How to Become a Plumber in Arizona

If you want to become a plumber in Arizona but don’t have much experience, one of the best ways to get started is through an online course.

After completing a plumbing course, you will be in a better position to apply for an entry level job or apprenticeship program.

Once you have accumulated 4 years of on the job experience, then you can take the exam to become a licensed contractor. Read on for more information about the journey.

Education & Training

Check out the classes below, offered through local trade schools, that provide a foundational education for beginners.

How Long Does it Take to Learn Plumbing in Arizona?

You should give yourself a least 1 year to complete a decent plumber training program

How Much Does Plumber Training Cost?

The online courses above cost about $2300. Other programs, such as NTI, can cost upwards of $9,000.

What Will You Learn?

General Knowledge

Plumbing History, Codes, and Principles
Tools of the Plumbing Trade
Basic Math for Plumbing
Applied Plumbing Mathematics
Squares, Square Roots, and Basic Geometry
Applied Geometric Concepts
Water Supply Systems, Sources, and Disposal (Waste and Sewage)

Materials and Methods

Piping Materials Used in Plumbing
Joining Methods for DWV and Gas Piping Systems
Pipe Joining Techniques
Soldering, Brazing, Cutting, and Gas Welding
Special Applications of Plastic Pipe and Fittings
Piping Materials for Potable Water
Water Pipe Sizing: Main-and-Branch and Individual Run Systems

Fixtures and Devices

Plumbing Fixtures
Faucets and Related Devices
Valves
Water Heaters and Hot Water Distribution

System Design and Installation

Building Plans, Drawings, and Scale Rulers
Sketching
Rough-In Sheets, Single Line, and Isometric Drawings
Venting Plumbing Drainage Systems
Cross-Connection Protection and Pipe Identification
Building Drains, Stacks, and Fixture Supports
Sewers & Sewage Treatment Systems
Drainage Fixture Units

Specialized Equipment and Systems

Sump Pumps, Sewage Pumps and Ejectors
Plumbing Traps
Water Heaters
Mechanical Properties and Protection of Building Materials and Structures

Safety and Professionalism

First Aid and Safety
Hoisting and Rigging
Safety Concepts
Communication and Professionalism Skills

Customer Service

Customer Service Communication
Winning Customer Service
Understanding Customer Expectations
Traits of Outstanding Customer Reps
Helping Upset Customers
Measuring Customer Service

How Much Does a Licensed Plumber Make in Arizona?

Below is median salary data for Arizona plumbers from major employment websites.

$54,296 – ZipRecruiter.com
$58,500 – Talent.com
$60,740 – BLS.gov
$63,125 – Salary.com

Below is some pay data for areas of the state based on BLS data.

Area	Per Hour	Per Year
Arizona	$25.36	$52,760
Flagstaff	$25.65	$53,360
Lake Havasu City-Kingman	$25.55	$53,150
Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale	$30.03	$62,470
Prescott	$25.02	$52,050
Sierra Vista-Douglas	$24.28	$50,500
Tucson	$26.28	$54,660
Yuma	$23.95	$49,810

_{Occupation: Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters (SOC code 47-2152)
source: https://data.bls.gov/}

Arizona Licensure Requirements

In Arizona, performing plumbing work valued at over $1,000 requires a license. The Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC) manages the Arizona plumbing license process.

The Arizona ROC provides three main types of plumbing contractor licenses:

Specialty Commercial (C-37)
Specialty Residential (R-37)
Specialty Dual (CR-37) (covers both commercial and residential work)

You must have at least four years of experience to qualify for any of these licenses. Additionally, you must pass the Statutes and Rules Exam and the specific trade exam that corresponds to the type of license you seek.

Although the state does not issue journeyman plumber licenses, some cities, such as Phoenix, offer them.

Lets take a look at each of these types of plumbing licenses in more detail.

Arizona Commercial Plumbing License

C-37 License

To become a Specialty Commercial Plumber in Arizona, you must obtain a C-37 license from the Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC).

What Are the Benefits?

This license allows you to work on plumbing systems in commercial settings, such as office buildings, shopping centers, and industrial facilities.

