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Plumbers do incredibly important work for each and every one of us, and they are in huge demand in Arizona. The Grand Canyon State needs new people excited about this career and has everything you need to make diving into the plumbing trade possible and profitable.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the Phoenix metropolitan area has the seventh-highest employment level for Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters in the country. The U.S. Department of Labor’s job search website, CareerOneStop, projects a 30% growth rate for Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters in Arizona as compared to 2% nationwide from 2022-2032.
There’s definitely evidence to support this on job boards. There are hundreds of plumber jobs in Arizona posted on Indeed.com and thousands on Zip Recruiter. So how can you get started in this essential profession? Read on to find out.
Accredited Arizona Plumbing 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 Arizona.
It does seem that most people entering the plumbing industry in Arizona learn on the job. Formal education is not required to begin learning to perform plumbing work or even to become licensed, but it can help you land a job.
If you choose to start with some kind of plumbing education, there are a lot of training programs in Arizona, but not many are accredited by a national organization. Several schools have aligned their program curriculum with the National Center for Construction Education & Research (NCCER). However, the other college options are accredited by the state. Postsecondary schools in Arizona must be licensed by the Arizona State Board for Private Postsecondary Education with a regular vocational program license or regular degree-granting license.
There are 10 college districts in the Arizona Community College System, and eight of them offer degrees or certificates in plumbing.
Several plumbing companies and trade organizations in Arizona also offer NCCER-accredited apprenticeship programs described in the apprentice section below.
Plumbing Degrees & Certificates
As you weigh the benefits of 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 Arizona. 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 attend one of the plumber schools.
In terms of college education for plumbers, typically you’ll find 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 a related engineering or building construction degree. If this is a path that interests you, you may want to explore the Construction Management and Technology Bachelor of Science degree at Arizona State University or a Mechanical Engineering or Environmental Engineering degree at the University of Arizona. Both Arizona State University and Northern Arizona University also have bachelor’s degrees in mechanical engineering.
As stated earlier, in many cases 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 four-year degree is not necessary. In Arizona, there is no requirement for formal education to become a licensed plumber. You need at least four years of qualifying experience and to pass the licensing exam. Again, it may make more sense to get any classroom education as part of an apprenticeship, which we detail a little later.
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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 practical skills. 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, water supply systems, 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 right school and program for you.
Cost
Cost is, of course, at the top of the list. According to Community College Review, the average tuition at Arizona community colleges is $3,368 per year for in-state students and $8,322 for out-of-state students. There are variations in tuition and 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 chosen field. 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.
There is often little to no cost for an apprenticeship program because your employer covers the cost.
Program Length
As noted above, you can choose from a specialized certificate or a broader diploma or associate 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 formal education if you want to join the plumbing profession. Although in Arizona there is no educational requirement to get started, 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.
If your learning style relies on personal instruction, more traditional in-person classes are pretty accessible throughout the state. The state-accredited programs listed above are as far north as Coconino Community College, as far south as Cochise College Sierra Vista Campus, as far east as Eastern Arizona College and as far west as Arizona Western College, with many other campuses in between.
Level of difficulty
Plumbing programs are designed to prepare graduates for entry-level positions 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 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 types of 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 accredited training schools listed above are part of the Arizona Community College System. They all offer students financial aid in the form of grants and loans and have a 100% acceptance rate.
Arizona Western College in Yuma offers four plumbing programs — two Associate of Applied Science Degrees and two certificates.
Plumbing (STEM Emphasis) | Associate Degree | 75 credits
Plumbing | Associate Degree | 61 credits
Plumbing Technology | Certificate | 25 credits
Basic Plumbing | Certificate | 19 credits
Four colleges in the Maricopa Community College district offer plumbing programs — Gateway, Mesa, South Mountain, and Rio Salado in Tempe. Gateway has one plumbing degree; the others all offer the same two certificates.
Construction Trades: Plumbing | Associate Degree | 2 to 5 years
Construction Trades: Plumbing, Commercial and Residential | Certificate | 28 credits
Construction Trades: Plumbing | Certificate | 16 credits
Construction Trades: Plumbing, Commercial and Residential | Certificate | 28 credits
Construction Trades: Plumbing | Certificate | 16 credits
South Mountain Community College
Construction Trades: Plumbing, Commercial and Residential | Certificate | 28 credits
Construction Trades: Plumbing | Certificate | 16 credits
Cochise College has one Associate of Applied Science degree program that includes plumbing skills. The Building Construction Technology AAS prepares students to demonstrate the ability to follow a blueprint to estimate and build from foundation to finish using carpentry, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC skills.
Building Construction Technology | Associate Degree | 60 credits
Coconino Community College offers an associate degree to students who have completed a trades apprenticeship and have achieved journeyman status. This school also has an Associate of Applied Science degree program that includes plumbing skills. The Construction Technology AAS prepares students to follow a blueprint to estimate and build from foundation to finish using carpentry, electrical, and plumbing skills.
