Becoming a plumber in Utah requires meeting classroom and on-the-job training requirements, as well as paying a few fees for licenses and professional opportunities.
The article below seeks to make the process clearer and easier for interested candidates by outlining only the essential requirements mandated by the state, employers, training programs, or conventions for better career growth opportunities.
Along with all of these, candidates will also discover the possible annual average salary to expect once they begin their careers, including a quick look at the key factors that may help them earn more.
How to Become a Plumber in Utah
Aspiring plumbers in Utah must follow the steps below to start their careers on a solid path.
Step 1: Preparation
To prepare for their training and careers, candidates looking to become plumbers in Utah must ensure they are in good standing regarding a few basic requirements. These include having a high school diploma or GED and being at least 18 years old.
Candidates should also register with the Utah Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL) before they can receive job training.
Step 2: Enrolling in a Training Program
There are several possibilities to consider regarding receiving training as a prospective plumber in Utah. They include:
Plumbing Apprenticeships
Plumbing apprenticeship programs are popular among aspiring plumbers thanks to the hands-on training involved in these arrangements. They allow candidates to learn under the tutelage of master plumbers while (sometimes) having the luxury of earning some income along the way.
The most popular plumbing apprenticeships are those organized by unions and professional organizations. These may be local unions or local chapters of national unions.
Plumber in Training
Candidates can also begin their careers by working as “plumbers in Training” under the supervision of a licensed master plumber, journeyman plumber, or residential master plumber in the state.
Again, before starting learning in such a hands-on environment, candidates must register as apprentices with the Utah Division of Professional Licensing.
Certificate & Degree Programs
Lastly, future plumbers in Utah may also attend community colleges and vocational schools to participate in top-class plumbing programs. One advantage of this option over the rest is that graduates leave with valuable certificates and degrees.
Explore trades with similar paths:
Licensure & Certification Requirements
The Utah Department of Commerce, through its Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing, is responsible for issuing plumbing licenses in Utah. All plumbers must receive a license here before they can start working professionally.
The Division offers plumbing licenses in several categories, including apprentice plumber, journeyman plumber, residential journeyman plumber, master plumber, and residential master plumber.
Those looking to take on significant contracts must receive a contractor license, divided into two categories: the general plumbing contractor license and the residential plumbing contractor license.
Top Plumbing Schools in Utah
The following are some prominent plumbing programs in Utah for candidates to consider.
Salt Lake Community College
Salt Lake City, UT Online + Campus
Salt Lake Community College offers an Associate of Applied Science in Plumber/Pipefitter program containing at least 63 credits. The program was designed to provide extensive classroom training.
Tuition
$4,257 - $13,701Contact
(801) 957-4073
admissions@slcc.edu
Davis Technical College
Kaysville, UT Campus Only
Davis Technical College in Kaysville offers a Plumber Apprentice program that, as the state requires, consists of 576 hours of classroom instruction
Tuition
$95 - $190 per CreditContact
(801) 593-2500
info@davistech.edu
Mountainland Technical College
Lehi, UT Online + Campus
Candidates looking for strong classroom training as prospective welders in Utah may also consider Mountainland Technical College (MTECH).
Tuition
$120 - $140 per CreditContact
(801) 753-8201
jdemma@mtec.edu
Explore plumbing schools in Utah by city:
Salary & Career Outlook
Welders in Utah take home an annual salary of around $66,493 if they fall among the average earners in the state. These professionals can earn an annual average salary of $109,612 if they fall among the top 10%, while they can take home an annual salary of around $40,336 if they fall among the bottom 10%.
One prominent factor influencing how much a welder in Utah earns is location. Experience also plays a role, as more experienced professionals earn more than those just starting out. Other notable factors are the employment company, specific specialty areas within the field, and professional credentials.
Sorting the annual average salary of welders in Utah by location only, we find that Provo and Park City are the highest-paying cities in the state, with annual average salaries of $70,278 and $68,662, respectively.
They are followed by Orem and Saint George, with annual average salaries of $67,693 and $66,647, followed by Cedar City, with an annual average salary of $66,104.
Plumbers in Salt Lake City make an annual average salary of $65,034.