NEBRASKA CAREER DATA PROFILE

Plumber Career Guide in Nebraska

Explore plumber salary, licensing requirements, training pathways, apprenticeships, job outlook, and career opportunities in Nebraska.

Last reviewed Reviewed by Career In Trades Editorial Team

Plumber in Nebraska Snapshot
Median Salary $62,880
Hourly Wage $30.23
Job Growth +9% (2024–2034)
License Local Requirements Apply

How to Become a Plumber in Nebraska

Most plumbers complete a registered apprenticeship consisting of paid supervised employment and classroom instruction. Local authorities determine eligibility for journeyman and master plumber examinations.

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 Nebraska

The salary figure shown on this page represents the Nebraska 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.

Nebraska Median $62,880
Hourly Wage $30.23
National Median $62,970

Compared with the national median of $62,970, the median wage in Nebraska is approximately $90 lower. This comparison does not account for differences in cost of living.

OFFICIAL REGULATORY SOURCE

Licensing Authority for Plumbers in Nebraska

Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services — Local Plumbing Jurisdictions

Official Website: https://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Onsite-Wastewater-Treatment-Program.aspx

License Types:

  • Local Apprentice Plumber
  • Local Journeyman Plumber
  • Local Master Plumber
  • Local Plumbing Contractor
  • Onsite Wastewater Professional

Authority Notes:

Nebraska does not provide one statewide general plumber license. Cities and other local jurisdictions establish plumbing-license requirements. State credentials may separately apply to onsite wastewater work.

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 PREPARATION

Plumber Training Requirements in Nebraska

1Registered Apprenticeship
2Trade or Technical School
3Employer Training

Nebraska plumbers generally complete apprenticeship training and then qualify under the licensing rules of the municipality where they work.

  • Complete a registered plumbing or pipe-trades apprenticeship or equivalent supervised experience.
  • Receive instruction in plumbing codes, mathematics, blueprint reading, drainage, venting, water distribution, pipefitting, and safety.
  • Document the experience required by the applicable city or local jurisdiction.
  • Pass local journeyman or master plumber examinations where required.
  • Maintain local registration, continuing education, permits, and contractor credentials as applicable.
EDUCATION DIRECTORY

Plumber Training Providers in Nebraska

Provider City Program Website
Metropolitan Community College Omaha View Program
Southeast Community College Lincoln View Program
Central Community College Grand Island View Program
Northeast Community College Norfolk 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 OPPORTUNITIES

Plumber Apprenticeship Programs in Nebraska

Omaha Plumbers and Steamfitters Apprenticeship

Organization: UA Local 464

Program Website

Lincoln Plumbers and Pipefitters Apprenticeship

Organization: UA Local 464

Program Website

Plumbing Apprenticeship

Organization: ABC Nebraska/South Dakota

Program Website

Registered Apprenticeship

Organization: Nebraska Department of Labor

Program Website

STATE AND LOCAL RULES

Plumber Licensing Requirements in Nebraska

Nebraska does not maintain a general statewide journeyman plumber license. Plumbing licenses, registrations, examinations, and supervision requirements are primarily administered by municipalities, including Omaha and Lincoln.

EMPLOYMENT PROJECTIONS

Plumber Job Outlook in Nebraska

+9% (2024–2034) Projected Employment Growth
2024 - 2034 Projection Period
480 Annual Openings

Nebraska projects employment of plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters to grow 9% from 2024 to 2034, from approximately 5,090 to 5,540 jobs, with about 480 openings annually.

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 QUESTIONS

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the plumber salary in Nebraska?

The statewide median wage for plumbers in Nebraska is approximately $62,880 per year, or $30.23 per hour, based on May 2024 occupational wage data. Actual earnings vary by experience, license level, location, employer, overtime, and industry.

Does Nebraska require plumber licensing?

Nebraska 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 Nebraska?

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 Nebraska?

Nebraska projects plumber employment to grow by approximately 9% from 2024 to 2034, with about 480 openings per year. Projections include both new positions and openings created when workers leave the occupation.

DATA TRANSPARENCY

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.

  1. May 2024 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates — U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. May 2024 State OEWS
  2. Nebraska Wages for Plumber (SOC 47-2152) — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Nebraska Plumber Wages
  3. Nebraska Plumber Employment Trends — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Nebraska Plumber Employment Trends
  4. Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services — Local Plumbing Jurisdictions — Licensing authority. Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services — Local Plumbing Jurisdictions
CAREER DISCOVERY

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STATE CAREER GUIDES

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