Plumbing Schools in Nebraska

Plumbing requires a great deal of agility and physical stamina, as professionals tend to enter tight spaces and remain there for a significant amount of time.

Prospective plumbers must cultivate all these characteristics before entering the discipline. Nebraska residents must also meet a few state requirements to meet all guidelines.

Below, we explore these requirements. We examine the educational options, schools and programs, salary projections, licensing and certification requirements, and more.

How to Become a Plumber in Nebraska

The following are the steps involved in becoming a successful plumber in Nebraska.

Preparation for Education.

Becoming a plumber in Nebraska typically starts with preparation for a rigorous education. Candidates with a high school diploma or a GED and a strong foundation in science and mathematics will have a more enjoyable time during training.

The process also requires fundamental skills such as communication and agility.

Completing Vocational Training

Completing vocational training for a prospective plumber doesn’t necessarily require completing a college program. However, it does occasionally require completing a trade school program.

Nebraska residents have many accredited technical colleges where they can receive plumbing education, including the ones we will examine later.

Completing an Apprenticeship

Completing a plumbing apprenticeship program allows students to complement the classroom hours of instruction with work experience. Practical programs are also great at helping candidates understand plumbing codes and procedures in a very interactive manner. Depending on the particular plumbing program a candidate chooses, they may also be able to earn while they are still in training.

Experience, Specialization, and Licensing

Once a candidate is fully trained, they must keep learning even after securing employment. Specialization can help them acquire robust skills in a particular focus and become certified in that area.

Below, we look deeper at the licensing and certification requirements for plumbers in Nebraska.

Explore other trades with similar paths:

• Become an HVAC technician in Nebraska

Licensure & Certification Requirements

A license is needed to carry out plumbing work in Nebraska, and it is mandatory for both regular workers and contractors. The state has different licenses for journeyman plumbers and master plumbers.

Individual cities and municipalities also retain the right to ask for a local license. The city of Omaha, for example, issues a plumber apprentice certificate, a journeyman plumber license, and a master plumber license. The city also has some related licenses, such as the lawn sprinkler installer and sewage and drain cleaner license.

To receive this license, candidates must have a high school diploma or GED and pay a $20 registration fee. They must also renew their credentials annually with a $20 renewal fee.

The city of Lincoln also has licenses for contractors, journeyman plumbers, and master plumbers. A journeyman plumber license costs $50, while a master plumber license costs $75.

Candidates pursuing a contractor license must pay a $250 annual licensing fee and participate in 10 hours of continuing education every year.

Top Plumbing Schools in Nebraska

The schools below offer high-quality plumbing programs in Nebraska.

Explore plumbing schools in Nebraska by city:

• Plumbing schools in Omaha

Salary & Career Outlook

Nebraska pays plumbers among the median earners an annual average salary of $62,735, which is also in line with the national average salary for median earners.

Unsurprisingly, the top 10% figure is even more impressive at an annual average salary of $88,179. Those still among the bottom 10% can expect an annual average salary of $44,634.

Location is one notable factor responsible for the disparity in annual average earnings. For example, the annual average salary for plumbers in Gretna is $104,529, while those in Omaha manage an annual average salary of $70,342.

These are still among the top 2, with Lincoln and Papillion also among the top cities with annual average salaries of $62,223 and $58,175, respectively.

The future is bright for plumbers in Nebraska and across the country, as the Bureau of Labor Statistics continues to predict a year-on-year increase in employment rate for the foreseeable future.