The Best Training for
Plumbing in 2021
No one can dispute the importance of plumbers on a commercial and residential level. Irrespective of how technology has evolved over the years, plumbers still play critical roles in society. If you’re interested in learning how to become a plumber, the first thing you need is training.
You can learn the skills you need by attending formal classes at a trade school or through an apprenticeship program. This piece contains the necessary details about the best plumbing schools and programs in the United States. You’ll learn what each school has to offer, how much tuition will cost, and what you will get out of the training.
Rundown: The Top 10 Plumbing Programs in 2021
You can learn basic plumbing skills on the job. However, attending an official training program will help you understand everything from the fundamentals to expert principles of plumbing. The best training for plumbing covers all these and still gives you the chance to get hands-on experience with plumbing apprenticeships.
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The table below contains details about the programs offered in each school, and it is a preview of a more detailed list. Note that all the information in this piece is sourced directly from the website and representatives of the school.
| School | State | Programs and Cost | Certifications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atlanta Technical College | GA | Plumbing and Pipefitting Technology Diploma $100 per credit (in-state) $200 per credit (out-of-state) Plumbing Service and Systems Specialist TCC $100 per credit (in-state) $200 per credit (out-of-state) Residential/Commercial Plumbing Technician TCC $100 per credit (in-state) $200 per credit (out-of-state) |
None |
| Elizabethtown Community and Technical College | KY | Plumber Certificate $179 per credit hour (in-state) $627 per credit hour (out-of-state) |
None |
| Luzerne County Community College | PA | Associate of Applied Science in Plumbing, Heating, and Air Conditioning Technology $2,010 per semester (in-state) $6,030 per semester (out-of-state) |
None |
| Lee College | TX | Associate of Applied Science in Pipefitting Technology $230 per credit hour (resident) $301.50 per credit hour (in-state) $319 per credit hour (out-of-state) |
None |
| Los Angeles Trade Technical College | CA | Associate of Applied Science in Plumbing $289 per credit |
None |
| Macomb Community College | MI | Applied Technology Certificate and Apprenticeship $104 per credit hour (resident) $194 per credit hour (in-state) $247 per credit hour (out-of-state) |
None |
| Montana State University-Northern | MT | Plumbing Certificate $289.27 per credit (resident) $818.85 per credit (non-resident) Associate of Applied Science in Plumbing $289.27 per credit (resident) $818.85 per credit (non-resident) |
None |
| SUNY Delhi | NY | Associate of Occupational Studies in Plumbing and Electrical Instrumentation $295 per credit (in-state) $452 per credit (out-of-state) Associate of Occupational Studies in Plumbing and Refrigeration $295 per credit (in-state) $452 per credit (out-of-state) Associate of Occupational Studies in Electrical Construction and Plumbing $295 per credit (in-state) $452 per credit (out-of-state) |
None |
| Texas State Technical College | TX | Plumbing and Pipefitting Technology Certificate $6,138 total |
None |
| Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology | PA | Associate of Applied Science in Plumbing Technology $308 per credit |
None |
How to Pick the Best Plumbing School for You
There are things you must consider before choosing a program for your plumbing training. You might be searching for “the best plumbing school near me,” but there are many other factors than location to consider. The three main factors listed below will go a long way to help you make the right choice.
Outcome
There are certificate and degree options available depending on what you want. The most popular degree option is the associate degree, which runs for two years. However, you may opt for a diploma or certificate program. These are usually completed within a few months. This is both the fastest and most common route for plumbers to take.
Hands-On Experience
The best way to become a plumber is to gather hands-on experience. This is why most training programs allow students to get on-site plumbing experience. Find out how many hours of training you will get in your program. It will give you a career boost and help you adjust when you eventually start getting paid jobs.
Cost of Attendance
Trade schools are usually more affordable than universities in the United States. So, if you’re trying to cut costs, you should consider getting a diploma from a trade school. Even cheaper are certificate programs that can be completed in less than a year. Irrespective of the option you choose, you should factor in expenses other than tuition.
The Best Plumbing Schools of 2021
The list below contains more details about the best plumbing schools in the United States.
Atlanta Technical College
Programs
Residential/Commercial Plumbing Technician TCC, Plumbing Service and Systems Specialist TCC, Plumbing and Pipefitting Technology Diploma
Accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Online Options
None available
The Atlanta Technical College offers three different options for prospective plumbers. Applicants must be at least 16 years and must have a high school diploma. You will learn both plumbing theory and techniques along with hands-on applications. If you want choices for your plumbing diploma, this school is a great choice.
Plumbing and Pipefitting Technology Diploma Curriculum
Special plumbing systems
Drainage systems
Pipe valves and fittings
Elizabethtown Community and Technical College
Programs
Plumber Certificate
Accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Online Options
None Available
Elizabethtown Community and Technical College has an excellent reputation for programs that take only two years to complete. The plumbing program is no exception, and the course is divided into different grade levels for better accessibility. You can also specialize and become a finish plumber, plumber helper, or certified blackflow tester.
