How long does it take to become a plumber? It used to be pretty fast, but I’ve seen many recent articles about aspiring plumbers that suggest that getting into the industry now takes more than a decade. Do you want to be a plumber, but are too worried that it will take a lifetime to get there? Let’s face it, the job doesn’t get much respect. So how long does it take to get certified as a plumber?
In this post, we’ll cover how long it takes to be a plumber and what it will cost you to get there. We’ll also provide tips and tricks on how to prepare for success in the industry and keep you focused on what you need to do to get there.
Which Skills Are Needed For Becoming A Plumber?
As you may have guessed from the name, being a plumber is a highly skilled job, which means there are many things you need to learn and acquire. Many of them overlap with the skill sets required for becoming an electrician, construction worker, or even mechanic. When I started my apprenticeship as a plumbing apprentice in 2006, I had to learn a lot of skills, including the fundamentals of plumbing, such as:
- Piping
- Fitting
- Piping installation
- Pipe sizing
How long does it take to become a plumber?
Some factors will determine when you can become a plumber:
1. Experience of The Plumber:
Experience is everything. I’m not going to lie; I wish I could tell you that getting into plumbing at age 15 was easy, but it wasn’t. You’re going to have to work hard and be prepared for a lot of sacrifices. You’re going to have to sacrifice your time, money, and maybe even your family if you want to pursue this career.
But the good news is that with dedication and persistence, you can succeed. Just think about what you learned in school as a kid that has helped you succeed in life. You were probably rewarded with a high grade or a trophy.
2. Qualifications of The Plumber:
While it’s true that most people get certified in plumbing after they’ve worked for a couple of years, not all plumbers have to work for two years. Most new plumbers start at around $30,000 and only move up after a few years. Some get their licenses as early as 16 years old!
So how do you become a plumber if you’re so young? You can either take classes or learn from someone who has already done it. While this may seem like a lot of time, you’ll be able to get the experience you need to make your first few thousand dollars.
3. Education and Training of The Plumber:
Getting into the plumbing business can be incredibly hard for those who have never been in the industry before. That said, it doesn’t have to be. With the right training and preparation, you can start with an easy job that is fairly simple to get through. The trick is just to understand what type of job you’re going after before you dive in headfirst.
For example, if you want to become a drain cleaner, you’ll want to make sure that you know what type of pipes your company deals with and which drains they clean. If you’re just looking for a quick payday, consider becoming a “plumber’s assistant.” This is a more low-risk position that will get you up to speed on the basics without getting you into too much trouble.
4. Experience of The Organization:
So how long does it take to become a plumber? As with many jobs, it can take a few years to learn all the skills and techniques needed to excel in the industry. It’s not just about being able to install or repair water lines and pipes, it’s about learning about plumbing code, safety rules, insurance, and other issues that come with the job.
While plumbing is a technical profession, it’s also an industry that needs you to understand how to communicate, negotiate, and handle different types of people daily. You’ll also need to work with your hands by installing water lines, fixing pipes, and working on the equipment used to create and maintain plumbing systems.
If you want to become a plumber, in the long run, you’ll have to spend at least some time at your local community college or vocational school studying plumbing. It’s one of those things that requires a ton of time and patience to learn properly. But once you get there, the good news is that there are plenty of career opportunities waiting for you.
Wrapping It All Up:
I’m sure this is one of the questions on your mind. I mean, there are lots of people looking to get into the plumbing industry, but how long does it take to become a plumber?
First of all, there is no official minimum requirement to become a licensed plumber. But you will need a four-year apprenticeship to be licensed, and that will take between two and three years of study. After that, you have to get your license, and you will be able to work anywhere in the country.
The average rate of pay for plumbers is about $24-$28 per hour. That means that it will take you around eight to nine years to reach that. But if you’re serious about making money as a plumber, you should start getting licensed as soon as possible. There are some good resources out there that can help you learn to plumb and be able to get licensed in about a year. I recommend looking at some of the websites on this list.
