Plumbing Schools in Pennsylvania: The Ultimate Guide

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 Pennsylvania. Also, 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.

Most people entering the plumbing industry in Pennsylvania learn on-the-job as an apprentice plumber. Formal education is not required by law in Pennsylvania at the state level, because while Pennsylvania requires a license for apprentices, journeymen, and master plumbers, those licenses are issued at the local level, not the state level. Therefore, educational requirements vary from municipality to municipality. For example, Allegheny County, which licenses Pittsburgh and the surrounding area, does require classroom education as part of an apprenticeship while Philadelphia just requires apprentices to work under the direction of a master plumber for a minimum number of years before being allowed to test for a journeyman license.

You can choose to start your journey with plumbing education, and that may be the way you find an apprenticeship. For instance, the Adult & Continuing Education program at York County School of Technology allows students to take the first year of classes without being employed as an apprentice. Those that satisfactorily complete the required two semesters and “show an aptitude for and commitment to the field will be assisted in obtaining an entry-level job with an employer who participates in a PA state-approved plumbing apprenticeship program.”

The Pennsylvania Builders Association has endorsed several plumbing programs throughout the state.

• Berks Career and Technology Center in Oley and Leesport

• Eastern Westmoreland Career and Technology Center in Latrobe

• Lebanon County Career and Technology Center in Lebanon

• Lehigh Career and Technical Institute in Schnecksville

• Middle Bucks Institute of Technology in Jamison

• Monroe Career and Technical Institute in Bartonsville

• Reading Muhlenberg Career and Technology Center in Reading

• Upper Bucks County Technical School in Perkasie

• Wilkes-Barre Area Career and Technology Center in Wilkes-Barre

Several plumbing companies and trade organizations in Pennsylvania also offer 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 insist on a minimum amount of education. Other states have no educational requirements to get started. Pennsylvania defers to local municipalities to determine the educational requirements. If the return on investment is not there in your local jurisdiction, 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 there is 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 in Pennsylvania are:

• Certificate Program — three to six months

• Diploma Program — one to two years

• Associate’s Degree — 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 an 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 Pennsylvania like:

• Carnegie Mellon University

• Lehigh University

• Drexel University

• Lafayette College

• University of Pittsburgh

• Bucknell University

• Temple University

• Villanova University

As stated earlier, in many cases but not always, 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 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 practical skills. 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 Pennsylvania community colleges on average is $10,793 per year for in-state students and $14,891 for out-of-state students. However, many of the programs listed here cost $3,000 to $8,000. 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 chosen occupation. All 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.

Program Length

As noted above, you can choose from a very specialized certificate or a broader diploma or associate’s degree. The certificates can be as few as 12 credit hours. Diploma or associate’s degree programs typically take one to two years; 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 formal education is not required in all jurisdictions in Pennsylvania 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.

If you know your learning style relies on personal instruction, more traditional in-person classes and the accredited programs listed above are pretty 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 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 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

Each of the programs listed above that are endorsed by the Pennsylvania Builders Association is through a Pennsylvania Career and Technical Education Center. They have programs for high school students as well as adult education programs. They offer students financial aid in the form of grants and loans and have a 100% acceptance rate. The cost of the high school programs are largely covered through the schools, although students may have to pay for books, tools, and protective clothing. The adult education costs are listed below where applicable.

Berks Career and Technology Center

• Plumbing Apprenticeship | 4 years (210 hours) | $2,550

• Plumbing Trade Prep Certificate | 9 months | 60 classes | $3,950

• Plumbing & Heating | 15 months (1590 hours) | $15,105

Eastern Westmoreland Career and Technology Center

• Plumbing/HVAC | High school program | 10th, 11th, 12th grade                                   

Lebanon County Career and Technology Center

• Plumbing/HVAC | High school program | 11th, 12th grade

• Customized Industry & Workforce Training | Adult Education Program | Plumbing    

Lehigh Career and Technical Institute

• Plumbing & Heating | High school program | 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th grade

