Plumber Responsibilties:
Assemble, install, alter, and repair pipelines or pipe systems that carry water, steam, air, or other liquids or gases. May install heating and cooling equipment and mechanical control systems. Includes sprinkler fitters.
Plumber Benefits:
Plumbers, Pipefitters, & Steamfitters install and repair pipes that carry water, steam, air, or other liquids or gases
In Texas, it is mandatory to have a plumbing license to engage in any plumbing work.
Plumbers Apprentice:
To become an apprentice, no license is required, but you need to be registered with the state. Look for an employer who can sponsor your training, allowing you to participate in repairs and installations under the direct supervision of a Master Plumber.
Tradesman Plumber:
This license requires a minimum of 2 years of experience in the plumbing field as an apprentice. If you hold a Journeyman Plumber or Master Plumber license from another state, you may also apply for a Texas Tradesman Plumber’s license. Additionally, completion of 24 hours of Board-approved classroom training and passing the license exam is mandatory.
Journeyman Plumber:
To obtain a Journeyman Plumber license, you must have up to 4 years or 8,000 hours of plumbing experience. You also need a current Tradesman Plumber’s limited license and must pass an exam based on 48 hours of classroom training.
Master Plumber:
For a Master Plumber’s license, you must be an existing Journeyman Plumber with 8,000 hours of certified job experience. Passing another exam offered by the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners is also required.
Through classroom training at each level, you can expand your knowledge base to work on plumbing systems and repairs, ranging from residential to commercial and industrial properties.
The starting salary for a licensed plumber in Texas is around $26,000. On average, plumbers in Texas earn about $44,000. The cities of Dallas, Fort Worth, and San Antonio offer the highest salaries for plumbers in the state.
There are approximately 35,300 licensed plumbers in Texas. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, plumbing careers are projected to grow by 12% nationwide. Becoming a plumber can provide a stable career path until retirement.
In Texas, there are specific requirements and licenses for plumbers depending on the monetary value of the project.
For projects valued at $25,000.00 or less, a limited licensed plumber (LLP) can do the work. However, it's important to note that some locations in Tennessee, such as Benton, Decatur, Dickson, Giles, Henderson, Henry, Hickman, Humphries, Lake, Lawrence, Lewis, Obion, Perry, Stewart, or Weakley counties, do not require an LLP. Additionally, not all cities or counties accept the LLP. For example, Nashville and Memphis have their own licensing requirements and do not accept LLPs. If the municipality where you plan to work has its own exam and license, and you don't intend to work elsewhere, meeting those requirements is sufficient for plumbing projects under $25,000 in value.
For projects over $25,000.00, a contractor's license, specifically a mechanical plumbing contractor's license (CMC-A license), is necessary. CMC-A licenses are accepted throughout Tennessee, and no additional exams are required at the county or city level. Having a contractor's license allows you to work as a prime contractor or subcontractor. Prime contractors work directly with homeowners, while subcontractors work with other contractors and not the property owners.
Contractor's licenses are issued to entities such as sole proprietors, partnerships, LLCs, and corporations. On the other hand, individuals apply for limited license plumber (LLP) licenses. Note that LLPs are not allowed to advertise themselves as contractors.
To obtain a CMC-A license, three years of relevant experience must be proven. A licensee candidate for an LLP must demonstrate one year of experience. Once you have your Tennessee plumbing license, you can engage in various plumbing tasks, including utility connections, irrigation system installations, and gas piping. The hourly pay for plumbing work in Tennessee ranges from $11 to $40, with about 22% of plumbing jobs paying more than $55,000 per year.
As skilled tradespeople retire, plumber shortages are becoming common in the United States. Tennessee, in particular, will continue to see demand for plumbers as this field's growth surpasses the general labor market.
For more information about hourly pay for plumbing work in Tennessee, you can refer to this source.
If you are applying for a plumbing license in Texas, please note that a criminal background check will be conducted. Depending on the type of felony conviction, there is a possibility of being denied a license. To assess your eligibility before applying, you can request a criminal history evaluation letter for a fee of $25.
To begin a career in plumbing, you will need to complete classwork at an accredited school. Here are some of the plumbing schools in Texas:
The duration of plumbing programs in these schools typically ranges from 3 to 12 months. After completion, you can apply to become a plumber's apprentice. The initial coursework covers topics such as installing and repairing plumbing pipe systems for drinking water and sewage, heating and gas pipe systems, and familiarization with proper tools. It is recommended to have your own toolbox, although some classes may provide tools for classwork.
Tuition fees for these vocational courses vary from $3,000 to $15,000. To enroll, you must either be a high school graduate or possess a GED certificate.
Upon graduating from a plumbing trade school, you can search for an apprenticeship opportunity with a master plumber. Many trade schools provide a list of plumbers looking for apprentices. As an apprentice, it is your responsibility to keep track of your work hours.
A tradesman plumber is someone who has completed a certified apprenticeship of up to 2 years. To obtain this level, passing a license exam is required, which consists of a written test and a hands-on workshop test. The hands-on portion involves tasks such as cutting and fitting pipes, installing water heaters, and designing sanitary drainage and vent systems. Tradesman plumbers mainly work on residential properties.
To become a journeyman plumber, you must accumulate 8,000 hours of field experience and pass another exam. Journeyman plumbers are expected to be knowledgeable in all types of plumbing for both residential and commercial buildings.
The highest level of licensure is the master plumber. No specific classes are mandatory for this application, but passing another exam is required. The exam consists of 210 questions covering plumbing codes, OSHA regulations, and other related plumbing topics.
All license exams are administered by the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners.
Exam fees for each category are as follows:
The United Association of Journeyman & Apprentices of the Plumbing & Pipe Fitting Industry offers comprehensive apprenticeship programs in Texas. These programs provide valuable classroom training along with paid on-the-job experience. Completion of the program typically takes up to 4 years.
By joining our apprenticeship program, you not only gain valuable skills and knowledge in plumbing, but also benefit from higher wages and guaranteed health benefits offered through union contract jobs.
As a plumber in Texas, there are a few key things you should know:
It is mandatory for a Master Plumber in Texas to have general liability insurance.
If you own a plumbing business and have employees, consider obtaining worker’s compensation insurance.
Plumbing work can involve hazardous conditions, so it's important to take precautions:
Remember, safety should always be your top priority as a plumber in Texas.
The Texas Workforce Commission oversees apprenticeship training programs and registration in the state of Texas. By registering as an apprentice, aspiring plumbers can start earning a wage while undergoing training.
Before registering, it is helpful to have an employer sponsor. You can use the apprenticeship sponsor finder to locate a plumber in your area.
Occupation: Plumbing
License: Texas Plumbing License
Valid: Only applicable within the state of Texas
The Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners is the best resource to stay up to date with state plumbing codes in Texas. They also offer special training classes for plumbers.
As a plumber in Texas, it is important to maintain a level of professionalism and stay informed about industry trends. You can stay updated by reading industry trends or exploring plumbing blogs. Additionally, attending trade shows can provide valuable insights.
To excel in your plumbing career, consider expanding your skill sets and exploring different plumbing specialties. This will not only enhance your knowledge but also open up new opportunities.
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