How Long Does It Take to Become a Plumber?

Plumbing careers are at a peak, and new prospects abound for eager plumbers. A career plan is more essential than ever before, and growth and opportunities are in store for aspiring plumbers. However, how long does it take to become a plumber? It all depends on your desired career path! There are several options for getting into the plumbing business, but picking the appropriate one depends on your own objectives. Let's look at some of the specifics of how to enter the profession as a plumber.

Apprenticeships and Trade Schools

A plumbing trade school or apprenticeship are two ways to break into the field if you have a high school degree or GED. Your average training time at a trade school will be two years, whereas an apprenticeship could take anywhere from two to five years, depending on the program.

After completing a trade school education, you will have a lot of work flexibility and more control over your career. On the other hand, an apprenticeship is usually sponsored by a union or a company. While this approach may be less flexible, you will have access to compensation for training.

Becoming a Journeyman Plumber

You'll need both industry knowledge and formal education to become a journeyman plumber. The regulations for experience differ by state, but many want five years of professional expertise. Once you've acquired this experience, you may sit for the plumbing certification test. Many apprenticeships provide enough training to enable individuals wanting to take the journeyman license exam to do so successfully.

The amount of time it takes to become a plumber depends on how ambitious you are. Some people are content working at the journeyman level their whole lives, while others want to move up to become master plumbers. If you're happy staying where you are, note that continuing education may still be required depending on your state's requirements.

Becoming a Master Plumber

The requirements to become a master plumber vary by state, but most states demand two years of experience on top of your journeyman timeline. While becoming a master plumber entails many perks, like increased job security and higher pay, it also means that you are financially responsible when a job goes sideways.

Before you begin plumbing work in any capacity, be sure to check your state and local requirements so that you can operate legally. By doing business above-board from the start, you'll save yourself a lot of trouble down the road. Failure to comply with licensing regulations could result in substantial penalties.

How long does it take, on average, to become a plumber at this level? You can be fully licensed and work as a master plumber in many states in seven to ten years.