Plumbing Schools

A career in plumbing is much more than just making house calls to unclog backed-up drains--a background in plumbing can lead to work as a pipe fitter, sprinkler fitter, or steam fitter.

Plumbing Training and Advancement Through Trade Schools

Many plumbers, pipe fitters, and steamfitters receive training at trade or plumbing schools, as well as on-the-job training. Classroom instruction includes reading and drafting blueprints, math, chemistry, job site safety, and local plumbing regulations and codes. Study at a plumbing school can significantly decrease on-the-job training--and hasten pay increases. Completion of a respected trade school program also can lead to supervisory work for a mechanical or plumbing contractor.

Pay Scale and Job Opportunities

More than half of certified plumbers work for plumbing, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning contractors in new construction. America's push for renewable energy is expected to spur demand for pipe fitters and steamfitters to construct new power plants, as well as boost demand for residential plumbers to retrofit homes with water-conserving fixtures. Journeyman plumbers often make more than $35 per hour.