What are the stages of plumbers?

Author: Mrs. Burdette Pouros  |  Last update: Sunday, September 7, 2025

Many professions and industries have classifications that define your experience level, and plumbing is one of them. As you move through your career in plumbing, you'll start with an apprenticeship. From there, you'll become a journeyman, and then finally earn the classification as a master plumber.

What is the highest level of plumber?

A master plumber is the highest level of expertise in plumbing. They've advanced from the rank of a journeyman after rigorous training and practical experience. These experts excel in installing, repairing, and maintaining intricate water systems.

What is the lowest level of plumber?

Apprentice plumber

At this level, you can practice plumbing only under the supervision of a journey-level or master plumber. The requirements for a plumber apprentice license may include completing coursework and supervised on-the-job training.

What's the difference between a journeyman and master plumber?

Becoming a Master plumber takes seven to ten years of education and training. Two years of this training must be as a Journeyman Plumber. The distinction of Master Plumber is bestowed upon Journeyman Plumbers who have a minimum of five years of experience and three professional references.

What are the 3 stages of plumbing?

Home plumbing encompasses three fundamental phases: underground, above-ground (rough-in), and finishing. Each phase is important and contributes significantly to the success of your plumbing project.

The 3 stages of plumbing

What are the stages of a plumber's career in order?

Many professions and industries have classifications that define your experience level, and plumbing is one of them. As you move through your career in plumbing, you'll start with an apprenticeship. From there, you'll become a journeyman, and then finally earn the classification as a master plumber.

What comes after plumbing rough in?

Once rough plumbing and mechanical are done, it's time for the rough electrical to go in. Then drywall. Texturing. Painting.

What is the highest salary for a master plumber?

Frequently asked questions about Master Plumber salaries
  • What is the highest salary for a Master Plumber in United States? The highest salary for a Master Plumber in United States is $137,104 per year.
  • What is the lowest salary for a Master Plumber in United States?

What's better journeyman or master?

“Master” is the highest level of professional electrician certification. Once a journeyman license is obtained, at least two additional years including 4,000 hours of work experience is required to test for a master electrician license.

How many hours is a master plumber?

Journeyman plumber. You must show proof of up to four years (6,800 hours) of experience. Master plumber. You must show proof of five years (60 months or 9,780 hours) of experience.

Can plumbers make 6 figures?

You must spend four years as a plumbing apprentice to become a journeyman, earning an average of $81,000 annually. It takes two additional years of training to become a master plumber and command an average of $102,350 annually.

Is 55 too old to become a plumber?

People that look into plumbing tend to enjoy working with their hands and bodies, rather than sitting in an office after obtaining a difficult degree. Many plumbers begin their plumbing career later in life after deciding they wanted a career change. You can begin your career in plumbing at any age!

What type of plumber makes the most money?

Plumbers who are experienced in commercial plumbing and industrial piping tend to make the highest salaries. In addition, plumbers with expertise in underground pipe installation, backflow prevention, and water line installation can command higher wages than those who focus on residential projects.

Can a plumber make 200k a year?

Our Plumbing Service Tech - Residential Plumber earns top pay of up to $200,000 per year, depending on work experience. The typical work schedule for this position is Monday-Friday with some weekends…

How many types of plumbers are there?

There are 3 types of plumbers; Commercial plumbers, Residential plumbers, Service and Repair.

What is the richest plumber?

Charlie Mullins, the founder of Pimlico Plumbers, made a fortune by building a business, which he originally started in his basement, worth £140m which he sold in 2021, as per ExpressUK. He has been enjoying life since selling the company.

What comes after journeyman?

Journeymen were paid daily and the word "journey" is derived from journée, meaning "whole day" in French. Each individual guild generally recognised three ranks of workers: apprentices, journeymen, and masters.

Why are people called journeyman?

Journeymen were paid daily and the word "journey" is derived from journée, meaning "whole day" in French.

Can you make 100000 as a plumber?

Plumbers can expect to earn anywhere from $29,500 on the low end to $100,000 on the high end.

What trade makes the most money?

Top 10 Highest Paying Trades
  • Construction Managers. ...
  • Aircraft Mechanic and Technician. ...
  • Dental Hygienists. ...
  • Cable Technician. ...
  • Industrial Mechanic. Median Annual Salary: $69,637.
  • Solar Installer. Median Annual Salary: $69,422.
  • Property Appraisers and Assessors. Median Annual Salary: $64,075.
  • Electricians. Median Annual Salary: $62,739.

What do most plumbers make per hour?

Average median salary range for plumbers in the United States. Across the United States, the average salary range for plumbing positions ranges from $23 per hour to $39.

What is the hardest part of plumbing?

One of the hardest parts of the plumbing business is providing customers with accurate estimates. This is important because it builds trust and makes you stand out from the crowd.

What are the stages of plumbing?

A home plumbing installation isn't completed all at once but in 3 stages, to be exact:
  • Underground rough-in phase.
  • Aboveground rough-in phase (top-out or stack-out)
  • Finishing phase (Trim-out or trim finish)

What is the correct order of construction?

Phases of construction
  • Phase 1. Closure of the building site. ...
  • Phase 2. Land and foundation. ...
  • Phase 3. The structure of the construction. ...
  • Phase 4. Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) ...
  • Phase 5. Insulation and waterproofing. ...
  • Phase 6. Finishes and closures.

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