With the need for more workers in the industry growing due to new construction, plumbing offers job security and stability.
It is also a great way to earn a competitive salary while working flexible hours.
Education and Training
If you have little or no experience, then you should start with an online foundational course like the ones below.
What Are the Benefits of the Course?
Upon completion, you can be confident that you have all the skills and knowledge to get a job or start your own business.
Another benefit is the 50+ piece tool kit that is included in the price.
Students also have the opportunity to pursue their education remotely in a more flexible format, completing online coursework at a local affiliated university.
What Do You Study?
- Core Plumbing Principles:
- Overview of plumbing history, regulatory codes, and foundational principles
- Mathematical skills specific to plumbing, including measurements and geometry for system design
- Tools and Practices:
- Essential tools of the trade and their applications
- Safety protocols, first aid procedures, and rigging techniques
- Materials and Construction Techniques:
- Characteristics and uses of different piping materials
- Techniques for joining and installing piping, including advanced methods like gas welding and brazing
- Use of plastic pipes and their specific applications
- Water Management Systems:
- Sources and management of water supply, including water pipe sizing for various systems
- Detailed exploration of plumbing fixtures, faucets, valves, and water heaters
- Techniques for waste and sewage disposal
- Building Integration and Planning:
- Methods for protecting building materials and structural integrity
- Skills in reading and creating building drawings, including detailed schematics and isometric views
- Drainage, Sewage, and Ventilation:
- Comprehensive methods for sewage management, including the use of sump pumps and sewage ejectors
- Strategies for venting systems and installing plumbing traps
- Calculations for drainage fixture units and building drains
- Professional Skills and Customer Relations:
- Developing professionalism and effective communication within the plumbing industry
- Comprehensive customer service skills, from understanding customer needs to resolving complaints
- Strategies for enhancing customer service and tracking service performance
How Long Does It Take?
6 to 12 months, just depends on how often you want to study.
What is the Total Cost?
Total price is $2,300. You can break up the payments with monthly financing if needed.
Associate’s degrees in plumbing can range from $3,000 to $23,000, depending on the institution. These programs may last multiple years.
Salary Range
Bureau of Labor Statistics data says that $67,630 is the average base salary for the state. Here are some numbers from common job sites:
- Indeed: $58,254
- Salary.com: $63,037
- Glassdoor.com: 58K to 89K
Below are some average salaries and wages for parts of the state, according to more BLS data.
| Area | Per Hour | Per Year |
|---|---|---|
| Akron | $32.62 | $67,840 |
| Canton-Massillon | $32.97 | $68,580 |
| Cincinnati | $32.95 | $68,540 |
| Cleveland-Elyria | $33.69 | $70,080 |
| Columbus | $33.03 | $68,690 |
| Dayton | $31.80 | $66,140 |
| Eastern Ohio | $29.80 | $61,980 |
| Lima | $31.29 | $65,080 |
| Mansfield | $28.12 | $58,480 |
| North Northeastern Ohio | $29.49 | $61,340 |
| Southern Ohio | $32.18 | $66,930 |
| Springfield | $31.09 | $64,680 |
| Toledo | $34.00 | $70,720 |
| West Northwestern Ohio | $29.52 | $61,390 |
| Youngstown-Warren-Boardman | $29.62 | $61,610 |
Occupation: Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters (SOC Code472152)
source: data.bls.gov
Ohio Requirements
These can be acquired after earning a Commercial Contractors’ Plumbing License from the state.
Commercial Contractors Plumbing License
The only statewide licensing requirement for plumbers in Ohio is a Commercial Contractors Plumbing License, provided by the Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board (OCILB).
Eligibility
To be eligible to take this exam, you will need at least 3 years of plumbing experience if you are already a licensed Ohio engineer in construction and at least 5 years of plumbing education and work experience if you have yet to gain prior training.
Prerequisite training for the Commercial Contractors Plumbing License Exam can include apprenticeships, trade school programs, a degree in plumbing at a college or university, or a combination of multiple.
