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-1

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?

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

Role Required Education Average Salary
Work From Home Licensed Plumber Postsecondary non-degree $74,216
Work From Home Licensed Master Plumber Postsecondary non-degree $73,277
Manager Master Plumber Postsecondary non-degree $72,222

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.

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