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What is a Plumber?

A Plumber is a trade professional focused on the assessment, analysis, and installation of systems that carry fluid for various residential and commercial applications.  A Plumber can use a combination of pipes, fittings, valves, fixtures, appurtenances, and tanks to properly convey fluids within Plumbing Technology.  The most common types of systems within Plumbing Technology are:

  • Heating Units
  • Cooling Units
  • Potable Water
  • Waste Removal
  • Irrigation
  • Venting
  • Hydronic

A Plumber can work for a general contractor, corporation, municipality, or be an independent contractor with specialized skills or a general set of plumbing knowledge.   The Plumbing Technology and Plumber degree track prepares students to prudently manage, inspect, and supervise a wide range of projects from small construction projects, high rise buildings, and a variety of associated projects to adhere to applicable codes and regulations.

Degree Median Salary vs Adjacent Degree Types

Source: BLS, US Census, and IPEDS

2024 Best Plumber Courses

Orleans Technical College makes it their mission to provide quality education with its innovative programs. It is a student-driven institution, which assists students in developing skills needed for their chosen career.   It offers a hands-on degree in plumbing and heating which is designed to equip students with practical knowledge and technical skills in becoming a competent plumber in the field. Its faculty consists of experienced lecturers who will train students based on the real-world scenarios and using modern technology. The program runs for six months and enables students to have opportunities for certifications from industry-recognized fields.

Acceptance Rate

60.69

Tuition

$14,938 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

20:1

Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology is a private residential, two-year, and technical accredited college that provides learning opportunities for students to gain technical knowledge and skills, especially for students who are disadvantaged economically. It offers 24 high-skill technical programs that include a number of hands-on learning opportunities to explore.  Its piping technology program teaches students the basics of designing, installing, and maintaining commercial and residential piping systems and hydraulic heating systems. Students will learn skills such as adding various types of plumbing materials, reading, and interpreting design drawings, repairing, and installing boilers, faucets, sanitary equipment and even water heaters. Most of its graduates will have no difficulty finding employment in the private and public sectors.

Acceptance Rate

88.73

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

The goal of New England Institute of Technology is to turn a personal passion into a meaningful career by providing an affordable education. It offers more than 50 master’s, bachelor’s, associate, and online programs.

It provides basic practice and theory of plumbing and heating, as well as hands-on and experienced laboratory training. The program is a combined education of heating and plumbing in residential and commercial structures. It’s a four-term program that includes the study of methods of fabrication, study of basic tools, drainage, water piping methods, and other plumbing techniques. 

Acceptance Rate

63.2

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

For more than 50 years, Manatee Technical College has been a provider of excellent educational experiences that result in great careers. In Florida, it is the largest provider of various career-oriented programs.

Students in the plumbing technology degree program are prepared for entry-level vocation. They are also expected to receive advanced training in the commercial and residential plumbing industry. The capabilities they will develop from the program include safety, blueprints, pipe-related mathematics, building codes, work codes, rough piping, pipe cutting and connection skills, storm drains and water heaters.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$4,332 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

There are 9 various programs for certificates and degrees offered at Carver Career Center. Among the areas provided include personal and culinary services, related sciences, health professions and related programs, agriculture, and agricultural operations. 

In 2019, the International Code Council awarded a certificate of commitment for its plumbing and pipleline course. Carver Career Center provides a weekly scheduled spotlight pipeline that can run for 10 months or 1080 hours. It aims to give students the knowledge and skills required to assemble, install, and repair parts, pipers and heating installations, and water supply and drainage systems based on working drawings and building plans.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$6,653 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

As a non-profit private learning institution, Perry Institute of Technology offers 14 specialized technical training courses. Each of these technical training programs is carefully crafted to help students earn gainful employment for career advancement. 

The pipeline technician course offered by Perry Institute of Technology lasts for one (1) year. Students will learn the basics of plumbing systems and equip them with the ability to adapt to the needs of the industry, especially in terms of qualified, well-trained, and competent plumbers. The program for plumbing technicians ensures advancement in the plumbing industry with its diversified curriculum.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$42,175 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

The Lancaster County Career Technology Center is committed to maintaining its mission to provide the highest teaching standards. This is a technical and vocational school with the best capabilities in the industry. 

With its top rated plumbing course, students will have a chance of interacting with the experts in the industry. They will be able to perform the complex task of installing piping systems in businesses and residences. Students will learn the basics of constructing and explaining piping systems.  Learn more about the LCCTC vocational programs today by reaching out to collect admissions information from the school. 

