Plumber Career Guide in Arizona
Explore plumber salary, licensing requirements, training pathways, apprenticeships, job outlook, and career opportunities in Arizona.
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How to Become a Plumber in Arizona
Plumbers in Arizona install and repair water supply, drainage, gas, and related piping systems in residential, commercial, and industrial properties. The statewide median wage for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters is $61,940 per year, and employment is projected to grow by 14% from 2022 to 2032.
Most Arizona plumbers learn through apprenticeship or supervised employment. Individuals intending to operate or qualify a plumbing contracting business must meet the Arizona Registrar of Contractors requirements for the appropriate commercial, residential, or dual plumbing classification.
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 Arizona
The salary figure shown on this page represents the Arizona 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 Arizona is approximately $1,030 lower. This comparison does not account for differences in cost of living.
Licensing Authority for Plumbers in Arizona
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 Arizona
Arizona plumbing apprentices commonly complete supervised field training and classroom instruction covering safety, plumbing codes, mathematics, blueprint reading, water distribution, drainage, gas piping, and installation practices.
Arizona does not issue one statewide journeyman plumber license to every plumbing employee. Workers generally gain experience under a properly licensed plumbing contractor and must comply with employer, permit, and local code requirements.
A business applying for an Arizona plumbing contractor license must designate a qualifying party with the required experience, knowledge, and skills. The qualifying party generally must pass the Arizona statutes and rules examination and the applicable trade examination unless an authorized waiver applies.
Apprenticeship Training
Most Arizona plumbers receive training through apprenticeship programs that combine classroom instruction with paid field experience.
Technical Education
Training includes plumbing systems, blueprint reading, construction mathematics, safety regulations, and code compliance.
Hands-On Experience
Apprentices develop practical skills by installing, maintaining, and repairing plumbing systems under experienced supervision.
Contractor Licensing
Experienced plumbers may pursue contractor licensing to operate independently or establish their own plumbing business.
Plumber Training Providers in Arizona
| Provider | City | Program Website |
|---|---|---|
| Gateway Community College | Phoenix | View Program |
| Mesa Community College | Mesa | View Program |
| Pima Community College | Tucson | View Program |
| Arizona Western College | Yuma | 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 Arizona
Plumber Licensing Requirements in Arizona
Arizona regulates plumbing contractors through the Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC). Individuals typically gain experience through apprenticeship and supervised employment before qualifying for contractor licensing. Licensed plumbing contractors must meet experience requirements and comply with state regulations.
Arizona licenses plumbing contractors and contracting businesses rather than issuing one statewide journeyman plumber license to every employee. A contractor license is generally required when labor and materials exceed $1,000 or when the project requires a building permit. Employees may perform plumbing work under an appropriately licensed contractor.
EMPLOYMENT PROJECTIONSPlumber Job Outlook in Arizona
Arizona continues to experience strong demand for plumbers due to rapid population growth, residential development, commercial construction, and infrastructure expansion. Employment opportunities are especially strong in Phoenix, Tucson, Mesa, Chandler, and Scottsdale.
Arizona projects employment for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters to grow by approximately 14% from 2022 to 2032, with about 1,260 openings per year. Projections include both new positions and openings created when workers leave the occupation.
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 Arizona?
The statewide median wage for plumbers in Arizona is approximately $61,940 per year, or $29.78 per hour, based on May 2024 occupational wage data. Actual earnings vary by experience, license level, location, employer, overtime, and industry.
Does Arizona require plumber licensing?
Licensing requirements for plumber workers in Arizona vary by work scope, license category, and jurisdiction. Applicants should verify current requirements with Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC) before beginning work or applying for an examination.
How long does it take to become a plumber in Arizona?
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 Arizona?
Arizona projects plumber employment to grow by approximately 14% from 2022 to 2032, with about 1,260 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
- Arizona Wages for Plumber (SOC 47-2152) — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Arizona Plumber Wages
- Arizona Plumber Employment Trends — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Arizona Plumber Employment Trends
- Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC) — Licensing authority. Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC)