Plumbing Schools in Tennessee: The Ultimate Guide

Accredited Plumber 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.” All of that is true in Tennessee. 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 Tennessee learn as an apprentice plumber either in a formal apprenticeship or on-the-job from a licensed plumber. Cities and counties throughout the state issue traditional journeyman or master licenses while the state issues only contractor licenses. Formal education is not required by law in Tennessee at the state level, but specific minimum amounts of verified experience are required for each level of licensing before taking the licensing exam. Because some municipalities also issue licenses, you will want to check where you will be working to be sure there is no formal educational requirement there.

You can choose to start your journey with plumbing education, and that may be the way you find a job. For instance, the plumbing programs at the Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) campuses take one year to complete and prepare graduates for entry level work.

The National Center for Construction Education has accredited the TCAT Pipefitting and Plumbing Technology diploma program at the Morristown campus, but there are seven campuses that offer plumbing certificates or diplomas.

• Tennessee College of Applied Technology – Crump

• Tennessee College of Applied Technology – Elizabethton

• Tennessee College of Applied Technology – Jackson

• Tennessee College of Applied Technology – Knoxville

• Tennessee College of Applied Technology – Livingston

• Tennessee College of Applied Technology – Morristown

• Tennessee College of Applied Technology – Murfreesboro

Several plumbing companies, trade organizations, and unions in Tennessee also offer apprenticeship programs described in the apprentice section below. 

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. Tennessee doesn’t require formal education at the state level and defers to local municipalities for journeyman licensing. If the return on investment is not there in your local jurisdiction, 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 higher education for plumbers, typically 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 plumbing programs in Tennessee are:

• Certificate Program — three to six months

• Diploma Program — one to two years

• Associates Degree — 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 some kind of related engineering or building construction degree. If this is a path that interests you, you may want to explore the Mechanical Engineering Bachelor of Science degree at one of the four-year universities in Tennessee such as:

• Vanderbilt University

• University of Tennessee Knoxville

• Union University

• Milligan College

• Lipscomb University

• Tennessee Technological University

• Christian Brothers University

• University of Memphis

• The University of Tennessee- Chattanooga

• Tennessee State University

As stated earlier, in many cases but not always, formal education pays 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 always necessary.

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 Tennessee community colleges on average is $5,142 per year for in-state students and $15,666 for out-of-state students. However, many of the accredited HVACR programs listed here cost $4,000 to $6,000. There will be some variations in fees at each school, though, 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 chosen occupational field. All students who are interested in receiving federal (Pell Grant) and 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 specialized certificate or a broader diploma or associate’s degree. The certificates can require as few as 12 credit hours. Diploma or associate degree programs typically take one to two years, and most apprenticeships take four to five years to complete.

Benefits

There are many benefits to formal education if you want to join the plumbing profession. Though formal education is not required in all jurisdictions in Tennessee 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.

There are also local online options. Nashville State Community College offers an Ed2go Foundations of Plumbing course that costs $2,245 and takes about 12 months to complete but is self-paced. Chattanooga State also has an Ed2go Foundations of Plumbing course, which includes tools in the price. It’s $2,995, self-paced but typically takes about 12 months.

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 to do a lot of different things to be successful, including reading 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

The schools listed above are all Tennessee public colleges for technical training. They offer students financial aid in the form of grants and loans and acceptance is typically on a first-come, first-served basis by date of completed application. All of the programs are 12 months long and require 1,296 clock hours to complete.

Tennessee College of Applied Technology Crump

• Electrical & Plumbing Construction            

• Full Time, Part Time           

• Certificate, Diploma 

Tennessee College of Applied Technology Elizabethton

• Pipefitting and Plumbing Technology        

• Full Time                             

• Certificate, Diploma 

Tennessee College of Applied Technology Jackson

• Pipefitting and Plumbing Technology         

• Full-Time                             

• Certificate, Diploma 

Tennessee College of Applied Technology Knoxville

• Pipefitting and Plumbing Technology         

• Full Time                             

• Certificate, Diploma 

Tennessee College of Applied Technology Livingston

• Electrical & Plumbing Construction            

• Full Time                         

• Certificate, Diploma

Tennessee College of Applied Technology Morristown

• Pipefitting and Plumbing Technology         

• Full Time                             

• Diploma

Tennessee College of Applied Technology Murfreesboro

• Electrical & Plumbing Construction            

• Full Time                         

• Certificate, Diploma

There are MANY more options for career training as a plumber in Tennessee, including apprenticeships and other schools listed below. 

Steps for Enrollment in Tennessee

Every program has its own way of doing things, but in general the process begins with 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:

1. Complete your application.

2. Pay the application fee (if applicable).

3. Provide proof of residency to qualify for in-state or in-district tuition.

4. Have sealed official high school transcript or GED scores sent.

5. Submit placement test scores.

6. If applicable, apply for on-campus housing.

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 Tennessee

As mentioned earlier, Tennessee does not have an educational requirement to legally perform entry-level plumbing work at the state level. Because some of the licensing is done at the local level, the educational mandates may vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. In some Tennessee communities, entry-level professionals just need to meet employer expectations to get started, but they must work for a licensed plumber. To be eligible to become a licensed plumber you must gain specific years of experience under the supervision of a master plumber and pass a test. For a detailed explanation of Tennessee’s Plumber licensing requirements and how to fulfill them, check out our essential guide to getting your Tennessee Plumbing License. 

Salaries for Plumbers in Tennessee

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 Tennessee? Payscale.com data provides an answer based on your experience. The median plumber salary in Tennessee for 2023 is:

• Entry level <2 years: $45,500

• Intermediate 2-4 years: $55,100

• Senior 4-6 years: $59,400

For more information about plumber salaries, visit this state-by-state guide.

Industry Apprenticeships

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. 

The Tennessee Plumbing Heating Cooling Contractors (PHCC) association offers two options for apprentices in the state. The Knoxville PHCC Apprenticeship School has a four-year apprenticeship in which you work in the trade full- time while attending school. Alternatively, for those not in the Knoxville area, there’s the Tennessee PHCC Online Apprentice Program. This training course must be supplemented by the student’s employer through on-the-job training.

The Associated Builders and Contractors of Greater Tennessee provides a four-year plumbing apprenticeship program that meets U.S. Department of Labor standards.

Union plumbing apprenticeships are also offered in Tennessee through the United Association local union chapters — LU 17 Plumbers JAC in Memphis, LU 572 in Nashville, LU 102 in Knoxville, LU 43 in Chattanooga, which has classroom instruction through Chattanooga State, and LU 538 in Johnson City. They are five-year apprenticeships. 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. These are programs approved by the U.S. Department of Labor.

Some companies will hire applicants with no previous training and provide the training themselves — creating an in-house apprenticeship. A pretty typical model of that is pairing a new employee with an experienced technician for the hands-on part of training and then requiring new hires to attend classes at night at a community college or sometimes through the company itself. There are also websites dedicated to registered apprenticeships, including a state website for registered apprenticeships for job seekers. 

Other School Options

We’ve highlighted many Tennessee public colleges thus far, including one accredited by NCCER. However, though accreditation can give you confidence in your technical or community college, accredited programs are far from your only option.

There are other programs throughout the state that may be more accessible to you based on where you live. In addition to all those already mentioned, each of the schools below has plumbing programs.

• William Moore College of Technology (Moore Tech) in Memphis

• Total Tech in Nashville

• Volunteer State Community College in Gallatin

Tennessee has hundreds of college campuses across the state. You can find the training you need to excel in a career in plumbing in Tennessee. The opportunities are all around you,