Useful materials about job search in your mail.
Top job searches near you
Recent Job Searches

Remote Endocrinology
Location: Rome, GA


Controller - Hybrid Remote!
Location: Las Vegas, NV


Software Architect (Remote)
Location: Chicago, IL


Remote Licensed Psychiatrist
Location: Los Angeles, CA


Sr Reinsurance Accountant (REMOTE)
Location: Hartford, CT


Grant Accountant (Hybrid/Remote)
Location: Bronx, NY


Senior Estimator - Remote Flexibility
Location: East Rutherford, NJ


Audit Manager (Remote/Hybrid)
Location: Cincinnati, OH


Therapist - Remote
Location: Sherman, TX


Remote Licensed Professional Counselor
Location: Palm Springs, CA


Remote Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Location: Georgia


HIM Operations Analyst- Remote
Location: Brentwood, TN


Psychologist - Remote
Location: Houston, TX


Remote IT
Location: Macon, GA


Remote Tourism Specialist
Location: Erie, PA


Travel Advisor (Remote)
Location: Baltimore, MD


Travel Assistant (Remote)
Location: South Carolina


Remote Event Planner
Location: Indianapolis, IN


Remote Communications Manager
Location: Fairfax, VA


Mainframe Developer - Remote
Location: Jacksonville, FL


Remote Schedule Coordinator
Location: Berryville, VA


Remote Honeymoon Specialist
Location: Orlando, FL


Remote Sales Agent
Location: Ada, OK


Remote Vacation Planner
Location: Rimersburg, PA


Remote Licensed Talk Therapist
Location: Eagle Rock, NC


Remote Sales Rep
Location: Arlington, TX


Remote Psychiatrist (Telehealth)
Location: Frankfort, KY


Remote Scheduling Coordinator
Location: Richmond, VA


Remote Reservations Coordinator
Location: Phoenix, AZ


Psychotherapist - Remote
Location: West Sacramento, CA


How to Become a Plumber

How to Become a Plumber

Building a successful career is worth starting with a detailed study of the profession. Suppose a person likes installing, repairing, and maintaining communications in private homes and office buildings and communicating with people. In that case, the position of a plumber is the best option. If you are interested in this topic, please read our article in detail, where this career path is completely disassembled and given useful tips.

What is Plumbing?

A plumber’s main tasks include installing, maintaining, and repairing domestic and commercial plumbing systems responsible for supplying the facility with water, gas, and waste disposal through sewer lines. Plumbing is one of the most critical communication systems. If any element fails (dripping faucet, leaking toilet or piping, broken water heater, and more), facility owners call the appropriate professionals to solve the problem – plumbers.

Benefits of Becoming a Plumber

The plumber profession boasts numerous benefits. Some of the main ones are:

  • Decent salary. On average, represented entry-level professionals earn $45-50,000 annually. Senior plumbers can even make more than $62000 each year. This amount significantly exceeds the salary for which a college graduate might qualify. Also, union masters are entitled to good benefits.
  • The cost of training is democratic. It is possible to master the profession in a trade school or college. As a result, there will be a manageable student loan debt. Also, there are now many apprenticeship programs where you can get practical experience and earn money.
  • Promotion. A career as a plumber involves career advancement. You can go the way of a journeyman, master plumber, foreperson, superintendent, and other steps.
  • You can build your own business. A plumber can provide private services.
  • Demand. Plumbers are always needed, no matter what state the economy is in. Repairing burst pipes, toilet leaks, and other things are always needed.
  • Helping people. People call a plumber when they urgently need skilled help. Professional service will be appreciated.

Overview of Different Types of Plumbers

The plumbing profession involves several levels so that each professional has the proper training and experience required to perform their direct duties. Also, some states may require a special license to work in the profession. Depending on the location and the license, the requirements vary. There are several types of plumbers:

Apprentice Plumber

It is the first step in a career. The apprentice watches the work of senior craftsmen, practicing their skills and learning about modern plumbing systems. Often the apprentice is entrusted with the secondary tasks of cleaning tools and laying them out. Experienced plumbers will also show apprentices how to perform more complex work tasks. The apprentice is always supervised by someone – an apprentice or a master.

To be licensed as an apprentice plumber, you must complete coursework and be trained under the supervision of a mentor on the job. Numerous states do not require an exam, but the apprentice must be 18 years old or older and have a high school diploma or GED certificate to apply for a license. After that, you can get a job as an apprentice and start building a career.

Journeyman Plumber

A journeyman can already work without the supervision of another more experienced professional, but certain states prohibit starting your own business at this level. Compared to an apprentice, this professional has a more complex role in installing plumbing systems, appliances, and equipment. An apprentice may specialize in a particular area.

To get an apprentice license, you must have a valid one and have worked in the position for four years. After that, you must take a state exam to prove sufficient knowledge. You can then obtain a journeyman plumber’s license and graduate.

Master Plumber

The level presented is the highest in a plumber’s career. These professionals can start their businesses in many states, get approval for projects, and hire apprentices who can be assigned secondary tasks. The scope of the master’s job duties includes the same activities that apprentices or journeymen perform. At the same time, the master also deals with financial, managerial, as well as legal matters. A master can send an apprentice to perform specific uncomplicated tasks.

