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Maryland needs more plumbers and has everything you need to learn how to do this essential and important job. The constant and growing demand for this workforce means you can feel confident that the time you put into plumber training will pay off.
Also, the U.S. Department of Labor’s job search website, CareerOneStop, projects an 11% growth rate in Maryland for plumbers over the next decade, compared with 2% nationwide.
There’s definitely evidence to support this on job boards. There are hundreds of plumbing jobs in Maryland posted on Indeed.com and Zip Recruiter.
We’ve got the information on the training you need to find your place in the plumbing industry in Maryland.
Accredited Maryland Training Programs
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), “Most plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters learn on the job through an apprenticeship. Some attend a vocational-technical school before receiving on-the-job training. Most states require plumbers to be licensed.” Also, some craft workers enter apprenticeship programs after working as a helper. The Home Builders Institute offers a pre-apprenticeship certificate training (PACT) program for eight construction trades, including plumbing.
Most people entering the plumbing industry in Maryland learn on the job as a plumbing apprentice either in a formal union or nonunion apprenticeship or an apprenticeship created by working for a licensed master plumber.
Maryland licenses every level of this workforce at the state level — apprentice plumbers, journeyman plumbers, master plumbers. Formal education is not required by law in Maryland to begin learning to perform plumbing work or even to become licensed, but it can help you land a job as a plumber apprentice. Also, educational experience can substitute for some of the experience required for plumbers in Maryland to earn their journeyman license issued by the Maryland Board of Plumbing. Additional licensing is required in Baltimore County, Prince George’s County, and Montgomery County by the Baltimore County Plumbing Board and the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission.
If you choose to start your journey with plumbing education, there are a lot of training programs in Maryland. Several schools have aligned their program curriculum with the National Center for Construction Education & Research (NCCER), in particular high school Career and Technical Education (CTE) centers.
NCCER has accredited several other programs in Maryland besides the CTE programs in high schools:
Associated Builders & Contractors — Baltimore Metro Chapter, Chesapeake Shores, and Metropolitan Washington
There are other programs throughout the state. We list more of those below.
Several plumbing companies and trade organizations in Maryland also have apprenticeship programs described in the apprentice section below. Apprenticeships require classroom instruction to be recognized by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) and the Maryland Apprenticeship and Training Program (MATP).
Plumbing Degrees & Certificates
As you weigh the benefit of getting some formal training at a technical or community college, you may want to speak with people in the field in your state. The licensing requirements vary from state to state, and some require a minimum amount of education. Other states have no educational requirements to get started, as in Maryland. If the return on investment is not there in your state, it may make more sense to simply get an entry-level position and get on-the-job training rather than attending one of the plumber schools.
In terms of college education for plumbers,there is a range of degree and certificate programs. The time it takes to complete them and the cost of each are the most significant differences. The most common college plumbing programs in Maryland are:
Certificate Program – three to six months
Diploma/Degree Program – one to two years
Obviously, the longer the program, the more it costs. Many plumbing professionals have some post-secondary training. However, very few choose to get a four-year bachelor’s degree unless they’re seeking a related engineering or building construction degree. If this is a path that interests you, you may want to explore a Mechanical Engineering, a Civil Engineering, or a construction management Bachelor of Science degree at one of the four-year universities in Maryland like:
As stated earlier, formal education can pay off in the form of higher wages, but if your interest lies in being a plumber or having your own plumbing business, a degree is not necessary.
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Typical Courses in Technical College Programs
Plumbing programs at technical colleges are all intended to prepare students for careers in plumbing, pipefitting, and related fields. All combine theory and the practical skills needed to do the job. Most develop academic, technical, and professional knowledge and skills required for job acquisition, retention, and advancement.
