In Ohio, plumbers are as essential as they are anywhere else. The state has provided a framework to make it easier for new professionals to not only enter into the occupation but also be able to carry out their duties at a very high level.
For this reason, all aspiring plumbers in Ohio must become familiar with this framework and its specified requirements before they can begin their careers. If you are interested in starting your plumbing career in the state, you’ll be glad to know that we have carefully outlined all of these requirements below.
To help you receive the best training, we have also provided a concise list containing some top programs to consider applying for.
How to Become a Plumber in Ohio
The following are the steps to become a plumber in Ohio.
Fundamental Educational Requirements
The first step in becoming a plumber in Ohio is to meet the fundamental educational requirements. For instance, most training programs will ask that individuals be 18 years old and have a high school diploma or GED.
You may also complete a certificate course through trade schools or plumbing apprenticeships, the second and most crucial step.
Skills Acquisition
Certificate courses offered by trade schools are enough to acquire an array of plumbing skills and start a plumbing career in Ohio. If you want to specialize in medical gas piping installation, you may have to go through additional training programs that have achieved state approval.
Generally, however, simply attending a trade or apprenticeship program should give you enough classroom instructions and hands-on training to start your career.
Internships & Real-World Learning
Plumbers may obtain additional real-world experience by participating in internship programs. Commonly, trade programs and community colleges might have an agreement with local workshops and commercial installations to allow students to receive such hands-on training.
On the other hand, apprenticeships are usually conducive to real-world experience by design.
License & Continuing Education
After completing the training program, the next step for an aspiring plumber in Ohio is to become licensed and consider certification. They may then receive continuing education as specified by the employer or personal preference.
Consider trades with similar paths:
Licensure and Certification Requirements
Plumbers in Ohio are expected to get licensed by the Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board. It is possible to start working as an apprentice under a licensed plumber before acquiring your license.
The state only has one kind of plumber license, which is the Commercial Contractor License. To acquire this license, candidates must be at least 18 years old and be citizens of the United States.
Those who are considered legal aliens may also apply.
Once they get board approval, the next step is to complete a state and federal background check.
They must then pass the trade examination and pay the applicable fees to receive their license officially.
Top Plumbing Schools in Ohio
The following are a few of the most notable training programs for aspiring plumbers in Ohio.
Columbus State Community College
Individuals studying plumbing at Columbus State Community College will graduate with an employment readiness certificate and many skills in several plumbing areas.
Consisting of 25 credit hours, this program includes both classroom instructions and hands-on training.
Cuyahoga Community College
Cuyahoga Community College teaches critical plumbing topics in a modern environment under the tutelage of qualified instructors.
The school offers both an associate degree and a certificate. Both options require candidates to enroll in an apprenticeship program before they can apply. By graduation, students will have the qualifications and expertise to carry out their duties well.
The Waterworks and Atherton Plumbing School
This is the only program on the list organized by a company instead of an academic institution. For this reason, candidates who enroll in the plumbing training program offered by The Waterworks and Atherton Plumbing School will receive their tuition back and enjoy several other benefits.
Explore plumbing schools by city:
Salary & Career Outlook
Plumbers in Ohio earn an annual average salary of $53,445. They also make a yearly average of $6,750 in overtime.
The highest-paid plumbers in the state take home around $96,202 on average every year, while the lowest-paid still manage an annual average salary of $29,692.
Along with experience, location is another critical factor in determining how much salary a plumber in Ohio will earn every year. For instance, plumbers in Lewis Center earn the highest average salary in the entire state, with an average salary of $90,109 yearly. They are followed by Cleveland and Cincinnati, with annual average wages of $57,898 and $55,877.
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