You also need to be at least 18 years old, with a GED or equivalent.
State Reciprocity
Ohio also has reciprocal agreements in plumbing with South Carolina, Tennessee, and West Virginia, allowing contractors in these states to obtain licenses in other states while waiving the state trade exam.
Municipal Requirements
Specific cities in Ohio require plumbers to register for city-specific certifications.
Namely, Columbus and Cincinnati require contractors to register for commercial city licenses.
Dayton requires plumbers to have a city-issued Journeyman Plumber’s License, and Toledo also requires a locally-issued contracting license.
Advanced Certifications
Beyond mandatory licensing, plumbers in Ohio can gain additional certifications.
This could be licensing to own and operate their own contracting business or licensing to work in more niche and technically demanding fields such as irrigation contracting.
Additional certification may enable plumbers to work in higher-demand specialties, increasing their earning potential.
Job Description
Your role as an entry-level plumber will involve, first and foremost, appropriate communication with commercial and residential clients and any relevant record-keeping and documentation of your work.
Before gaining adequate experience to work independently, you will likely assist senior plumbers with various duties:
- Installing and repairing pipes, valves, fittings, and drainage systems.
- Reading and interpreting various building plans and blueprints.
- Performing maintenance and upkeep of pre-existing plumbing systems.
- Inspecting work installed and operated on by other tradespeople.
What Skills Are Needed?
As a plumber, you will be expected to have diverse problem-solving skills that generally apply to all aspects of the job.
Driving and Time Management:
- Ability to drive company vehicles.
- Strong time-management skills to ensure punctuality at the worksite.
Technical Knowledge and Compliance:
- Deep understanding of plumbing systems’ structure and function.
- Stay current with field regulations, building codes, safety protocols, and inspection criteria.
Practical Skills:
- Knowledge of relevant terminology.
- Ability to read and interpret construction diagrams.
- Understanding of basic metric conversions and geometry for accurate measurements.
Communication and Interpersonal Skills:
- Excellent communication skills with tradespeople, senior plumbers, and clients.
- Ability to clearly explain plumbing details to clients, regardless of their plumbing knowledge.
- Personable and capable of collaborative work.
Career Growth
Assessing a Career in Plumbing
Never Boring
A career in plumbing is characterized by physical labor, intensive problem-solving, and variety, ensuring that no two jobs are the same.
Plumbers often face the challenge of diagnosing issues on-site with little prior information, but this aspect of the job also facilitates daily interactions with new people, making it a potentially enriching career.
Many Paths for Growth
Plumbers have various career pathways available. One option is working for a contracting company, where benefits and opportunities for advancement in terms of seniority are possible. Alternatively, plumbers can enhance their earning potential by gaining certifications in high-demand, technically advanced areas while employed by another company.
Running Your Own Business
For those inclined towards entrepreneurship, starting a business offers a way to transition into a managerial role, overseeing operations and potentially hiring other plumbers to handle the day-to-day tasks. This route provides significant autonomy and the potential for substantial financial rewards.
Always in Demand
The Bureau of Labor Statistics cites that the demand for plumbers is expected to increase only by 2% between 2021 and 2031. Though this growth rate is considered sub-average, demand for plumbers will only continue due to the retiring workforce and new construction, with 50,000 positions for plumbers and adjacent tradespeople projected to open annually.
What Employers in Ohio Look for in a Plumber
The demand for skilled plumbers in Ohio is strong, with employers seeking a combination of technical ability, problem-solving skills, and excellent customer service. Companies such as Mr. Rooter of Waterford, Precision Plumbing Heating & Air, Mack Plumbing Sewer & Drain, and Groundworks are among those actively hiring, offering competitive wages and benefits to attract top talent. Employers in Ohio look for both entry-level apprentices and experienced plumbers capable of handling a wide range of residential, commercial, and industrial plumbing tasks.