Among the classes for a Plumbing Technology certificate or degree are:
Introduction to Plumbing Technology
Plumbing Blueprints and Codes
Drain, Waste and Venting Systems
Water Supply and Distribution Systems
Plumbing Fixtures and Appliance Installation
Other programs might add intermediate and advanced plumbing concepts, pipe fabrication, and welding technology fundamentals among other courses. Many include Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) certification too.
Program graduates have the qualification of an apprentice plumber or pipefitter and are prepared to enter the workforce and continue learning under the direction of a licensed plumber.
School Selection Criteria
There are a lot of things to consider when picking the school and program that are right for you.
Cost
Cost is, of course, at the top of the list According to Community College Review, tuition at Maryland community colleges on average is $7,307 per year for in-state students and $9,316 for out-of-state students. However, many of the accredited plumbing programs listed here are part of apprenticeship programs and tuition may be reimbursed by or paid for outright by the student’s employer. There will be some variations in fees at each school, too, so be sure to review all the costs involved.
There are also always costs for books and tools, but those tools are yours to keep as you enter your field. All students who are interested in receiving federal (Pell Grant) and any state grants apply by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form online.
Program Length
As noted above, you can choose from a very specialized certificate or a broader diploma or associate’s degree. The certificates can be as few as 15 to 24 credit hours and take one to two semesters to complete. Diploma or associate’s degree programs typically take one to two years, and most apprenticeships take four to five years to complete.
Benefits
There are many benefits to getting formal education if you want to join the plumbing profession. Though in Maryland there is no educational requirement to get started in the field, many employers will choose an applicant with a certificate or degree over one without credentials. Some trade school training can also give you an edge in the selection process for an apprenticeship. Having some basic knowledge helps you to hit the ground running and secure your place in a shop full of professionals. Technical training is also usually rewarded with higher starting pay and lifelong earnings.
Online vs in-person
You may choose to get plumbing training through an online certificate program. Only you know if this type of independent curriculum will work for you.
Online programs are ideal for people looking for entry-level plumbing jobs or for entry-level workers who are looking to increase their salary. Penn Foster and Ashworth College are two of the most recognizable online plumbing programs. Bob Vila’s website and the CPA Accounting Institute for Success each list them at the top of their posts about the Best Online Courses for Plumbing.
If you know your learning style relies on personal instruction, more traditional in-person classes and the accredited programs listed above are accessible throughout the state.
Level of difficulty
Plumbing programs are designed to prepare graduates for entry-level positions in the plumbing industry in commercial, industrial, or residential sectors. Curriculum includes an understanding of mathematics and physics. Plumbers have to learn a lot of different things to be successful, including how to follow blueprints or other design specifications to install or repair plumbing systems, troubleshoot issues at residences or commercial properties, new installations involving running all water, gas and sewage lines, how and when to use different material pipes and how to fit them together properly, plumbing code and record keeping of work performed. And, of course, especially in residential work, customer service is key.
School Comparison: At a Glance
As mentioned above, NCCER has accredited Career and Technical Education plumbing curriculum in Maryland high schools. CTE curriculum provides college and career-ready programs for high school students to develop workplace skills. If you know early on that you want to be a plumbing professional, you should absolutely take advantage of this pathway, which is typically free to high school students in the school district where they live. Check with your high school for more information.
Maryland’s 16 community colleges offer the classroom instruction required for a MATP approved apprenticeship in plumbing in Maryland. They all satisfy the requirements for a USDOL apprenticeship as well. That means your credentials will be acceptable in any state in the country if you happen to move during your career, giving you more job opportunities. This four-year curriculum gives credit for on-the-job and classroom training. Students can choose to take additional classes to complete an associate’s degree.
The Maryland Community College system offers students financial aid in the form of grants and loans and has a 100% acceptance rate. Each Maryland Community College has slightly different tuition and fees, but they average about $4,500/year. Employers may also pay for your schooling or reimburse you if you earn a minimum grade.
Prince George’s Community College (NCCER curriculum)
Community College of Baltimore County Plumbing apprenticeships coursework for:
Associated Builders & Contractors (ABC), Greater Baltimore
Maryland Association of Plumbing Heating Cooling Contractors (MPHCC)
Plumbers & Steamfitters Local Union #486
Construction Pre-Apprenticeship Core Curriculum
Core 2 months of part-time day training
Specialty 8 months of part-time evening training
Prince George’s Community College Plumbing (NCCER)
PLM 300 Plumbing Level 1 Part 1
PLM 301 Plumbing Level 1 Part 2
PLM 302 Plumbing Level 1 Part 3
PLM 303 Plumbing Level 1 Part 4
Building Trades | Associate of Applied Science | 2 years Tuition | County Resident $114 | Maryland State Residents $209 | Out-of-state Residents $311
College of Southern Maryland Pre-Apprenticeship Workforce Training | Certificate | 6 classes | $1,757 Construction Trades Core Skills | Certificate | 16 sessions | $999
Maryland Plumbing Heating Cooling Contractors Association The Maryland Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Apprenticeship program is fully accredited and registered with the Maryland Apprenticeship and Training Council and Department of Labor and Industry. Tuition for member employees includes all books and special courses. The curriculum covers Related Theory Instruction, Trade Mathematics, OSHA Construction Safety, General Safety, Adult First Aide, Adult CPR, Blueprint Reading, and State Plumbing Code. Third-year apprentices attend a 36-hour Journey Gas Fitters Course, and fourth-year apprentices attend the 32-hour Backflow Certification Course approved by the State of Maryland.
United Association Local Union 486 Baltimore This five-year program is provided at no cost to qualified applicants. It combines intensive technical classroom instruction at the school's state-of-the-art facility with on-the-job training. As jobs become available, apprentices are placed with member contractors.
More apprentice options are listed in the apprenticeship section below.
Steps for Enrollment in Maryland
Every college has its own way of doing things, but in general the process begins with you visiting the school’s website and applying for admission online. Some require that you pay an application fee and provide several documents. In general, the application process has the following steps:
Complete your application.
Pay the application fee (if applicable).
Provide proof of residency to qualify for in-state tuition.
Have sealed official high school transcript or GED scores sent.
Submit placement test scores.
Interview if necessary for apprentice opening.
Obtain an apprentice license through the state.
If you choose to start with an apprenticeship, you will want to contact the Local Union or non-union trade organization chapter closest to you. Each organization has a slightly different application process, but the application requirements in general are:
Must be at least 18 years of age.
Must be a high school graduate, senior scheduled to graduate or have earned a GED certificate. Applicants will be required to provide a copy of their diploma or GED certificate, and an official transcript of their grades following submission of the application.
Must have a valid driver’s license.
Have passed high school algebra or an equivalent post-high school algebra class with a “C” or better or pass an aptitude test.
Pass a drug screen and criminal background checks.
Plumbing Career Requirements in Maryland
As mentioned earlier, Maryland does not have an educational requirement to legally perform entry-level plumbing work in the state but does allow for college programs to count toward the required professional experience for licensing. Entry-level professionals just need to meet employer expectations to get started, but they must get an apprentice license.
To meet the requirements to take the journeyman license exam, applicants must gain four years of work experience and complete 7,500 hours of training under the direction of a licensed plumber and must complete 32 hours of training in backflow prevention device testing through an approved course. After that, they must pass the journeyman plumber exam.
After another two years of experience as a journeyman plumber you will qualify to take the master plumber exam and earn your master plumber license. For a detailed explanation of Maryland’s Plumber licensing requirements and how to fulfill them, check out our essential guide to getting your Maryland Plumbing License.
Salaries for Plumbers in Maryland
Before paying for technical education and getting started in the plumbing field you’ll want some idea of what you can expect in terms of the return on your investment of time, effort, energy, and money. In other words, what can you expect to make as a plumbing professional in Maryland? Payscale.com data provides an answer based on your experience. The median plumber salary in Maryland for 2023 is:
Entry level <2 years: $48,600
Intermediate 2-4 years: $61,800
Senior 4-6 years: $63,400
For more information about plumber salaries, visit this state-by-state guide.
Industry Apprenticeships
As stated earlier, the most common way to get the training you need to become a plumber is through an apprenticeship. Most apprenticeships are three to five years long and require you to be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma or a GED, a valid driver’s license, and have passed high school algebra or an equivalent post-high school algebra class with a “C” or better.
Union plumbing apprenticeships are offered through the United Association local union chapters. They are five years long. Each year includes 1,700 to 2,000 hours of on-the-job training and a minimum of 246 hours of classroom courses, including basics such as mathematics, science, drafting, welding, and other trade-related courses. Apprentices work for member contractors with an opportunity for increased wages each year until reaching journeyman status.
The Maryland Plumbing Heating Cooling Contractors Association (MPHCC) and local chapters of the Associated Builders and Contractors each offer nonunion apprenticeships. They both meet the four-year requirement for journeyman licensing.
Some companies will hire applicants who have had no previous training and provide the training themselves — creating an in-house apprenticeship. A typical model of that is pairing a new employee with an experienced, licensed plumber for the hands-on part of training and requiring new hires to attend classes at night at a local community college or taught through the company itself. You can find these opportunities on job boards, and all will typically prepare you for the license exam.
The Maryland Department of Labor Lists the following plumbing apprenticeships on its website:
Associated Builders and Contractors Baltimore Metro Chapter Towson, MD Counties: Anne Arundel, Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Carroll, Harford, Howard Program length 8,000 hours | Starting wage $15
Metro Washington Chapter Beltsville, MD Counties: Montgomery, Prince George’s Program length 8,000 hours | Starting wage $12.50
Cumberland Valley Chapter Hagerstown, MD Counties: Allegany, Carroll, Frederick, Garrett, Washington Program length 8,000 hours | Starting wage $12.70
Chesapeake Shores Chapter Annapolis, MD Counties: Calvert, Caroline, Cecil, Charles, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s, Somerset, Talbot, Wicomico, Worcester Program length 8,000 hours | Starting wage $12.49
Cropp Metcalfe Plumber Apprenticeship Beltsville, MD Counties: Anne Arundel, Calvert, Frederick, Howard, Montgomery, Prince George’s Program length 8,000 hours | Starting wage $19
Harford County Maryland Joint Apprenticeship Committee Bel Air, MD (no website) Program length 8,000 hours | Starting wage $18
Plumbers and Steamfitters Local Union No. 486 J.A.T.C. Rosedale Program length 10,000 hours | Starting wage $17.05
Plumbers and Steamfitters Local Union No. 489 J.A.T.C. Cumberland (no website) Counties: Allegany, Garrett, Washington Program length 8,000 hours | Starting wage $12.77
Prince George's County Public Schools JAC Upper Marlboro Program length 8,000 hours | Starting wage $15
Seaside Plumbing, Inc. Berlin, MD Program length 8,000 hours | Starting wage $16-18
Washington D.C. Joint Plumbing Apprenticeship Committee Local 5 Lanham, MD Counties: Anne Arundel, Calvert, Charles, Montgomery, Prince George's, St. Mary's Program length 8,500 hours | Starting Wage $15.57
All of these are on the state website dedicated to registered apprenticeships for job seekers.
Other School Options
There are other programs throughout the state that may be more accessible to you based on where you live. There are also online options for aspiring plumbers in Maryland. In addition to all those already mentioned, each of the schools below has a plumbing program.
Pipe Trades Technologies in Bel Air, MD
Potomac Job Corp in Washington, DC
Woodland Job Corp in Laurel, MD
Woodstock Job Corp in Woodstock, MD
Maryland has many ways to get the training you need to become a plumbing professional. The opportunities are all around you!
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