How to Become a Plumber
Plumbing is one of the most stable, well-paid skilled trades — and you get paid to learn it through an apprenticeship instead of taking on student debt. Here is the realistic path, what it takes to get accepted, and what you can expect to earn.
Take the free plumber & pipefitter aptitude practice testWhat does a plumber do?
Plumbers install and repair the pipe systems that carry water, gas, and waste in homes, businesses, and industrial sites. Pipefitters and steamfitters work on higher-pressure process and heating systems. The work mixes physical skill with code knowledge, measurement math, and problem-solving — which is why apprenticeships screen applicants with an aptitude test.
Steps to become a plumber
Most plumbers follow this path: (1) finish high school or a GED, (2) apply to a union (UA) or non-union apprenticeship, (3) pass the entrance aptitude test and interview, (4) complete a 4–5 year paid apprenticeship combining on-the-job hours with classroom instruction, and (5) pass your state journeyman exam to work independently. Some start with a trade-school certificate first to strengthen their application.
Requirements and how long it takes
You generally need to be 18+, have a high school diploma or GED, a valid driver’s license, and pass a drug test. A plumbing apprenticeship runs about 4–5 years (roughly 8,000 on-the-job hours plus ~250 classroom hours per year). You earn a percentage of journeyman scale that steps up as you progress, so you’re paid the entire time.
Apprenticeship vs. trade school
An apprenticeship pays you to learn and ends with a credential and no debt, but acceptance is competitive. A trade-school program is faster to start and can make you a stronger apprenticeship applicant, but it costs tuition and isn’t a substitute for the apprenticeship hours. Many successful plumbers do a short program first, then apply to an apprenticeship.
How much do plumbers make?
The median plumber, pipefitter, and steamfitter earned $62,970 per year as of May 2024 (BLS) — the lowest 10% under about $40,670 and the top 10% over $105,150. Pay rises quickly as you move from apprentice to journeyman, and pipefitters/steamfitters and those who go into estimating or contracting often earn well above the median.
See where you stand — free
Take the free plumber & pipefitter aptitude practice test — same format programs use, instant results, no signup to start.
Start the practice test →Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become a plumber?
About 4–5 years through an apprenticeship, combining paid on-the-job training with classroom instruction, then passing your state journeyman exam.
Do you need a degree to be a plumber?
No — you need a high school diploma or GED. Most plumbers train through a paid apprenticeship, not a college degree.
Is there a test to get into a plumbing apprenticeship?
Yes — most apprenticeships use an entrance aptitude test (math, reading, mechanical reasoning) plus an interview, and rank applicants by score. You can take a free practice version below.
More free practice tests on the practice tests hub.