Plumbing Schools in Alabama

Plumbers are skilled professionals with extensive understanding of how to repair and maintain components of heating/sanitation units and water supply systems. They are typically trained to be capable of working in both residential and commercial environments, although candidates may specialize if they please.

In Alabama, plumbers have to go through a handful of general and state-specific steps before being allowed to practice professionally.

Below, we explore these steps and their requirements in detail. We also provide a list containing a handful of the most notable training programs for future plumbers in the state to consider.

Lastly, we conclude the guide with an overview of the potential salary projections for plumbers in Alabama based on a few notable factors.

How to Become a Plumber in Alabama

The following are the steps necessary to become a plumber in Alabama.

Pre-Training Requirements

The first thing you want to do as an aspiring plumber in Alabama is to have your high school diploma and GED ready. This will be needed to secure admission into an apprenticeship program where you will learn the required skills.

Candidates are also expected to develop strong mathematics skills early to make training much easier.

On-the-Job Training and Classroom Learning

After having their basic document ready, candidates may obtain plumbing training by combining on-the-job and classroom learning.

Classroom Learning

Classroom training teaches students the fundamental principles of the job so that they know the theories behind what they’re doing when they finally start working. Such training can be acquired from trade and technical schools, many of which are in the state. We highlight some notable options below.

Apprenticeship programs may also offer classroom training so that candidates have enough understanding in this aspect.

On-the-Job Training

On-the-job experience allows candidates to finally implement the theoretical principles they were taught in the classroom. Apprenticeship programs are the ultimate destination to receive comprehensive and robust training on the job.

Certain trade and technical schools also allow candidates to experience such training in one form or another.

This may happen during laboratory and workshop sessions or through internships and partnerships with apprenticeship programs and professional organizations.

Explore Trades with Similar Paths

• Become an electrician in Alabama

Licensure & Certification Requirements

To become a licensed plumber in Alabama, candidates must have acquired experience on the job while in training or by working under the supervision of a licensed plumber in the state.

They may then proceed to apply for a journeyman license. After one year of working as a journeyman plumber in the state, candidates may apply for a master’s license.

Both of these licenses require an examination.

The application fee for the journeyman plumber license is $110, while the initial certificate fee is $50. The application fee for the master plumber license is $160, while the initial certificate fee is $150.

Plumbers in Alabama may start taking on significant contracts with a master license.

Top Plumbing Schools in Alabama

Below are some quality institutions for rigorous plumbing education in Alabama.

Explore Plumbing Schools in Alabama by City:

• Plumbing Schools in Huntsville

Salary & Career Outlook

In Alabama, a plumber just starting their career can expect to earn an annual average salary of $55,219 – the figure given for those in the 50th percentile of earners in the state. This figure is also in line with the national average.

For those among the highest-paid plumbers in Alabama, the annual average salary figure is around $111,333. In contrast, for those among the bottom 10%, the figure falls to an annual average salary of $27,787.

Experience and location within the state will greatly influence whether a plumber falls in the bottom, middle, or top salary range.

Locations such as Hoover and Tuscaloosa are especially favorable for plumbers in the state, with annual average salaries of $84,802 and $84,793, respectively. Decatur and Madison’s plum are also well-rewarded comparatively, with annual average salaries of $60,959 and $60,401.

Birmingham is also among the top five highest-paying cities for plumbers in Alabama, with an annual average salary of $60,202.