What Training Do You Need to Become a Plumber?
Plumbers fulfill a crucial role in construction of all kinds, installing pipes and fixtures for water, gas and waste systems in commercial buildings and homes. Along with the related trades of pipe layers, pipe fitters and steamfitters, they have some of the highest pay rates in construction. Although you can take different routes to learn plumbing, most plumbers enter the field through a combination of education and apprenticeship leading to licensing.
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High School
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Prospective plumbers will need to get a high school diploma or equivalency certificate since many plumbing programs require it. While in high school, students should take classes in physics, mathematics, computers, drafting and shop as a foundation for plumbing. You should take specific plumbing classes as well if your school offers them.
Plumbing Classes
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Unless you qualify for an apprenticeship program directly out of high school, you can prepare for your plumbing career with classes at a community college or technical school. Classes cover subjects such as use of tools, plumbing codes, blueprints, piping systems, drainage systems and water heaters. Many programs lead to a certificate in plumbing. You can also substitute plumbing training in the U.S. armed forces for college or technical classes.
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Apprenticeship Programs
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A hands-on apprenticeship program provides the most essential training for your career as a plumber. A number of different union and nonunion organizations sponsor plumbing apprenticeship programs, including the United Association Union and the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association. In addition to classroom training, an apprenticeship includes four or five years of paid work while you learn plumbing. Apprentices learn about different types of pipes and tools and how to install various configurations of pipes and fixtures.
Licensing of Plumbers
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Although requirements vary, a plumber must have a license in nearly all states and localities. Most areas require an examination on plumbing techniques and codes plus at least two to five years' work experience. In some places, you need an additional license to work with gas pipes.
Outlook and Earnings
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Jobs for plumbers and related professions such as pipe layers are expected to grow 16 percent from 2008 to 2018, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. New construction, necessary repairs of existing plumbing and the installation of water conservation systems should all increase the need for plumbers. The average hourly wages for plumbers, pipe fitters and steamfitters as of May 2009 was $23.97 per hour. For full-time work 52 weeks a year, this comes to an annual wage of $49,870. These figures do not include the many self-employed plumbers.
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References
- Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook: Plumbers, Pipelayers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters
- Education Portal: How to Become a Plumber: Education and Career Roadmap
- Everest: Plumbing Technology
- Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Employment and Wages: Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters
Resources
- Photo Credit pipes and valves image by timur1970 from Fotolia.com