Plumber Certificate Curriculum
Construction blueprint reading
Introduction to interpersonal communication
Basic plumbing skills
Luzerne County Community College
Programs
AAS in Plumbing, Heating, and Air Conditioning Technology
Accreditation
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Online Options
None Available
This public community college offers a range of technical programs. If you opt for this school, you can complete a two-year associate degree. The local plumbing program has an open admission policy. Keep in mind that this program covers plumbing, heating, and air conditioning skills, also known as HVAC.
Associate of Applied Science in Plumbing, Heating, and Air Conditioning Technology Curriculum
Blueprint reading
Applied mathematics for industry
Physics for the trade technologies
Lee College
Programs
AAS in Pipefitting Technology
Accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Online Options
None Available
Lee College is known for having a high number of part-time students. You will learn plumbing as a maintenance trade with extensive hands-on training. You will work side-by-side with the official maintenance crew in the school. If you want to specialize in pipefitting technology, this program is a great choice.
Associate of Applied Science in Pipefitting Technology Curriculum
Pipefitting
Isometric sketching
Blueprint reading and estimating
Los Angeles Trade Technical College
Programs
AAS in Plumbing
Accreditation
Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior College
Online Options
None available
Los Angeles Trade Technical College doesn’t just give students the technical lessons to become plumbers. They also offer career opportunities to students as part of an extended paid internship program. The weekly time commitment is 24 hours at a minimum. At LATTC, you can also get a plumbing certificate which can take less time.
Associate of Applied Science in Plumbing Curriculum
Fundamentals of plumbing
Working drawings and layout
Servicing of plumbing fixtures and appliances
Macomb Community College
Programs
Applied Technology Certificate and Apprenticeship
Accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
Online Options
None available
This community college has different campuses across Michigan that offer different types of degrees and certificates. The plumbing training at this school is based on a full-time apprenticeship. You will learn the fundamentals of plumbing by working with the school’s plumbing team. This is a good choice if you want hands-on experience.
Applied Technology Certificate and Apprenticeship Curriculum
Valve installation techniques
Safety measures for pipes and valves
Pipe maintenance and repairs
Montana State University-Northern
Programs
Plumbing Certificate, AAS in Plumbing
Accreditation
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
Online Options
None available
The plumbing program at this school is divided into two different parts. One is the certificate program, while the other is an associate degree. Irrespective of the option you choose, you will participate in real-world training as an apprentice. It makes up a significant portion of your graduation requirement.
Associate of Applied Science in Plumbing Curriculum
Pipefitting technology
Blueprint reading and estimating
Plumbing code
SUNY Delhi
Programs
AOS in Plumbing and Electrical Instrumentation, AOS in Plumbing and Refrigeration, AOS in Electrical Construction and Plumbing
Accreditation
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Online Options
None available
SUNY Delhi is one of the best in the New York public school system. The school states that the knowledge and skills gained during your Associate of Occupational Studies are equivalent to five years of plumbing experience. There are three different programs, so you can choose according to your preferred specialization.
Associate of Occupational Studies in Plumbing and Electrical Instrumentation Curriculum
Pipefitting technology
Air conditioning and refrigeration systems
Plumbing safety
Texas State Technical College
Programs
Plumbing and Pipefitting Technology Certificate
Accreditation
Southern Association for Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Online Options
Hybrid learning available
This is one of the only options that offer some online learning. About half of your classes will be online due to COVID-19. You will learn skills that can apply to every type of plumbing, including residential and commercial plumbing. This program also includes an internship where you can get more hands-on experience.
Plumbing and Pipefitting Technology Certificate Curriculum
Pipefitting and steamfitting
Plumbing maintenance
Pressure testing
Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology
Programs
Associate of Applied Science in Plumbing Technology
Accreditation
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Online Options
None available
The associate degree at this public two-year college gives you all the skills you need to start working as a plumber. It covers every aspect of plumbing technology, including heating, design, different types of installation, and maintenance. In addition, some courses help you start life as a self-employed plumber right after graduation.
Associate of Applied Science in Plumbing Technology Curriculum
Plumbing installation and materials
Fixture installation
Above-ground and underground plumbing
How Much Can You Earn as a Plumber?
The national average salary for plumbers in the United States is $50,641, according to ZipRecruiter. However, as a plumber, your earning potential will depend significantly on your work environment.
If you’re attached to a company, your yearly earnings will depend on your contract. As an independent contractor, your income depends on the number of gigs you complete as well as your own rates.
Below is a list of the highest-paying plumbing jobs in the United States.
The Highest-Paying Plumbing Roles
Why You Should Be a Plumber in 2021
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for plumbers is currently the same as the national average for all jobs. Between 2009 and 2029, the projected job growth for plumbing jobs is four percent. This means that there will be many more job opportunities for plumbers in the next decade.
Plumbing is a trade profession, and like many other trade professions, you will spend the rest of your career applying your knowledge and skill. If you’re someone who makes job satisfaction a priority when choosing a career, learning plumbing could be a great choice.
