Plumber FAQ

Most plumbers complete a four- to five-year apprenticeship before taking a journeyman licensing exam.

Plumbers focus on water, drainage and gas systems in buildings; pipefitters and steamfitters work on high-pressure piping for heating, cooling and industrial processes.

Many experienced plumbers do (the top 10% earn six figures in BLS pay data), especially with overtime, specialties or their own business.

The median annual wage for plumbers was $63,800 ($30.67 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $44,150 and the highest 10% earned more than $108,420.

Most people need about 4–5 years (paid apprenticeship) of training. A high school diploma or GED is typically required. Plumbers usually complete a four- to five-year apprenticeship with paid on-the-job training and classroom study, then pass a state journeyman exam. Some start at a technical school.

No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “high school diploma or equivalent” as the typical entry-level education, plus apprenticeship.

It can be, depending on your goals. Employment is projected to change +6.8% from 2025–35 (faster than average), with about 42,000 openings each year. Upsides include paid apprenticeship with no student debt; a common challenge is that dirty, physically demanding work.

Key technical skills include reading plumbing plans, plumbing code knowledge (ipc/upc), soldering, brazing and joining pipe, and drain cleaning and diagnostics. Employers also value problem-solving, customer service, and reliability.

Common credentials include Journeyman plumber license, Master plumber license, Backflow prevention tester certification, and Medical gas certification (ASSE 6010). Most states license plumbers at apprentice, journeyworker and master levels. Gas piping may require separate certification, and rules vary by state and city.