How To Become A Plumber: Learn How To Get Started (2026)

What a Plumber Does Day to Day

Many people know that if there’s an issue with a water pipe, they need to call a plumber. However, not everyone knows what plumbers do on a day-to-day basis.

Broadly speaking, plumbers install and repair drains, pipes and fixtures. A significant portion of their work often focuses on troubleshooting and repairs. These are some of the most common tasks they handle:

• Drain cleaning
• Setting up plumbing systems
• Locating and repairing leaks
• Repairing damaged water mains
• Installing bathtubs, sinks, toilets, water heaters and other fixtures
• Laying and testing gas lines

As a plumber, your daily work can vary depending on your specialty. For instance, a residential plumber deals with different problems than a plumber who primarily works in commercial buildings.

Education and High School Basics

If you’re wondering how to become a plumber, it all starts with a high school education. Before you start a plumbing apprenticeship, you’ll need a high school diploma or GED. Your background in math is especially important.

Plumbing apprenticeships can be competitive, and undergoing additional training could help distinguish you from other applicants. Some people opt to pursue a college degree before applying for apprenticeships, and others attend pre-apprenticeship training programs offered at community colleges.

Completing an Apprenticeship

Like many other people in skilled trades, plumbers start out in formal apprenticeships. Each state sets its own rules for these programs, but typically, you’ll work under a master plumber for 4-5 years while also receiving classroom instruction.

Apprenticeships are paid, but you won’t earn as much per hour as you will as a journeyman.

Earning Your Journeyman License

To become a journeyman, you’ll need to complete your apprenticeship and pass the journeyman licensing exam.

The test usually involves around 100 multiple-choice questions. Some jurisdictions also include a hands-on portion where you may be asked to perform skills tests like these:

• Pipe a miniature house or dollhouse
• Assemble joints and have them tested for watertightness
• Measure, cut and fit various pipe materials

The exam is usually open-book, meaning you can access plumbing codes during it. Most jurisdictions in the U.S. use either the Uniform Plumbing Code or the International Plumbing Code.

If you become licensed as a journeyman, you no longer have to work under the supervision of a master plumber. Depending on where you live, you may have to renew your license every 1-5 years.

Advancing to Master Plumber

If you want to take your career to the next level, you can take a licensing exam to become a master plumber. Master plumbers have more in-depth knowledge and experience than journeymen do, and they typically earn more.

Like the journeyman exam, the exam you’ll need to take to become a master plumber typically involves both a written test and a hands-on skills demonstration.

Choosing a Plumbing Specialty

Plumbers generally fall into five main specialties:

• General Plumbers: Handle routine maintenance and installations
• Pipelayers: Do the initial groundwork before installing pipes
• Pipefitters: Assemble and maintain high-pressure pipe systems (usually in industrial buildings)
• Steamfitters: Focus on high-pressure pipes carrying gases and liquids
• Sprinklerfitters: Install and modify sprinkler systems

Choosing a specialty that’s in demand in your area may translate to greater earnings over time. For instance, if you’re knowledgeable about new construction installation and work in an area with many general contractors, you could potentially find steady work as a plumbing subcontractor.

Trade Schools and Programs

Technically, you only need a high school diploma or GED to become a plumbing apprentice. However, if you want to be a master plumber, attending a trade school or program can give you the foundational knowledge you need.

License Renewal and Reciprocity

Once you become licensed, check with your state licensing board to make sure you know how often to renew your license. If you live near your state’s border or think you may want to work across state lines, it’s a good idea to check your state’s reciprocity rules. Some states recognize licenses granted out of state, but others don’t.

Job Outlook and Earnings

Some people become plumbers hoping to secure an employment contract and keep a stable job. Others want to start their own companies. With either option, you have a good chance of success. Demand for plumbers isn’t likely to decrease anytime soon.

Compared to many white-collar jobs that are being threatened by the rise in automation, plumbers have a bright job outlook.

However, as you discover how to become a plumber, you might understandably wonder about your earning potential.

Salaries can vary significantly based on where you live, but nationwide, journeyman plumbers earn an average of about $69,000 per year. Master plumbers earn an average of about $80,000, but it’s not unusual for them to earn upwards of $100,000.

The Importance of Having the Right Documents

Whether you’re drafting a service agreement or creating a professional plumbing invoice, having an in-depth understanding of necessary documents can be extremely helpful as you build your new career.

ConsumerShield can help you learn which documents you may need and how to use them. Take a look at our collection of legal document templates and guides today.