Skilled trade jobs are perfect for people who like to work with their hands and solve problems in real-life situations every day. A career in the pipeline industry provides good salary and excellent job guarantees without attending a four-year college. This is how to become a plumber, and the insights and suggestions of real workers in transactions.
Dan Quinonez is executive director of the PHCC Education Foundation, which provides programs for plumbers at all levels of expertise. “We know college is not for everyone, so we see more high school students today want to take another career path, especially with the rise in tuition fees for a four-year degree, where job stability is a major issue,” he shared.
“With so many taps retired, fewer people replace them, so it is necessary to find skilled workers who can fill the pipeline and meet the growing demand. Other industries provide an opportunity for young people in their teens or twenties to learn skilled trade from high school and learn skilled trade in high school training and get a good supply while having a good supply and can easily get into the job? Soon, it will only continue to grow and make more advanced progress, opening the door for those tech-savvy who want to play a role in the world.”
FAQs about how to become a plumber
What is a plumber?
Plumbers install, maintain and repair water, drainage and gas piping systems in residential, commercial and industrial environments. Water pipe work titles include:
- Traveler Plumber
- Residential plumber
- Steamfitter
- Pipe fitter
- Pipeline inspector
On a typical day, a plumber may take the time to install or repair a piping system, bathroom fixture, or water heater. They can also connect washing machines and dishwashers, maintain sewers and drainage systems, or work with gas lines for stoves or heaters. They often work on construction sites, houses and industrial facilities.
Why become a plumber?
Like many other skilled industries, plumbing jobs always meet demand and have great potential for making money. The average salary is about $30 per hour (about $60,000 per year), but experienced plumbers usually add more, in some cases up to $50 per hour. (As of March 2025, the salary figure is indeed every time.)
“Now, demand for plumbers is high because skilled workers continue to be insufficient in the industry,” Quinonez explained. “It is expected that by 2027, there will be just one million plumbers in the United States, which is an amazing number when you consider how critical it is to ensure clean, safe drinking water in this industry.”
He continued: “I think one thing about this job for any young person who might be considering a career in a water pipe is the profit of the job. Pipeline professionals can do a good job financially because they don’t have the burden of college debt, can earn good salary and have the potential to pay as an estimate employee, even their employees, is one of their employees, is their business salary.”
What does a plumber do?
“People always think that plumbers’ jobs are repairing toilets,” Dan said. “Well, that’s not the only thing they have to do! That’s much more than that. The contractors I talk to the Pipeline Heating and Cooling Contractors Association feel pride after installing a new piping system or fixing a broken piping, thus saving customers a lot of money and paying for water supply plumbing projects, including work on new construction projects, including supply, including supply, including scope of the building, wasted/wasteful; toilets, sinks, water heaters…the list goes on.”
Dan is also crucial to his current and future career. “Plumbers play a critical role in protecting public health and safety, and the environment, and one day is not always the same as the next. They are looked upon as experts in sustainability, energy efficiency, and water infrastructure. With technology advancing as quickly as it has over the last few years, plumbers and HVAC technicians can learn how to use, install, maintain, and troubleshoot new smart technologies and sustainable solutions to meet the needs and challenges of this rapidly changing industry.”
What are the necessary skills for plumbers?
According to Dan, “To be made in the piping, heating and cooling industry, you need to be able to analyze and solve problems; use computers, automation and diagnostic equipment; and have the ability to fix things. Pipelines require many specific skills to be on the work site at work.
“For those with high abilities in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), there are many opportunities to use these skills in the pipeline industry,” Dan stressed. “Whether it’s a pipe of the right size or designing fluid handling systems, everything from algebra and geometry to physics, CAD to drafting and blueprint readings is used in this work.”
Not sure if the pipeline is right for you? Dan invites interested high school students and others to participate in the free PHCC Academy staff preparation course. Learn more about the plumbing industry and whether this is your career path.
Does a plumber need a college degree?
Most plumbers earn a high school diploma or equivalent and then complete special training or apprenticeship programs. In most states, plumbers must pass the licensing exam at the end of the training year, after which they become industry plumbers.
How long does it take to become a plumber?
On average, it takes about five to six years to become a licensed plumber. But for most of the time, apprentice plumbers learn at work while earning their salary!
How to Become a Plumber: An Overview of the Process
Trade or Technical School (optional)
Some choose to participate in a trade or technical school program to start the process of becoming a plumber. These courses teach them the technical information they need in their careers and prepare them for a more successful apprenticeship. Trade schools can often also help potential plumbers find apprenticeships, making the process easier.
In some areas, high school students can take Vocational and Technical Education (CTE) courses as part of their high school diploma. When they graduate, they will be ready to start a paid apprenticeship without paying for a trade school.
Potential plumbers can also complete formal training courses at home from places like PHCC College and other plumbing schools. This is a great option for high school students who do not offer applicable CTE programs.
Apprenticeship (on-service training)
Whether you go to trade school or not, all new plumbers need an apprenticeship. Usually, it takes about four to five years of full-time on-the-job training to become a touring plumber. Apprentice plumbers usually earn salaries from the start and increase as they gain skills and knowledge.
Apprenticeship opportunities in the United States.
Traveler License Examination
At the end of the apprenticeship, the candidate took the state’s license exam. (Some states are not at the state level; check your state’s requirements for more information.) These exams cover piping codes and regulations, security procedures, blueprint readings, and other piping skills. After passing these exams, the apprentice officially became a plumber for the itinerary and was licensed to work alone without supervision.
Professional development opportunities
Some people stayed at the traveler level throughout their careers, while others decided to get higher certifications, become chief plumbers or earn a contractor license. This allows them to oversee apprentices or travelers’ plumbing teams, or design plumbing systems and diagrams. Such advanced skills mean higher salaries and even opportunities to open your own pipeline business.
PHCC Director Dan Quinonez put forward these final thoughts: “For anyone who likes to work by hand, especially plumbing, is a wise choice because it provides stable jobs, regardless of the performance of the economy and competitive wages from the start, and on a stable career trajectory, this profession is the case for everyone! A wide variety of workers can make plumbing, heating, heating, heating and calm industries solid.”
Don’t forget to grab the free printable poster of how to become a plumber!
