How to become a plumber
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How to Become a Plumber | Plumber Salary

A plumber is an expert who has knowledge about every plumbing job. Almost every building has pipes and water flow, so its repair and maintenance will always require experts. Also, the more buildings are built and the larger and more complex their water systems are, the more plumbers are needed. If you are thinking of switching to a career in plumbing, it can be very beneficial for you.

What Is a Plumber?

Plumber

A plumber is a skilled tradesperson who installs and maintains systems used for potable (drinking) water and for sewers and drainage in plumbing systems. A plumber may work in a design capacity along with hands-on work. He can prepare blueprints and help make the installation process more efficient. Due to the unusual characteristics of these professionals and less competition in this field, they can get the best-paying jobs.

An experienced plumber trains apprentices and supervises assistants. They also work with other construction workers. This can be a very rewarding career, as evidenced by surveys that licensed professionals in this field choose to stay in this profession throughout their careers. Many continue part-time even past the normal retirement age. Many plumbers help the next generation by providing apprenticeships and learning opportunities.

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What Do Plumbers Do?

Plumber work

If you are interested in becoming a skilled plumber, you may be interested to know what exactly the duties of a plumber are. As you generally know, plumbers are responsible for the installation, repair, and maintenance of gas and water pipes, sanitary units, health systems, sinks, toilets, and other fixtures in both commercial and residential buildings. Yes, this is true, but along with this job, they also have to follow certain rules. You will be surprised to know what you need to be aware of to become a skilled plumber.

Years of training or experience are required to become a skilled plumber; Some jurisdictions also require that plumbers be licensed.

Common plumbing tasks and skills include:

  • Installation, repair, and maintenance of domestic, commercial, and industrial plumbing fixtures and systems.
  • Locating and marking locations for pipe connections, passage holes, and fixtures in walls and floors.
  • Measuring, cutting, bending, and threading pipes using hand and power tools or machines.
  • Joining pipes and fittings together using soldering techniques, compression fittings, threaded fittings, solvent welds, crimp, and push-fit fittings.
  • Reading drawings and specifications to determine the layout of water supply, waste, and venting systems.
  • Finding faults in plumbing appliances and systems and correctly diagnosing their causes.
  • Testing pipes for leaks using an air or water pressure gauge.
  • Ensuring compliance with all safety standards and building regulations.
  • Pay attention to legal regulations and safety issues in all work undertaken.

How to Become a Plumber?

Become a plumber

To become a plumber, you must first enroll in a plumbing apprenticeship. Apprenticeships are offered by plumbing unions, businesses, and plumbing schools. Most plumbing schools offer a two-year program of classwork and on-the-job training. Programs can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $3,000.

As an apprentice plumber, you will work alongside professional plumbers to learn all the essential skills of the trade, or at plumbing school; you will be taught the basics of daily plumbing operations. You will learn how to repair leaky pipes and install boilers, furnaces, hot water tanks, sewer lines, sprinkler systems, and water well systems. You will also learn how to read blueprints and select the right tools for each repair.

Candidates are required to possess the following qualifications to join the Apprenticeship:

  • Must be at least 18 years of age.
  • Must have a high school diploma or GED.
  • Must have knowledge of how to use a computer.
  • Must pass a substance abuse test.
  • Must know basic math.

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Levels of Plumbing Licenses

Level of plumbing licenses (1)

Plumbing jobs have different levels of training to ensure that every plumber has enough skills and experience to perform their duties. Based on this training, a plumber gets a license from the government. To legally perform plumbing work on projects worth more than $500 in labor and materials in the state of California, you must be a licensed contractor. Most plumbers receive their training by doing an apprenticeship, which combines classroom instruction with paid on-the-job training.

There is a three-step approach to obtaining your California plumbing license: work as an apprentice, become a journeyman, and then apply to become a contractor. After completing four years as a registered journeyman, you can apply for your contractor’s license.

1. Apprenticeship Plumber

An apprentice plumber is an entry-level professional in plumbing. In which you will be able to do plumbing jobs under the guidance of a journeyman or a master plumber. You’ll still be responsible for coursework during your apprenticeship, and programs typically take three to five years to complete and include both classroom and on-the-job supervised training.

Registered apprenticeships are extremely important to the plumbing industry. The age requirement is 18, and apprentices are usually required to have a GED certificate or high school diploma. After being accepted into a licensed apprentice plumber position, sometimes a trial period can be followed to become eligible for a license. Apprentice plumbers usually stay in the same position until they complete their apprenticeship.

2. Journeyman Plumber

You will become a journeyman plumber after you complete the requirements for your apprenticeship and pass the licensing exam in your state. At this point, you can go on an unattended service call. Responsibilities as a journeyman plumber in residential services include installing new and existing plumbing, drainage systems, and gas lines. Journeyman Plumbers specialize in fittings, pipes, and fixtures.

To qualify for a license in this role, you may need a valid apprentice license and four years of experience as an apprentice. You can also take an exam from your state board of plumbing that assesses your knowledge of plumbing systems application and diagnosing problems. After passing the exam, you can get your journeyman plumber’s license and finish your apprenticeship.

3. Master Plumber

A master plumber license requires you to complete two years under the journeyman plumber level and pass a state board exam. As a master plumber, you’ll serve in more leadership capacities, often supervising journeyman plumbers and apprentices. A master plumber is also responsible for creating plumbing schematics, planning water systems, and working with code and permit office officials.

