Plumbers play a huge role in all of our daily existence. Without them, enjoying functional water and waste systems would be tough. As a reward, professionals in the field enjoy a good stream of income and an opportunity to improve themselves even further.
As an aspiring plumber in Michigan, you will be glad to know that several routes are available for your education and certification. It is highly advisable, however, to be familiar with these requirements before you begin your journey.
That is why we have provided below a comprehensive guide containing everything you need to know to become a plumber in Michigan.
How to Become a Plumber in Michigan
The following are the steps involved in becoming a plumber in Michigan.
Step 1: Meet the Basic Requirements
Future plumbers in Michigan who wish to have an easy time enrolling in training programs would do well to have their high school diploma or GED ready. It also helps immensely if they have foundational knowledge in a few mathematical, science, and technical drawing subjects.
Some programs also ask that students be at least 17 years old before admission.
Step 2: Choose your Training Alternative
Michigan has different training alternatives to learn what to do as a plumber.
Academic Programs and Apprenticeships
Some people go for structured sources such as academic programs and apprenticeship programs. The objective of both of these destinations is to help students acquire the skills they’ll need to secure employment through a very structured environment.
Usually, this includes the presence of a standard curriculum, top-class instructors, and experienced supervisors who are there to help guide candidates on their journeys.
Training at an apprenticeship or an academic program will be enough to start working professionally.
Plumbing Assistants
Apart from the two alternatives above, it is also possible for aspiring plumber to begin their introduction to the profession by simply working as assistants to actual plumbers who are working on job sites.
Step 3: Continuing Education
After obtaining their training, future plumbers in Michigan must fulfill licensure requirements and participate in continuing education to improve themselves and take advantage of new career opportunities.
Consider trades with similar paths:
Licensure & Certification Requirements
Plumbers in Michigan are expected to receive their licenses from the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA). The Bureau of Construction Codes’ Plumbing Division handles these concerns for skilled trades, particularly plumbing.
Journeyman License
To obtain their first license, candidates must register as apprentices and acquire 6000 hours of documented work experience. Getting training from an academic program also contributes to part of this requirement.
Candidates must pay a $100 examination fee and a $40 license fee to receive their journeyman plumber license.
Master Plumbers
Journeyman plumbers in Michigan who have worked for two years may go on to apply for a master plumber license. For this, they must pay a $100 examination fee and a $300 license fee.
Licensed Contractors
Lastly, a master plumber may also become a Plumbing Contractor by starting a business. They must pay a $100 examination fee and a $300 license fee to receive the license.
Top Plumbing Schools in Michigan
The following are some of the top plumbing schools in Michigan for interested individuals to consider.
Macomb County Community College
Macomb County Community College is one of Michigan’s most prominent destinations for plumbing training. Graduates of this program will earn a certificate and be ready to secure employment immediately.
West Michigan Construction Institute
Aspiring plumbers in Michigan may also consider the program offered by West Michigan Construction Institute. They will become familiar with the relevant state code, blueprint reading, plumbing mathematics, and basic installation/repair.
Notable Mentions
Other notable destinations for high-quality plumbing training in Michigan include Detroit Training Institute of Technology, Randolph Career and Technical Center, the apprenticeship programs offered by Plumbers 98 and MCA Detroit, and the UA Local Union 85 in Saginaw.
Explore plumbing schools by city:
Salary & Career Outlook
With an annual average salary of $55,833, plumbers in Michigan earn the same as the national average yearly salary. This is usually more pertinent for plumbers who fall into the midpoint of factors such as experience, location, and credentials.
Those who fall into the higher part of the plumber salary spectrum in Michigan earn an annual average salary of $79,295. Those who fall below the range earn an average yearly salary of $39,313.
Concerning the best locations to be a plumber in the state of Michigan, they include Farmington Hills, with an annual average salary of $80,604; Traverse City, with an average yearly salary of $76,436; and Rochester Hills, with an average annual wage of $68,446.
Plumbers in Detroit earn an annual average salary of $55,694.
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