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3-step progression from Apprentice Plumber to Plumbing Contractor. Potential salary increase of 107% from entry to advanced level.
Entry Salary
$38,000
Apprentice Plumber
Top Salary
$78,690
Plumbing Contractor
Total Steps
3
licenses
Median Salary
$38,000
Earn while you learn — paid from day one, no license required
Avg. Licensing Cost
$122
Avg. Timeline
4.2 years – 4.4 years
Plumbing apprenticeships are paid from day one — no upfront cost. Join a union or non-union program and start building hours toward your journeyman license.
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Median Salary
$62,970
Apprenticeship (4-5 years) + journeyman exam
Avg. Licensing Cost
$122
Avg. Timeline
4.2 years – 4.4 years
Pass the journeyman plumber exam and get state-licensed. Exam prep materials help you understand the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) or IPC tested in your state.
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Ready to start your Plumbing Contractor journey?
Compare approved training programs and find the best fit for your schedule and budget.
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Median Salary
$78,690
Master plumber license + contractor license
Avg. Licensing Cost
$309
Avg. Timeline
1.9 years – 2.2 years
Running a plumbing contracting business requires a master plumber license, bonding, liability insurance, and a solid business setup. Each state has different contractor licensing rules.
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The plumbing career ladder is a professional progression from Apprentice Plumber to Plumbing Contractor. It includes 3 licensing levels, each with increasing education, responsibility, and earning potential.
Advancing from Apprentice Plumber ($38,000 median) to Plumbing Contractor ($78,690 median) represents a 107% salary increase based on BLS national median data.
Each step requires additional education and licensing. Apprentice Plumber: Earn while you learn — paid from day one, no license required. Plumber (Journeyman): Apprenticeship (4-5 years) + journeyman exam. Plumbing Contractor: Master plumber license + contractor license. The total time depends on the pace of your education and state-specific processing times.
Planning your next career move?
Salary data from BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024 national medians. Licensing costs and timelines are averages across all US states derived from verified state licensing board data. Individual state requirements vary — see state-specific pages for details.