Plumbing is a profession that requires considerable skill and talent. Individuals with a knack for analyzing complex systems may consider starting a career in this field.
The steps involved in launching a thriving career as a plumber in Kansas are very straightforward. Of course, individuals who embark upon this journey will have a better chance of success if they understand the process from the start.
These steps involve educational considerations, licensing and certification pathways, and more. We discuss all of these in concise detail below.
How to Become a Plumber in Kansas
Candidates in Kansas are expected to follow the steps below to start their careers the right way.
Basic Requirements
The basic requirements to become a successful plumber in Kansas involve being prepared for admission into a training program and the state licensing requirements. Candidates must have a high school diploma or GED and be at least 16 before enrolling in a training program.
Enrolling in a Training Program
Enrolling in a training program for a prospective plumber in Kansas involves making decisions about how to receive both theoretical and practical education. There are several ways to achieve this, and one of the most popular is for individuals to attend an academic program first and then complement their degrees and certificates with an “on-the-job” training program.
Another popular approach is attending an apprenticeship program offering classroom and hands-on training. Of course, those who choose this approach will not be able to earn a degree or a certificate, but they will receive extensive work experience and earn a salary while they are still learning.
Career Growth
The next consideration after education is choosing a possible specialty area. Licensing and certification allow candidates to achieve this while offering other benefits, including networking and continuing education resources.
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Licensure & Certification Requirements
In Kansas, plumbing licenses are not required at the state level. Candidates are only expected to become licensed if their local municipalities mandate such requirements.
Most cities in the state will have a plumbing journeyman and a plumbing master’s license. The former is for candidates just starting their careers, while the latter is for those who can take on more supervisory roles.
Additionally, candidates can start their plumbing businesses and take on large contracts but will have to receive a plumbing contractor license after following the general steps for registering a business.
For those looking to acquire a journeyman plumber license in Wichita, the requirements include completing the steps outlined earlier and passing a licensing exam with a score of at least 75%.
Applicants must also pay an exam fee of $75 and a license fee of $35. The license must be renewed every two years through 12 hours of continuing education and a $35 renewal fee.
Top Plumbing Schools in Kansas
The schools below offer high-quality plumbing programs for candidates in Kansas.
Butler Community College
Andover, KS Campus Only
Butler Community College offers one of the most popular training programs for future plumbers anywhere in the statement. Organized as a complementary program, candidates must already enroll in an apprenticeship program.
Tuition
$2,137 per ProgramContact
(316) 218-6118
workforce@butlercc.edu
Fort Hays Technical Northwest
Goodland, KS Campus Only
Kansas residents may also consider the Plumbing Technology program at Fort Hays Technical Northwest for their foundational training.
Tuition
$8,926 per YearContact
(800) 316-4127
butch.knapp@nwktc.edu
Kansas City Community College
Online, KS Online Only
The Foundations of Plumbing program at Kansas City Kansas Community College is an excellent choice for comprehensive yet flexible and convenient online training.
Tuition
$2,245 per ProgramContact
(855) 520-6806
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Salary & Career Outlook
A fresh plumber in Kansas who is just at the beginning of their career will most likely fall among the bottom 10% or median earners. As it happens, the bottom 10% of plumbers in the state manage an annual average salary of $31,486, while the median earners make an annual average salary of $57,093.
The top 10% make an annual average salary of $103,525, but this will only be possible for candidates who have already developed extensive job experience and have maximized other factors that influence the annual average salary of a plumber, including location, credentials, and employers.
In highlighting the top locations based on annual average salary, we find that plumbers in Overland Park are the highest-paid, with a figure of around $100,409 annually. Those in Manhattan come next with an annual average salary of $80,262, while those in Lenexa are third with an annual average salary of $71,818.
The BLS expects a year-on-year increase in demand for plumbers in Kansas for at least the next decade.