Plumber Career Guide in Tennessee
Explore plumber salary, licensing requirements, training pathways, apprenticeships, job outlook, and career opportunities in Tennessee.
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How to Become a Plumber in Tennessee
Plumbers in Tennessee install, repair, and maintain piping, fixtures, water supply, drainage, and waste systems. The statewide median wage is approximately $57,730 per year, which is about $5,240 lower than the national median for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters.
Most plumbers in Tennessee complete a four- to five-year registered apprenticeship sponsored by United Association (UA) local unions, PHCC chapters, Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC), or licensed plumbing contractors. Apprentices receive approximately 8,000 hours of paid on-the-job training together with classroom instruction covering plumbing systems, Tennessee plumbing codes, water distribution, sanitary drainage, vent systems, gas piping, blueprint reading, pipe installation, backflow prevention, medical gas piping, and OSHA safety practices.
Plumbers commonly learn through an apprenticeship or supervised employment that combines practical installation and repair experience with plumbing-code instruction. The Limited Licensed Plumber pathway requires documented plumbing experience and the applicable examination or qualifying local-license evidence.
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 Tennessee
The salary figure shown on this page represents the Tennessee 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 Tennessee is approximately $5,240 lower. This comparison does not account for differences in cost of living.
Licensing Authority for Plumbers in Tennessee
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 Tennessee
For the Limited Licensed Plumber pathway, applicants generally must document at least one year of plumbing experience and pass the applicable plumbing examination unless eligible to use qualifying Tennessee local-license or examination evidence.
Contractor applicants performing plumbing projects valued at $25,000 or more must satisfy the Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors’ application requirements. Plumbing classifications CMC and CMC-A require examination pre-approval, and contractor applicants must satisfy applicable trade, business, financial, insurance, and qualifying-agent requirements.
Plumbing Theory & Tennessee Plumbing Code
Students study plumbing principles, Tennessee plumbing regulations, fixture installation, water distribution, sanitary drainage, venting, storm drainage, and code-compliant plumbing practices.
Water Supply & Drainage Systems
Training includes potable water systems, sanitary drainage, vent piping, water heaters, pumps, pressure regulation, plumbing inspections, and system troubleshooting.
Commercial & Industrial Plumbing
Programs emphasize commercial plumbing installations, process piping, hydronic systems, medical gas piping, backflow prevention, and industrial plumbing equipment.
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, fall protection, lockout/tagout procedures, personal protective equipment, and safe plumbing installation practices.
Plumber Training Providers in Tennessee
| Provider | City | Program Website |
|---|---|---|
| Nashville State Community College | Nashville | View Program |
| Chattanooga State Community College | Chattanooga | View Program |
| Pellissippi State Community College | Knoxville | View Program |
| Southwest Tennessee Community College | Memphis | View Program |
| Tennessee College of Applied Technology Nashville | Nashville | 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 Tennessee
Plumber Licensing Requirements in Tennessee
Tennessee regulates plumbing contractors through the Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors under the Department of Commerce and Insurance. Individuals working as plumbers typically begin as apprentices and receive supervised training under licensed plumbing contractors. While Tennessee does not issue a statewide Journeyman Plumber license, municipalities may require local journeyman licensing or competency certification. Plumbing contractors performing projects above the state's monetary licensing threshold must hold the appropriate Tennessee Contractor License with the Plumbing (CMC/Mechanical or Plumbing classification) designation.
Tennessee plumbing licensing depends on project value, the role performed, and local jurisdiction. A Limited Licensed Plumber license generally applies to qualifying plumbing projects under $25,000, while projects of $25,000 or more generally require a contractor license with the CMC or CMC-A plumbing classification. Local permits and licensing requirements may also apply.
EMPLOYMENT PROJECTIONSPlumber Job Outlook in Tennessee
Tennessee continues to experience strong demand for plumbers because of rapid population growth, healthcare expansion, manufacturing, automotive production, commercial construction, distribution centers, tourism, and infrastructure improvements. Nashville remains the state's largest plumbing employment market, while Memphis, Knoxville, Chattanooga, Murfreesboro, and Clarksville continue creating opportunities in residential construction, hospitals, manufacturing facilities, and commercial developments.
Tennessee projects employment for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters to grow by approximately 9% from 2022 to 2032, with about 920 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 Tennessee?
The statewide median wage for plumbers in Tennessee is approximately $57,730 per year, or $27.76 per hour, based on May 2024 occupational wage data. Actual earnings vary by experience, license level, location, employer, overtime, and industry.
Does Tennessee require plumber licensing?
Licensing requirements for plumber workers in Tennessee vary by work scope, license category, and jurisdiction. Applicants should verify current requirements with Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors before beginning work or applying for an examination.
How long does it take to become a plumber in Tennessee?
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 Tennessee?
Tennessee projects plumber employment to grow by approximately 9% from 2022 to 2032, with about 920 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
- Tennessee Wages for Plumber (SOC 47-2152) — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Tennessee Plumber Wages
- Tennessee Plumber Employment Trends — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Tennessee Plumber Employment Trends
- Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors — Licensing authority. Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors