Plumber Career Guide in Texas
Explore plumber salary, licensing requirements, training pathways, apprenticeships, job outlook, and career opportunities in Texas.
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How to Become a Plumber in Texas
Plumbers in Texas install, maintain, and repair water supply, drainage, gas, and related piping systems in homes, commercial buildings, industrial facilities, and public infrastructure. The statewide median wage for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters is $58,560 per year, while employment is projected to grow by 13% from 2022 to 2032.
Most Texas plumbers begin as registered apprentices and complete paid on-the-job training under appropriately licensed plumbers. Eligibility for the Texas Journeyman Plumber examination generally requires at least 8,000 hours of plumbing experience and completion of an approved 48-hour training course or participation in an approved U.S. Department of Labor apprenticeship program.
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 Texas
The salary figure shown on this page represents the Texas 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 Texas is approximately $4,410 lower. This comparison does not account for differences in cost of living.
Licensing Authority for Plumbers in Texas
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 Texas
Texas plumbing apprentices should register with the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners and complete supervised field experience under appropriately licensed plumbing professionals.
To qualify for the Journeyman Plumber examination, an applicant generally must be registered as a Plumber’s Apprentice, hold an eligible Texas plumbing credential, or hold an applicable out-of-state license; document at least 8,000 hours of plumbing experience; and complete the required training pathway.
A Texas Journeyman Plumber may perform plumbing work under the supervision of a Responsible Master Plumber. Applicants should verify current registration, training, examination, fingerprinting, fee, and renewal requirements directly with TSBPE.
Apprenticeship Training
Most Texas plumbers begin as apprentices and work under licensed plumbers while receiving paid on-the-job training.
Classroom Instruction
Training programs include plumbing codes, blueprint reading, pipe installation, drainage systems, and workplace safety.
Journeyman Advancement
After meeting work experience requirements, apprentices may take the state examination to become licensed journeyman plumbers.
Continuing Education
Texas licensed plumbers must complete continuing education requirements to maintain their licenses and stay current with code changes.
Plumber Training Providers in Texas
| Provider | City | Program Website |
|---|---|---|
| Houston Community College | Houston | View Program |
| Dallas College | Dallas | View Program |
| Austin Community College | Austin | View Program |
| Texas State Technical College | Waco | 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 Texas
Registered Plumbing Apprenticeship
Organization: Associated Builders and Contractors Texas
Plumber Licensing Requirements in Texas
Texas plumbers must be licensed through the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE). Most individuals begin as a Plumber's Apprentice before progressing to Tradesman, Journeyman, and Master Plumber licenses. Licensing typically requires supervised work experience, passing examinations, and compliance with state regulations.
Texas regulates plumbing work at the state level. New entrants generally register as a Plumber’s Apprentice before accumulating supervised experience. Journeyman, Tradesman Plumber-Limited, Master Plumber, Responsible Master Plumber, inspector, and endorsement credentials are administered by the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners.
EMPLOYMENT PROJECTIONSPlumber Job Outlook in Texas
Demand for plumbers in Texas remains strong due to rapid population growth, ongoing residential construction, commercial development, and infrastructure investment. Employment opportunities are especially strong in Houston, Dallas-Fort Worth, Austin, and San Antonio.
Texas projects employment for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters to grow by approximately 13% from 2022 to 2032, with about 4,340 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 Texas?
The statewide median wage for plumbers in Texas is approximately $58,560 per year, or $28.15 per hour, based on May 2024 occupational wage data. Actual earnings vary by experience, license level, location, employer, overtime, and industry.
Does Texas require plumber licensing?
Yes. Texas 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 Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE).
How long does it take to become a plumber in Texas?
The time required depends on the license pathway and training program. A Texas Journeyman Plumber license generally requires 8,000 hours of supervised on-the-job training and passage of the required examination.
Are plumbers in demand in Texas?
Texas projects plumber employment to grow by approximately 13% from 2022 to 2032, with about 4,340 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
- Texas Wages for Plumber (SOC 47-2152) — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Texas Plumber Wages
- Texas Plumber Employment Trends — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Texas Plumber Employment Trends
- Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE) — Licensing authority. Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE)