An apprentice plumber is the first level in a plumbing career. This role involves shadowing more experienced plumbers, practicing your skills on the job and learning more about plumbing systems.
In California, there are three levels of plumbers. First is an apprentice plumber, which involves both classroom and on-the-job training. Next is a journeyman plumber, which usually requires at least four years of experience to sit for the exam. Finally, there is a master plumber.
Plumber licensing follows a progression based on education, experience, and the passage of exams. Most states have three stages of plumber licensing: apprentice, journeyman, and master.
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.
The master plumber license is the highest level of certification for a professional plumber. It allows individuals to supervise plumbing activities, as well as perform them.
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.
The NVQ Level 2 plumbing and heating qualification is designed for anyone who wants to become a plumber or domestic heating engineer. It provides all the basic domestic heating and plumbing training you need to start work in the industry.
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…
The Master Plumber Certificate is a prestigious award, only attained by the highest skilled members of the plumbing and heating industry.
An apprentice plumber is the first level in a plumbing career. This role involves shadowing more experienced plumbers, practicing your skills on the job and learning more about plumbing systems.
The Steps to Becoming a Licensed Plumber
To become a licensed plumbing contractor in California takes a minimum of four years and includes meeting eligibility requirements, getting work experience, submitting an application, and passing a two-part exam.
Working in Tight Spaces
Sometimes, a building's architecture is a plumber's worst enemy. Pipes, boilers, and drain lines are usually hidden in walls, floors, and crawl spaces. This is bad news for the plumber, who must squeeze into tight spaces to reach a leaking pipe, clogged elbow, or broken valve.
As a Level 3 Plumbing and Domestic Heating Technician, you will be working with appliances such as heat emitters, pumps, oil, and solid fuel boilers as part of your work with hot water, central heating, and rainwater systems.
Anticipating Plumbing Costs per Hour: What to Expect
In 2025, homeowners in the U.S. can expect to pay an average of $90 per hour for plumbing services, though rates generally span from $45 to $200 based on service type and complexity.
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!
You might be surprised by this new class of millionaires: Plumbers and HVAC entrepreneurs. How are they doing this? Private equity firms across the country are scooping up plumbing and HVAC businesses and offering them 7 or 8 figure buyouts.
Job Security
Because plumbing is essential, plumbers are rarely out of work. People will always need their services, whether for emergencies, upgrades, or new installations. This makes plumbing one of the more stable career options, especially during uncertain economic times.
Plumbers are compensated for their expertise, training, and the essential nature of their work. Additionally, the costs of tools, certifications, and emergency availability contribute to the price.
Best-Paying States for Plumbers
The states and districts that pay Plumbers the highest mean salary are New Jersey ($97,690), Massachusetts ($89,140), Illinois ($88,420), Oregon ($85,680), and New York ($84,890). How Much Do Plumbers Make in Your City? See current salary offers for jobs in your field.
A master plumber, or plumbing contractor, is a professional tradesperson at the highest level in plumbing. They're journey-level plumbers who pass their state-level exam after working for a set amount of time. Like regular plumbers, master plumbers install and maintain pipes.
A Level 2 training course is an excellent starting point. This qualification will provide you with in-depth technical knowledge about modern domestic plumbing, and will take around six weeks to complete on a full-time basis.
A plumber with no experience works in entry-level plumbing positions and apprenticeships. Your responsibilities include the repair of pipes, the maintenance of plumbing fixtures, and the installation of new plumbing equipment, pipes, water, or sewage systems.