In some states, with specialized knowledge about a specific area of plumbing, such as irrigation or multi-story residential systems, you can apply for a specialty license to prove your expertise. With this license, you can register your own plumbing business.

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How to Get a Plumbing License?

plumbing licenses

In the United States, each state and territory may have its own licensing and taxation scheme for plumbers. Some states license journeymen and master plumbers separately, while others license only master plumbers. To obtain a license, a plumber must meet standards for training and experience and, in most cases, pass a certification exam.

To obtain a plumbing license, candidates must appear for two examinations. The first exam deals with trade knowledge in the field of plumbing. The second covers the legal and business aspects of plumbing. Some study materials, like the C36 License Study Guide, can be helpful for exam preparation.

To qualify for the plumbing license exam in California, candidates must:

  • Must be at least 18 years of age
  • Minimum 1 year of practical experience
  • Should have minimum 4 years experience as foreman, supervisor, or journeyman
  • Submit a complete set of fingerprints
  • Conduct a thorough criminal background check.

[Note: The California Contractors State Licensing Board (CSLB) requires licensed plumbers to renew their license every two years.]

Plumber Salary

plumber salary

In the United States, average wages for plumbers typically range from just $18.55$67.73 per hour. The average salary for a plumber varies from state to state in the United States. A typical plumber can earn around $55,000 annually. Also, he can work as a plumber till his retirement age. Salaries vary from apprentice plumber to master plumber. A plumber can earn more money by overtime or based on his skills and experience.

Apprentice Plumber Salary

The average salary for an apprentice plumber in the United States is $18.55 per hour. The annual salary range for an apprentice plumber typically falls between $41,000 and $55,200. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on the city and many other important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, and the number of years you’ve spent in your profession.

Journeyman Plumber Salary

The average journeyman plumber’s salary in the United States ranges between $26.29$31.88 per hour. The annual salary of a journeyman plumber falls between $60,250 and $79,510. Entry-level positions start at $58,500 per year, while most experienced workers earn up to $81,100 per year. Salary ranges can vary widely based on many important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, and how many years you have spent in your profession.

Master Plumber Salary

The average master plumber’s salary in the United States is $34.68 – $67.73 per hour. Entry-level positions start at $58,500 per year, while most experienced workers earn up to $102,650 per year. An entry-level master plumber (1-3 years of experience) in the United States earns an average salary of $58,500. On the other hand, a senior-level master plumber (8+ years of experience) earns an average salary of $102,650.

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FAQ

What Does a Plumber Do?

Plumbers are responsible for the installation, repair, and maintenance of gas and water pipes, sanitary units, health systems, sinks, toilets, and other fixtures in both commercial and residential buildings.

How Long Does It Take to Become a Plumber?

To become a plumber, you need at least four years. First of all, you must enroll in a plumbing apprenticeship. Most plumbing schools offer a two-year program of classroom and on-the-job training. You will then be able to perform plumbing jobs under the guidance of a journeyman or master plumber. You may need a valid apprentice license and four years of experience as an apprentice to qualify for a license.

How to Become a Licensed Plumber?

There is a three-step approach you need to take to become a California licensed plumber: work as an apprentice, become a journeyman, and then apply to become a contractor. After completing four years as a registered journeyman, you can apply for your contractor’s license.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Plumbing License?

Expect a 6- to 8-week application processing time and a 3- to 4-week wait for the exam date. So, you have to wait at least 3- months to get your license.

What Is a Plumber Apprentice?

A plumber apprentice is a plumber’s entry-level professional in plumbing. In which he can perform plumbing jobs under the guidance of a journeyman or master plumber. He will still be responsible for coursework during the apprenticeship. Programs typically take three to five years to complete, including classroom and on-the-job supervised training.

What Is Journeyman Plumber?

Journeyman Plumbers specializes in fittings, pipes, and fixtures. It is the level after passing the state licensing exam after completing the requirements for an apprenticeship. At this point, it can go to an unattended service call. Responsibilities as a journeyman plumber in residential services include installing new and existing plumbing, drainage systems, and gas lines.

What Is a Master Plumber?

Becoming a master plumber requires completing two years under the journeyman plumber level and passing a state board exam. Master plumbers will serve in more leadership capacities, often supervising journeyman plumbers and apprentices. Master plumbers will also be responsible for creating plumbing schematics, planning water systems, and working with code and permit office officials.

How to Become a Master Plumber?

To become a master plumber, you must have 1 to 5 years of experience as a journeyman plumber and then pass a more rigorous licensing exam. In some states, with specialized knowledge about a specific area of plumbing, such as irrigation or high-rise residential systems, you can apply for a specialty license to prove your skills. With this license, you can register your own plumbing business. Both ranks will be required to obtain a C-36 Plumbing Contractor License issued by the Department of Consumer Affairs.

Average Plumbers Salary

In the United States, the average salary for plumbers typically ranges from $18.55 to $67.73 per hour.

Plumbers Yearly Salary

The average salary for plumbers varies from state to state in the United States. A typical plumber can earn around $55,000 annually.

Plumber’s Salary Per Hour

In the United States, the average salary for plumbers typically ranges from $18.55 to $67.73 per hour.

Plumbers Starting Salary

The average starting salary for plumbers in the united states is $18.55 per hour. The annual starting salary range for plumbers typically falls between $41,000 and $55,200.


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