Plumbing Schools in Tennessee

There are several requirements for becoming a plumber in the state of Tennessee. The government sets some of these requirements, while training institutions, apprenticeships, and employers set some.

Regardless of who is responsible for them, one thing is for sure: following these requirements is, without a doubt, the best and safest way to start a plumbing career in Tennessee and take advantage of all the benefits involved in the occupation.

Individuals interested in starting their journey but need to know the requirements will find them in the sections below. They will also discover top training programs to consider and some salary projections that they may look forward to.

How to Become a Plumber in Tennessee

The following are the steps required of aspiring plumbers in Tennessee looking to start their careers on a strong path.

Step 1: Getting Started

The ultimate objective of any aspiring plumber in Tennessee should be to obtain a professional license to qualify for significant plumbing contracts. To achieve this, they first need to meet some basic requirements, namely being at least 18 years of age and having a high school diploma or GED.

Step 2: Classroom Instructions

Receiving comprehensive classroom instruction is an important aspect of starting a plumbing career as it introduces students to the fundamental principles before exposing them to real-world demand.

As it happens, Tennessee makes it compulsory for candidates to gain classroom knowledge of technical topics through an apprenticeship or college/academic program.

In an upcoming section, we will list some of the most notable destinations where you can acquire such training.

Step 3: Work Experience

Before becoming licensed, prospective plumbers are still required to receive some form of work experience typically achieved through apprenticeship programs. The best part about this arrangement is that apprenticeship programs also provide classroom instructions so that candidates can meet both requirements simultaneously.

Generally, apprenticeship programs for plumbers in Tennessee last between 4 to 5 years and may offer some form of monetary compensation.

Step 4: Putting It All Together

Once all the pieces are complete, candidates must meet the state licensure and certification requirements.

From there, they may secure employment in their desired plumbing specialty.

Explore trades with similar paths:

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Licensure & Certification Requirements

To become a professional plumber in Tennessee, all candidates must acquire a state and a local license. The state issues a contractor license, a Plumber Classification license, and a Limited License Plumber (LLP) license.

Various cities and counties across the state have traditional licenses, including a journeyman and a master license.

At the state level, the Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors is in charge of licensing plumbers, and it does so through the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance.

To become licensed, candidates must meet the requirements above and complete the state and local level tests.

Top Plumbing Schools in Tennessee

The list below contains some of Tennessee’s most reputable plumbing schools for interested individuals.

Explore plumbing schools in Tennessee by city:

• Plumbing schools in Nashville

Salary & Career Outlook

Generally, plumbers in Tennessee earn an annual average salary of $29,784 if they fall among the bottom 10%; they earn an annual average salary of $53,719 if they fall among the average earners; and they earn an annual average salary of at least $96,887 if they fall among the top 10%.

To move from the lower end of the salary range to the upper end, candidates may optimize factors such as their location within the state, specialty areas, and employers and gain more experience with time.

Currently, plumbers in Clarksville boast the highest average salary in the state, with an annual average salary of $59,566. They are followed by plumbers in Murfreesboro, with an annual average salary of $57,851, and plumbers in Memphis, with an annual average salary of $57,192.

Morristown and Franklin Plumbers are among the highest-paid, with annual average salaries of $56,021 and $55,532 respectively.