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$14,965 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

Pennco Tech has three campuses, namely Bristol, Blackwood, and Pennsylvania. Since 1973, it has provided career-centric training and education. Its plumbing and heating programs are provided in the form of hands-on courses, enabling students to get a real experience in the field. 

Through this program, students will develop skills to solve all types of heating and plumbing engineering problems in commercial, institutional, and residential applications. After completing the course, students will be more capable of responding to changing problems in the industry.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$18,000 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

Since 1933, Mid Florida Tech, or also known as Orange Institute of Technology, is a first-class technical education that has changed people's lives through its academic programs. It has five campuses and provides employment opportunities for skilled students.

It provides apprenticeship programs that focus on vocational training for individuals selected by sponsors or employers to participate in accordance with the standards of the US Department of Labor. One of the courses under the apprenticeship program is Plumbing. Aspiring plumbers will get to study the field for four years in Mid Florida Tech.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$2,240 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

The mission of Irvine Institute of Technology is to empower students to provide education not only for their future but also for the community. It ensures that its graduates are highly trained and productive in their line of work.   Irvine Institute of Technology prides itself on having highly qualified trainers. They train students in interpreting documents for construction and building codes. The faculty at IIT teach students the layout and installation of various pipes to help prepare them for a future in the plumbing trade after program completion.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$3,818 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

20:1

Pamlico Community College provides personalized attention to students based on their needs and preferences. Since 1962, it has been an industrial education institution.  Students in plumbing engineering will receive training in the installation of pipes, fittings, fixtures, and valves. The program also includes instruction about the fundamentals in basic plumbing. It is part of the construction industry provided by the college.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

Fort Myers Technical College is a post-secondary school that has been providing career-based training certificate programs for more than 50 years in Florida. As part of the Lee County School District, it provides students with technical training programs for current and emerging industries. 

The pipeline project at Fort Myers Institute of Technology can be completed in less than a year. Students were trained on the basics of plumbing, such as installation, drainage, gas plumbing systems for residential, commercial, and industrial sites, and waste and vents. Plumber is one of the most demanding professions. Experts predict that the growth rate of job opportunities will reach 16% in the next 8 years.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$2,233 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

20:1

Osceola Technical College is the first and only state post-secondary technical college in the county. It predicts success for students and prepares them for the future. 

Its plumbing program assists students with the know-how of plumbing and guides them in gaining expertise for use. Its procedures include reading or interpreting construction documents, understanding the building codes of the plumbing industry, pipe layout and installation, and pipe cutting and joining techniques. After completing the plumbing works, students participating in the AS program may be eligible for clear credits.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$5,819 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

19:1

Sheridan Technical College is a public school offering technical and career study programs for students to have opportunities to gain knowledge and skills in high demand occupational fields. All its programs have online learning formats while 13 of its programs are offered fully online. 

The top ranked plumbing degree program at Sheridan Institute of Technology takes 960 hours to complete. It is focused on training future plumbers in the plumbing systems in industrial, commercial, and residential setup. Students will be taught about soldering, reading blueprints, cutting/joining pipes, as well as interpreting local and national plumbing codes. They will also gain mastery in all aspects of plumbing such as labor issues, community issues, technical & production skills, planning, finance, management, health, safety as well as environmental issues.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$4,375 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

Southwestern Technical College of Wisconsin is a Technical college whose mission is to provide students with pioneering educational opportunities. SWTC was established in 1965 and started operations to quickly become a valuable staple in the community.

Plumbing Apprenticeship is offered at SWTC. It is a program which seeks to train, equip, and guide applicants to attain mastery level in plumbing and plumbing knowledge. At SWTC, plumbing students will be fully monitored and guided by faculty and staff in the hope of correcting and enriching their skills and understanding.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

Foothill College offers 180 academic degree and certificate programs with a class size of 27 students per faculty. It was founded in 1957 and has a campus size of 122-acres that can accommodate up to 15,000 students.

Partnered with Pipe Trades Training Center, Foothill College provides a plumbing technology degree program which lasts up to five years and has a minimum of 9,000 hours of hands-on training. The course includes lab work, learning assessments, installation, maintenance, and repair of pipe systems. Students will also learn how to read blueprints, apply and install layouts, and management of water waste systems.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

26:1

Santa Fe Community College has been providing affordable, high-quality educational programs to help individuals succeed in a rapidly changing industry. Its mission is to empower students and strengthen communities while practicing sustainability and environmental protection.

