Plumbing Schools in Alabama: The Ultimate Guide

Accredited Alabama Plumbing Programs

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, “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. 

Most people entering the plumbing industry in Alabama learn on the job as a plumbing apprentice either in a formal union or nonunion apprenticeship or an apprenticeship created by working for a plumbing contractor. 

Alabama licenses every level of this workforce at the state level — journeyman plumbers, master plumbers and plumbing contractors. Even apprentices must be registered with the state. Formal education is not required by law in Alabama 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 Alabama to earn their journeyman license by the Alabama Plumbers and Gas Fitters Examining Board. 

If you choose to start your journey with plumbing education, there are a lot of training programs in Alabama. 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 gave accreditation to many of those CTE programs as well as:

• J.F. Ingram State Technical Center  

• Calhoun Community College 

There are other programs throughout the state at Alabama Community Colleges. We list more of those below.

Several plumbing companies and trade organizations in Alabama also have 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, as in Alabama. 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, typically you’ll have a range of degree and certificate programs from which to choose. The time it takes to complete them and the cost of each are the most significant differences. The most common plumbing programs in Alabama 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 the Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, or a construction management Bachelor of Science degree at one of the four-year universities in Alabama such as:

• University of Alabama – Tuscaloosa

• University of Alabama – Birmingham

• University of Alabama – Huntsville

• University of South Alabama – Mobile

• Auburn University

• Tuskegee University

• Alabama A&M University

• Alabama State University – Montgomery

As stated earlier, in many cases, 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.

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 Alabama community colleges on average is $4,439 per year for in-state students and $6,998 for out-of-state students. There will be some variations in fees at each school, 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 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 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 Alabama 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.

The University of North Alabama also offers an online Foundations of Plumbing course that takes about 12 months to complete.

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

The schools mentioned above that are accredited by NCCER are primarily Career and Technical Education centers in Alabama high schools. CTE curriculum provides college and career-ready programs for high school students to develop workplace skills. If you know you want to be a plumbing professional, you should absolutely take advantage of this pathway, which is typically free to students who live in the district. 

Elmore County Technical Center in Wetumpka

• Year 1 — NCCER Core + Plumbing & Pipefitting 1

• Year 2 — Plumbing & Pipefitting 2 + Plumbing & Pipefitting 3

• Year 3 — Senior Career Pathway Project 

Shelby County Career Technical Education Center in Columbiana

Plumbing & Pipefitting Program Courses Offered

• NCCER Architecture, Construction and Manufacturing

• Plumbing 1

• Plumbing 2

• Plumbing 3

Certifications Offered

• NCCER Core

• NCCER Plumbing Level One

• OSHA 10

• Apprentice Card 

Enterprise High School in Enterprise

Building Construction, Plumbing & Electric 

Tuscaloosa Career & Technology Academy in Tuscaloosa

Courses Offered

• Plumbing and Pipefitting I

• Plumbing and Pipefitting II

• Plumbing and Pipefitting III

Adults have a variety of training programs available to prepare them for a career in plumbing. There are some community college programs, but more often plumbers in Alabama learn on-the-job as an apprentice. More on plumbing apprenticeships below. The two accredited schools from above are Alabama public colleges and offer students financial aid in the form of grants and loans. The acceptance rate for community colleges in Alabama is 100%. 

J.F. Ingram State Technical Center in Deatsville

• Plumbing | Certificate | 60 credit hours

• Basic Pipe Joining Technique | Short Term Certificate | 12 credit hours

• R/C Water, Drain Waste, & Vent System | Short Term Certificate | 12 credit hours

• Plumbing Repair System | Short Term Certificate | 12 credit hours

Lawson State Community College in Bessemer

• Plumbing | Short Certificate | 28 credit hours

Skilled Trades of West Alabama

• Plumbing Program | Must be currently employed in plumbing trade.

• Jumpstart Program | Designed to help graduates get first plumbing job | 4-weeks daytime | 15-weeks nighttime

Construction Education Foundation of Alabama

• Plumbing Program | Apprentice classroom instruction

Steps for Enrollment in Alabama

Every college has its own way of doing things, but in general the process begins with applying on the school’s website. 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 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 Alabama

As mentioned earlier, Alabama 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 contractor licensing. Entry-level professionals just need to meet employer expectations to get started, but they must register as an apprentice with the state and work for a licensed plumber. Individuals who wish to become certified as a Journeyman Plumber must complete a minimum two years as an Apprentice, or successful completion of a board approved apprentice training program combined with time as a registered apprentice that is equal to two years. After that, they must pass the journeyman plumber exam. After another year of experience as journeyman plumber, you will qualify to take the master plumber exam and earn your master plumber license. For a detailed explanation of Alabama’s plumber licensing requirements and how to fulfill them, check out our essential guide to getting your Alabama Plumbing License. 

Salaries for Plumbers in Alabama

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

• Entry level <2 years: $46,400

• Intermediate 2-4 years: $56,000

• Senior 4-6 years: $60,500

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 throughout Alabama through the United Association local union chapters — LU 91 in Birmingham, LU 372 in Tuscaloosa, LU 119 in Mobile, LU 52 in Montgomery, and LU 760 in Sheffield.

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 Plumbing Heating Cooling Contractors Association (PHCC) offers an online apprenticeship in Alabama that is recognized by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment & Training Administration, Office of Apprenticeship, as a reasonable option for apprentice training. Each course is the equivalent of one year of classroom instruction.

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 then requiring new hires to attend classes at night at a local community college or sometimes taught through the company itself. You can find these opportunities on job boards, and all will typically prepare you for the license exam.

The state also has a website dedicated to registered apprenticeships for job seekers. 

Other School Options

There are other programs throughout the state that may be more accessible based on where you live. For example, the Academy of Craft Training has three campuses now. The original is in Birmingham, and it has expanded to locations in Mobile and North Alabama. The Academy of Craft Training is a public/private partnership between the commercial construction industry and the State of Alabama’s K-12 Career and Technical Education System designed to recruit, educate and guide high school students to educational and employment opportunities in the construction industry. The trades included are building construction, electrical, HVAC, interior & exterior finishing, and welding and piping.

There are also other online options for aspiring plumbers in Alabama. In addition to all those already mentioned, each of the schools below has a plumbing program.

• Mechanical Craft Training Institute

• Auburn University (Plumbing Technician Online Certification Program)

• Enterprise State Community College (Online – Foundations of Plumbing)

Alabama has many ways to get the training you need to become a plumbing professional. The opportunities are all around you.