Plumber Career Guide in Washington
Explore plumber salary, licensing requirements, training pathways, apprenticeships, job outlook, and career opportunities in Washington.
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How to Become a Plumber in Washington
Plumbers in Washington install and maintain water supply, drainage, waste, venting, fixtures, medical gas, and other regulated plumbing systems. The statewide median wage is approximately $79,070 per year, which is about $16,100 higher than the national median for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters.
Most plumbers in Washington complete a four- or five-year registered apprenticeship sponsored by United Association local unions, mechanical contractors, PHCC-affiliated employers, or other approved apprenticeship committees.
The Journey Level Plumber pathway requires at least 8,000 hours of supervised experience as a plumber trainee. At least 4,000 of those hours must be completed on commercial or industrial plumbing installations.
Training combines paid workplace experience with classroom instruction covering the Uniform Plumbing Code, Washington plumbing regulations, potable-water systems, sanitary drainage, venting, pipe installation, blueprint reading, medical gas systems, backflow prevention, hydronic piping, and workplace safety.
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 Washington
The salary figure shown on this page represents the Washington 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 Washington is approximately $16,100 higher. This comparison does not account for differences in cost of living.
Licensing Authority for Plumbers in Washington
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 Washington
Obtain a Washington plumber trainee certificate and perform qualifying work under the required supervision. Submit affidavits documenting supervised experience and complete the applicable education requirements.
Journey Level Plumber (PL01) applicants generally need at least 8,000 hours over four years, including at least 4,000 commercial or industrial hours, before taking the examination. Residential Plumber (PL02) applicants generally need at least 6,000 hours over three years in the specialty.
Uniform Plumbing Code & Washington Regulations
Apprentices study the Uniform Plumbing Code, Washington plumbing laws, permit requirements, inspections, fixture installation, drainage, venting, water distribution, 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, and plumbing-system troubleshooting.
Commercial & Industrial Plumbing
Students learn commercial plumbing installations, mechanical-room piping, hydronic systems, process piping, large water-distribution systems, industrial drainage, and plumbing for data centers and manufacturing facilities.
Pipe Installation & Blueprint Reading
Apprentices learn blueprint interpretation, pipe layout, copper soldering and brazing, threaded piping, cast-iron installation, plastic piping, hangers, supports, valves, and fixture connections.
Medical Gas, Backflow & Safety
Advanced training may include medical gas piping, backflow prevention, cross-connection control, confined-space procedures, trench safety, lockout/tagout, fall protection, personal protective equipment, and OSHA requirements.
Plumber Training Providers in Washington
| Provider | City | Program Website |
|---|---|---|
| Bates Technical College | Tacoma | View Program |
| Renton Technical College | Renton | View Program |
| Clover Park Technical College | Lakewood | View Program |
| Spokane Community College | Spokane | View Program |
| Bellingham Technical College | Bellingham | 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 Washington
Northwest Washington Pipe Trades Apprenticeship
Organization: UA Local 26 and Industry Partners
Southwest Washington Pipe Trades Apprenticeship
Organization: UA Local 290 Training Partners
Washington Registered Apprenticeship
Organization: Washington Department of Labor & Industries
Plumber Licensing Requirements in Washington
Washington requires individuals performing regulated plumbing work to hold the appropriate plumber certification or trainee certificate. Businesses that advertise, bid, or contract to perform plumbing work must also hold the required plumbing contractor license.
The principal credential is the Journey Level Plumber certification (PL01), which authorizes work in all phases of plumbing construction. Washington also issues Residential Plumber, Residential Service Plumber, Pump and Irrigation Plumber, Domestic Well Plumber, Backflow Specialty Plumber, and Medical Gas Piping Installer certifications.
Plumbing businesses must hold a separate Washington Plumbing Contractor License and designate an appropriately certified plumber for the company.
EMPLOYMENT PROJECTIONSPlumber Job Outlook in Washington
Washington offers strong career opportunities for plumbers because of high construction wages, commercial development, technology facilities, data centers, healthcare expansion, public infrastructure, residential growth, shipbuilding, aerospace manufacturing, and utility modernization.
Seattle, Bellevue, Tacoma, and surrounding Puget Sound communities provide the largest employment market. Major commercial buildings, hospitals, apartment developments, technology campuses, laboratories, and public construction projects require licensed plumbers and pipe trades workers.
Vancouver benefits from construction activity in the Portland metropolitan area, while Spokane, Kennewick, Richland, Everett, and Bremerton provide opportunities in healthcare, manufacturing, utilities, shipyards, government facilities, and residential development.
Washington projects employment for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters to grow by approximately 10% from 2022 to 2032, with about 1,320 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 Washington?
The statewide median wage for plumbers in Washington is approximately $79,070 per year, or $38.02 per hour, based on May 2024 occupational wage data. Actual earnings vary by experience, license level, location, employer, overtime, and industry.
Does Washington require plumber licensing?
Yes. Washington 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 Washington State Department of Labor & Industries, Plumber Certification Program.
How long does it take to become a plumber in Washington?
The time required depends on the license pathway and training program. A typical Washington plumber pathway generally requires approximately 8,000 hours of supervised on-the-job training and completion of any required examination.
Are plumbers in demand in Washington?
Washington projects plumber employment to grow by approximately 10% from 2022 to 2032, with about 1,320 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
- Washington Wages for Plumber (SOC 47-2152) — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Washington Plumber Wages
- Washington Plumber Employment Trends — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Washington Plumber Employment Trends
- Washington State Department of Labor & Industries, Plumber Certification Program — Licensing authority. Washington State Department of Labor & Industries, Plumber Certification Program