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We all need plumbers, and plumbers need extensive training to do the job right. There’s a lot to learn if you want to join this essential workforce, and training is available throughout The Silver State.
The U.S. Department of Labor’s job search website, CareerOneStop, projects a 22% growth rate for plumbers in Nevada over the next decade, compared to 2% nationwide.
There’s definitely evidence to support this on job boards. There are dozens of plumbing jobs in Nevada posted on Indeed.com and ZipRecruiter.com.
We’ve put together everything you need to know to get started.
Accredited Nevada 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 this holds true in Nevada.
Nevada licenses this essential workforce at the state level — from journeyman plumber to master plumber. Additionally, plumbing professionals who pull permits or own their own businesses need to hold a contractor license. To become a journeyman plumber, you must begin as a plumbing apprentice. Plumbing apprenticeship does not require a license.
The Nevada Board of Plumbing Examiners (NBOPE) is responsible for issuing journeyman and master plumbing licenses across the state, while the Nevada State Contractors Board licenses contractors.
Apprentice plumbers in Nevada must complete at least four years or 8,000 hours of documented work experience to qualify for a journeyman plumber license.
The following Nevada trade schools offer plumbing programs:
National Technical Institute - Las Vegas in Henderson
College of Southern Nevada in Charleston, Henderson, and North Las Vegas
Western Nevada College in Carson City
Nevada Apprenticeships
A plumbing apprenticeship is the first step to starting a career in the plumbing industry. Candidates typically need a high school diploma or GED, photo ID, Social Security card, and a valid driver’s license to be eligible. An apprenticeship program allows an individual to perform plumbing work under the direction of a licensed journeyman or master plumber to gain work experience. Apprentice plumbers in Nevada must complete at least four years or 8,000 hours of documented work experience to qualify for a journeyman plumber license.
To start the process, candidates need to apply directly to a company or sponsor that offers plumbing apprentice programs. Popular options include:
Plumbing Degrees & Certificates
As you weigh the benefit of getting some formal training at a technical or community college or online, you may want to speak with people in the field in the state where you plan to work. The licensing requirements vary from state to state, and some require a minimum amount of education. Other states, like Nevada, have no post-high school plumbing educational requirements to get started, and it may make more sense to simply obtain an entry-level position and receive on-the-job training rather than attending one of the plumber schools.
However, some plumber apprenticeship programs are very competitive, and you will need to find ways to move up the ranking list to be selected. There are often classes applicants can take in high school and college to help them prepare and perhaps be ranked higher on the candidate list. They include trade classes like blueprint reading and construction classes, and math classes like Algebra I & II, Calculus, Geometry, and Trigonometry.
Very few plumbers 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 degree programs at one of the four-year universities in Nevada such as:
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 class instruction combines theory and practical skills. Most develop academic, technical, and professional knowledge and skills required for job acquisition, retention, and advancement.
Among the plumbing courses you’ll take are:
Introduction to Plumbing Technology
Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC)
Plumbing Blueprints and Codes
Waste, Drainage Systems, and Venting Systems
Water Supply and Distribution Systems
Plumbing Fixtures and Appliance Installation
Further along will be intermediate and advanced plumbing concepts, pipe fabrication, and welding technology fundamentals, among other courses, and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) certification, too.
School Selection Criteria
There are a lot of things to consider when picking the apprenticeship or school and program that is right for you.
Cost
Cost is, of course, at the top of the list. According to Community College Review, tuition at Nevada community colleges on average is $2,700 per year for in-state students and $9,345 for out-of-state students. There will be some variations in fees at each school, too, so be sure to review all of the costs involved.
You will also incur 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 can apply by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form online.
Program Length
The pre-apprenticeship plumbing diploma program length varies depending on the school and how many credit hours you take per semester. National Technical Institute offers a 16-week entry-level plumbing training technician course.
Even with a plumbing degree, working under a licensed plumber as an apprentice is required to apply for a journeyman plumber license.
Benefits
There are many benefits to formal education if you want to join the plumbing profession. Many employers will choose an applicant with a certificate or pre-apprenticeship degree over one without. Those credentials 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.
Online vs. in-person
You may choose to get that jump on plumbing training through an online certificate program. Only you know if this type of independent curriculum will work for you.
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 both list them at the top of their posts about the Best Online Courses for Plumbing.
If you know your learning style relies more on personal instruction, the traditional in-person classes and accredited programs listed above are fairly accessible throughout the state.
Level of difficulty
Plumbing programs are designed to prepare graduates for entry-level positions in the plumbing trade in commercial, industrial, or residential sectors. Curriculum includes an understanding of mathematics and physics. Plumbers must 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 (including water heaters); troubleshoot issues at residences or commercial properties; execute on remodels or new installations that involve running all water, gas and sewage lines; know how and when to use different material pipes and how to fit them together properly; understand the plumbing code; and keep accurate records of work performed. And, of course, especially in residential work, customer service is key.
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School Comparison: At a Glance
Let’s take a look at plumbing training centers and trade schools in Nevada.
National Technical Institute - Las Vegas
Offers a Plumbing Training Technician course
Offers an associate’s degree program in Piping Trades
Offers a Foundations of Plumbing course
Truckee Meadows Community College
Offers a Plumbing and Pipefitting Apprenticeship
Steps for Enrollment in Nevada
Every college has its own way of doing things, but in general the process begins with applying for admission 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:
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 Nevada
To become a journeyman plumber in Nevada, individuals must complete a four-year (8,000- hour) apprenticeship. After successfully completing this training, candidates become eligible to apply for a journeyman license through the Nevada Board of Plumbing Examiners. In addition to the application, candidates need to submit a signed affidavit detailing all relevant work experience and photo ID, and also pass the journeyman exam through PSI or National Inspection Testing Certification (NITC).
After working at the journeyman level for at least one year or 2,000 hours and remaining in good standing with the NBOPE, candidates become eligible to apply for a master plumber license. In addition to the application, candidates need to submit a signed affidavit detailing all relevant work experience, and also pass the master exam through PSI or NITC.
In the state of Nevada, any plumber who bids on jobs over $500 or employs subcontractors needs to obtain a contractor license through the Nevada State Contractors Board.
For a detailed explanation of Nevada’s plumbing licensing requirements and how to fulfill them, check out our essential guide to getting your Nevada Plumbing License.
Salaries for Plumbers in Nevada
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 Nevada? Payscale.com data provides an answer based on your experience. The median plumber salary in Nevada for 2023 is:
Entry level <2 years: $48,400
Intermediate 2-4 years: $58,500
Senior 4-6 years: $63,100
For more information about plumber salaries, visit this state-by-state guide.
Other School Options
In addition to plumbing training opportunities in Nevada, there are several plumbing training programs in neighboring California and Utah, including:
Dixie Technical College in St. George, Utah
You can find the training you need to excel in a career as a plumber in Nevada. The opportunities are all around you.
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