Like most other states, Pennsylvania has a set of requirements for aspiring plumbers. Follow these requirements to begin a career in the field and start enjoying the numerous benefits that plumbers in Pennsylvania enjoy.
Thankfully, for aspiring plumbers in Pennsylvania, you’ll be glad that the sections below discuss everything you need to become familiar with before starting your journey as a plumber.
We’ll examine the possible education requirements, certification options, licensing laws, and salary projections.
How to Become a Plumber in Pennsylvania
Aspiring plumbers in Pennsylvania can begin their careers by obtaining training through one of the following avenues:
Formal Training Programs
A “formal” plumbing training program is any official program offered by several institutions, including colleges, community colleges, technical schools, vocational schools, and trade schools.
These programs usually incorporate many classroom and workshop training for hands-on practice.
Apprenticeship Program
Plumbing organizations and trade unions offer apprenticeship programs, and all aim to produce new batches of plumbers who are technically sound and familiar with the fundamental principles of safety regulations.
Most plumbing apprenticeships last between 3 to 5 years.
Plumber’s Assistant
Aspiring plumbers in Pennsylvania who want to avoid going through the options above may learn under a plumber by working as an assistant for a few years before branching out independently.
The work experience obtained during this time will be enough to acquire a license and start taking on contracts independently.
Professional Experience
Many states, including Pennsylvania, specify work experience as a licensing prerequisite. Usually, time spent in training and apprenticeship programs or working as a plumber’s assistant contributes to the work experience requirement.
It is advisable to combine two or more of the training options above, for instance, completing a training program and then working as an apprenticeship; or completing an apprenticeship and then working as a plumber’s assistant for a while.
Consider Trades with Similar Paths:
Top Plumbing Schools in Pennsylvania
1. Orleans Technical College
Based in Philadelphia, Orleans Technical College’s plumbing and heating training program can be finished in 6 months for full-time and 13 months for part-time students.
The school also has impressive facilities, computer laboratories, workshops, and highly experienced instructors.
Graduates often have an easy time securing employment with companies in the area based on the significance of the program and the school as a whole.
2. Community College of Allegheny County
Community College of Allegheny County is one of the most famous institutions for skilled-trade and technological training in Pennsylvania, and it offers a beautiful plumbing program.
Accepted applicants can look forward to extensive instructions on pipe fitting and plumbing valves, shop mathematics, water systems, and more. By the time they are done, students will have learned what it takes to sit for and pass licensing and certification exams.
Notable Mentions
Other notable mentions include:
- Luzerne County Community College in Nanticoke,
- Delaware County Community College in Media,
- Berks Career Technology Center in Leesport,
- Westmoreland County Community College in Youngwood,
- Lancaster County Career Technology Center in Willow Street, and
- Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology in Lancaster.
For apprenticeship programs:
- Plumbers Pipefitters and HVAC-R Technicians Local Union 520 chapter in Harrisburg, and
- UA Local 619 apprenticeship program in Philadelphia.
Explore Plumbing Schools by City:
Licensure and Certification Requirements
Plumbers in Pennsylvania are expected to be licensed. Specific requirements for licensure depend on different cities and municipalities.
For instance, the body in charge of licensing plumbers in Philadelphia is the City of Philadelphia Business Services Department. The city offers three different types of licenses: an apprenticeship license for those still in training, a journeyman plumber license for those who have completed their training, and a master plumber license to take on more significant contracts.
Plumbers in Pittsburgh must register with the Allegheny County Health Department. The Department also has three licenses, including the apprentice license, journeyman license, and master license.
Salary and Job Outlook
The annual average salary for plumbers in Pennsylvania is $63,635. Entry-level workers in the state start with an average yearly salary of around $38,781, while those who earn the most earn an average annual wage of $78,428.
Experience is not the only factor that comes into play here, seeing as location also plays a role in determining how much an aspiring plumber in Pennsylvania can look forward to.
Havertown, Philadelphia, and Pittsburgh are the highest-paying cities for plumbers in Pennsylvania, with annual average salaries of $63,635, $62,468, and $60,277, respectively.
Lancaster and Mechanicsburg come after these with annual average salaries of $56,664 and $56,382, respectively.
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