The state of Connecticut has several major requirements for aspiring plumbers to ensure everyone can launch a successful career in the field. Having a clear understanding of these requirements from the start will be of valuable importance to individuals in the state who are prepared to take the journey.
In the upcoming sections below, we have taken it upon ourselves to outline these requirements in absolute detail. We start by exploring the basic educational considerations before moving on to state-mandated requirements such as “on-the-job” training and professional examinations.
Candidates will also discover the possible salary they can expect once they secure employment and the factors that may contribute to their annual take-home pay.
How to Become a Plumber in Connecticut
Aspiring plumbers in Connecticut are expected to follow the steps below to launch a successful career.
Step 1: Fulfill the Minimum Requirements
Fulfilling the minimum requirements will ensure that candidates looking to become plumbers in Connecticut will be well-positioned for the journey ahead. These requirements include being at least 18 years old, having a high school diploma or GED, and having a valid driver’s license.
Step 2: Complete a Training Program
The state of Connecticut expects all future plumbers to have completed a training program. Several programs have been approved to provide recognized training in the state, and we will highlight some of the most prominent options in an upcoming section. These programs can be found at community colleges, vocational schools, union apprenticeships, and non-union apprenticeships.
Regardless of where they get their training, the most important thing is for candidates to acquire enough classroom instruction and hands-on training to do their jobs and meet the licensing requirements.
Step 3: Specialization & Employment
As with most professions, choosing a specific discipline within the field may offer several professional advantages, including straightforward job placement, more contacts, and more career growth opportunities. Connecticut Plum may specialize in residential, commercial, pipefitting, and gasoline tank plumbing, among others.
Licensure is important before employment, and we explore this topic further below.
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Licensure & Certification Requirements
Anyone looking to work professionally as a plumber in Connecticut must have a license from the beginning of their career.
The state’s Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) issues professional licenses to plumbers and is in charge of the Plumbing and Piping Work Examination Board, which organizes professional examinations for candidates seeking to obtain or renew their licenses.
The state divides regular plumbing licenses into two categories: limited and unlimited. The Unlimited Plumbing Licenses (P-1 and P-2) cover all plumbing and piping work.
Examples of the limited licenses include the Limited Sewer, Storm, and Water Licenses (P-6 and P-7) for both contractors and journeyman classifications and the Limited Gasoline Tank, Piping, and Pump Licenses (P-8 and P-9) for petroleum tanks and related pumping equipment.
Top Plumbing Schools in Connecticut
Below are a few prominent training destinations for future plumbers in Connecticut to consider.
Porter and Chester Institute
Bridgeport, CT Online + Campus
Porter and Chester Institute has an excellent plumbing program that can be completed in 12 months. The hybrid program allows students to learn via online materials and on-campus laboratories.
Tuition
$14,000 - $15,000Contact
(888) 983-3851
Bullard-Havens Technical High School
Bridgeport, CT Campus Only
Bullard-Havens Technical High School, part of the Connecticut Education and Career System, offers a highly-rated plumbing program in Bridgeport and throughout the state.
Tuition
$14,000 - $15,000 per YearContact
(203) 579-6333
Amy.Cimino@cttech.org
Industrial Management & Training Institute
Waterbury, CT Online + Campus
Industrial Management & Training Institute offers a strong plumbing program that allows students to cultivate the necessary skills for entry-level plumbing positions.
Tuition
$98 - $500 per CourseContact
(203) 753-7910
info@imti.edu
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Salary & Career Outlook
A Connecticut plumbers survey by the employment platform Indeed.com revealed that the average annual salary for the top 10% in the state is $122,037. The same data revealed that the annual average salary for the bottom 10% is $50,812, while those in the middle take home an annual average salary of around $78,746.
The determining factors that typically influence where plumbers in the state fall in the salary range include experience, employer, specialization, and professional credentials. Of course, location is another factor with utmost relevance.
In this regard, Andover has the highest pay for welders in Connecticut, with an average annual salary of $93,049. Waterbury, with an annual average salary of $82,153, and New Haven, with an annual average salary of $81,995, are among the top three, while Hartford and Bridgeport, with annual average salaries of $81,743 and $81,263, respectively, are also among the top five.