Plumbing is an essential service that is always in high demand, thus creating great earning opportunities. Plus you can start your own business at some point
Education & Training
To jumpstart your career consider the online courses below.
How Does This Course Benefit You?
Graduates of this foundational program will be equipped with all necessary skills and knowledge to start a plumbing career.
A 55 piece tool kit is also included.
What Do You Study?
- Plumbing safety procedures
- How all pieces of piping and water systems function
- How to use plumbing or construction drawings to do a job
- Plumbing fixtures installation for faucets, sinks, toilets etc
- Plumbing tools
- Common piping materials
- Math needed for plumbing
- Plumbing codes
How Long Does It Take?
The average student will complete the course in 12 months. It is 145 hours long. However it is possible to finish in 6 months if you study more often. Its an online course, so you can progress as slow or fast you want.
How Much Is It?
This course costs approximately $2,300 which can be paid for in monthly installments if needed.
Other Local Trade Schools
- Long Island City
- Bronx,, New York , Brooklyn
Apex Technical School
900 hours of training, covering core skills such as using hand and power tools, pipefitting, and safety, with classes that blend historical and conceptual education with practical, hands-on experience, available full-time or part-time.
The School for Cooperative Technical Education
The Plumbing course provides hands-on training in entry-level plumbing, teaching students how to install, repair, and maintain plumbing systems, including sinks, toilets, water heaters, and hydronic heating systems. The program incorporates cutting-edge technology relevant to the field and prepares students for FDNY certificates of fitness. Graduates are equipped for entry into apprenticeship programs or roles as plumber’s helpers.
Salary Range
In NY, the average salary is $84,890 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Per Indeed.com, that number is $70,630, and $64,056 by ZipRecruiter.
Below are some average salaries and hourly wages for areas of the state, per BLS data.
| Area | Per Hour | Per Year |
|---|---|---|
| Albany-Schenectady-Troy | $37.22 | $77,410 |
| Binghamton | $36.06 | $75,000 |
| Buffalo-Cheektowaga-Niagara Falls | $36.17 | $75,230 |
| Capital/Northern New York | $35.01 | $72,820 |
| Central East New York | $32.02 | $66,600 |
| Elmira | $36.13 | $75,140 |
| Glens Falls | $30.86 | $64,200 |
| Ithaca | $33.00 | $68,630 |
| Kingston | $36.43 | $75,780 |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City | $45.02 | $93,650 |
| Rochester | $34.11 | $70,950 |
| Southwest New York | $32.41 | $67,400 |
| Syracuse | $33.83 | $70,360 |
| Utica-Rome | $34.49 | $71,740 |
| Watertown-Fort Drum | $37.73 | $78,480 |
Occupation: Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters (SOC Code472152)
source: data.bls.gov
Aspects like location, experience, and education will obviously affect income.
New York Plumber Requirements
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
Journeyman License
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.
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.
Apprenticeships
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.
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.
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
What Employers in New York Are Looking for in a Plumber
The demand for skilled plumbers in New York is high, with opportunities spanning residential, commercial, and municipal sectors. Employers across the state are looking for candidates who not only possess technical skills but also demonstrate professionalism, reliability, and adaptability. Many companies, including Big Apple Plumbing & Heating Co., Inc., NYC Housing Authority, Pumping Solutions, Inc., and Kennedy Mechanical Contractors, are actively hiring plumbers and apprentices, each with specific qualifications and expectations.
Technical and Practical Skills
Plumbers in New York are expected to have proficiency in installing, maintaining, and repairing piping systems for water, gas, heating, and drainage. Employers such as NYC Housing Authority require workers who can perform emergency plumbing repairs, prepare work locations, and handle heavy fixtures and piping. In commercial settings like Pumping Solutions, Inc., plumbers must troubleshoot and service complex piping systems for hospitals, colleges, and high-end management companies.
Crossover into other disciplines is common. For example, at Kennedy Mechanical Contractors, plumbing work often overlaps with mechanical system installations, requiring knowledge of HVAC systems and industrial piping. Similarly, Sovereignty Plumbing & Drain Cleaning emphasizes sewer cleaning, lot line cleanouts, and underground piping, necessitating a strong understanding of drainage infrastructure and excavation work.
Licensing and Certifications
Most plumbing jobs in New York require a valid driver’s license, as many roles involve traveling to different job sites. Additionally, certain employers, such as the NYC Housing Authority, may require workers to meet specific civil service exam qualifications or complete an accredited apprenticeship program recognized by the New York State Department of Labor.
Soft Skills and Work Ethic
Beyond technical expertise, employers value strong communication skills, punctuality, and attention to detail. Big Apple Plumbing & Heating Co., Inc. emphasizes professionalism and the ability to maintain a clean, organized work area. Pumping Solutions, Inc. looks for candidates who are career-oriented and reliable, with the motivation to learn and advance in the trade.
Job Structure and Benefits
Full-time positions are the norm, with standard Monday-to-Friday shifts and frequent overtime opportunities. Compensation varies based on experience, with wages ranging from $17 per hour for apprentices to $75,000 per year for experienced plumbers. Benefits can include health insurance, retirement plans, paid holidays, and company-provided tools and vehicles. Pumping Solutions, Inc. even offers performance-based end-of-the-year bonuses to reward employee dedication.
Pathways to Advancement
Apprenticeship programs are a common entry point for aspiring plumbers. Companies like Big Apple Plumbing & Heating Co., Inc. and Kennedy Mechanical Contractors provide on-the-job training, helping apprentices gain hands-on experience and transition into licensed plumber roles. Employers appreciate workers who are willing to invest in their own professional development, whether through formal schooling or practical learning on the job.
Conclusion
New York’s plumbing industry offers a diverse range of career opportunities, from municipal work with the NYC Housing Authority to high-end commercial projects with Pumping Solutions, Inc. Employers seek candidates with a mix of technical ability, soft skills, and a strong work ethic. With structured training programs, competitive wages, and benefits, plumbing remains a stable and rewarding career choice in the state.