The School of Advanced Technology and Sustainable Development has developed a plumbing program to provide students with the tools needed to upgrade and install plumbing systems or build new systems for commercial or residential spaces. The program will focus on helping students become professionals in the plumbing industry and train them with the latest technology. Upon the completion, graduates will receive a Plumbing Certificate and can work as a building control specialist or technician among many other career opportunities.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

19:1

The mission of Southeastern Technical College is to transform students into learners and enable their graduates to transition to entry-level positions in their chosen career field. Its core philosophies include a mastery of foundation skills, proactive engagement with students, commitment to teaching initiatives and development of student’s interpersonal skills. 

STI's plumbing course lasts for 10 months and aims to allow students to develop practical knowledge and skills in the plumbing trade at an entry level. The training includes current and traditional practices in commercial and residential environments in accordance with Massachusetts plumbing codes and industry standards. Students not only learn the basics of pipeline materials and practices, but also learn how natural gas and water systems work.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

The Fox Valley Technical College provides high-tech occupational training for the students to prepare them for the workplace of today. It has been running for 100 years and has provided more than 200 certificate programs, which can be completed within 2 years.

Fox Valley’s plumbing apprenticeship program has 16 credit hours and focuses on providing potable water, sanitary drain, and vent systems for residential, industrial, and commercial areas. Students will learn how to plan and create the correct layout of piping systems, piping installation techniques, and accessories and fixtures. Applicants must be employed by the organization that will sponsor their apprenticeship program.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

The Ranken Technical College is a non-profit technical college with the hopes to provide comprehensive education to gear learners to higher skills and capabilities. In addition, it hopes to prepare the students to be job-ready in their future employment. 

At Ranken Technical College, students can register for their plumbing technology courses. With its top-rated faculty and system, individuals can expect to learn thoroughly and without too many complications. Ranken’s facility and centers for trade skills and technical programs are up to date and it seeks to be of assistance for a more valuable future for its learners.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

The curriculum of Northeast Community College is designed to meet the needs of modern professionals. It also has experienced instructors who are experts in their respective industries and provide students with a high-quality education.  Plumbing technology is expected to increase in the next 10 years, and Northeast Community College has degree programs that can help individuals succeed in the evolving plumbing industry. Instructors will provide knowledge for students about the necessary skills for installing plumbing systems in homes and commercial buildings that are under construction. In addition to developing pipeline techniques, students will also learn problem-solving and valuable reasoning skills.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

Pinellas Technical-St. Petersburg is accredited by SACSS and COE. Since 1962, it has provided first-class technical and vocational education. 

Its degree in plumbing is part of its apprenticeship program for four years. The employer sponsors the apprenticeship training for students participating in the course. These courses are held in the evening, and their knowledge and skills must be verified through on-the-job training.  To learn more about the exciting vocational programs offered at Pinellas Technical College in Saint Pete’s, please request information from the school today.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$2,190 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

Since operating in 1968, Western Dakota Tech is the only technical college in South Dakota that offers programs related to the rapidly growing industry. The faculty and staff of the college are committed to helping students gain the experience and skills needed to succeed.  It offers a course on Plumbing Technology that aims to provide plumbing knowledge and hands-on training for students to become competent and career-ready. Students will take various lessons related to plumbing such as troubleshooting, customer service, problem-solving and professional skills. Once the students graduate from the program, they can enter the industry as a well-trained entry-level plumber.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

The mission of Washington County Community College is to serve Washington County by providing education, economic, and community development. It currently has 450 students in two-year degree and one-year certificate programs.

The community college has been preparing aspiring plumbers to assemble, repair, and maintain plumbing systems based on the plumbing code. Students will learn how to read blueprints as well as acquire necessary skills in plumbing operations. Upon completion of the program and passing the State examination, graduates may find occupations such as construction plumbers, maintenance workers, plumbing warehouse workers, and many others.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

Since 1967, Anoka Institute of Technology has been a leading provider of higher education in its community by offering more than 70 vocational training courses. Its mission is to provide technical education and innovative careers to help the students and communities learn and live well.

At Anoka Technical College, students can earn a certificate in plumbing  program. This program equips students with job-ready skills and rigorous training that will prepare them for the worst-case scenarios in the real world. The demand for qualified plumbers is on the rise, and Anoka Institute of Technology hopes to produce future plumbers with the ability and required skills to serve community writers.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

What Does a Plumber Do?

A plumbing professional helps gas and liquids properly flow through piping. From drinking water to sanitation, piping is required to keep our modern life moving in a predictable, safe manner.

Plumbers are charged to comply with all local and federal regulations while properly installing pipes and fittings to move gas and/or liquids from one point to another in an airtight and watertight manner. The tools of the trade include a variety of wrenches, saws, torches, welding torches, fittings, and connectors.