• Plumbing Pre-Apprenticeship | Adult Education Program | 180 hours | $3,970 (affiliated with PHCC Lehigh Valley Chapter)

• Plumbing & Heating | Adult Education Program | 9 months | $13,460

Middle Bucks Institute of Technology

• Residential Plumbing | Adult Education Program | 10 weeks | $395

• Plumbing & Heating Technology | High school program | 10th, 11th, 12th grade

Monroe Career and Technical Institute

• Plumbing Level I | Adult Education Program | 7 sessions | $510

• Plumbing Level II | Adult Education Program | 7 sessions | $510

• Plumbing | High school program | 10th, 11th, 12th grade

Reading Muhlenberg Career and Technology Center

• Plumbing & Heating | High school program | 10th, 11th, 12th grade

• Plumbing & Heating | Adult Education Program | 1 year | $10,000

Upper Bucks County Technical School

• HVAC-R & Plumbing | High school program | 10th, 11th, 12th grade

Wilkes-Barre Area Career and Technology Center

• Plumbing & Pipeline Technology | High school program | 10th, 11th, 12th grade

Other colleges that offer plumbing programs are worthy of note here as well.

Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology in Lancaster

• Plumbing Technology | Associate’s Degree | 68 credits | $16,800

Pennsylvania College of Technology in Williamsport

• Plumbing | Certificate | 31 credits | $22,738

There are MANY more options for career training as a plumber in Pennsylvania, including apprenticeships and other schools listed below.

Steps for Enrollment in Pennsylvania

Every program has its own way of doing things, but in general the process begins with visiting the school’s website and applying for admission online. 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 or in-district 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 Pennsylvania

As mentioned earlier, Pennsylvania does not have an educational requirement to legally perform entry-level plumbing work at the state level. Because licensing is done at the local level, the educational mandates vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. In some Pennsylvania communities, entry-level professionals just need to meet employer expectations to get started, but they must work for a licensed plumber. To be eligible to become a licensed plumber you must gain specific years of experience under the supervision of a master plumber and pass a test. For a detailed explanation of Pennsylvania’s plumber licensing requirements and how to fulfill them, check out our essential guide to getting your Pennsylvania Plumbing License. 

Salaries for Plumbers in Pennsylvania

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

• Entry level <2 years : $47,900

• Intermediate 2-4 years: $58,400

• Senior 4-6 years: $62,800

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. 

The Plumbing Heating Cooling Contractors (PHCC) of Pennsylvania has apprentice programs approved by the U.S. Department of Labor through the Bucks County PHCC, PHCC of Lehigh Valley, Philadelphia Suburban PHCC, and an online program. Union plumber apprenticeships are also offered in Pennsylvania through the United Association local union chapters —LU 27 in Coraopolis, LU 520 in Harrisburg, LU 420 in Philadelphia, LU 449 in Pittsburgh, LU 354 in Latrobe, andLU 690 in Philadelphia. 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. Many of the colleges listed above support the academics of union and non-union apprenticeships. Apprentices work for member contractors with an opportunity for increased wages each year until reaching journeyman status.

Some companies will hire applicants with 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. There are also websites dedicated to registered apprenticeships.

Career Link and the Pennsylvania Apprenticeship and Training Office websites are just two of them.

Other School Options

We’ve highlighted many accredited colleges thus far and though accreditation can give you confidence in your technical or community college, accredited programs are far from your only option.

There are so many other programs throughout the state that may be more accessible to you based on where you live. There are just too many to list them all here, but each of the schools below has plumbing programs.

• Community College of Allegheny County in Pittsburgh

• Delaware County Community College in Media

• Luzerne County Community College in Nanticoke

• Orleans Technical College in Pittsburgh

• Pennco Tech in Bristol

Pennsylvania has hundreds of college campuses across the state. You can find the training you need to excel in a career in plumbing in Pennsylvania. The opportunities are all around you.