How to become a Plumber
What the job is really like, school vs. apprenticeship, the certifications you need, and what it pays, from primary sources.
Lowest 10%: under $44,150 · Highest 10%: over $108,420
Jobs (2025): 510,600 · Projected growth 2025–35: 7% (much faster than average) · Openings per year: ~42,000
Source: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters
The job
Plumbers install and repair water, gas and other piping systems, fixtures and appliances like water heaters, and clean drains. Pipefitters and steamfitters work mostly on industrial and commercial systems, some at high pressure. BLS lists tools including drills, saws, welding torches, press fitting tools and drain cleaning tools.
The honest part: plumbers lift heavy materials, climb ladders and work in tight spaces; common injuries include cuts, burns from hot pipes and soldering, and falls. BLS says plumbers are often on call, so evening and weekend work is common.
Trade school vs. apprenticeship
Apprenticeship (the main route): BLS says most learn through a 4- or 5-year apprenticeship with about 2,000 hours of paid on-the-job training and technical instruction each year (codes, blueprint reading, math, applied physics, chemistry). Sponsors include unions, trade associations and businesses. Some start as helpers or in a pre-apprenticeship.
Trade school: vocational-technical schools offer courses in pipe system design, safety and tool use, plus welding courses some pipefitter apprenticeships require.
Certifications and licensing
License: BLS says most states and some localities require plumbers to be licensed, often after 2 to 5 years of experience and an exam. Master status takes more experience and another exam; some states require it for a contractor's license. Pipefitters may need a license, plus a special one for gas lines in some states. Most employers require a driver's license. Check CareerOneStop.
Pay by industry
| Industry (May 2025) | Median annual wage |
|---|---|
| Government | $71,660 |
| Manufacturing | $65,770 |
| Heavy and civil engineering construction | $63,270 |
| Plumbing, heating, and A/C contractors | $63,010 |
The median is the midpoint: half earned more, half less. BLS wage data excludes self-employed workers. Apprentices and new hires usually start below the median. For your area, see the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics state and metro data.
How to start
- Finish high school or a GED.
- Search apprenticeship.gov or call local plumbing contractors and union apprenticeship committees.
- Look up your state's journey-level license requirements.
Sources
- BLS OOH: Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters (last modified Aug 27, 2026)
- U.S. DOL: apprenticeship.gov
- CareerOneStop License Finder (state licensing boards)
Checked October 17, 2026.