If you're interested in a career that pays well, stays in demand, and lets you work with your hands, plumbing could be a great fit—no college degree necessary.
Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters install and repair piping systems for water, gas, steam, and waste in homes, businesses, and industrial settings. The work can be physically demanding and often requires traveling to job sites, reading blueprints, and using specialized tools.
Plumbing is a licensed trade, and getting started means learning through a mix of hands-on experience and classroom instruction. Here’s how to begin:
Finish high school or get a GED: This is the minimum requirement for most training paths.
Apply for an apprenticeship: Most plumbers start through a union or non-union apprenticeship program. Union apprenticeships are especially common in this trade and often come with added benefits like healthcare, retirement plans, and ongoing training.
Learn on the job: Training covers everything from reading blueprints to installing water and gas systems.
Pass a state licensing exam: Once your apprenticeship is complete, you’ll likely need to pass a state exam to become a licensed plumber.
Some plumbers go on to pursue optional certifications to expand into specialized work, like medical gas systems or green plumbing design.
Check out the SkillUp-approved catalog of training programs to see if there’s a plumbing apprenticeship near you!
No. You don’t need a college degree to become a plumber. Most people enter the trade through a registered apprenticeship that combines classroom instruction with paid on-the-job training.
It usually takes 4 to 5 years to complete an apprenticeship. After that, you’ll need to pass a state or local licensing exam, which may include both written and practical components.
Plumbers focus on water and waste systems in homes and buildings. Pipefitters install and maintain high-pressure pipes used in industrial settings. Steamfitters are a type of pipefitter who specialize in systems that move high-pressure steam or gas.
Plumbers need strong problem-solving skills, physical stamina, attention to detail, and basic math abilities. Good communication is also helpful when working with customers and construction teams.
Yes. Plumbing is in high demand across the country and offers strong wages, job security, and opportunities to start your own business or move into specialized roles.
The median salary for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters is around $63,000 per year, with experienced professionals earning over $100,000 depending on location and certifications.
In many states, yes. Continuing education is often required to renew your license and stay current on building codes and safety regulations.
Absolutely. Many licensed plumbers go on to work in hospitals, manufacturing plants, power stations, or new construction projects. Pipefitters and steamfitters typically focus more on industrial and commercial environments.
Plumbers can pursue optional certifications like medical gas installation, green plumbing design, or advanced safety and technical credentials from trade unions and associations.
Many employers prefer or require certifications, especially for handling refrigerants. Some of the most common include:
