Plumbing Schools in Alaska

Alaskan plumbers possess an extensive understanding of pipefitting principles. The state facilitates a smooth process with minimal stringent requirements, making it easy for individuals to start a plumbing career.

Readers of this page who are aspiring plumbers in Alaska will be glad to know that we have provided an extensive guide that outlines all the factors they must consider for a favorable outcome.

The article discusses the preliminary requirements before entering a training program and provides an overview of possible training destinations and their benefits.

It also examines some key licensing and certification requirements before revealing the annual average earnings a plumber in Alaska can expect, depending on their career journey.

How to Become a Plumber in Alaska

The following is a step-by-step breakdown of how to become a plumber in Alaska.

High School Diploma or a GED

Candidates must be at least 16 years old to become a thriving plumber in Alaska. In securing admission into a training program, they will also be expected to have a high school diploma or a GED test equivalent.

Pre-Apprenticeship Program

Before receiving hands-on training, candidates must enroll in a pre-apprenticeship program. This is usually available through a vocational school that will prepare them for the fundamental principles of the job.

Such programs tend to emphasize classroom instruction under qualified instructors. Depending on the study duration, they may also lead to a certificate or an associate degree.

Apprenticeship Program

Once sound in fundamental principles, candidates can move on to an apprenticeship program to learn how to carry out their tasks in an actual work environment. Based on the state’s licensing requirements, 8,000 hours of training could be needed at this level, depending on which specific licensing category a candidate wishes to apply for.

During their apprenticeship training, residents of Alaska may be paid for their efforts. They may also leverage their time in an apprenticeship to find a mentor and learn business skills.

Explore trades with similar paths:

• How to become an HVAC technician in Alaska

Licensure & Certification Requirements

A plumbing license is mandatory for all plumbers in Alaska from the beginning. Applicants must obtain this license through the Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development.

The steps above are crucial to meeting the department requirements for a plumbing license. In the state, there are generally four license categories: Plumber Journeyman, Plumber Gas, Plumber Utility, and Plumber Trainee.

Candidates for the journeyman license must have 8,000 hours of work experience in commercial or residential plumbing, of which 1,000 can be from classroom training.

Candidates in pursuit of the gas license need 4,000 hours of training, 2000 of which must be in fuel gas piping installation. Classroom training can account for 500 hours.

For the Plumber Utility license, applicants need 1,000 hours of work experience in installing silver water or storm Lines. One hundred twenty-five hours can be obtained through classroom training.

Top Plumbing Schools in Alaska

Residents of Alaska may receive comprehensive plumbing training at the following destinations:

Explore plumbing schools in Alaska by city:

• Plumbing schools in Anchorage

Salary & Career Outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, plumbers in Alaska will see their employment rate increase in the coming decade. Retiring workers and those moving to other professions will be replaced, and new technology will facilitate hiring well-trained professionals.

Currently, plumbers in Alaska earn an annual average salary of $160,274 if they are among the top 10% and $45,787 if they are among the bottom 10%. If they are among the median earners, where the majority are, they will be making around $85,665 in annual average salary.

They can improve their earnings by working on location, credentials, experience, and employment establishment.

Prudhoe Bay has the highest pay for plumbers in Alaska, with an average annual salary of $96,848. This is followed by Barrow, which is also notable, with an average annual salary of $96,502.