Plumber Career Guide in Utah
Explore plumber salary, licensing requirements, training pathways, apprenticeships, job outlook, and career opportunities in Utah.
Career Guide Navigation
How to Become a Plumber in Utah
Plumbers in Utah install, repair, and maintain water distribution, drainage, waste, venting, fixtures, and related plumbing systems. The statewide median wage is approximately $61,680 per year, which is about $1,290 lower than the national median for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters.
Most plumbers in Utah complete a four-year registered apprenticeship sponsored by United Association (UA) local unions, Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC), PHCC chapters, Utah Apprenticeship programs, technical colleges, or licensed plumbing contractors.
The standard Utah Journeyman Plumber pathway combines four years of licensed apprentice experience, at least 8,000 hours of practical training, and an approved apprenticeship program containing at least 576 classroom hours.
Training combines approximately 8,000 hours of paid on-the-job experience with classroom instruction covering the Utah Plumbing Code, International Plumbing Code (IPC), potable-water systems, sanitary drainage, venting, gas piping, blueprint reading, hydronic systems, medical gas piping, backflow prevention, water conservation technologies, 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 Utah
The salary figure shown on this page represents the Utah 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 Utah is approximately $1,290 lower. This comparison does not account for differences in cost of living.
Licensing Authority for Plumbers in Utah
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 Utah
Obtain an Apprentice Plumber license and complete an approved plumbing apprenticeship. Journeyman Plumber applicants following the standard pathway generally must document at least 8,000 hours of training over four years and completion of at least 576 classroom hours.
An alternative pathway may require 16,000 hours of apprentice experience outside an approved training program. Applicants must pass the required Utah theory and practical examinations. Residential license pathways have separate experience and classroom requirements.
Utah Plumbing Code & International Plumbing Code
Students study Utah plumbing regulations, the International Plumbing Code, water distribution systems, sanitary drainage, venting, fixture installation, inspections, and code-compliant plumbing practices.
Water Supply & Drainage Systems
Training covers potable-water piping, sanitary drainage, vent systems, storm drainage, water heaters, pumps, pressure regulation, sewage systems, water conservation systems, and plumbing troubleshooting.
Commercial & Residential Plumbing
Programs emphasize commercial plumbing installations, residential systems, hydronic piping, gas piping, medical gas systems, mechanical rooms, and backflow prevention.
Pipe Installation & Blueprint Reading
Apprentices learn plumbing layout, blueprint interpretation, copper soldering, brazing, threaded piping, cast iron installation, plastic piping systems, valves, supports, and plumbing fixture installation.
Safety & OSHA Practices
Training covers trench safety, confined-space awareness, fall protection, lockout/tagout procedures, personal protective equipment, heat stress prevention, and safe plumbing installation practices.
Plumber Training Providers in Utah
| Provider | City | Program Website |
|---|---|---|
| Salt Lake Community College | Salt Lake City | View Program |
| Utah Valley University | Orem | View Program |
| Davis Technical College | Kaysville | 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 Utah
Plumber Licensing Requirements in Utah
Utah regulates plumbing professionals through the Utah Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL), a division of the Utah Department of Commerce. Individuals performing regulated plumbing work must hold the appropriate state-issued license or be registered as plumbing apprentices under qualified supervision.
Utah licenses Apprentice, Journeyman, Residential Journeyman, Master, and Residential Master Plumbers through the Division of Professional Licensing. The license category determines the permitted scope of work and applicable experience requirements.
Utah issues Apprentice Plumber Registration, Journeyman Plumber License, Residential Journeyman Plumber License, Master Plumber License, Residential Master Plumber License, and Plumbing Contractor licenses. Most candidates begin as apprentices, complete approved education and supervised work experience, and pass the state licensing examination before becoming licensed Journeyman Plumbers.
EMPLOYMENT PROJECTIONSPlumber Job Outlook in Utah
Utah continues to experience strong demand for plumbers because of rapid population growth, residential construction, technology expansion, healthcare development, commercial construction, manufacturing, data centers, utilities, and public infrastructure investment.
The Salt Lake City metropolitan area remains Utah's largest plumbing employment market. Provo, Ogden, West Jordan, St. George, and Lehi also generate strong demand for licensed plumbers working in residential developments, hospitals, universities, technology campuses, manufacturing facilities, and commercial construction.
Continued expansion of the Wasatch Front and major infrastructure projects is expected to support long-term employment opportunities for plumbers throughout Utah.
Utah projects employment for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters to grow by approximately 36% from 2022 to 2032, with about 820 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 Utah?
The statewide median wage for plumbers in Utah is approximately $61,680 per year, or $29.65 per hour, based on May 2024 occupational wage data. Actual earnings vary by experience, license level, location, employer, overtime, and industry.
Does Utah require plumber licensing?
Yes. Utah 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 Utah Division of Professional Licensing.
How long does it take to become a plumber in Utah?
The time required depends on the license pathway and training program. A Utah 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 Utah?
Utah projects plumber employment to grow by approximately 36% from 2022 to 2032, with about 820 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
- Utah Wages for Plumber (SOC 47-2152) — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Utah Plumber Wages
- Utah Plumber Employment Trends — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Utah Plumber Employment Trends
- Utah Division of Professional Licensing — Licensing authority. Utah Division of Professional Licensing