To get a master’s license, you must have worked as an apprentice for two years and pass a state exam. With relevant knowledge in irrigation, residential plumbing, and other areas, obtaining a special license from the appropriate state is possible.

Education Requirements and Training Needed to Become a Plumber

Depending on the specific industry, the requirements for becoming a plumber may vary. Often, the following standard requirements must be followed to become a plumber:

High School Diploma or Equivalent

If you have a high school diploma, or if a student is in high school or studying for a certification, you can begin a career as a plumber. If a diploma is not available, a GED certificate can be obtained. A plumber should have a sufficient knowledge base in technology, math, science, and computers. If your school has a drafting class, it is worth taking the course presented.

Technical Schools or Community Colleges

It is worth noting that having a college degree is optional for those who wish to learn the plumbing profession. At that time, specialized professional training will be reasonable. In this situation, you can get training at an accredited technical college or a trade school that offers vocational training in plumbing. A student can get certified in water, drainage systems, and piping.

Apprenticeships

After completing vocational training, it is possible to take plumbing apprenticeships. Many apprenticeship programs require students to complete specific training hours before employers can give them a job. At the same time, the number of hours depends on the apprenticeship itself. An apprenticeship may involve on-the-job training to learn the ins and outs of the profession and gain many valuable skills.

Licensing and Certification Requirements

To be able to work as a plumber, many states require an independent license. A plumber can become certified to have more career opportunities.

State or Local Licensing Requirements.

A professional can obtain a state apprentice license. A plumber education program and work experience are also required in this situation. How much experience is required to obtain a permit depends on the state. Once the minimum requirements are met, it is possible to take the appropriate exam to obtain a license. It is also worth noting that to maintain your license, it is imperative that you continually learn.

Specialty Certifications for Plumbers

Specialty certifications for plumbers include:

  1. IAPMO – the International Association of Plumbers and Mechanics certification. This program can issue various certifications – residential plumbing inspector, commercial inspector, and others. To get certified, you must have sufficient experience, pass the appropriate exam, and so on. It’s also worth renewing your certificate once every three years.
  2. CPDT – Certificate in Plumbing Design. To design plumbing systems, it is imperative to have the appropriate certificate. You must renew your license every two years.
  3. STAR – certificate in plumbing craftsmanship. To get a certification, you need to have experience and knowledge in different areas: design, installation and maintenance of various systems. The certificate shall be renewed once every five years.
  4. STAR Steamfitting-Pipefitting Mastery. The certificate confirms that the master has experience in manufacturing, preparation, pip installation, tubing, and equipment. The certificate is required to be renewed every five years.

It is up to the plumber to choose which certificate he needs. Selecting a license depends on the field of work is necessary.

Steps to Becoming a Professional Plumber

To become a professional plumber, it is imperative to have the appropriate skills – communication, technical skills, critical judgment and problem-solving skills, attention to detail and others. In addition to the skills listed above, it is worth taking the following steps to become a professional plumber.

Get Experience in the Field as an Apprentice or Trainee

To become a true professional, it is imperative to gain experience. An apprentice or trainee can take additional classes to develop valuable skills and move up the career ladder.

Find a Mentor

One of the best ways to learn a profession is to learn from a true professional. You can find a worthy mentor among teachers in school or college. You can also watch the work of a practicing professional plumber, who will entrust his apprentice with the work he can do, monitor the quality of his work and give sound advice.

Salary expectations

Plumbers can work part-time or full-time. The salary amount depends on various factors: education, experience, company size, and location. In addition, a plumber may also receive a premium for overtime work – overnight trips and others. Some professionals are members of unions, which can negotiate wage amounts on their behalf while at the same time they are committed to remitting union dues.

On average, plumbers in the United States earn $26.86 per hour. The range of hourly wages can range from $16.62 to $43.42. One can earn an average of $56,077 per year. The salary range can range from $34,693 to $90,641.

Build Your Reputation as a Plumber

Nothing describes a professional as well as his reputation. Even trivial word of mouth can be a great way to find a lot of repeat customers. Everyone knows plumbing can break down periodically, and many prefer to trust proven professionals they like. That’s why it’s worth worrying about a positive reputation. In this situation, it is worthwhile to be attentive to each client and do all the work in a quality manner.

Conclusion

Plumber – this is quite a common and profitable profession. Master, it can help everyone who has set a goal for himself to work with communication systems in the house. There are several levels in this profession. Their understanding will allow you to decide whether the presented direction in work suits you. This article has broken down the main benefits, responsibilities, and licensing requirements.

Benefits of Being a Professional Plumber 

Working as a professional plumber has several benefits, from a decent wage to be able to help people daily. But at the same time, it’s worth remembering to become a reputable plumber. It would be best if you worked hard on your qualifications.

Tips for Being Successful in the Industry 

Success as a plumber depends on several components: technical skills, qualifications, ability to work with clients, and reputation. All of this can be achieved if you persevere toward your intended goal. A detailed study of the features of the profession from our article is the first step to building a successful career.

Date: 4 January 2023
Subscribe to newsletter
Useful materials about job search in your mail
Subscribe to newsletter
Useful materials about job search in your mail


Subscribe to newsletter
Useful materials about job search in your mail