Becoming a Plumber in Pennsylvania
Due to the prevalence of plumbing systems in every aspect of society, plumbers have a lot of potential for a versatile and lucrative career. If you’ve been considering a career as a plumber, you might wish to know more about what the job entails and how to get started in the field. This article has all the information you need to begin.
Although you might think of plumbing as the system that brings water into your home and moves waste away, plumbing systems are used for many other purposes. Services like gas delivery, air conditioning and heating all rely on a network of pipes that require regular maintenance. Piping systems are also used in medical facilities to deliver medical-grade gasses and in industrial facilities for welding and other purposes. Along with all of these varied uses for plumbing comes a plethora of opportunity for plumbers.
As a plumber, you will need to have a good eye for detail as well as manual dexterity and physical stamina. The work often involves working in dark, tight spaces while using tools to find and fix a problem. If you wish to run a business, you will need to have excellent communication skills and understand basic business management. In some scenarios, especially for those who work independently or run a business, you will frequently need to prepare accurate estimates for plumbing repairs.
Licensing for Pennsylvania Plumbers
At this time, plumbers are not required to be licensed by the state of Pennsylvania. However, many areas have local regulations that do require licensure. It will be imperative to check the legal requirements in the localities in which you wish to provide services by contacting the local building department.
Plumbing Schools in Pennsylvania
Training as a plumber can take the form of an apprenticeship, an in-person training program or a combination of the two. For those looking to train as an apprentice, you will want to search for openings in your area. For others, who prefer to attend a plumbing program, Pennsylvania has many options. A few of these plumbing programs are available at the following trade schools:
- Luzerne Community College offers an Associate of Applied Science in Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning Technology.
- Community College of Alleghany County offers a Plumbing Certificate Program.
- Delaware County Community College provides a Plumbing Apprenticeship Certificate and a Plumbing Technology Certificate.
- Lancaster County Career and Technology Center offers a course in plumbing.
Financial aid may be available to those who qualify. Contact the financial office at the institute you’re interested in for more information.
Plumbing Apprenticeships in Pennsylvania
Plumbers are some of America’s most widely employed skilled trade workers. While experienced professionals do much of the work, the industry also includes plenty of beginners or apprentices. Over time, these newcomers gain the abilities needed to advance in the field.
While apprenticeships may be formalized under statewide rules, that’s not always the case. For example, in Pennsylvania, no such rules exist. Instead, the state features a patchwork of requirements put in place at the county or municipal level. This means that you’ll need to check local regulations in order to know how to proceed. It also means that you should prepare to meet all local requirements.
No matter where you live in Pennsylvania, it’s a good idea to get as much knowledge under your belt as possible. Community colleges in many parts of the state offer suitable programs for plumbing training. One option you may want to consider is Delaware County Community College. This school features a broad-ranging, four-year plumbing apprenticeship program. The program covers both practical skills and theoretical knowledge. A second potential option is Community College of Allegheny County. CCACoffers a plumber apprenticeship certificate program, as well as a plumber’s associate degree program.
Union-based plumber’s apprenticeships are also available in Pennsylvania. If you live in the western part of the state, check the resources provided by the Builders Guild of Western PA. This organization features programs offered by two area plumbers’ unions.
Plumbing Certifications
There are no specific certifications to work as a plumber, but those in the field do have the opportunity to attain certifications in order to perform specialized functions. For example, a plumber can certify to be a building inspector or examine plumbing plans. For anyone looking for a specific job or career niche, these certifications are worth considering.
Salary Expectations and Career Growth Potential
The data from O*NET Online illustrates that Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters in Pennsylvania earn an average annual wage of $61,670, which is slightly above the national average of $60,090. The lower 10% of earners in Pennsylvania make $38,490 or less, while the highest 10% earn up to $101,940.
National vs. Pennsylvania Salary Comparison
| Location | Annual Low (10%) | Annual Median (50%) | Annual High (90%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | $37,250 | $60,090 | $101,190 |
| Pennsylvania | $38,490 | $61,670 | $101,940 |
Salaries by Regions in Pennsylvania
| Region | Annual Low (10%) | Annual Median (50%) | Annual High (90%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD | $40,950 | $63,550 | $119,380 |
| Pittsburgh, PA | $39,330 | $74,460 | $98,470 |
| Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ | $38,200 | $61,570 | $101,810 |
Plumbing Trends in Pennsylvania
In Pennsylvania, the employment trends for Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters are showing steady growth. In 2020, the state employed approximately 15,250 workers in these professions. By 2030, this number is expected to rise to 16,060, marking a 5% growth rate. This growth rate is slightly higher than the national average growth rate of 2% projected for the same period. Annually, from 2020 to 2030, Pennsylvania is projected to have about 1,660 job openings in this field due to growth and replacements.
Trends
| Region | Employment (Start Year) | Projected Employment (End Year) | Projected Growth (%) | Annual Job Openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania | 15,250 (2020) | 16,060 (2030) | 5% | 1,660 |
| United States | 482,700 (2022) | 493,600 (2032) | 2% | 42,600 |
Sources of data:
- State Data: The projections for this State from 2020 to 2030 are provided by Projections Central, which offers long-term projections for occupational employment.
- United States Data: The nationwide employment projections from 2022 to 2032 are sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), which regularly publishes detailed employment projections for a wide range of occupations across the United States.
Working as a Plumber in Pennsylvania
Qualified plumbers can find work in various facilities in both the private and public sectors, or you can own and operate your own business. In Pennsylvania, plumbers work for organizations like Danville State Hospital, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Septa, County of Berk and Aerotek. With varied opportunities and excellent potential for future growth, a career as a plumber might be the answer to your career goals.