Plumbing Careers in Texas: Training, Demand, and How to Get Started

Overview

Plumbing is one of the most essential trades in Texas—literally keeping homes, businesses, and entire cities running. Plumbers install and repair water, gas, and drainage systems, and are often called on in emergencies, remodels, and new builds. This trade is in constant demand across the state, offering great job stability, the ability to work independently, and a clear path to high pay and business ownership.

Job Outlook & Pay in Texas

• Starting Pay: $18–$24/hour for apprentices
• Licensed Journeyman Pay: $50,000–$70,000/year
• Master Plumbers/Contractors: $80,000+ with business ownership
• Growth Outlook: Strong. Texas cities are expanding fast, and plumbers are needed in both residential and commercial sectors. Storm recovery and aging infrastructure also increase demand.

Education & Licensing

Plumbing is a licensed trade in Texas, regulated by the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE). Whether you’re working on residential systems or commercial infrastructure, proper training and licensure are required.

Here’s the typical path to becoming a plumber:

• Enroll in a TSBPE-Registered Training Program or Apprenticeship: Start by learning the basics of pipe systems, water supply, drainage, and safety in a formal school or through a paid apprenticeship with a licensed plumber.
• Gain Work Experience: Accumulate at least 4,000 hours (about 2 years) of supervised, hands-on experience to qualify for licensure.
• Pass the Journeyman Plumber Exam: Once you meet the hour requirement, you’ll need to pass the licensing exam to become a Journeyman Plumber in Texas.
• Advance Your License: With additional experience, you can apply to become a Master Plumber or start your own plumbing business as a licensed contractor.

Where to Study in Texas

• Texas State Technical College (TSTC)
  Location: Waco
  Program: Plumbing & Pipefitting Technology
  tstc.edu
• San Jacinto College
  Location: Houston Metro
  Program: Plumbing Technology (Continuing Education)
  sanjac.edu
• Austin Community College
  Program: Plumbing Technology (offered through CE or apprenticeship partners)
  austincc.edu
• UA Local 68 Plumbers & Pipefitters (Houston)
  Program: Registered Apprenticeship
  ualocal68.com
• PHCC Texas Apprentice Program
  Program: Online & hybrid training for plumbing contractors and apprentices
  phcc-tx.org

What to Expect in Training

Training is heavily hands-on, even if you’re in a classroom. Expect to learn:

• Pipe systems and installation
• Residential vs. commercial plumbing codes
• Water heaters, gas lines, and backflow prevention
• Blueprint reading
• Soldering, threading, and other tool use
• Safety, math, and system diagnostics

Apprenticeships combine on-the-job experience with classroom instruction—so you’re earning while learning.

After Graduation

Once you’re licensed, you can:

• Work for plumbing companies, builders, or municipalities
• Start your own plumbing business (with additional licensing)
• Specialize in green plumbing, water systems, or gas lines
• Transition into construction project management or inspection

The path from apprentice to journeyman to master plumber is clear—and comes with increasing responsibility and earning power.

Final Thoughts

Plumbing is a trade that pays off—literally. It doesn’t just offer job security and solid pay; it gives you the power to work with your hands, solve problems, and eventually run your own business. If you want a career that gets you working fast and offers long-term growth, plumbing is a smart choice in Texas.