This license is ideal for those who wish to specialize in larger-scale projects that require a deep understanding of complex plumbing systems used in commercial properties.

Once licensed, you can legally bid on and perform commercial plumbing jobs, ensuring that your work meets the rigorous standards required for these projects.

Qualifications

To qualify for this license, you need at least four years of experience in the plumbing trade, specifically in commercial applications. You must also pass the Statutes and Rules Exam, which covers Arizona-specific regulations, and the Trade Exam, which focuses on commercial plumbing.

Arizona Residential Plumbing License

If your interest lies in residential plumbing, including solar water heating systems, you must obtain the R-37 license in Arizona. This Specialty Residential & Solar Plumbing license allows you to work on plumbing systems in homes, apartment buildings, and other residential properties, specifically focusing on incorporating solar technology.

Like the commercial license, you must have at least four years of relevant experience and pass both the Statutes and Rules Exam and the specific Trade Exam for residential plumbing. This residential license equips you to handle the unique challenges of home plumbing, including integrating solar water heating systems, which are becoming increasingly popular as homeowners seek more energy-efficient solutions.

With an R-37 license, you can legally operate in the residential sector, offering services that range from traditional plumbing repairs and installations to modern, sustainable solutions like solar water heating.

Dual Specialty Plumbing License (Commercial & Residential) Plumber

For those who want the flexibility to work across both commercial and residential sectors, the CR-37 Specialty Dual license is the ideal choice. This license allows you to operate in both commercial and residential environments, giving you the versatility to handle a wide range of plumbing projects.

To obtain the CR-37 license, you must meet the requirements of four years of experience, along with passing the Statutes and Rules Exam and the Trade Exam covering both commercial and residential plumbing.

This dual-license is particularly beneficial for plumbers who want to maximize their business opportunities by offering services to a broader clientele. With a CR-37 license, you can manage diverse projects, from large commercial installations to residential repairs and solar integrations, making you a valuable asset in the Arizona plumbing industry.

State Reciprocity

Arizona has reciprocity agreements with California, Nevada, and Utah for plumbing licenses. If you hold a license in another state with similar licensing requirements, you may apply for a trade exam waiver.

However, you are still required to pass the Arizona Statutes and Rules Exam, which covers regulations specific to Arizona.

Joining a Union

Joining a union, such as the United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipe Fitting Industry (UA), offers significant benefits, including additional training and job opportunities. In Arizona, UA Local 469 in Phoenix provides a five-year apprenticeship program that blends classroom education with practical, hands-on experience.

Other locations across the state include:

UA Local 469 – Phoenix, AZ (offers an apprenticeship program)
UA Local 741 – Tucson, AZ
UA Local 519 – Yuma, AZ
UA Local 290 – Flagstaff, AZ
UA Local 412 – Kingman, AZ

Union membership enhances job security and offers access to benefits and potentially higher wages as you advance through your plumbing career.

What is the Future Like for Plumbers in Arizona?

You may have heard that there is a skilled labor shortage in the USA. And this shortage applies to plumbers in Arizona.

According to Arizona@Work, demand for plumbers in Arizona will grow by over 3,000 jobs during the next decade. The shortage of workers shows the state needs an additional 1,200 workers to fill existing open positions.

The shortfall in workers puts upward pressure on wages, with average salaries swelling to over $59/yr with typical overtime resulting in an additional 10% annual compensation.

The national picture shows that there will be a shortfall of nearly 550,000 in the U.S., which will continue to pressure the Arizona plumbing trades and support wages in the field.

Phoenix – According to this Fox10 Phoenix article, trade jobs in the U.S. are experiencing a resurgence, with a high demand for skilled workers and increasing wages making these careers more attractive.

A shortage of workers in the trades, combined with waning interest in traditional college education, has driven up pay across various industries. In the construction sector, trades like elevator installers, electrical power line installers and plumbers offer some of the highest-paying opportunities.

Tucson – A similar article from KOLD News Tucson discussed how the demand for plumbers, along with other skilled trades like mechanics and carpenters, is at a critical level in Tucson due to a shortage of workers. Despite an increase in technical job openings, fewer young people are opting for hands-on careers, with applications for jobs like plumbing dropping by 49% since 2020.

