How Long Does It Take to Be a Plumber? (2025 Guide)

Thinking about a career in plumbing—but unsure how long it takes to actually become one? You’re not alone. Many aspiring tradespeople ask, “How long does it take to be a plumber?”—especially when weighing career changes, education costs, or job stability. The good news? Plumbing offers strong wages, job security, and a clear path to certification—usually in 2 to 5 years. In this guide, we’ll walk you through every step, timeline, and tip to help you enter this high-demand trade faster and smarter.

How Long Does It Take to Become a Licensed Plumber?

The short answer: 4 to 5 years on average—but this depends heavily on your chosen path, state requirements, and whether you pursue formal education or jump straight into an apprenticeship.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), most plumbers learn through apprenticeships that last 4 to 5 years, combining paid on-the-job training with classroom instruction. However, some states allow accelerated routes, especially if you attend a trade school first.

Let’s break it down step by step.

Step-by-Step Timeline to Becoming a Plumber

1. Meet Basic Requirements (1–2 Weeks)

Before anything else, you’ll need:

• A high school diploma or GED
• Be at least 18 years old
• Pass a background check (required by most apprenticeship programs)

Many states also require a valid driver’s license and basic math/mechanical aptitude.

2. Choose Your Entry Path (0–6 Months)

You have two main options:

Option A: Plumbing Apprenticeship (Most Common)

• Duration: 4–5 years
• Structure: ~2,000 hours of paid on-the-job training + 240+ hours of classroom instruction per year
• Cost: Often free (you earn while you learn)
• Sponsor: Unions (like UA Plumbers & Pipefayers) or non-union contractors

Option B: Trade School + Apprenticeship

• Trade School: 6 months to 2 years
• Apprenticeship: Often reduced to 2–3 years after completing school
• Cost: $1,000–$15,000 (varies by program)

💡 Pro Tip: Some trade schools partner with local unions or contractors, helping you land an apprenticeship faster. Always ask about job placement rates.

3. Complete Your Apprenticeship (2–5 Years)

During this phase, you’ll:

• Work under a licensed journeyman or master plumber
• Learn pipefitting, blueprint reading, local codes, and safety protocols
• Earn an average of $18–$25/hour as an apprentice (according to UA.org )

Your hours must be documented and signed off by your supervisor to qualify for licensing.

4. Pass the Journeyman Plumber Exam (1–3 Months Prep)

Once you’ve completed required hours (typically 4,000–8,000, depending on your state), you can sit for the journeyman plumber license exam.

• The exam covers:
  • Plumbing codes (IPC or UPC, depending on your state)
  • Math calculations (e.g., pipe slope, water pressure)
  • Safety and installation standards
• Fees: $50–$200
• Pass rate: Varies, but prep courses boost success

After passing, you’re officially a journeyman plumber—qualified to work independently.

5. Advance to Master Plumber (Optional, +1–2 Years)

To become a master plumber (required if you want to own a plumbing business or pull permits independently):

• Work 1–2 additional years as a journeyman
• Pass a more advanced state exam
• Pay licensing fees ($100–$500)

Total time from start to master plumber: 5–7 years.

State-by-State Variations

Licensing rules differ across the U.S. For example:

👉 Always check your state’s plumbing board website (linked via Wikipedia’s list of U.S. plumbing regulations ) for exact rules.

Apprenticeship vs. Trade School: Which Is Faster?

Many wonder if trade school speeds up the process. Here’s a quick comparison:

📊 Data Point: According to the National Center for Construction Education & Research (NCCER), 72% of plumbing apprentices complete their programs within 5 years—compared to 65% of trade school grads who secure plumbing jobs within 1 year post-graduation.

Real-Life Example: Meet Carlos

Carlos, 24, worked in retail before switching to plumbing. He joined a UA apprenticeship in Chicago:

• Year 1: Earned $17/hr, attended night classes
• Year 3: Promoted to lead apprentice, salary $24/hr
• Year 4.5: Passed journeyman exam
• Now: Runs his own small plumbing crew

“It took time, but I made money the whole way,” he says. “No student debt—and I’m earning $65K a year after just four years.”

Common Mistakes That Delay Your Timeline

Avoid these pitfalls to stay on track:

• ❌ Missing required classroom hours (some states reject applications over a few missing hours)
• ❌ Not documenting work hours properly (use official logs signed by your supervisor)
• ❌ Skipping code updates (plumbing codes change every 3 years—stay current!)
• ❌ Ignoring math prep (many fail exams due to weak calculation skills)

FAQ: How Long Does It Take to Be a Plumber?

Q1: Can I become a plumber in less than 2 years?

A: In rare cases, yes—like in states with no licensing (e.g., Kansas, Wyoming). But to work legally in most states and earn higher wages, 2 years is the absolute minimum, usually via an accelerated trade school + apprenticeship combo.

Q2: Do I need a college degree to be a plumber?

A: No. A high school diploma or GED is sufficient. Many successful plumbers never attended college—focus instead on hands-on training and licensing.

Q3: How much does plumbing school cost?

A: Certificate programs range from $1,000 to $15,000. Community colleges are often cheaper ($2k–$5k), while private trade schools may cost more but offer faster completion.

Q4: Is plumbing a good career in 2025?

A: Absolutely. The BLS projects 5% job growth (faster than average) through 2032, with over 50,000 new openings annually due to retirements and infrastructure needs. Median pay: $60,090/year.

Q5: Can I start my own plumbing business right away?

A: Only after becoming a master plumber, which typically takes 5–7 years. Until then, you must work under a licensed plumber or company.

Q6: Are online plumbing courses valid?

A: Partially. You can take theory or code classes online, but hands-on training must be in person. No state accepts 100% online programs for licensing.

Conclusion

So, how long does it take to be a plumber? While the journey usually spans 4 to 5 years, the payoff is huge: job security, strong income, and the pride of mastering a skilled trade. Whether you start with an apprenticeship or trade school, every hour you invest builds toward a stable, recession-resistant career.

If you’re ready to turn wrenches into wages, share this guide with someone considering a trade career—plumbing might just be their perfect fit.

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