Plumbing remains one of the most in-demand skilled trades in the U.S., with steady job growth and strong wages for trained professionals.1 Whether you’re switching careers or just starting out, learning plumbing can open doors to union apprenticeships, self-employment, and a lifelong technical craft. This guide will walk you through the main types of plumbing courses—from community colleges to online options—so you can choose the training path that fits your goals.
Key Takeaways
- Plumbing is a reliable, hands-on career with steady demand and strong earning potential.
- You can start your training through community college programs, trade schools, or online courses.
- Apprenticeships combine paid work and classroom learning, leading to journeyman or master plumber licenses.
- Accredited programs and certifications help ensure you meet state licensing requirements.
- Many plumbing programs now offer hybrid or online components to make learning more flexible.
Types of Plumbing Courses
On your journey to becoming a plumber, you will attend a variety of courses to learn the essentials about the plumbing industry. Your training will teach you how to assess a plumbing issue, how to fix it by installing the necessary hardware, and much more.
In 2025, you can find hybrid training formats that combine online and in-person learning. These paths lead to roles in residential plumbing, commercial installation, and service repair, helping students enter a variety of essential career tracks. Let’s take a look at some plumbing courses you can pursue.
Community College Plumbing Courses
Community college plumbing programs provide affordable, accredited training that prepares students for licensure and apprenticeships.
Community colleges are a great place to study a vocational skill like plumbing. Let’s look at one community college, Cuyahoga County Community College (Tri-C), and the courses that it offers. These classes are similar to what you might find at other community college plumbing programs near you.
Underground Plumbing Systems; Application and Installation
This course teaches you about underground plumbing systems, their applications, and how to install them. The class also covers:
- Math for plumbing
- Installation techniques
- How to interpret mechanical drawings
- Construction tools and equipment
Plumbers must also learn basic fundamentals of electricity because they work in close proximity to electrical outlets and with electrical plumbing systems. This course teaches you the following:
- Electrical safety
- Troubleshooting exercises
- Motors
- Transformers
- Direct and alternating currents
You take this course once you are accepted into an apprenticeship program. This course teaches the leadership and responsibilities associated with becoming a foreman:
- Effective communication techniques
- Efficient work practices
- Safety measures
- Team leadership
Plumbing Service and Procedures
A plumbing service and procedures class concerns customer service and sales. This class teaches you how to:
- Effectively communicate with customers
- Explain what you are doing and why
- Sell any product that a client may need
Most community college plumbing programs are accredited by state workforce boards or technical education agencies. This ensures graduates meet local licensing standards and can transition into paid apprenticeships more easily.
In addition to Tri-C, Los Angeles Trade-Technical College (LATTC) offers an Associate of Science in Plumbing.2 These colleges often maintain partnerships with local unions and building contractors, creating job placement pathways after graduation.
Many community colleges and technical schools participate in federal and state workforce grant programs, allowing students to fund tuition through Pell Grants or employer sponsorships. Some unions also offer reimbursement programs for apprentices completing required classroom hours.
Online Plumbing Courses
Online plumbing courses are a great way to learn the trade because they allow students to study independently. You can take classes on your own time and still earn your certifications.
There are a few plumbing courses available online. Alison.com is a great website that offers many courses for free for those who want to learn about plumbing.
Alison: Introduction to Plumbing
In this introductory class, you will learn the basics of plumbing, including:
- How to stay safe on the job by using the proper personal protective equipment
- Tools that are needed for the job
- Possible jobsite safety hazards
- The skills and duties of a plumber
Alison: Understanding Drainage and Water Distribution Systems
In this course, you will learn about the plumbing fixtures used in water systems and drainage. This is an important course for plumbers because understanding how water drainage and water distribution systems work is a key part of the job. This class covers the following:
- Drain Waste Vent Systems
- Components of a drain system
- Health issues related to improper installation
- Water purification process
While free, online courses provide foundational knowledge, online coursework alone does not qualify for licensure in most states—you must still complete supervised, hands-on apprenticeship training.
Plumbing Apprenticeships
Plumbing apprenticeships combine paid work experience with technical classroom instruction to prepare students for licensure. These programs partner with the United States Department of Labor to certify your apprenticeship so that you can seamlessly obtain your required licenses and certifications. Typical apprenticeships last four to five years and include about 2,000 hours of on-the-job training annually.1
Salary and Career Outlook for Plumbers
Plumbers in the U.S. earn solid wages and benefits, with steady employment prospects driven by infrastructure needs.1
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, plumbers earn a median annual wage of $62,970 as of May 2024, with four percent projected growth through 2034.1 Wages vary depending on location, experience, and employer.
Many plumbers employed through unions may also receive health insurance, retirement benefits, and overtime opportunities, contributing to long-term career stability—according to West Virginia Women Work.3
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Conclusion: Are You Ready to Start a Plumbing Course?
Starting a plumbing course is the first step toward a stable career with strong growth and hands-on work opportunities.
After reading this guide, you should have a good understanding of the courses you will be required to take while on your journey to becoming a plumber. These classes will teach you the ins and outs of plumbing and prepare you to handle on-the-job challenges as you become an apprentice and eventually a master plumber.
Plumbing remains one of the most stable and in-demand trades in the U.S., with consistent employment opportunities across residential, commercial, and infrastructure projects. Before enrolling, compare local trade schools, community colleges, and apprenticeship openings through your state’s labor department to find the best fit for your goals.
If you are ready to start your career in plumbing, consider the community college programs, trade school courses, and apprenticeships available to you as you set out to pursue your plumbing career.
Plumbing Courses FAQs
How do I become a plumber?
First, you must graduate from high school or get a GED. Then you’ll want to sign up for a trade school or apprenticeship to get hands-on training.
How long is an apprenticeship?
An apprenticeship typically spans four to five years with about 8,000 hours of training.4
Are plumbers paid well?
Plumbers earn a median annual salary of $62,970 as of May 2024.1
What license do I need to become a plumber?
Each state has its own licensing process, but most require a journeyman license after an apprenticeship and a master plumber license for supervisory work.
Can I become a plumber without an apprenticeship?
In most states, an apprenticeship or equivalent verified work experience is required for licensing.
Sources:
1 https://www.bls.gov/ooh/construction-and-extraction/plumbers-pipefitters-and-steamfitters.htm
4 https://www.bls.gov/ooh/construction-and-extraction/plumbers-pipefitters-and-steamfitters.htm#tab-4
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