Plumbing Schools in New Jersey

Plumbers are professionals who have dedicated significant parts of their lives to mastering skills that have made day-to-day existence easier for everyone. For individuals living in New Jersey who want to start a career in this field, the article below contains everything you need to know on your journey.

We begin by breaking down the steps involved in the process, from the basic educational requirements to possible steps that candidates can take to maximize the chances of securing employment and career growth opportunities. From there, we look at some of the best training programs in and around the state, offering comprehensive curriculum and hands-on training.

How to Become a Plumber in New Jersey

Below are the steps needed to become a plumber in New Jersey.

Basic Requirements

Future plumbers in New Jersey must meet certain requirements before considering getting much-needed technical training and real-world experience. The state mandates that anyone looking to become a licensed plumber must be at least 18 years old.

Furthermore, candidates must have a diploma from high school or an equivalent of one through GED.

Technical Training

In New Jersey, students must acquire technical training in a four-year program before becoming licensed master plumbers. These four-year paths may be apprenticeships or academic programs.

Apprenticeship Programs

Before obtaining their master’s license, aspiring plumbers in New Jersey can learn on the job by working as apprentices. Here, they will receive a strong introduction to the fundamental principles of the job and learn a few theoretical topics in a classroom environment.

However, most training will ensure that students are immersed in real-world scenarios, get their hands on tools, and perform duties they must perform once they become licensed.

Apprenticeship programs for plumbers in New Jersey must last for four years.

Academic Pathway

Like apprenticeship programs, academic programs in New Jersey prepare candidates for plumbing careers. However, the state allows students to choose academic pathways instead of apprenticeship pathways for their training.

Again, like apprenticeship programs, an academic program for aspiring New Jersey plumbers must last four years. In one of the sections below, we explore some notable training programs for candidates in the city to consider.

Explore trades with similar paths:

• How to become a masonry worker in New Jersey

Licensure & Certification Requirements

After completing any 4-year training requirements, the next step to become a master plumber in New Jersey is to register with the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs. The Division’s State Board of Examiners of Master Plumbers is responsible for licensing and regulating the plumbing industry in the entire state.

Candidates are expected to officially apply for the licensing examination via the board website. They must start by filling out an application form and paying an application fee.

Once they do this, they will qualify for the official examinations, divided into three categories. These include the New Jersey Master Plumber Examination for technical testing, the New Jersey Plumbing Practical exam for hands-on testing, and the New Jersey Business and Law Examinations. Finally, candidates must pay a licensing fee to receive their plumbing license officially.

Top Plumbing Schools in New Jersey

Below are a few top-class plumbing schools in New Jersey for candidates to consider.

Explore plumbing schools in New Jersey by city:

• Plumbing Schools in Newark

Salary & Career Outlook

A survey of plumbers in New Jersey published on the employment platform Indeed showed that an average plumber in New Jersey (in terms of salary earnings) takes home an annual salary close to $68,199. The same data showed that those who fall among the top 10% take home an annual salary of $112,835, while those among the lowest-paid still manage an average of around $41,220 yearly salary.

Plumbers in the state may earn more by working overtime. They may also increase their annual averages by improving their specialty, acquiring more credentials, or moving to a better location.

The highest-paying cities for plumbers in New Jersey include Newark, with an annual average salary of $87,430; Sea Isle City, with an annual average salary of $78,755; Ridgefield, with an annual average salary of $73,068; and Union, with an annual average salary of $71,414.