Construction and Industry Trades | Associate Degree | 60 credits
Construction Technology | Associate Degree | 60 credits
Eastern Arizona College gives high school students an opportunity to earn college credit in a plumbing pre-apprenticeship in cooperation with the George Brazil School of Plumbing & Home Services at East Valley Institute of Technology.
Northland Pioneer College offers a Construction Technology degree program that includes plumbing course work.
Construction Technology | Associate Degree | 64 credits
Construction Technology | Certificate | 25 credits
Pima Community College has an associate degree program that allows students to specialize in the career path that they want to pursue. The Building Construction Technology degree has a Plumbing Pathway for the AAS that builds on the Plumber Certificate program.
Building Construction Technology | Associate Degree | 61-65 credits
Plumber | Certificate | 32-33 credits
Yavapai College offers students a Plumbing Technician Certificate designed to provide the essential skills required of an entry-level employee in the residential plumbing industry.
Plumbing Technician | Certificate | 16 credits
In addition to the Arizona Community College plumbing programs, there are other private institutions in Arizona that offer training for aspiring plumbers.
The National Technical Institute (NTI) has a campus in Phoenix. NTI offers an Entry Level Plumbing Training Technician Course that takes 12 weeks to complete and costs $6,895. The Fusion option is a combination of online and in-person training.
Steps for Enrollment in Arizona
Every training program has its own way of doing things, but the process generally begins with visiting the school’s website and applying for admission. Many require that you pay an application fee and provide several documents. In general, the application process has the following steps:
Complete your application.
Pay application fee (except in the case of Arizona Community Colleges, which offer free application).
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 Arizona
As mentioned earlier, Arizona 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.
However, to legally perform plumbing work of more than $1,000 in the state of Arizona, you must be a licensed contractor or an apprentice working under a licensed contractor. Plumbing Contractor licenses are issued through the Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC). You are required to have at least four years of experience to qualify for a license, and you must take and pass a Statutes and Rules Exam and a Trade Exam.
The state does not license apprentices or issue journeyman licenses, but some of Arizona’s cities do license at the journeyman level. Always check with the jurisdiction where you intend to work to make sure you’re following local requirements. For instance, the city of Phoenix licenses plumbing professionals as journeymen or apprentices as described in the building code.
For a detailed explanation of Arizona’s plumber licensing requirements and how to fulfill them, check out our essential guide to getting your Arizona Plumbing License.
Salaries for Plumbers in Arizona
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 Arizona? Payfactors.com data provides an answer based on your experience. The average plumber salary in Arizona for 2023 is:
Entry level <2 years : $48,300
Intermediate 2-4 years: $58,400
Senior 4-6 years: $63,000
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, and a valid driver’s license.
There are several apprenticeship opportunities in Arizona. The Plumbing Heating Cooling Contractors (PHCC) Association of Metro Phoenix has a four-year apprentice program.
The Union Apprenticeship offered through UA Local 649 is five years long, consisting of 10 semesters. Each semester costs $520. The expectation is that the students work during the day and attend classes twice a week in the evenings. Those outside of the greater Phoenix area may have the option of attending class on Saturday. Apprentices in the program typically take their code license exam near the end of their fifth year. The pay is a portion of the journeyman wage and increases each year.
The Arizona Builders Alliance (ABA) apprenticeship is registered with and approved by the U.S. Department of Labor, State of Arizona Apprenticeship Advisory Committee, and the National Center for Construction, Education & Research (NCCER). ABA is an alliance of theArizona Chapters of the Associated Builders & Contractors (ABC), and the Associated General Contractors of America – Building Chapter (AGC). It has offices in Phoenix and Tucson and, according to its website, represents over 300 member companies, including contractors and professional service firms, serving the needs of the commercial and industrial construction industry.
Arizona’s Department of Economic Security also maintains a website of Registered Apprenticeships that meet national standards for registration with the U.S. Department of Labor. These apprenticeships are recognized nationwide, so your credentials will move with you. Or you can simply look for an entry-level position on Indeed or Zip Recruiter or another job board and work for a licensed contractor to learn on the job.
Some plumbing companies will provide the training themselves — creating an in-house apprenticeship. A pretty typical model is one that pairs a new employee with an experienced plumber for the hands-on part of training and then requires new hires to attend classes at night at a local community college, such as Tohono O’odham Community College, that is listed by the US Department of Labor (DOL) as capable of providing support for apprentices in six trades: Carpentry, Electrical, Plumbing, Heavy Equipment Operation (HEO) Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC), and Painting.
Sometimes classes are taught through the company itself. An example of this is George Brazil Plumbing & Electrical. The website explains that the company provides paid in-house training for all positions.
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
In addition to the institutions listed above, there are others you can consider, both online and in-person. There are so many plumbing companies that offer in-house training that we can’t list them all here, but be sure to ask or look for these mini academies on the employer websites. For instance, Goettl Air Conditioning and Plumbing has a Phoenix location and offers a four-week training program.
In addition to the online options of Ashworth College and Penn Foster listed above, the Stratford Career Institute has a remote plumbing course, as does the Plumbers Training Institute.
The bottom line is that you can find the training you need to excel in a career in plumbing in Arizona. The opportunities are all around you.
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