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Learning the art and science of plumbing takes time and determination. The demand for plumbers is exploding in the state of Texas. The Lone Star state really needs people who are excited about learning this essential trade, and Texas has everything you need to do it!
The growing demand means you can feel confident that the time you put into training will pay off. Ten states in the United States collectively account for 61% of the entire U.S. construction market, according to Research and Markets, and Texas is one of them.
Also, the U.S. Department of Labor’s job search website, CareerOneStop, projects a 22% growth rate in Texas for plumbers as compared with 2% nationwide from 2022-2032.
There’s definitely evidence to support this on job boards. There are tens of thousands of plumbing jobs in Texas posted on Indeed.com and Zip Recruiter.
Read on to find out how you can get the training you need to find your place in this expanding workforce.
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 Texas.
It does seem that most people entering the plumbing industry in Texas learn on-the-job. Formal education is not required by law in Texas to begin learning to perform plumbing work or even to become licensed, but it can help you land a job. The only educational requirement for plumber licensing is an approved 24-hour training course for Tradesman Plumbers or an approved 48-hour training course for Journeyman Plumbers. To renew a license, you also need continuing education.
If you choose to start your journey with some kind of plumbing education, there are a lot of training programs in Texas. Several schools have aligned their program curriculum with the National Center for Construction Education & Research (NCCER).
NCCER lists the following programs on their website as accredited plumbing schools in Texas:
Alamo College (St. Philip’s College) — San Antonio
Alvin Community College — Alvin
Blinn College — Brenham
Brazosport College — Lake Jackson
Career and Technology Center — Tyler
Central Texas College — Killeen
Galveston College — Galveston
Houston Community College Central — Houston
KISD Career Center — Killeen
Lee College McNair Center — Baytown
Lee College Education Center South Liberty — Liberty
Lone Star College North Harris — Houston
Several plumbing companies and trade organizations in Texas also offer NCCER accredited 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 insist on a minimum amount of education. Other states have no educational requirements to get started, as in Texas. 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 typically 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 are:
Certificate Program – three to six months
Degree Program – two years
Obviously, the longer the program, the more it costs. Many plumbing professionals have some postsecondary 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 Texas like:
Texas State Technical College also offers a Plumbing and Pipefitting Technology course.
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 four-year degree is not necessary. In Texas, to become a licensed plumber there is no requirement for formal education other than an approved 24- or 48-hour training course. You need two to four years of qualifying experience and to pass the licensing exam for your license.
As stated earlier, formal education can pay off in the form of higher wages.
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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 an Associate of Applied Science in Plumbing 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 Texas community colleges on average is $4,287 per year for in-state students and $6,528 for out-of-state students. There will be some variations in fees at each school, though, so be sure to review all of 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 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 are predominantly 12 to 25 credit hours. Diploma or associate degree programs typically take one to two years.
Benefits
There are many benefits to getting some kind of formal education if you want to join the plumbing profession. Many employers will choose an applicant with a certificate or degree over one without credentials. 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. Laredo College and College of the Mainland also offer an online option in partnership with ed2go.com.
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 involve 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
Many of the accredited training schools listed above are part of the Texas Community College System. They all offer students financial aid in the form of grants and loans and have a 100% acceptance rate.
Alamo College Construction Technology | Associate’s Degree | 60 credits Plumbing Trades Level 1 | Certificate | 39 credits Plumber’s Helper Level 1 | Certificate | 20 credits
Alvin Community College does not have a specific plumbing program but rather offers a series of pipefitting coursework and explains on the school’s website that pipefitters are in demand in HVAC, manufacturing, hydraulics, refineries, chemical plants, ships and shipbuilding, power plants, pipe lines, construction, and other steam systems.
Pipefitting | Certificate | 160 hours NCCER Core NCCER Level 1 NCCER Level 2 NCCER Level 3
Blinn College Plumbing | Certificate | 200 hours
Brazosport College Pipefitting | Associate’s Degree| 60 credits Pipefitting | Advanced Certificate | 33 credits Pipefitting | Basic Certificate | 18 credits
Career and Technology Center in Tyler offers a plumbing technology program to high school students that includes NCCER Core Level 1 and dual credit (college credit) for a Plumbing Technology certificate.
Central Texas College Craftsman Trades | Associate’s Degree | 60 credits Building Trades | Certificate | 44 credits Construction Trades | Certificat |16 credits
Galveston College NCCER Pipefitting | Certificate
Gilbreath – Reed Career and Technical Center at Naaman Forest High School offers a Plumbing and Pipefitting technology program to high school students that includes NCCER Core through level 4 and dual credit (college credit).
Houston Community College Southeast College Plumbing I & II | Certificate | 160 hours
KISD Career Center in Killeen also offers an HVAC program for high school students to help prepare them to be plumbing apprentices.
Lee College Pipefitting Technology | Associate’s Degree | 60/61 credits Pipefitting Technology | Certificate | 28 credits
Lone Star College North Harris Plumbing I NCCER Residential | Certificate | 228 hours Pipefitting III NCCER Workforce | Certificate | 150 hours
Steps for Enrollment in Texas
Every college has its own way of doing things, but in general the process begins with applying for admission online, in person or by mail. Some require that you pay an application fee and provide several documents. Many colleges in Texas don’t charge an application fee though. 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.
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 Texas
As mentioned earlier, Texas does not have an educational requirement to legally perform entry-level plumbing work in the state. Entry-level professionals just need to meet employer expectations to get started, but they must work for a licensed plumber.
The first step in working toward a plumbing license in Texas is to register as an apprentice. The only educational requirement for plumbers in Texas is to complete an approved 24-hour training course for Tradesman Plumbers or an approved 48-hour training course for Journeyman Plumbers.
For a detailed explanation of plumber licensing requirements in Texas and how to fulfill them, check out our essential guide to getting your Texas Plumbing License.
Salaries for Plumbers in Texas
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 Texas? Payscale.com data provides an answer based on your experience. The median plumber salary in Texas for 2023 is:
Entry level <2 years : $47,300
Intermediate 2-4 years: $55,800
Senior 4-6 years: $60,700
For more information about plumber salaries, visit this state-by-state guide.
Industry Apprenticeships
Another way to get the training you need to become a plumber is through a formal 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.
The Plumbing Heating Cooling Contractors Association of Texas (PHCC) has a four-year apprentice program approved by the U.S. Department of Labor. PHCC has chapters in Amarillo, Austin, El Paso, Gulf Coast, North Texas, Waco and San Antonio.
Union plumber apprenticeships are also offered in Texas through the United Association local union chapters — LU 286 Austin, LU 211 Houston, LU 146 Fort Worth, LU 68 Houston, LU 404 Northwest Texas, LU 100 Dallas, LU 142 San Antonio, LU 529 Waco. 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.
Some companies will hire applicants who have had 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 local community college or sometimes taught through the company itself. The state also has a website dedicated to registered apprenticeships for job seekers.
According to the BLS, 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.
Other School Options
Accredited programs aren’t your only option. There are many other programs throughout the state that may be more accessible. There are just too many to list them all here, but to get you started each of the schools below has a plumbing program.
Craft Training Center of the Coastal Bend — Corpus Christi
Texas has hundreds of college campuses across the state. If one of the schools above isn’t in your area, check this list to see where else you can look for plumber training in Texas.
You can find the training you need to excel in a career in plumbing in Texas. The opportunities are all around you!
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