’re not alone. Many people assume skilled trades like plumbing require formal college education—but that’s simply not true. Do you need a degree to be a plumber? The short answer: no. In fact, most successful plumbers never set foot in a traditional university. Instead, they follow a proven path of apprenticeships, on-the-job training, and state licensing. If you’re looking for a recession-resistant career with strong earning potential and job satisfaction, plumbing might be your perfect fit—degree or not.


What Qualifications Do You Actually Need to Become a Plumber?

Contrary to popular belief, becoming a plumber doesn’t start with student loans or campus tours. The plumbing industry values skills, experience, and certification—not diplomas.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), most plumbers learn their trade through a 4- to 5-year apprenticeship that combines paid on-the-job training with classroom instruction. These programs are often sponsored by unions (like the United Association) or plumbing contractors’ associations.

Key requirements typically include:

  • Being at least 18 years old
  • Having a high school diploma or GED
  • Passing a basic math and reading assessment
  • Being physically fit for manual labor

No bachelor’s degree. No student debt. Just real-world training that pays you while you learn.


Apprenticeship vs. Trade School: Which Path Is Right for You?

Many aspiring plumbers wonder whether to jump straight into an apprenticeship or attend a vocational (trade) school first. Both routes lead to licensure—but they differ in cost, duration, and structure.

Duration4–5 years1–2 years
CostOften free (you earn while you learn)$1,000–$15,000 (varies by program)
Hands-on ExperienceImmediate, full-timeLimited (lab-based simulations)
Job PlacementHigh (often hired by sponsoring company)Varies by school
Licensing PrepBuilt into curriculumMay require extra exam prep

Pro Tip: Many trade schools partner with local unions or contractors to place graduates into apprenticeships—so attending one can actually accelerate your entry into a paid program.

“The best plumbers I’ve trained came through apprenticeships,” says Maria Lopez, a master plumber and training coordinator in Chicago. “They learn real problems on real job sites—something a classroom can’t fully replicate.”

For more on vocational education in the U.S., see the U.S. Department of Education’s overview on career and technical education .

Do You Need A Degree To Be A Plumber

Do You Need a License to Work as a Plumber?

Yes—almost everywhere in the U.S. While you don’t need a degree, you do need a license to work legally as a plumber in most states.

Licensing requirements vary by state, but generally follow this progression:

  1. Apprentice License – Entry-level; work under a licensed plumber.
  2. Journeyman License – After 2–4 years of experience + passing an exam.
  3. Master Plumber License – Requires 2+ additional years as a journeyman + advanced exam.

For example:

  • In Texas, you need 4,000 hours of experience to become a journeyman.
  • In New York, you must complete a 5-year apprenticeship and pass a written test.

Always check your state’s plumbing board for exact rules. The good news? Licensing exams focus on code knowledge, safety, and practical skills—not academic theory.


How Much Can You Earn Without a College Degree?

One of the biggest draws of plumbing is its strong income potential without a degree.

According to the BLS (2023 data):

  • Median annual wage: $60,090
  • Top 10% earn over: $100,000
  • Self-employed master plumbers often earn $80,000–$120,000+

Compare that to the average U.S. bachelor’s degree holder ($65,000 median income)—but with $37,000+ in student debt (Federal Reserve, 2023). Plumbers start earning from day one, avoid debt, and often own their businesses within a decade.

Plus, demand is soaring. The BLS projects 5% job growth for plumbers through 2032—faster than average—driven by aging infrastructure, new construction, and green plumbing tech.


Advantages of Choosing Plumbing Over a Traditional Degree

Still on the fence? Consider these real-world benefits of entering the trades:

No student debt – Avoid the $1.7 trillion U.S. student loan crisis
Job security – People always need running water and working toilets
Entrepreneurship path – Start your own plumbing business with minimal startup costs
Physical & mental engagement – Solve tangible problems daily
Respect & demand – Skilled tradespeople are in short supply nationwide

As Mike Rowe, host of Dirty Jobs, often says: “We’ve created a society that devalues skilled labor—yet depends on it every single day.”


Step-by-Step: How to Become a Plumber (No Degree Needed)

Ready to start? Follow these 5 concrete steps:

  1. Get your high school diploma or GED
    Focus on math (especially geometry and algebra) and shop classes if available.
  2. Find an apprenticeship program
    Search via:
  3. Apply and interview
    Most programs require a drug test, background check, and basic skills assessment.
  4. Complete 4–5 years of training
    Typical structure:
    • 1,700–2,000 hours of on-the-job training per year
    • 144–200 hours of classroom instruction annually (covering blueprint reading, local codes, safety)
  5. Pass your journeyman exam
    Study using official state prep materials. Many states offer practice tests online.

Once licensed, you can work independently, specialize (e.g., pipefitting, gas lines), or aim for master status.


FAQ Section

Q: Can I become a plumber with just a GED?
A: Yes! A high school diploma or GED is the standard minimum education requirement. No college credits needed.

Q: How long does it take to become a licensed plumber?
A: Typically 4–5 years through an apprenticeship. Some states allow faster tracks if you attend trade school first.

Q: Do plumbers make good money?
A: Absolutely. The median salary is over $60,000, and experienced or self-employed plumbers often earn six figures—especially in high-cost states like California or New York.

Q: Is plumbing a physically demanding job?
A: Yes—it involves lifting, crawling, and working in tight spaces. But many plumbers adapt with proper ergonomics and tools. It’s active work, not desk-bound.

Q: Can I start plumbing training at any age?
A: Yes! Many people switch to plumbing in their 30s, 40s, or even 50s. Unions and contractors welcome mature, reliable candidates.

Q: Are there online plumbing courses I can take?
A: While some theory can be learned online (e.g., code basics), hands-on training is essential. Avoid “100% online plumbing certifications”—they won’t qualify you for licensure.


Conclusion

So, do you need a degree to be a plumber? Emphatically, no. Plumbing is one of America’s most accessible, rewarding skilled trades—offering financial freedom, job security, and personal satisfaction without the burden of student debt.

Whether you’re a recent high school grad, a career changer, or someone tired of desk jobs, the path to becoming a plumber is open, respected, and surprisingly straightforward. With strong demand, rising wages, and clear steps to licensure, there’s never been a better time to turn on the tap of opportunity.

Found this helpful? Share it with someone who’s considering a trade career! 💧🔧
Your future self—and your bank account—will thank you.

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