How Long Does It Take to Become a Plumber?

Quick Answer

Becoming a licensed plumber takes 4–5 years through a paid apprenticeship program. You earn wages from day one while learning the trade. After completing your apprenticeship and passing the journeyman exam, you can work independently. Advancing to master plumber status requires 1–2 additional years of experience and a second licensing exam.

Timeline to Become a Plumber

Stage	Duration	Cumulative Time
High school diploma or GED	Prerequisite	–
Pre-apprenticeship program (optional)	3–6 months	3–6 months
Registered apprenticeship	4–5 years	4–5 years
Journeyman license exam	1 day (exam)	4–5 years
Journeyman work experience	1–2 years	5–7 years
Master plumber license exam	1 day (exam)	5–7 years

The Apprenticeship Path

A plumbing apprenticeship is the most common and recommended path into the trade. Apprenticeships are offered through:

• United Association (UA) of plumbers and pipefitters – the largest union program
• Local plumbing contractors – non-union apprenticeships
• Community colleges and trade schools – combined classroom and on-the-job training
• Home Builders Institute – pre-apprenticeship training

What Apprenticeship Includes

Component	Details
On-the-job training	8,000–10,000 hours (4–5 years)
Classroom instruction	576–720 hours total
Starting pay	$15–$20/hour (40–50% of journeyman wage)
Pay increases	Typically every 6–12 months as skills improve
Completion pay	$25–$40/hour (full journeyman rate)

Apprentices learn pipe installation, blueprint reading, local building codes, water supply systems, drainage and venting, gas piping, and fixture installation.

Journeyman vs. Master Plumber

Level	Requirements	Can Do
Apprentice	Enrolled in approved program	Work under supervision only
Journeyman	Completed apprenticeship + passed exam	Work independently, no business license
Master plumber	1–2 years post-journeyman + passed exam	Work independently, pull permits, run a business, supervise apprentices

Master plumber requirements vary by state. Some states require 2–4 years of journeyman experience before sitting for the master exam, while others require specific continuing education hours.

Licensing Requirements by State

Every state regulates plumbers differently:

Requirement	States That Require It
State-issued license	Most states (roughly 40)
Local/municipal license only	Some states (e.g., parts of PA, CO)
Journeyman exam	Most states with licensing
Master plumber exam	Most states with licensing
Continuing education	About 30 states
Insurance/bonding	Many states for master/contractor level

Check your state’s plumbing board or contractor licensing agency for exact requirements.

Earning While Learning

One of the biggest advantages of plumbing as a career is that you earn a living wage throughout your training:

Year of Apprenticeship	Typical Hourly Pay
Year 1	$15–$18
Year 2	$18–$22
Year 3	$22–$28
Year 4	$26–$34
Journeyman (post-apprenticeship)	$30–$45
Master plumber	$35–$55+

Union apprenticeships typically offer higher wages and include health insurance and pension benefits from day one.

Alternative Paths

Some trade schools offer 6–12 month plumbing programs with classroom training and hands-on labs. However, you still need on-the-job hours to qualify for a journeyman license. Trade school can substitute for part of the classroom hours in an apprenticeship. The U.S. military also trains plumbers, and military experience can count toward civilian apprenticeship hours in many states.

Tips for Aspiring Plumbers

• Apply to union apprenticeships early – UA programs are competitive and open applications once or twice a year.
• Get physically fit – plumbing requires lifting, crawling, and working in tight spaces.
• Consider specializations like medical gas piping or fire sprinklers for higher earning potential.
• Plan for the business side if your goal is to become a master plumber and start your own company.