Plumbing Schools in South Carolina

Plumbers in South Carolina – as with anywhere else – are professionals who carry out installations, upgrades, fixing, and maintenance of crucial water systems on which our modern civilization has come to depend greatly.

Along with understanding how to build and install these systems, plumbers in the state are also familiar with key safety measures designed to protect consumers. For these reasons, candidates looking to pursue this field in South Carolina must participate in significant training before securing employment.

They are also expected to meet a handful of other requirements, which we explore in the guide below.

We also look at a few notable training programs for the best education and the possible salary projection.

How to Become a Plumber in South Carolina

The following are some key steps in starting a plumbing career in South Carolina.

Step 1: High School Requirements

A high school diploma or GED equivalent is needed to become a plumber in South Carolina. It ensures that candidates have a fundamental understanding of key topics that will be needed along the road.

Candidates should also have a solid understanding of the English language.

Step 2: Academic Certificate or Degree

It is possible to begin a career as a plumber in South Carolina with an academic certificate or degree. Naturally, either of these can be acquired from a community college or trade school in the state.

In an upcoming section, we explore some of the most notable options to explore in this regard.

Step 3: Apprenticeship Requirements

South Carolina allows aspiring plumbers to train through an apprenticeship program. Here, they will receive training “on the job” under the supervision of licensed plumbers.

The specific training duration required to graduate from an apprenticeship program differs depending on the program. Some take as long as five years, while some can be completed in just 3 years.

Apprenticeship programs also teach specialized skills to complement classes in general plumbing, codes, and regulations.

Explore Trades with Similar Paths

• Become an HVAC technician in South Carolina

Licensure & Certification Requirements

Plumbers in South Carolina are expected to obtain a license from the state. However, they are expected to wait to do so immediately when they start their careers.

They can secure employment and start working as long as they are under a licensed plumber.

They are only expected to receive a license once they start working as a state’s commercial or residential plumbing contractor.

In this case, they must obtain a license from the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation. The Department encompasses the Contractors Licensing Board, which is responsible for issuing commercial contractor licenses, and the Residential Builders Commission, which is responsible for issuing residential plumbing licenses.

Those seeking certification may also earn one through the Municipal Association Of South Carolina. These are not mandatory.

Top Plumbing Schools in South Carolina

The following are some of the most prominent plumbing training programs in South Carolina.

Explore Plumbing Schools in South Carolina by City:

• Plumbing Schools in Charleston

Salary & Career Outlook

The average salary for plumbers in South Carolina is estimated at around $53,553. Entry-level workers in the state (the bottom 10%) may start with an annual average salary closer to $28,647, while those who earn the most (the top 10%) earn an annual average salary of $100,115.

Experience is an important factor, but it is not the only condition that comes into play here. Location also plays a huge role in determining how much a fresh plumber in South Carolina can look forward to at the end of the year.

Rock Hill, Greer, and Myrtle Beach are the cities with the highest salaries for plumbers in South Carolina, with annual average salaries of $77,642, $67,762, and $67,459, respectively.

Plumbers in Charleston also find a place in the top five with an annual average salary of $56,738, while plumbers in Greenville come fifth with an annual average salary of $53,148.