Best Plumbing Schools & Programs
The average income for plumbers is $61,100 a year. However, you'll need to work as a paid apprentice for a few years before you can earn this much. While being a plumber doesn't require a four-year degree, it does require a lot of on-site training before you can take your state's certification exam.
Many people who want to become plumbers choose to attend a plumbing certificate or diploma program to get more training ahead of an apprenticeship.
15 Best Plumbing Schools
Here's an alphabetical list of some of the best plumbing schools in the country:
How We Choose the Best Schools
We chose all of the following best plumbing schools based on the following criteria:
- Under $35,000 in tuition
- Over 50% graduation rate
- Accreditation
Apex Technical School
School type: Private for-profit
Net price: $15,155
Graduation rate: 75%
Apex Technical School has a plumbing and pipefitting program where you'll clock 900 hours of training. You can take the classes on either a part-time or full-time basis.
Ashland County-West Holmes Career Center
School type: Public
Net price: $7,435
Graduation rate: 92%
Ashland County-West Holmes Career Center has a 600-hour plumbing technologies program that you can complete in seven months.
Bergen County Technical Schools
School type: Public
Net price: $13,164
Graduation rate: 65%
Bergen County Technical Schools has an eight-month-long plumbing and heating program for future plumbers.
Berk Trade and Business School
School type: Public
Net price: $13,164
Graduation rate: 65%
Berk Trade and Business School offers a 600-hour plumbing program you can complete in 30 weeks.
Berks Career & Technology Center
School type: Public
Net price: $11,667
Graduation rate: 79%
Berks Career & Technology Center offers a plumbing & heating program accredited by the National Center for Construction Education and Research.
Erwin Technical College
School type: Public
Net price: $4,374
Graduation rate: 68%
Erwin Technical College offers a plumbing technology program that includes classroom instruction and hands-on learning.
Fort Myers Technical College
School type: Public
Net price: $5,182
Graduation rate: 77%
Fort Myers Technical College has a plumbing program that you can complete in 10 months.
Lancaster County Career and Technology Center
School type: Public
Net price: $7,324
Graduation rate: 72%
Lancaster County Career and Technology Center offers a plumbing program for high school students to get ahead in their education.
Manatee Technical College
School type: Public
Net price: $5,000
Graduation rate: 91%
Manatee Technical College offers a plumbing technician program that you can complete in 14 months.
Mid-Del Technology Center
School type: Public
Net price: $3,563
Graduation rate: 55%
Mid-Del Technology Center offers a 900-hour Residential & Commercial Piping Systems course to prepare students for an entry-level plumbing apprenticeship.
Orleans Technical College
School type: Private not-for-profit
Net price: $20,485
Graduation rate: 85%
Orleans Technical College's plumbing and heating program trains students in six or 13 months. During the program, you'll design and build a bathroom.
Osceola Technical College
School type: Public
Net price: $5,583
Graduation rate: 61%
You can complete Osceola Technical College's plumbing program in 11 months.
Sheridan Technical College
School type: Public
Net price: $3,999
Graduation rate: 67%
Sheridan Technical College's plumbing program takes 10 months to complete, and you'll learn skills fit for multiple different pipe professions.
South Florida Institute of Technology
School type: Private for-profit
Net price: $13,626
Graduation rate: 84%
South Florida Institute of Technology offers a plumbing technician program where you'll learn both the business and technical aspects of the plumbing industry.
Suncoast Technical College
School type: Public
Net price: $5,559
Graduation rate: 92%
Suncoast Technical College offers a nine-month plumbing program where students earn 12 certifications during the course.
How to Become a Plumber
The first step to becoming a plumber is to get hired as an apprentice. To make themselves stand out, many applicants choose to enroll in a plumbing certificate or diploma program prior to applying for an apprenticeship.
If you're still in high school, you may be able to do this through your county's tech center. If not, there are likely nearby plumber training programs through trade schools, community colleges, or unions where you can.
Once hired, apprentices must work between two to five years alongside a licensed plumber, learning the ins and outs of the trade. Only once you have fulfilled your state's requirements can you take the certification exam to begin working independently.
FAQs on Plumbing Programs
Do you have to go to school to become a plumber?
Not technically, but you do need a high school diploma or GED. The first step is to become a plumbing apprentice. Only once you have worked as an apprentice for a few years can you become a licensed plumber.
While you technically don't need to go to school to become a plumber, your chances of becoming a plumbing apprentice with schooling might be better.
What do you learn in plumbing school?
Plumbing school teaches students the skills they need to be successful plumbers. Some of the skills you'll learn include how to:
- Use plumbing tools
- Identify different plumbing fixtures
- Work with different plumbing pipes
- Cut fittings
- Bend metal pipes
How long is plumbing school?
Plumbing schools can take anywhere from a few months to two years. The best plumbing schools try to get students out into the field as quickly as possible.
How much is plumbing school?
Costs vary with each school and each state. The schools on our list average $10,761, but you shouldn't expect to pay more than $33,000 (which is the average cost of a trade school education).
To determine which plumber school is right for you, speak with local employers and ask what they are looking for in an apprentice. For some, a certificate in plumbing may be enough.
How to Choose the Right Plumbing School
Plumbers are a vital part of every community, so many counties and cities have various plumbing trade schools to choose from. The best plumbing schools provide:
- Plenty of hands-on experience
- Apprenticeship placement services
- Qualified instructors with years of work experience
- Daytime, evening, and weekend options for classes
Other Ways to Become a Plumber
It's possible to become an apprentice plumber with only a high school diploma or GED. However, many plumbing companies want their apprentices to have some schooling and experience. It may be worth your time speaking with local companies that are currently hiring apprentices.
Once licensed, you can begin additional training to expand your career opportunities as a plumber. One avenue many plumbers explore is plumbing design. As a plumbing designer, you would design residential and commercial plumbing systems, drainage networks, and even fire-prevention sprinkler systems.
Financial Aid for Your Plumbing Program
Plumbing Scholarships
Swan
- Who qualifies: Students enrolled, or planning to enroll, in a plumbing trade school program
- Amount: $500
- Deadline: No deadline information provided
PlumbersStock
- Who qualifies: Students who create a how-to video for home improvement
- Amount: $2,000 (and $500 for runners up)
For more tips on paying for your plumbing program, check out our guide to Vocational Education Financial Aid.
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