Skilled Trades
How to Become a Plumber
To become a plumber, you need a high school diploma or GED and a 4–5 year paid apprenticeship, followed in most states by a journeyman license exam. Apprenticeships often cost little beyond tools, books and fees, so your total is usually a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. The median plumber earns $63,800 a year (BLS, May 2025).
- Time to start
- 4–5 years (apprenticeship to journeyman)
- Typical cost
- $500–$5,000 (more if you choose trade school first)
- Median pay
- $63,800 per year
- Education
- High school diploma or GED
- License / certification
- Journeyman license in most states; rules vary by state and city
- Job outlook
- +7% (2025–35), much faster than average
Steps to become a plumber
Finish high school or get your GED
Apprenticeships require a diploma or GED. Math, especially basic algebra and geometry, helps with measuring, pipe sizing and slope. If you are rusty, review it before you apply, since many programs test it.
Check your state's plumbing license rules
Most states and some cities require plumbers to be licensed. Look up how many hours you need, whether you must register as an apprentice, and which code your area uses (often the Uniform Plumbing Code or International Plumbing Code). Some states also require a separate license for gas lines.
Apply for a plumbing apprenticeship
Union apprenticeships run through local United Association (UA) training centers. Non-union apprenticeships run through groups like PHCC, ABC or individual plumbing contractors. Expect an application, sometimes an aptitude test, and an interview.
Register as an apprentice if your state requires it
Many states make apprentices register with the plumbing board before they work. This is how your hours get counted toward a license. Keep copies of everything you submit.
Complete your apprenticeship
You work full time under a licensed plumber and attend classes, usually in the evenings. Most apprenticeships last 4 or 5 years, with about 2,000 paid work hours per year. You learn drain and water systems, fixtures, gas piping, codes and blueprint reading.
Pass the journeyman plumber exam
After you meet your state's experience requirement, apply for the journeyman exam. It usually has a written code test, and some states add a hands-on practical. Study the exact code edition and reference books listed in your exam bulletin.
Grow toward a master plumber license
Most states require continuing education to renew your license. With more years as a journeyman, you can test for a master plumber license, which lets you pull permits, supervise others or run your own business. Requirements for experience and exams differ by state.
Find a plumbing apprenticeship or training program
A paid apprenticeship is the standard route and usually the cheapest; trade school mainly helps you get basic skills and stand out to employers.
- Union apprenticeship (UA local)
- Merit shop apprenticeship (PHCC or ABC)
- Plumbing trade school certificate
- Pre-apprenticeship program
- Online plumbing code and exam prep courses
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How much it costs and how long it takes
| Expense | Low | High | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apprenticeship tuition | $0 | $2,000 | Union programs are often low-cost or free; some merit shop programs charge tuition, sometimes paid by the employer. |
| Books and code book | $150 | $600 | |
| Hand tools | $300 | $1,500 | Employers usually provide large equipment like drain machines and threaders. |
| Apprentice registration | $0 | $100 | Only in states that require it. |
| Journeyman exam and license fees | $100 | $400 | Varies by state and testing provider. |
| Optional trade school program | $1,000 | $20,000 | Not required. Cost varies widely by school and length. |
| Total | $1,550 | $24,600 | Timeline: 4–5 years (apprenticeship to journeyman) |
Exams and how to prepare
Apprenticeship entrance test
Some union and merit shop programs give a basic test in math, reading and mechanical reasoning before an interview.
How to prepare: Review fractions, basic algebra and geometry, and practice reading comprehension.
Journeyman plumber exam
State or local licensing exam covering the adopted plumbing code (often UPC or IPC), drainage and venting, water supply, gas piping and safety. Some states include a practical section.
How to prepare: Get your state's candidate bulletin, use the listed code edition, and practice timed questions. Learn to find code sections quickly if the exam is open-book.
Master plumber exam
Advanced exam for experienced journeymen, covering system design, advanced code and often business and law.
How to prepare: Take it after you meet your state's journeyman experience requirement. A prep course helps with design calculations and business sections.
Prepare for the plumbing license exams
Use prep materials based on the exact code your state adopted, since UPC and IPC questions differ.
- Journeyman plumber exam
- Master plumber exam
Plumber salary and job outlook
Employment is projected to grow 7% from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations, with about 42,000 openings per year.
Source: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters, May 2025 data
Printable PDF
Plumber Career Kit: 90-Day Action Plan
- 90-day action plan with checkboxes
- Documents checklist
- 12 interview questions with tips
- Resume lines, common mistakes, 13-week tracker
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to become a plumber?
Most people need 4 to 5 years. That covers a paid apprenticeship of about 2,000 work hours a year plus classes, then the journeyman exam. Becoming a master plumber takes additional years of experience.
How much does it cost to become a plumber?
Through an apprenticeship, you may pay only for tools, books and fees, often under $2,000 in total. Trade school is optional and can cost from about $1,000 to $20,000. License and exam fees add a few hundred dollars.
Can you become a plumber without going to trade school?
Yes. Most plumbers learn through apprenticeships, not trade school. You apply to a union UA local, a merit shop program, or a plumbing contractor that hires apprentices.
Do you need a license to be a plumber?
In most states, yes. Requirements often include 2 to 5 years of experience and a passing exam score. Some states license at the local level, so check where you will work.
How much do plumbers make?
The median pay for plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters is $63,800 a year, according to BLS May 2025 data. The lowest 10% earn under $44,150 and the top 10% earn over $108,420. Apprentices start lower and get raises as they progress.
What is the difference between a journeyman and a master plumber?
A journeyman has finished an apprenticeship and passed the state exam, so they can work on their own. A master plumber has more experience and has passed a harder exam, and can usually pull permits, supervise others or own a plumbing business. Details vary by state.
Is there an age limit to become a plumber?
Most programs require you to be at least 18, and there is no upper age limit. Many people switch to plumbing in their 30s and 40s. The work is physical, so consider how you handle crawling, kneeling and lifting.
What is the hardest part of being a plumber?
Many plumbers point to the physical work and the dirty, cramped conditions. Learning the plumbing code well enough to pass the license exam is also a major hurdle. Emergency calls at night and on weekends are common in service work.
Sources
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook: Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters
- United Association (UA) of Plumbers and Pipefitters
- Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association (PHCC)
- IAPMO (Uniform Plumbing Code)
- CareerOneStop License Finder
- Apprenticeship.gov Job Finder
Requirements vary by state and employer and can change. Confirm details with the official sources above before you spend money on training.