With gas and water pipes serving a critical component of every property we work, play, and live in, technicians in the plumbing sector can expect a bright future. If you are still on the fence about becoming a licensed plumber, you must go through the recent plumbing industry statistics. According to the Bureau of Labour Statistics, plumbers earn an average salary of more than $54000 annually, translating to over $25/hr. Getting started on a plumbing career is an intelligent business endeavor; however, you can work as a plumbing technician without a license under the mentorship of a master plumber.
Plumbing is a perfect option for people who enjoy their workday and don’t like the idea of working behind a computer all day, every day. Unfortunately, you won’t enjoy the full advantages of working as a plumbing contractor unless you get a license. Without one, you will perform work under the guidance of a licensed master plumber. This implies that you cannot own and grow your plumbing company unless you have a license. Furthermore, you cannot expect to earn more income as you will only be paid as an apprentice. Fortunately, this article will discuss the few steps you need to take and become a licensed journeyman plumber.
#1: Obtain The Prerequisite Education
To become a licensed journeyman plumber, you must meet some basic educational requirements. Getting your high school diploma or its equivalent, like GED, is your initial step to becoming a licensed professional plumber. The subjects that will assist you most in your plumbing work are Geometry, Physics, and Algebra.
The second step is to obtain specialized training in plumbing. This will help you learn the theoretical and technical aspects of the job. The most common options include a trade school or technical colleges with approved courses. Online plumbing courses are increasingly becoming popular since they prepare you to handle your profession’s business aspects and daily tasks.
#2: Get Hands-on Experience And Training
Besides studying at a trade or technical school, you will also be required to obtain field experience. You must complete an apprenticeship program to fulfill your training program requirements.
In some cases, your trade school may arrange your apprenticeship program. The duration of the apprenticeship program is about four years. You can begin taking classes, and you will get paid for your job as well. As an apprentice, you will operate under a licensed plumbing contractor. This is how you will learn some practical aspects of plumbing jobs. It is crucial to select a master plumber with whom you have an excellent relationship since you will spend several years under their guidance.
#3: Qualify For Plumber’s License Exam
Licensing requirements for plumbers vary from state to state, implying you should consider where you would like to work and live as a plumbing contractor before going too far down the road. For instance, some states require proof of apprenticeships, character testimonies, and insurance alongside academic transcripts.
#4: Take and Pass Your State Licensing Exam
In most cases, passing a licensing exam is one of the major requirements for getting a plumbing license. The exam’s content varies but generally covers the plumbing codes, trade, law, and business fundamentals.
You should prepare for the test, even if you have just graduated from a plumbing trade school. The Alpha Tradesmen Academy, for instance, offers online quizzes to help you prepare for the licensing exam. Ensure you understand the kind of questions and areas that the exams will focus on. There are some license exam charges that you need to pay. Every state has its exam schedule, but you can expect the test to occur once or twice a month.
#5: Apply For Your Plumbing License
Once you have met all the requirements, you can apply for a journeyman plumber license status. But you will have to complete the application form and pay an annual license fee. Your plumber license will be valid for one or two years. To continue working without interruption, you must apply for a plumbing license renewal before it expires.
After you have stayed in the journeyman status for some time, you can go ahead and obtain a master plumber license. As a master plumber, you will teach aspiring plumbers and earn a significant spot in the plumbing industry. You can also expect a pay hike. Master plumbers are typically paid more than $40, twice as much as you would get in the journeyman status.
