Plumbing Schools in Wyoming: The Ultimate Guide

Accredited Wyoming 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 Wyoming.

Wyoming licenses every level of this workforce at the local level — from plumber apprentice to master plumber. Because Wyoming mandates licensing at the local level, there are no plumbing reciprocity agreements with nearby states. However, many cities in Wyoming allow reciprocation if a plumber from another Wyoming city completes training equal to or greater than its own licensing requirements.

Since Wyoming favors local licensing by jurisdiction, there’s no statewide uniformity on license types, or how long it takes to complete training. In general, however, apprentice programs usually take four years, while journeymen need up to four years of experience to become eligible to apply for a master plumber license.

There are limited plumbing college programs in Wyoming, since most local jurisdictions favor an apprenticeship to formal education. However, a few colleges offer apprenticeship programs:

• Northwest College Wyoming in Powell and Cody

• Laramie County Community College in Laramie and Cheyenne

• Western Wyoming Community College in Rock Springs (Plumbing program is online.)

Wyoming Apprenticeships

Many cities in Wyoming, like Cheyenne and Casper, require a four-year apprenticeship before plumbers can take the journeyman plumber exam. The United Association Local 192 offers a union apprenticeship program. In addition, most companies hire directly for plumbing apprentices.

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 Wyoming, 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 Wyoming, 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 one of the Mechanical Engineering degree programs at University of Wyoming. 

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.

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 Wyoming community colleges on average is $2,855 per year for in-state students and $6,991 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 depends on the school and how many credit hours you take per semester. 

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.

Northwest College Wyoming 

• Offers a Plumbing Apprenticeship Program

Laramie County Community College 

• Offers Apprenticeship and Workforce Development programs

Western Wyoming Community College

• Offers a Foundations of Plumbing Program

Steps for Enrollment in Wyoming

Every college 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 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 Wyoming

As mentioned earlier, Wyoming does not offer a statewide plumbing license. You need to check with the local jurisdiction to obtain the proper licensing in the areas of the state where you intend to work. 

In most cities, plumbing candidates can pursue an apprentice, journeyman, and master plumbing license, but each municipality has different requirements and fees. In general, they all require a certain amount of hands-on training under the supervision of a licensed plumber. Some require classroom instruction and that candidates pass an examination.

For a detailed explanation of Wyoming’s plumbing licensing requirements and how to fulfill them, check out our essential guide to getting your Wyoming Plumbing License. 

Salaries for Plumbers in Wyoming

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

• Entry level <2 years: $43,700

• Intermediate 2-4 years: $52,900

• Senior 4-6 years: $57,000

For more information about plumber salaries, visit this state-by-state guide.

Industry Apprenticeships   

An apprenticeship is the first step to starting a career in the plumbing industry. Candidates typically need to have a high school diploma or GED, photo ID, and a valid driver’s license to be eligible. The apprentice license allows an individual to perform plumbing work under the direction of a licensed master plumber. Candidates can find skilled trades apprentice jobs through the Build Our Wyoming apprenticeship and education program.

Other School Options

In addition to the training programs and schools already mentioned, there are trade schools in neighboring Colorado, Idaho, and Utah.

• Southwest Idaho Electrical Training Center in Boise, ID (IBEW Local 291)

• Ogden-Weber Applied Technology College in Ogden, Utah

• Red Rocks Community College in Lakewood, CO

You can find the training you need to excel in a career as an electrician in Wyoming. The opportunities are all around you.