Plumbing Schools in New Hampshire

New Hampshire welcomes residents to consider a career in trade and technical professions, and the plumbing field is one of the most favorable, with ample opportunities for career advancement. Individuals in the state who are on the cusp of pursuing a career in the field must understand the considerations and requirements expected of them from the very beginning. This will allow them to tackle any challenge without feeling overwhelmed.

Thankfully, the article on this page has broken down all of the major considerations into easily digestible chunks. We have explored the major approaches to education, licensing and certification requirements, and career outlook, among other important issues.

How to Become a Plumber in New Hampshire

Below are the steps and considerations needed to become a thriving plumber in New Hampshire.

Apprenticeship Education

Apprenticeship education is a very common approach to acquiring plumbing skills as an aspiring plumber in New Hampshire. It is highly encouraged because it offers several benefits, including the opportunity to learn “on the job,” gain valuable work experience, receive mentorship under experienced instructors, and even earn some income during the course of training.

Academic Education

Another approach to plumbing education is academic education. Many candidates attend a community college or technical school with a plumbing program.

Just like apprenticeship programs offer work experience, academic programs offer valuable certificates and associate degrees that contribute to career opportunities. It is also possible to attend a trade school with a pre-apprenticeship program, leading to a straightforward path to more work experience and even possible job placement assistance.

Consistent Improvement

Plumbing, like most trade professions, is an ever-growing discipline. To remain relevant and enjoy a long career, professionals in the field must keep up with advancements in technology and safety.

Of course, candidates may also consider certification and joining a professional organization for career benefits. Below, we explore the key principles regarding licensing and certification for prospective plumbers in New Hampshire.

Explore other trades with similar paths:

• Become an HVAC technician in New Hampshire

Licensure & Certification Requirements

The Office of Professional Licensure and Certification in New Hampshire oversees mechanical licensing and plumbing licenses for professionals in the state. Depending on their career stage, candidates can acquire three different types of plumbing licenses.

The first category is their apprentice plumber license, while the second is the journeyman plumber license. Candidates can also go for the third category, the master plumber license, but only after they have received some experience as journeyman plumbers.

For the journeyman license, candidates must be at least 18 years old and have completed 8,000 hours of training. They will then apply to the Mechanical Safety Analysis Board and pay an initial $190 application fee for the examination. Once they pass the exam, they will pay $180 for the license, to be renewed every 2 years.

Candidates who have been journeyman plumbers for at least 6 months can apply for the master plumbers license, which has a $310 initial application fee and a $300 licensing fee that must be renewed every 2 years.

Top Plumbing Schools in New Hampshire

Future plumbers in New Hampshire may consider any of the entries below for high-quality training to begin their careers.

Explore plumbing schools in New Hampshire by city:

• Plumbing schools in Manchester

Salary & Career Outlook

The annual average salary of a plumber in New Hampshire is usually between $55,047 to $122,143. This reflects the changes in salary expectations as brought about by several prominent factors.

These factors include experience, location, credentials, and specific employers. The $55,047 figure is relevant for the lowest earners in the state, while the $122,143 figure is relevant for the top earners.

The majority of plumbers in New Hampshire fall into the median earning category, earning an annual average salary of $81,997.

As for location, Auburn and Portsmouth are the highest-paying cities for plumbers in New Hampshire, with annual average salaries of $102,165 and $97,019, respectively. Salem and Derry are third and fourth, with annual average salaries of $96,011 and $84,774, respectively.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects the employment rate of plumbers in New Hampshire to continue increasing in the upcoming years, just like it will be all over the country.