Plumber Career Guide in Missouri
Explore plumber salary, licensing requirements, training pathways, apprenticeships, job outlook, and career opportunities in Missouri.
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How to Become a Plumber in Missouri
Plumbers in Missouri install and maintain piping, fixtures, water supply, drainage, and waste systems. The statewide median wage is approximately $62,090 per year, which is about $880 lower than the national median for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters.
Most Missouri plumbers learn through a registered apprenticeship or supervised employment combining practical experience with classroom instruction. The amount and type of experience required for a Journeyman or Master Plumber license depends on the applicable city or county.
Training combines approximately 8,000 hours of paid on-the-job experience with classroom instruction covering plumbing theory, Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC), International Plumbing Code (IPC), water distribution systems, sanitary drainage, venting, gas piping, blueprint reading, pipe installation, medical gas systems, backflow prevention, hydronic piping, and OSHA safety standards.
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 Missouri
The salary figure shown on this page represents the Missouri 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 Missouri is approximately $880 lower. This comparison does not account for differences in cost of living.
Licensing Authority for Plumbers in Missouri
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 Missouri
Complete an apprenticeship or other supervised training pathway accepted by the city or county where you intend to work. Training commonly includes water distribution, drainage and venting, plumbing fixtures, blueprint reading, mathematics, safety, and applicable plumbing codes.
Before beginning work or applying for an examination, contact the applicable local licensing or code authority to confirm apprenticeship registration, experience, examination, contractor licensing, and permit requirements.
Plumbing Theory & Plumbing Codes
Students study plumbing principles, Uniform Plumbing Code and International Plumbing Code requirements, fixture installation, water distribution, sanitary drainage, venting, and code-compliant plumbing practices.
Water Supply & Drainage Systems
Training includes potable water systems, sanitary drainage, vent piping, storm drainage, water heaters, pumps, pressure regulation, sewage systems, and plumbing system troubleshooting.
Commercial & Industrial Plumbing
Programs emphasize commercial plumbing installations, hydronic piping, industrial process piping, medical gas systems, mechanical equipment, and backflow prevention.
Pipe Installation & Blueprint Reading
Apprentices learn blueprint interpretation, plumbing layout, copper soldering, brazing, threaded piping, cast iron installation, plastic piping systems, and plumbing fixture installation.
Safety & OSHA Practices
Training covers confined-space awareness, trench safety, lockout/tagout procedures, fall protection, personal protective equipment, and safe plumbing installation practices.
Plumber Training Providers in Missouri
| Provider | City | Program Website |
|---|---|---|
| St. Louis Community College | St. Louis | View Program |
| State Technical College of Missouri | Linn | View Program |
| Ozarks Technical Community College | Springfield | View Program |
| Metropolitan Community College | Kansas City | View Program |
| Jefferson College | Hillsboro | 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 Missouri
Plumber Licensing Requirements in Missouri
Missouri does not issue a single statewide plumber license for individual plumbers. Instead, plumber licensing is primarily administered by local cities and counties.
Many municipalities—including St. Louis, Kansas City, Springfield, Columbia, and Independence—require plumbers to obtain local Journeyman or Master Plumber licenses before performing regulated plumbing work. Requirements typically include documented work experience, passing a plumbing examination, and compliance with locally adopted plumbing codes.
Plumbing contractors should always verify the licensing requirements of the city or county where work will be performed.
EMPLOYMENT PROJECTIONSPlumber Job Outlook in Missouri
Missouri maintains steady demand for plumbers because of commercial construction, healthcare expansion, manufacturing, food processing, warehousing, utilities, higher education, residential construction, and public infrastructure improvements.
Kansas City and St. Louis remain the state's largest employment markets, while Springfield, Columbia, Independence, St. Charles, and Jefferson City continue supporting opportunities in commercial construction, healthcare facilities, manufacturing plants, universities, and municipal infrastructure.
Continued investment in industrial facilities, distribution centers, and aging water infrastructure is expected to support long-term employment for licensed plumbers throughout Missouri.
Missouri projects employment for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters to grow by approximately 4% from 2022 to 2032, with about 830 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 Missouri?
The statewide median wage for plumbers in Missouri is approximately $62,090 per year, or $29.85 per hour, based on May 2024 occupational wage data. Actual earnings vary by experience, license level, location, employer, overtime, and industry.
Does Missouri require plumber licensing?
Missouri does not use one uniform statewide licensing rule for all plumber work. Local requirements may apply, and applicants should verify the rules in the city or county where they plan to work.
How long does it take to become a plumber in Missouri?
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 Missouri?
Missouri projects plumber employment to grow by approximately 4% from 2022 to 2032, with about 830 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
- Missouri Wages for Plumber (SOC 47-2152) — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Missouri Plumber Wages
- Missouri Plumber Employment Trends — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Missouri Plumber Employment Trends
- Applicable Missouri City or County Plumbing Licensing Authority — Licensing authority. Applicable Missouri City or County Plumbing Licensing Authority