Key Skills and Qualifications
Employers in Ohio emphasize a mix of hands-on skills and soft skills in their hiring criteria. Common qualifications include:
- Technical Proficiency: Experience installing, repairing, and maintaining plumbing systems, including piping, fixtures, and water heaters.
- Hand Tool Proficiency: Comfort with tools such as pipe wrenches, soldering torches, drain snakes, and power tools.
- Problem-Solving Ability: Diagnosing and troubleshooting plumbing issues efficiently.
- Physical Stamina: The ability to lift heavy materials, work in tight spaces, and perform manual labor.
- Attention to Detail: Ensuring installations and repairs meet local plumbing codes and industry standards.
- Customer Service Skills: Communicating effectively with clients, explaining issues clearly, and providing cost estimates.
- Valid Driver’s License: Required for most positions, as plumbing work often involves travel to job sites.
- Licensing and Certification: While some positions do not require prior licensing, many employers prefer or require journeyman or master plumber credentials.
Employment Opportunities and Crossover into Other Disciplines
Entry-Level and Apprenticeships
For those new to the trade, companies such as Smylie One Heating, Cooling & Plumbing and Pipe Doctor offer plumbing apprenticeships where individuals can learn while they earn. These programs provide hands-on training under experienced professionals, preparing apprentices for long-term careers in plumbing.
- Mr. Rooter of Waterford offers an apprenticeship with flexible scheduling, free uniforms, and tool provisions. The company provides structured learning to help new hires transition from apprentices to full-fledged service technicians.
- Precision Plumbing Heating & Air focuses on developing apprentices into skilled professionals, ensuring they gain experience in installation, repair, and maintenance.
Commercial and Industrial Plumbing
For more experienced plumbers, commercial and industrial plumbing jobs are available with firms like Mack Plumbing Sewer & Drain, Inc. and Groundworks. These roles often involve complex installations and troubleshooting, including working with large-scale piping systems, boilers, and commercial-grade water heaters.
- Mack Plumbing Sewer & Drain hires experienced plumbers for both residential and commercial projects, offering salaries ranging from $47K to $80K annually. Their plumbers need to be well-versed in plumbing codes, safety regulations, and troubleshooting large-scale plumbing systems.
- Groundworks specializes in plumbing solutions that tie into foundation repair and home maintenance, showcasing the crossover between plumbing and construction disciplines.
Crossover with Other Trades
Many Ohio plumbing employers look for candidates with experience or willingness to learn related trades. For example:
- HVAC and Plumbing Integration: Many companies, such as Smylie One Heating, Cooling & Plumbing, operate in both HVAC and plumbing, requiring technicians who can handle heating and cooling systems in addition to plumbing work.
- Construction and Excavation: Precision Plumbing Heating & Air seeks plumbers with experience in excavation and trenching, as many plumbing jobs require digging to expose pipelines.
- Electrical Work: Some plumbing systems involve electrical components, such as water heaters, requiring basic electrical knowledge.
Compensation and Benefits
Ohio plumbing employers offer competitive compensation and benefits to attract talent. Salaries vary based on experience and expertise, with apprentices earning $18-$32 per hour, while experienced plumbers can earn upwards of $80K annually. Additional benefits often include:
- 401(k) retirement plans with company matching
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- Company-provided tools and uniforms
- Company vehicles for work transportation
- Paid time off and holidays
- Bonus and commission opportunities
Conclusion
Ohio’s plumbing industry offers a range of opportunities for both newcomers and seasoned professionals. Employers are not just looking for technical expertise but also strong problem-solving abilities, customer service skills, and a willingness to learn. With crossovers into construction, HVAC, and electrical work, plumbing is a versatile trade that provides long-term job security and career growth potential. Whether starting as an apprentice at Mr. Rooter of Waterford or joining a commercial team at Mack Plumbing Sewer & Drain, Ohio plumbers can build rewarding careers in a thriving industry.