Plumber Career Guide in Alaska
Explore plumber salary, licensing requirements, training pathways, apprenticeships, job outlook, and career opportunities in Alaska.
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How to Become a Plumber in Alaska
Most Alaska plumbers complete a registered apprenticeship combining paid supervised work with classroom instruction in plumbing codes, piping systems, mathematics, blueprint reading, and safety.
Note: Training pathways vary by employer, program sponsor, and licensing category. Classroom education may provide useful technical preparation, but it does not automatically replace supervised work experience unless the applicable licensing authority specifically allows that credit.
Plumber Salary in Alaska
The salary figure shown on this page represents the Alaska median wage for plumber workers, based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics occupational wage data. A median wage is the point at which half of workers earn more and half earn less. It is not a guaranteed starting salary.
Actual earnings may vary by experience, license level, metropolitan area, employer, industry, overtime, and union agreement.
Compared with the national median of $62,970, the median wage in Alaska is approximately $30,950 higher. This comparison does not account for differences in cost of living.
Licensing Authority for Plumbers in Alaska
Note: Licensing rules, fees, examinations, exemptions, and renewal requirements may change. Applicants should verify current requirements directly with the authority listed above before beginning work, applying for an examination, or enrolling in a training program.
CAREER PREPARATIONPlumber Training Requirements in Alaska
Alaska plumbers must obtain the certificate of fitness appropriate to their work and experience level.
- Enter a registered apprenticeship or document equivalent supervised plumbing experience.
- Complete instruction in plumbing codes, mathematics, blueprint reading, drainage, venting, water supply, pipefitting, and safety.
- Meet the experience requirement for the applicable journeyman or restricted classification.
- Pass the certificate-of-fitness examination administered by the Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development.
- Plumbing contractors must also satisfy mechanical administrator, contractor-registration, bonding, and business-license requirements.
Plumber Training Providers in Alaska
| Provider | City | Program Website |
|---|---|---|
| Alaska Vocational Technical Center | Seward | View Program |
| University of Alaska Anchorage Community & Technical College | Anchorage | View Program |
| University of Alaska Fairbanks Community and Technical College | Fairbanks | View Program |
| Alaska Technical Center | Kotzebue | View Program |
Note: Program availability, admission requirements, tuition, and credit toward licensing requirements may change. Verify current details directly with the provider and the applicable state licensing authority before enrolling. Listings are informational and do not constitute rankings or endorsements.
PAID TRAINING OPPORTUNITIESPlumber Apprenticeship Programs in Alaska
Registered Apprenticeship Program
Organization: Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development
Plumber Licensing Requirements in Alaska
Alaska requires individual plumbers to obtain the appropriate certificate of fitness. Plumbing contractors may also need a mechanical administrator license, contractor registration, and an Alaska business license.
EMPLOYMENT PROJECTIONSPlumber Job Outlook in Alaska
Alaska projects employment of plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters to decline 1% from 2024 to 2034, from approximately 1,260 to 1,250 jobs, while generating about 100 openings annually through replacement and turnover.
Note: State employment projections may use a different base period from national BLS projections. Projected growth is an estimate rather than a guarantee of employment, and local demand may vary by metropolitan area, industry, construction activity, and employer investment.
CAREER QUESTIONSFrequently Asked Questions
What is the plumber salary in Alaska?
The statewide median wage for plumbers in Alaska is approximately $93,920 per year, or $45.15 per hour, based on May 2024 occupational wage data. Actual earnings vary by experience, license level, location, employer, overtime, and industry.
Does Alaska require plumber licensing?
Yes. Alaska requires individuals performing regulated, non-exempt plumber work to hold the appropriate license or credential. Applicants should verify the current license category, experience, examination, and renewal requirements with Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development — Mechanical Inspection.
How long does it take to become a plumber in Alaska?
The time required depends on the license pathway and training program. A typical training pathway takes approximately 4–5 Years Apprenticeship, although licensing, apprenticeship, and employer requirements may differ.
Are plumbers in demand in Alaska?
Alaska projects plumber employment to decline by approximately 1% from 2024 to 2034, with about 100 openings per year. Projections include both new positions and openings created when workers leave the occupation.
Career Data Sources
State wage, employment outlook, and licensing information is reviewed using government and official regulatory sources. Data and requirements may change after publication.
- May 2024 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates — U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. May 2024 State OEWS
- Alaska Wages for Plumber (SOC 47-2152) — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Alaska Plumber Wages
- Alaska Plumber Employment Trends — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Alaska Plumber Employment Trends
- Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development — Mechanical Inspection — Licensing authority. Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development — Mechanical Inspection