Companies like Cummings Plumbing offer apprenticeships that provide the necessary training and tools, while CTE programs prepare students with a mix of technical skills, leadership, and hands-on experience, enabling them to enter the workforce without the burden of student loan debt.

Skilled trades offer competitive salaries, with the potential for plumbers to earn six-figure incomes in Tucson.

Its clear that a career in plumbing in Arizona offers future with great pay and economic security. Get started today!

What Employers in Arizona Look for in a Plumber

Arizona’s plumbing industry offers a wealth of opportunities for skilled professionals and apprentices alike. With a growing demand for residential, commercial, and industrial plumbing services, employers seek candidates who are reliable, knowledgeable, and eager to grow in the trade. Companies such as Mr. Rooter of Yavapai and Coconino, Ambient Edge, Cummings Plumbing, and Deer Valley Plumbing Contractors Inc. actively hire plumbers at various experience levels, from apprenticeships to seasoned professionals.

Qualifications and Skills

Most plumbing employers in Arizona prioritize candidates with a mix of technical expertise, soft skills, and a strong work ethic. Common qualifications include:

Licensing & Certification: While many positions offer training and do not require prior certification, having a valid Arizona driver’s license is a universal requirement. Employers like Cummings Plumbing even offer free training classes for those looking to break into the industry.
Hands-on Skills: Proficiency with hand tools and an understanding of plumbing systems are essential. Companies like Mr. Rooter Plumbing expect apprentices to perform drain cleaning, minor repairs, and basic installations.
Physical Requirements: Plumbing work often requires lifting heavy equipment, working in confined spaces, and enduring exposure to extreme temperatures. At Ambient Edge, apprentices must be capable of lifting up to 50 pounds regularly and occasionally up to 100 pounds.
Technical Knowledge: Many employers, such as American Trades Contracting and Xceed Plumbing, require familiarity with blueprint reading, troubleshooting, and repair techniques. Knowledge of different pipe materials (PVC, PEX, copper, steel) is often needed.
Customer Service Skills: Plumbing is not just about technical expertise; it’s also about providing excellent service. Employers seek individuals who can communicate effectively, maintain professionalism, and ensure customer satisfaction.

Salary Expectations

Plumbers in Arizona can earn competitive wages depending on experience and specialization. Entry-level apprentices at companies like Deer Valley Plumbing Contractors earn around $17–$18 per hour, while experienced plumbers at firms like Az Plumbing Solutions and American Trades Contracting can earn $22–$40 per hour. Full-time positions often come with benefits such as health insurance, 401(k) matching, and paid time off.

Industry Crossover

Plumbing skills can often transition into other fields, making it a versatile career choice. Many plumbing employers in Arizona operate in multiple disciplines, such as HVAC, electrical work, and general contracting. For example:

Cummings Plumbing specializes in plumbing, heating, cooling, and electrical work, providing employees with cross-training opportunities.
Ambient Edge focuses on home services, including HVAC and plumbing, offering career growth in multiple trades.
Xceed Plumbing extends into water restoration and general construction, providing a broader scope of work for employees interested in expanding their expertise.

Job Benefits and Growth Opportunities

Most employers recognize the value of retaining skilled professionals and offer various benefits, including:

Health & Wellness: Companies like Ambient Edge cover nearly 100% of employees’ medical, dental, and vision insurance.
Retirement Plans: Employers such as American Trades Contracting offer 401(k) plans with matching contributions.
On-the-Job Training: Many companies provide structured apprenticeships and training programs, allowing entry-level workers to gain experience and advance in their careers.
Company Vehicles & Tools: Some positions, like those at Mr. Rooter Plumbing, include company vehicles, fuel cards, and provided tools.

Conclusion

Arizona’s plumbing industry is thriving, offering lucrative career opportunities for individuals willing to work hard and continuously develop their skills. Whether entering the field through an apprenticeship or seeking advancement as an experienced technician, plumbing in Arizona provides a stable and rewarding career with extensive growth potential.