Plumbing Schools in Arizona

An Arizona plumber may work in a residential or commercial environment. However, regardless of which area they choose to specialize in, one thing common in all scenarios is that anyone looking to succeed in the field must first start by fulfilling a few requirements.

If you are an aspiring plumber wondering about these requirements, you have come to the right page. Here, we look at the most important steps and the best destinations for introductory training in the field.

We round up by highlighting specific figures that candidates can look forward to regarding the annual average salary based on their unique conditions.

How to Become a Plumber in Arizona

Below are the major requirements expected of candidates looking to become plumbers in Arizona.

Basic Requirements

As with most states, the first step in starting a plumbing career in Arizona is to meet the basic

requirements. For the state, these include being at least 18 years old and having a high school diploma or GED.

Candidates with a sound fundamental knowledge of topics in mathematics and chemistry may also have an easier time learning the advanced and more complex principles of plumbing.

Apprenticeship & Academic Training

After meeting the basic educational requirements, candidates are expected to acquire comprehensive training by attending a formal or academic apprenticeship program.

• Academic Programs - There are several community colleges and trade schools in Arizona that can give candidates a robust introduction to the plumbing field. These destinations also offer certificates and degrees that make graduates appealing to potential employers.
  
• Apprenticeship Programs - Apprenticeship programs organized by local unions and trade organizations are perfect destinations for candidates looking to start their plumbing careers on a solid path. Not only will they receive an incredible amount of hands-on training and real-world experience even before they graduate, but they will also be able to form strong connections with experienced plumbers and contractors in the area right from the start.

Certification & Employment

Certification is optional for Arizona plumbers, but having one can be a great professional advantage. However, the most important consideration is licensing, which is Arizona’s only way to take on significant plumbing jobs.

We examine the key licensing requirements for plumbers in the state below.

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Licensure & Certification Requirements

The Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC) is responsible for issuing Plumbing Contractor licenses in Arizona. Plumbers in the state looking to take on more than $1,000 contracts must register with the ROC and obtain this license.

The Contractor Licenses are further divided into three categories, namely:

• Specialty Commercial C-37 Plumbing;
• Specialty Residential R-37 Plumbing, including Solar and the
• Specialty Dual CR-37 Plumbing (Commercial and Residential).

As for lower-level licenses like journeyman licenses, the state does not issue such credentials.

Of course, candidates are advised to check in with their local regulatory bodies to see if such a requirement exists. The city of Phoenix, for example, offers journeyman and apprentice licenses.

Top Plumbing Schools in Arizona

The entries below are among the most prominent plumbing schools for candidates in Arizona to consider.

Notable Mentions

Other notable destinations for quality plumbing training in Arizona include Pima Community College, which offers an Associate Degree in Plumbing and Construction; Gateway Community College, which offers a two-year plumbing program; and Coconino Community College, which offers a Construction Technology program with a Plumbing focus.

Explore plumbing schools in Arizona by city:

• Plumbing schools in Phoenix

Salary & Career Outlook

Mesa, with an average annual salary of $87,833, is the best location in Arizona to work as a plumber. This is followed by Prescott, with an annual average salary of $86,183; Scottsdale, with an annual average salary of $63,483; Glendale, with an annual average salary of $61,490; and Phoenix, with an annual average salary of $60,656.

Considering the figures above, it is clear that location plays an important role in determining the yearly earnings of a plumber in Arizona. However, location is one of many notable factors to consider.

Other key determinants include specialty area, certification, experience level, and the specific employment company.

Generally, taking all of the factors as one, we find that plumbers in Arizona earn an annual average salary of $36,357 if they fall into the bottom 10%; they earn an annual average salary of $58,177 if they fall into the midpoint; and they earn an annual average salary of $93,091 if they fall into the top 10%.