Plumber Career Guide in Virginia
Explore plumber salary, licensing requirements, training pathways, apprenticeships, job outlook, and career opportunities in Virginia.
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How to Become a Plumber in Virginia
Plumbers in Virginia install and service water distribution, drainage, waste, venting, fixtures, and related piping systems. The statewide median wage is approximately $59,560 per year, which is about $3,410 lower than the national median for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters.
Many Virginia plumbers complete a registered apprenticeship combining paid supervised work with classroom instruction. Alternative combinations of documented practical experience and trade education may qualify an applicant for the Journeyman Plumbing examination.
Training combines paid on-the-job experience with related classroom instruction covering plumbing theory, the Virginia Plumbing Code, water distribution, sanitary drainage, venting, fuel-gas systems, pipe installation, blueprint reading, medical gas systems, backflow prevention, welding, and workplace safety.
Virginia registered apprenticeships are employer-driven. Candidates generally must be hired by an approved employer sponsor before being officially registered as apprentices.
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 Virginia
The salary figure shown on this page represents the Virginia 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 Virginia is approximately $3,410 lower. This comparison does not account for differences in cost of living.
Licensing Authority for Plumbers in Virginia
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 Virginia
Complete a registered plumbing apprenticeship or satisfy one of the Board for Contractors’ approved combinations of practical experience and formal trade education. Submit the required documentation and pass the applicable Virginia plumbing examination.
A Master Plumbing applicant must document the experience required by the Board and pass the master-level examination. Journeyman and Master plumbing licensees must also satisfy applicable continuing education requirements before renewal.
Plumbing Theory & Virginia Plumbing Code
Apprentices study plumbing principles, Virginia Plumbing Code requirements, fixture installation, water distribution, sanitary drainage, venting, storm drainage, and code-compliant plumbing practices.
Water Supply & Drainage Systems
Training covers potable-water piping, sanitary drainage, vent systems, water heaters, pumps, pressure regulation, sewage systems, and plumbing-system troubleshooting.
Pipe Installation & Blueprint Reading
Students learn blueprint interpretation, plumbing layout, pipe sizing, copper soldering and brazing, threaded piping, cast-iron installation, plastic piping, supports, hangers, and fixture connections.
Commercial, Industrial & Medical Gas Systems
Advanced training may include commercial plumbing, hydronic piping, process piping, medical gas installation, backflow prevention, mechanical equipment, and plumbing systems used in hospitals and industrial facilities.
Plumbing Safety & OSHA Practices
Programs emphasize personal protective equipment, trench safety, confined-space procedures, fall protection, lockout/tagout, material handling, First Aid, CPR, and safe use of plumbing tools and equipment.
Plumber Training Providers in Virginia
| Provider | City | Program Website |
|---|---|---|
| Tidewater Community College | Norfolk | View Program |
| Virginia Western Community College | Roanoke | View Program |
| Laurel Ridge Community College | Middletown | View Program |
| Germanna Community College | Fredericksburg | View Program |
| New River Community College | Dublin | 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 Virginia
Richmond Plumbing Apprenticeship
Organization: UA Plumbers and Steamfitters Local 10
Northern Virginia Plumbing Apprenticeship
Organization: Plumbers and Gasfitters Local 5
Plumbing Apprenticeship Program
Organization: Associated Builders and Contractors Virginia
Plumber Licensing Requirements in Virginia
Virginia requires individuals performing plumbing work independently to hold the appropriate tradesman license issued through the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR). The Board for Contractors regulates plumbers at the Journeyman and Master levels.
Most candidates begin through supervised employment or a registered plumbing apprenticeship. After completing the required training and experience, applicants must obtain Board approval and pass the applicable Journeyman Plumber examination. Experienced journey-level plumbers may later qualify for the Master Plumber examination.
Virginia licenses plumbing tradesmen at the Journeyman and Master levels through the Board for Contractors. Applicants must qualify through an accepted apprenticeship, experience and education pathway, reciprocity, or another approved licensing method. Contractor licensing may also apply when offering or contracting for plumbing work.
Businesses offering plumbing contracting services must also obtain the appropriate Virginia contractor license and plumbing specialty classification.
EMPLOYMENT PROJECTIONSPlumber Job Outlook in Virginia
Virginia provides steady demand for plumbers because of population growth, commercial construction, federal facilities, military installations, shipbuilding, data centers, healthcare expansion, residential development, and aging water infrastructure.
Northern Virginia supports plumbers working on data centers, government buildings, apartment developments, hospitals, and large commercial projects. Richmond offers opportunities in commercial construction, healthcare, manufacturing, and institutional facilities.
Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Newport News, and the wider Hampton Roads region create additional demand through shipyards, naval installations, hotels, healthcare facilities, port infrastructure, and residential construction.
Virginia projects employment for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters to grow by approximately 3% from 2022 to 2032, with about 1,210 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 Virginia?
The statewide median wage for plumbers in Virginia is approximately $59,560 per year, or $28.64 per hour, based on May 2024 occupational wage data. Actual earnings vary by experience, license level, location, employer, overtime, and industry.
Does Virginia require plumber licensing?
Yes. Virginia 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 Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation, Board for Contractors.
How long does it take to become a plumber in Virginia?
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 Virginia?
Virginia projects plumber employment to grow by approximately 3% from 2022 to 2032, with about 1,210 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
- Virginia Wages for Plumber (SOC 47-2152) — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Virginia Plumber Wages
- Virginia Plumber Employment Trends — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Virginia Plumber Employment Trends
- Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation, Board for Contractors — Licensing authority. Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation, Board for Contractors