What Do I Need to Be a Plumber? Your Step-by-Step Guide

Home ยป What Do I Need to Be a Plumber? Your Step-by-Step Guide

Thinking about a hands-on, in-demand career that pays well and offers job security? Youโ€™re not alone. Many Americans are asking, โ€œWhat do I need to be a plumber?โ€โ€”especially as skilled trades gain recognition for their stability and earning potential. Whether you’re a high school grad, a career changer, or just curious, this guide breaks down exactly what it takes to launch a successful plumbing career in the United States.


What Qualifications Do You Need to Become a Plumber?

Becoming a plumber doesnโ€™t require a four-year college degreeโ€”but it does require specific training, certifications, and soft skills. The good news? Most states offer clear pathways through apprenticeships and trade schools.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of plumbers is projected to grow 5% from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations. Thatโ€™s about 51,500 openings each yearโ€”thanks to retirements and new construction.

Key Qualifications Include:

  • High school diploma or GED (minimum requirement)
  • Math and mechanical aptitude (especially for reading blueprints and calculating pipe angles)
  • Physical stamina and dexterity
  • Problem-solving and communication skills

๐Ÿ’ก โ€œPlumbing isnโ€™t just about fixing leaksโ€”itโ€™s about diagnosing complex systems and explaining solutions to homeowners clearly,โ€ says Maria Lopez, a master plumber with 18 years of experience in Texas.

What Do I Need To Be A Plumber

Step-by-Step: How to Become a Licensed Plumber in the U.S.

Every state sets its own plumbing licensing rules, but the general path follows these five key steps:

1. Earn a High School Diploma or GED

Focus on courses like math (algebra, geometry), physics, and shop class. These build foundational skills for pipefitting and system design.

2. Enroll in a Plumbing Trade School (Optional but Helpful)

Trade schools offer 6-month to 2-year programs covering:

  • Pipe installation & repair
  • Water supply & drainage systems
  • Local plumbing codes
  • Safety protocols

Top schools include Penn Foster, Lincoln Tech, and community colleges with HVAC/plumbing tracks.

3. Complete a Paid Apprenticeship (4โ€“5 Years)

This is the core of your training. Apprenticeships combine on-the-job learning (2,000+ hours/year) with classroom instruction (144+ hours/year).

Youโ€™ll work under a licensed journeyman or master plumber while earning $18โ€“$25/hour as a beginner (BLS, 2023).

๐Ÿ”— Find registered apprenticeships via the U.S. Department of Laborโ€™s Apprenticeship Finder or through unions like UA (United Association).

4. Pass Licensing Exams

After your apprenticeship, apply for a journeyman plumber license. Exams test:

  • Plumbing codes (usually based on the International Plumbing Code)
  • Math calculations (e.g., pipe slope: ยผ inch per foot of run)
  • Safety and system design

Some states (like Kansas and Wyoming) donโ€™t require state-level licensesโ€”but most do. Always check your stateโ€™s plumbing board .

5. Advance to Master Plumber (Optional)

After 2โ€“5 years as a journeyman, you can take the master plumber exam. This allows you to:

  • Pull permits
  • Start your own business
  • Supervise other plumbers

Tools & Equipment Youโ€™ll Need as a Plumber

You donโ€™t need to buy everything upfrontโ€”but hereโ€™s a starter toolkit most employers expect apprentices to have:

Pipe wrench$25โ€“$50
Adjustable wrench$15โ€“$30
Tubing cutter$20โ€“$40
Plumberโ€™s snake/auger$30โ€“$80
Teflon tape & pipe thread sealant$5โ€“$10
Level & tape measure$15โ€“$25

Pro tip: Many companies provide heavy-duty tools (like power drain cleaners), but personal hand tools are your responsibility.


Skills That Make a Great Plumber

Beyond technical know-how, top plumbers share these soft skills:

  • Customer service: 70% of plumbing jobs happen in homesโ€”you must be polite, punctual, and patient.
  • Critical thinking: Diagnosing a clog vs. a venting issue requires logic.
  • Time management: Juggling 4โ€“6 service calls/day means efficiency is key.
  • Attention to code: One mistake can lead to leaks, fines, or failed inspections.

๐Ÿ“Š A 2022 survey by ServiceTitan found that 89% of customers choose plumbers based on reviews mentioning โ€œclear communicationโ€ and โ€œno hidden fees.โ€


Pros and Cons of a Plumbing Career

Before you commit, weigh the realities:

High demand nationwidePhysically demanding work
Median salary:$60,090/year(BLS)On-call/emergency hours
Low student debt (vs. college)Exposure to dirty/wet conditions
Entrepreneurial opportunitiesLicensing varies by state

Still, 85% of plumbers report high job satisfaction (Forbes, 2023)โ€”thanks to autonomy, problem-solving, and tangible results.


Plumbing License Requirements by State (Quick Reference)

While details vary, hereโ€™s a snapshot:

CaliforniaYes (4โ€“5 years)YesEvery 2 years
FloridaYes (4 years)YesEvery 2 years
TexasYes (4 years)YesEvery 2 years
New YorkYes (5 years)YesEvery 3 years
ColoradoNo statewide license*Local rules applyVaries by city

* Colorado has no state plumbing license, but cities like Denver require local certification.
For full details, refer to the Wikipedia page on plumbing regulations in the United States .


FAQ: What Do I Need to Be a Plumber?

Q1: How long does it take to become a plumber?

A: Typically 4โ€“5 years through an apprenticeship. Trade school can shorten classroom time but doesnโ€™t replace hands-on hours.

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

A: No. A high school diploma or GED is sufficient. Many plumbers never attend collegeโ€”and earn more than graduates in some fields.

Q3: How much does plumbing school cost?

A: Trade programs range from $1,000 to $15,000. Apprenticeships are often free or low-cost (you earn while you learn).

Q4: Can I become a plumber with a criminal record?

A: It depends on the state and offense. Most boards review applications case-by-case. Minor offenses rarely disqualify you.

Q5: Whatโ€™s the difference between a journeyman and master plumber?

A: A journeyman can work independently but canโ€™t pull permits or run a business. A master plumber can do bothโ€”and often trains others.

Q6: Is plumbing a good career for women?

A: Absolutely. While only 2.5% of plumbers are women (BLS), organizations like Women in Plumbing are expanding access, mentorship, and support.


Conclusion: Start Your Plumbing Journey Today

Soโ€”what do I need to be a plumber? Now you know: dedication, hands-on training, a license, and the right mindset. With strong job growth, solid pay, and the chance to solve real-world problems every day, plumbing is a smart, future-proof career choice.

If this guide helped you, share it with someone exploring a trade career! ๐Ÿ‘ทโ€โ™‚๏ธ๐Ÿ’™
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Ready to take the first step?
Visit Apprenticeship.gov or contact your local trade union today!

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