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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 accessible throughout The Evergreen State.
The U.S. Department of Labor’s job search website, CareerOneStop, projects a 17% growth rate for plumbers in Washington over the next decade.
There’s definitely evidence to support this on job boards. There are hundreds of plumbing jobs in Washington posted on Indeed.com and ZipRecruiter.com.
We’ve put together everything you need to know to get started.
Accredited Washington 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 holds true in Washington.
Washington licenses every level of this workforce at the state level — from plumber trainee to master plumber. To become a certified journey-level or specialty plumber in Washington, you must begin as a plumber trainee. Washington has reciprocal certification with Idaho for journey- level plumbers. All other out-of-state plumbers can present a comparable plumbing license from another state or show equivalent experience in the U.S. military for consideration.
Plumber trainees must be at least 16 years of age and apply for a certificate with the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries. They must work under the direct supervision of a certified plumber for a certain amount of hours depending on the type of plumbing licensure they’re pursuing.
Journey Level Plumber (PL01): 4+ years; 8,000+ hours
Residential Plumber (PL02): 3+ years; 6,000+ hours
Pump and Irrigation Plumber (PL03): 2+ years; 4,000+ hours
Residential Service Plumber (PL04): 2+ years; 2,000+ hours
Backflow Plumber (PL30): An active BAT (Backflow Assembly Tester Certification) issued by the Washington State Department of Health is required.
Licensed Plumbing Contractor: You must be licensed as a Plumbing Contractor to advertise, submit a bid, or perform plumbing work.
Because the state of Washington doesn’t require advanced education to pursue a career in plumbing, trade school plumbing programs are limited. Still, many choose to pursue education before or during their time as a plumber trainee. Here are two Washington technical schools that offer plumbing programs:
Construction Industry Training Council of Washington in Bellevue
Plumbing Technician Program at Perry Technical Institute in Yakima
Renton Technical College offers programs in commercial building engineering and property maintenance for multi-family residences, both of which offer plumbing components, in addition to industry-related electrical and HVAC. Spokane Community College offers an associate degree in mechanical engineering.
Washington Apprenticeships
Employers in Washington are mandated by law to follow an apprentice model — pairing new employees with others who are licensed to begin hands-on training. Businesses are often willing to offer a registered apprenticeship with the U.S. Department of Labor if you ask. The primary training path in Washington is through apprenticeship. There are several formal apprenticeship opportunities, many of which are offered by unions:
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 Washington, 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.
Although formal plumbing education isn’t required in Washington, sometimes getting a little technical education before you find work can help you compete for apprenticeship opportunities or make you a more attractive hire. Some 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 Washington such as:
In many cases, but not always, formal education pays off in the form of higher wages, but if your interest lies in being a licensed plumber, 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 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
Drain, Waste, 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 education courses, and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) certification, too.
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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 Washington community colleges on average is $4,105 per year for in-state students and $7,359 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 chosen occupational 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. Perry Technical Institute offers a one-year plumbing technician program.
Even with a plumbing degree, working under a licensed plumber as a trainee is required to apply for the appropriate certificate of competency examination.
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 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.
School Comparison: At a Glance
The technical and community schools listed below offer students financial aid in the form of grants and loans and have a 100% acceptance rate.
Construction Industry Training Council of Washington
Offers a four-year plumbing program, resulting in a Certificate of Completion to Journey-Level
Plumbing Technician Program at Perry Technical Institute
Offers a one-year plumbing technician program
Steps for Enrollment in Washington
Every college has its own way of doing things, but in general the process begins with you 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:
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 Washington
The Washington State Department of Labor and Industries licenses plumbers. The Plumber Certification Program certifies every level of the plumbing workforce, including trainees, journeymen, and contractors, ensuring they meet state requirements to provide safe plumbing for the public. Only state-certified plumbers can legally perform plumbing work on someone else’s property. Property owners can perform plumbing work on properties they own.
There are several plumbers licenses in Washington based on the scope of the work being performed, and each has its own requirements for licensure. Among them are journeyman plumber, residential plumber and plumbing contractor. Each license type requires continuing education and renewal fees. For a detailed explanation of Washington’s plumbing licensing requirements and how to fulfill them, check out our essential guide to getting your Washington Plumbing License.
Salaries for Plumbers in Washington
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 Washington?Payscale.com data provides an answer based on your experience. The median plumber salary in Washington for 2023 is:
Entry level <2 years: $52,300
Intermediate 2-4 years: $63,200
Senior 4-6 years: $68,100
For more information about plumber salaries, visit this state-by-state guide.
Industry Apprenticeships
Although you can work as a plumber trainee at 16, to meet formal apprenticeship requirements in Washington, you must have a high school diploma or GED. Apprenticeship—or working under a licensed plumber as a plumber—is required to become a licensed plumber in Washington
The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries offers a tool on its website to help apprentices find openings and help employers find apprentices. The (ARTS) Apprenticeship Registration & Tracking system helps both. There’s also advice for “Getting Started” and “Apprenticeship Preparation” offered through the Washington State Apprentice and Training Council (WSATC).
Other School Options
In addition to the training programs and schools already mentioned, there are training centers just across the river in Oregon.
Chemeketa Community College in Salem
Lane Community College in Eugene
Oregon Tradeswomen in Portland
You can find the training you need to excel in a career as a plumber in Washington. The opportunities are all around you.
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