Trade professionals understand the variants in materials from sector to sector. In other words, the piping for residential jobs will likely differ from an industrial or commercial application. For example, a residential home will call for water pipes that are comprised of plastic, PEX, copper, and/or steel. Industrial power plants, on the other hand, utilize a series of large steel piping to move water and steam.

Plumbing professionals are hired as independent contractors or part of a larger organization. Jobs will vary in size and scope depending on the situation. Generally, a plumber is hired to perform the following types of tasks: installation of new systems, repair and maintenance of existing systems, construction management, modifying current piping systems, and removing existing piping systems. Considerations of each type of job include staying within budget, conforming to local and national building codes, passing inspection, adhering to design specifications, ensuring the system works within the existing building configuration.

Why Become a Plumber?

Students seeking a career in the plumbing field enter this industry for a number of reasons. Primary reasons range from job stability, above average income, satisfying work, and diversity of work to name a few. In a recent survey, professionals provided a list of top reasons they entered the trade.

  1. Job Stability: Of those surveyed, the top reason for choosing a career in the plumbing field was job stability. Regardless of the broad economy, this trade has proven to be nearly impervious to market undulations.
  2. Career Opportunities: In this trade, there are ample opportunities for growth and upward mobility. Moving from apprenticeship programs to master plumber takes hard-work, dedication, and industry knowledge. This level of expertise can be translated into substantial career moves affecting title, position, and income.
  3. Respect: The next most common reason students select this trade is the respect they earn from others. A respected member of a team and within a community provides a sense of self and confidence that is worth its weight in gold.
  4. Affordability: Earning an online degree in plumbing or a similar certificate from an accredited college takes less time than a 4-year business degree. Graduating with minimal debt in an above average paying field helps students move ahead financially with smaller student loan bills.
  5. Satisfaction: The inherent satisfaction of taking on a job and seeing it through to completion is a key component of any trade. Seeing hard work take shape and help others can provide immense satisfaction job after job.
  6. Problem Solving: Being a trained problem solver is a key aspect of any trades person. Designing solutions to overcome repair and maintenance problems for large commercial projects or small home improvement jobs creates a self-reinforcing cycle for plumbers of all ages.

Top Plumbing Degrees

Degrees and certificate programs in the plumbing trade are plentiful.  While some trade professionals prefer on-the-job experience plus a high school diploma or GED, a formal education  can rapidly accelerate knowledge acquisition and provide for a more versatile career.  High school students across the country may consider certificate and degree programs in the industry.

To help you determine which formal path makes the most sense for you, we have compiled a summary of the most popular types of programs.  Learning more about specific degree programs and accredited colleges is as simple as connecting with schools below.

Online Plumbing Certificate Programs

Online schools offer certificate programs in the plumbing trade via a series of focused, clustered courses to transfer specific knowledge and skills to students.  Plumber courses at the certificate level can be earned as quick as six months up to two-years depending on course load and the requirements of the college.

Some certification programs provide a broad overview of the trade while others teach a set of specific skills.  For example, a trade school may design a certificate program for plumbers that intend to work within a commercial construction business while other programs may be created for those focused on residential work.  In either case, a certificate from an accredited college or university can be a viable path towards a career in the field.

Online Plumbing Associate Degrees

An associates degree offered by plumbing schools are conferred as either an Associate of Science (AS) or Associate of Arts (AA).  How a degree is conferred by a college is dependent upon the contents of the coursework and overall emphasis of the degree.  Students should expect the program to last about 2-years based on full-time study.

You also should anticipate taking a number of general education classes in addition to the required core classes to help build a set of holistic thinking skills.  General education classes may include communications, English composition, philosophy, sociology, economics, and psychology.

Distance learning or online plumbing courses at the associates degree level provide essential tools for the trade.  Classes you may take include technical plumbing program courses that including the following examples:

  • Introduction to Plumbing Fixtures & Technology
  • Basic Plumbing and Heating Principles
  • Fixtures and Appliances
  • Blueprints, Drawings, and Specs
  • Mathematics and Statistics
  • Special Purposes Installation
  • License Law & Regulations
  • Calculations and Procedures
  • Fixtures and Installation
  • Construction Management & Building Inspection
  • Basic Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC)
  • Job Estimating
  • Advanced Layout Procedures
  • Plumbing Code

Skills & Abilities Required of Plumbers

  1. Oral Comprehension - The ability to keenly articulate training concepts and design solutions of a project or program.
  2. Speech Recognition - Understand others regardless of accent or speaking inflection on the job site.
  3. Written Comprehension - Ability to read written words, search training documents, and blueprints related to a specific project.
  4. Speaking - Talking clearly and carefully explaining ideas or concepts related to a project or job from start to finish.
  5. Instructing - Directing others on the job-site to help manage work and complete projects on-time and on budget.
  6. Reading Comprehension - Read and understand training manuals, safety concerns, and instructions to efficiently solve work-based queries.
  7. Active Listening - Actively engage with others by asking pointed questions and providing positive non-verbal cues.
  8. Writing - Clearly write numbers and words to record information and document project data.
  9. Speech Clarity - Speak clearly and concisely to convey solutions to job tasks to individuals or working groups of stakeholders.
  10. Oral Expression - Understand overt and covert communication cues through high level, meaningful dialogue.

