How to Become a Plumber in New York
If you’re the type of person who wants a rewarding career in a skilled trade, becoming a plumber might be the right choice for you.
These workers install, repair, and fit plumbing fixtures, pipes, and valves in homes and businesses.
Many trade schools and apprenticeships offer individuals the chance to receive training in this fulfilling and profitable role.
Education & Training
How do you get a license?
Those looking to get into a career in plumbing will first need to obtain their high school diploma or GED. High school students interested in becoming a plumber should take classes like algebra, geometry, and if possible, computer-aided drafting.
Trade School or Apprenticeship Programs
Hopefuls then can start their education by attending a plumbing trade school or completing an apprentice program through a licensed plumber.
What Do You Study?
Students enrolled in a technical college or vocational school will learn the fundamentals of plumbing. Over the course of your studies, you will learn about topics like:
- Basic plumbing safety
- Fixtures, faucets, and fittings
- Pipe installation
- Installing water heaters and appliances
- Business concepts
- Hand tools and power tools
How Long Does It Take?
Apprenticeships typically take around four to five years to complete. During their time learning under a licensed plumber, apprentices will receive approximately 2,000 hours of paid training.
They will also receive some technical instruction as well, which may include things like local plumbing codes, safety instruction, and blueprint reading.
Area-Specific Requirements
Individuals should note that municipalities in the state may have different requirements when it comes to the number of hours and on-the-job training required for apprentice and journeyman plumbers in some instances.
Earning a Certification
Earning a plumbing certification or degree from a trade school can help you learn the fundamental skills you’ll need when applying to entry-level positions in the field.
Certification Options
Continuing education certifications such as the National Inspection Testing and Certification and the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials can make you more attractive to potential employers.
Attending a Plumbing School Program
Getting an education from a post-secondary school is a great way to begin your training as a plumber. With in-person classes, you will be able to learn from expert instructors, many of whom have years of experience in the field.
Plumbing School Program Prices
Costs for plumbing school may vary depending on which school you attend and if you’re able to receive any scholarships or grants. However, the price of a degree can add up to more than 10k after tuition, books, and materials in some instances.
How Long Does It Take?
The time it takes to complete a plumbing program at a trade school or technical college will vary. Some trade school curriculums take around two years to complete, while some technical colleges in New York offer plumbing and pipefitting programs that students can finish in under a year.
New York Plumber Requirements
New York has certain requirements you must meet in order to work in the state. Whether you’re applying for a journeyman’s license or a master plumber’s license, there are certain benchmarks you will have to reach.
Licensing Requirements
To become a licensed journeyman plumber in the state of New York, you must:
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Have a high school diploma or GED
- Speak, read, and write English fluently
- Have at least two years of experience as an apprentice under a master plumber
Additional Requirements
Individuals applying for a journeyman license will also need to provide a copy of their work history to their local plumber licensing board as well as complete an affidavit from the master plumber they’ve been working under. There is an application fee that can cost up to $100, depending on the local licensing board.
Master Plumber License
Journeyman plumbers who are looking to obtain a master plumber license in New York must meet the following criteria:
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Have a high school diploma or GED
- Speak, read, and write English fluently
- Minimum of seven years of experience working under a master plumber within the last ten years
- At least two years of experience as a journeyman plumber
- Pass the master plumber test
Once an individual has their master plumber license, they can perform an unlimited number of plumbing services without the supervision of another plumber.
Plumber Salaries in NY
The annual plumber salary in NY may be different depending on a variety of reasons. Aspects like location, experience, and education can affect how much a plumber’s yearly income. A few salaries you may be able to earn as a plumber in New York are:
- Albany: $63,080
- Brooklyn: $73,040
- Buffalo: $60,690
- Rochester: $61,280
- Syracuse: $61,900
Job Description
A plumber in NY is responsible for a variety of tasks throughout a given workday. Plumbers are responsible for installing, fitting, and repairing water and gas pipes inside of homes, businesses, and factories. These workers may also install plumbing fixtures in bathrooms and kitchens.
What Do They Do?
Other job duties that a plumber may complete during the day are:
- Reading blueprints for the current house, factory, or business.
- Performing basic carpentry to access specific pipes or fixtures.
- Measuring pipes and fixtures to ensure correct fit.
- Welding, soldering, or attaching fittings.
- Accessing which materials and tools are best for a specific job.
- Troubleshooting malfunctioning systems.
- Preparing the cost estimates for clients.
Other Skills Needed
You may be wondering what skills a plumber needs to be successful. Other than the technical know-how to complete their daily jobs, such as installing and fitting pipes and plumbing fixtures, plumbers should also possess certain traits and characteristics to do well at their job. Some skills every plumber should have are:
- Flexibility
- Problem solving
- Physical strength
- Good communication
- Project planning
Career Outlook
The outlook for plumber jobs in New York is good. Per the Bureau of Labor Statistics, plumbing jobs across the country should be on the rise, with a projected growth of two percent from 2021-2031. Around 49,000 jobs should come available during this time due to factors such as employees leaving the workforce for other jobs and individuals retiring.