Plumber: Apprenticeship, License, Pay and How to Start

In short

To become a plumber, most people do a 4 to 5 year apprenticeship that pays them while they learn the work and take classes. Some start at a vocational school first. Most states require a license, usually after 2 to 5 years of experience and an exam. BLS puts the middle pay for plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters at $63,800 a year (May 2025). Fill out the form and we'll match you with schools near you that teach plumbing.

Sources checked October 8, 2026Pay and job facts from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook for plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters (pay is the May 2025 median from the BLS OEWS program). BLS counts the three jobs as one group, so the pay is for all three. Licensing rules differ by state and city.

Quick facts

Typical pay: $63,800 a year, or $30.67 an hour, for plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters together (median, May 2025). Starting pay is lower.
How you learn: Apprenticeship, usually 4 to 5 years. Some people take a vocational-technical school course first.
To start: A high school diploma or equivalent.
License: Most states and some localities require plumbers to be licensed. Rules vary.
Jobs and outlook: About 504,500 jobs in 2024. BLS projects 4% growth through 2034, about average, with about 44,000 openings a year.
Who they work for: About 66% work for plumbing, heating and air-conditioning contractors. About 8% are self-employed.

Is this for you?

It could be a fit if…

You like solving a problem and leaving a house working better than you found it.
You're good with customers when something's gone wrong. Plumbers often get the call when it's an emergency.
You don't mind lifting, climbing ladders and working in tight spaces.
You'd like to run your own shop someday. Plumbers who get licensed and gain experience can start their own business, which may need extra licensing.

Think twice if…

You need a set 9 to 5. Most plumbers work full time including nights and weekends, and are often on call.
You don't like getting dirty. Drains, pipes and septic systems are part of the job.
You want to start earning full pay right away. Apprentices are paid, but the full scale comes later.

What the work is like

In a home, a plumber might set a water heater, replace a broken pipe, clear a drain or put in a dishwasher. Plumbers also help look after septic systems for houses that aren't hooked to a sewer. In a bigger building the job turns into reading blueprints, following the local plumbing code and planning where the pipe goes. Master plumbers on construction jobs help make sure the plumbing meets code, stays on budget and works around things like electric wires.

You'll use drills, saws, press-fitting tools, drain cleaning tools and sometimes torches. The common injuries are cuts from sharp tools, burns from hot pipes and soldering, and falls from ladders. It's hands-on work, and your body feels it.

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How to get in

Path 1

Apprenticeship

Most plumbers start here. You work for a contractor, get paid for about 2,000 hours a year on the job, and take classes on safety, local plumbing codes, blueprints and some math, physics and chemistry. Unions, trade associations and businesses sponsor programs. The United Association (UA) says its apprenticeships typically last five years and that you earn while you learn. Apprenticeship Finder lists openings.

4 to 5 yearsPaid on the jobClasses included

Path 2

Vocational school first

Vocational-technical schools teach pipe system design, safety and tool use. Some people take a pre-apprenticeship program first. It can help you stand out when you apply, but it isn't required to start.

Shorter startNot required

Path 3

Helper job

Some people start as a helper at a plumbing company and move into an apprenticeship. Ask any company you apply to how that works.

Foot in the doorAsk how it works

Licenses, step by step

Plumbing licenses are set by your state, and sometimes your city. BLS says states and cities often want 2 to 5 years of experience and an exam before you can work on your own. After that, plumbers with several years of experience can take another exam to become a master plumber. Some states require master status to get a plumbing contractor's license. Ask your state licensing board what your hours need to be, and CareerOneStop can point you to it.

A driver's license matters too. Most employers want plumbers to have one.

Pay and cost

BLS puts the middle pay for plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters at $63,800 a year. An apprentice earns less while training. Emergency calls can mean evenings and weekends, so ask any employer how on-call time works.

On the apprenticeship road you're paid while you learn, so the question is book and tool costs. On the school road you pay tuition, and it varies, so get the total in writing before you sign. Here's the order to work in for paying.

Median pay is for plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters nationally, May 2025. Your city may pay more or less. State and metro pay data from BLS.

Questions about plumbing

Can I learn plumbing without a school?

Yes. An apprenticeship teaches you on the job and in class. You usually need a high school diploma or equivalent to start. Don't have one yet? Start here.

What's the difference between a plumber and a pipefitter?

They overlap. Plumbers mostly work on water, gas and waste systems in homes and buildings. Pipefitters and steamfitters work on pipes that carry chemicals, acids and gases in factories, plants and large buildings. Here's the pipefitter page.

How do I get to master plumber?

Finish your apprenticeship, pass the journey-level exam, work for several years, then pass another exam. Your state sets the details.

Do plumbers work on call?

Many do. BLS says most plumbers work full time, including nights and weekends, and they're often on call for emergencies. Self-employed plumbers may be able to set their own schedule.