Employment in Plumbing

Earning a plumbing certification or an Associate's degree in plumbing can set students up for long-term employment. Students can attend a vocational school or career college that provides exceptional plumbing training with or without a direct hire engagement. Direct hires are arrangements that employ qualified students directly from school with little to no downtime after graduation.

Students seeking to expand their vocational opportunities in the trade may consider a continuing education programs or jobs in similar trades. Examples of trades of interest may include any number of the following career tracks: steamfitter, general contractor, pipe fitter, boilermaker, cost estimator, mechanical engineer, specialty contractor, budget analyst, electrician, construction manager, or project manager.

Plumber Careers & Job Outlook

The next decade looks bright for plumbing professionals. Estimates from the Bureau of Labor Statistics indicate a growth rate in this industry of 16%. Compared to the national average of 7%, this trade represents a growth rate in excess of double the national average over the coming decade. Put another way, the industry is poised to add over 75,000 new plumbing jobs during this time period. This growth represents ample career opportunities for trained professionals in the plumbing trade.

Similarly, trades in adjacent areas of construction are also projected to be well above the national average. Specifically, the employment growth of building inspectors is forecast to jump 12% and a 14% increase for electricians. Coupling an industry growing at a rapid rate and above average income can result in a long-term plumbing career. In addition, growth is often associated with upward mobility opportunities as plumbing companies expand their operations to take on new work.

How Much to Plumbers Get Paid?

Plumbing professional typically receive a level of income that is well above average.  Career information gathered from the Bureau of Labor Statistics calculates the average plumbing professional earns nearly $52,000 per year on average.

This average wage represents approximately 38% more than the median annual salary for all jobs across our nation’s economy.  However, it is important to recognize regional differences across the country.

Deeper data reveals that the top 10% of plumbing professionals receive an annual income of $90,530 on average while the bottom ten percent earn just over thirty-thousand dollars annually in pay.

States Employing the Most Plumbing Professionals
  • California   43,040
  • Texas           40,530
  • New York    28,320
  • Florida         23,060
  • Illinois         15,860
Top Paying States for Plumbers
  • New York                          $76,750
  • Illinois                               $75,530
  • Oregon                               $73,960
  • District of Columbia       $71,120
  • Alaska                                $71,030

Job Duties of a Plumber

Exact job responsibilities of a plumber will vary from job to job. However, a set of general expectations are summarized below to help you understand what to expect as a professional in the trade.

  • Assembling tubes, pipes, and fittings with coupling, solvent, cement, soldering, and welding tools
  • Installing valves, fittings, pipes, and pipe assemblies for small appliances such as hot water heaters or dishwashers toilets, and sinks
  • Keep records of work assignments
  • Ensuring piping and fixtures are in good working order using gauges, visual inspection, and flowing water trough piping to test flow
  • Inspecting, measuring, cutting, threading, bending pipes by hand or with a machine to create proper size and shape for job
  • Analyzing codes, specs, and blueprints to create an estimate of costs, material, sequence, labor, and time involved in a project
  • Installing green plumbing equipment like dual-flush systems, tankless hot water tanks, faucet flow restrictors, and pressure-assisted flush toilets
  • Creating openings in walls or structures to make necessary room for piping and pipe assemblies using power tools or hand tools
  • Installing an array of alternative water sources like graywater reuse water systems or rainwater harvesting systems based on customer request and local building requirements
  • Researching water saving and energy efficient systems to benefit the owners use and sustainable practices

Top Resources for Plumbing Students

  1. American Society of Plumbing Engineering (ASPE)
  2. United Association (UA)
  3. Water Quality Association (WQA)
  4. Association of Independent Manufacturers/Representatives (AIM/R)
  5. Plumbing Heating Cooling Contractors Association (PHCC)
  6. American Water Works Association (AWWA)
  7. International Association of Plumbing & Mechanical Officials (IAPMO)
  8. National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA)
  9. American Backflow Prevention Association (ABPA)
  10. American Supply Association (ASA)
  11. Plumbing Manufacturers International (PMI)

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