Skilled Trades
Plumber
Plumbers install and fix the pipes and fixtures that move water and gas. Essential, well-paid, and among the most automation-proof careers — with no degree needed.
Median salary
$61,000
Typical range
$40k – $100k
Job outlook
+6% (faster than average)
AI exposure
Plan a path to Plumber
Education
Typical entry: No degree (trade/license)
Apprenticeship (paid) plus licensure.
Plan my path to this →How to qualify
License requiredCost to qualify
$100–$2,500
Time to qualify
4.1 yr
Renewal
$50/yr
- 1
Apprenticeship (~8,000 hrs / ~4–5 yrs)
ExperiencePaid on-the-job training plus classroom hours.
$0–$2,000 · 4 years · varies by state source
- 2
Journeyman plumber exam
ExamPlumbing code + practical knowledge.
$50–$200 · 1 months · varies by state source
- 3
State/local plumbing license
LicenseIssued after passing the journeyman exam.
$50–$300 · 2 weeks · varies by state · renews every 2 yr source
Which occupations require a license and in which states: CareerOneStop License Finder (U.S. DOL). Costs/hours are curated estimates that vary by state and change — see each step's official source.
Typical progression
Junior Plumber
Entry / Junior
$40,000
~2 yrs to advance
Plumber
Established
$61,000
~3 yrs to advance
Senior Plumber
Senior
$80,500
Key skills
A typical day
- •Install pipes and fixtures
- •Diagnose and repair leaks
- •Meet code requirements
Fields of study
Plumbing Trade · Apprenticeship
Top colleges for Skilled Trades
Explore all- Purdue University50% admit · $78,000 grad pay
- Ohio State University53% admit · $68,000 grad pay
- Pennsylvania State University55% admit · $70,000 grad pay
Reputation-based selection; stats shown are outcome data per school.