Starting a career in plumbing may feel intimidating if you have no prior experience, but the truth is that the plumbing trade is one of the most accessible and rewarding fields to enter. With the right approach, training, and persistence, you can build a stable, well-paying career in an industry that continues to grow across the United States.
This guide walks you through the steps to begin a plumbing career from scratch — no tools, no training, and no background required.
Why Choose Plumbing as a Career?
Plumbing offers several advantages that make it attractive to newcomers:
- Strong job security – Plumbing is considered recession-resistant since every home and business needs reliable water, drainage, and gas systems.
- Competitive pay – According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters was around $61,000 in 2023, with top earners making more than $100,000.
- Hands-on work – If you prefer practical, problem-solving tasks instead of sitting at a desk all day, plumbing provides plenty of variety.
- Growth opportunities – With time and licensing, you can advance from apprentice to journeyman to master plumber, or even start your own business.
Step 1: Learn About the Trade
Even without experience, the first step is gaining a basic understanding of what plumbers do. The job involves more than fixing leaky faucets — it covers:
- Installing and repairing pipes for water, gas, and drainage systems
- Reading blueprints and building codes
- Using tools like pipe cutters, wrenches, and soldering equipment
- Diagnosing plumbing problems in homes, businesses, and industrial facilities
- Working in different environments, from new construction sites to emergency service calls
Familiarizing yourself with these duties will help you decide if the career aligns with your interests and skills.
Step 2: Meet the Minimum Requirements
Most states in the U.S. require that plumbing apprentices:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Hold a high school diploma or GED
- Have a valid driver’s license (many jobs require travel to different sites)
- Pass a basic math or aptitude test in some cases
Strong math and mechanical skills are helpful, but you don’t need prior trade experience to get started.
Step 3: Enter a Plumbing Apprenticeship
An apprenticeship is the most common path into plumbing for those with no experience. It combines paid on-the-job training with classroom instruction.
- How long it takes: Typically 4–5 years
- What you earn: Apprentices often start at 40–50% of a journeyman plumber’s wage, gradually increasing each year. According to Indeed, many plumbing apprentices earn between $17–$25 per hour, depending on location.
- Where to apply:
- Local plumbing companies hiring apprentices
- Trade unions (like the United Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters)
- Community colleges or trade schools that partner with contractors
This route allows you to earn a paycheck while learning the trade, making it much more affordable than traditional college.
Step 4: Consider Trade School
If you want a faster entry point or structured learning, a plumbing trade school or community college program may be a good choice. These programs typically last from a few months to two years and cover:
- Pipe system design
- Safety and building codes
- Blueprint reading
- Specialized skills like gas line installation
Some schools even connect graduates with local employers to help them secure apprenticeships. Tuition varies but is often lower than a four-year degree.
Step 5: Gain Hands-On Skills
Even before your first job, you can start building useful skills:
- Learn basic tool use – Practice with wrenches, tape measures, and pipe fittings at home.
- Take online plumbing basics courses – Many free or low-cost options exist to give you an overview.
- Volunteer for small repair projects – Helping friends or family with minor jobs can provide valuable exposure.
Showing initiative and mechanical ability will make you more appealing to potential employers.
Step 6: Work Toward Licensing
In most states, plumbers need to be licensed to work independently. While exact requirements vary, the general process is:
- Complete an apprenticeship or equivalent training
- Pass an exam covering plumbing codes and practices
- Apply for journeyman plumber status
- Gain additional years of experience before applying for master plumber status
Licensing ensures you are recognized as a qualified professional, which opens the door to higher pay and more opportunities.
Step 7: Explore Career Paths
Once you’ve gained experience, there are many directions you can take your plumbing career:
- Residential plumbing – Service and installation in homes and apartments
- Commercial plumbing – Larger projects in office buildings, schools, and hospitals
- Industrial plumbing/pipefitting – Specialized systems for factories, refineries, and power plants
- Business ownership – Running your own plumbing company once you have the proper licensing
Each path comes with different pay scales, challenges, and growth potential.
Final Thoughts
Starting a plumbing career with no experience is not only possible — it’s one of the most common ways people enter the trade. By securing an apprenticeship or enrolling in a trade school, you can quickly transition from beginner to skilled professional while earning along the way.
With strong demand across the U.S., competitive wages, and the ability to advance into specialized roles or business ownership, plumbing is an excellent choice for those looking for a stable and rewarding career.
<< Return to the Guide Index