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The plumbing trade in College, AK offers exciting opportunities for aspiring professionals in 2025, with strong job growth projected at 11% from 2020 to 2030 12, significantly outpacing the national average of 2-5% as detailed by the BLS 3. Plumbers in Alaska earn an annual mean wage of $84,160 32, compared to $61,550 nationally, with journeyman plumbers earning about $37.86 per hour plus additional overtime compensation 2. These figures reflect College, AK’s position in the Anchorage metropolitan area, where wages typically align with or exceed state averages due to regional demand and cost of living 3; for more on salary trends, see Workiz's plumber salary insights. The Alaska plumbing industry is projected to reach $273.7 million by 2025 1, underscoring a robust market as explored in Alaska's economic forecast. With a 5-year apprenticeship program combining 10,000 hours of on-the-job training and classroom instruction 2, aspiring plumbers in College, AK have a structured path to enter a high-demand, well-compensated profession. Let's explore how to start your career in this dynamic field, including resources from UA Local 367's apprenticeship program 4.
Before committing to this career path, it's essential to understand what being a plumber in Alaska entails. Alaska plumbers install, repair, and maintain plumbing systems across residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. This includes working on pipes, fixtures, water heaters, drainage systems, and more. Given Alaska’s unique environmental conditions and infrastructure needs, Alaskan plumbers may also specialize in cold-weather pipe insulation, oil and gas-related plumbing, and pipeline maintenance; for further details on plumbing roles, check out Learn.org's career summary.
Yes, to work as a plumbing professional in College, AK, you must go through a licensing process after completing the required apprenticeship. In Alaska, aspiring plumbers must pass a certification exam overseen by the Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development 45; more information is available on their site here. This license allows plumbers to work independently on plumbing systems, though many will continue to work under master plumbers or contractors, particularly during the early stages of their careers.
To become a licensed plumber in Alaska, you must complete a formal 5-year apprenticeship program totaling 10,000 hours of on-the-job training 2. These programs are recognized by the U.S. Department of Labor and combine practical experience with classroom instruction covering trade-specific subjects 45. Visit ABC Alaska's apprenticeship page for additional resources on program enrollment.
To help you visualize the training structure, here's a breakdown of the plumbing apprenticeship components in Alaska:
| Training Component | Description |
|---|---|
| Program Length | 5 years / 10,000 hours |
| On-the-job Experience | Apprentices work under experienced journeymen |
| Classroom Instruction | Covers trade-specific subjects, safety protocols, and advanced techniques |
| Certification | Must pass state exam after completion to become licensed |
To find an apprenticeship in College, AK:
The journey to becoming a licensed plumber in College, AK follows a clear, step-by-step process from education through apprenticeship to licensure.
Before applying for an apprenticeship in Alaska, ensure you meet the fundamental requirements:
While not mandatory, completing a pre-apprenticeship program like the one offered by the Alaska Vocational Technical Center (AVTEC) in Seward can improve your competitiveness when applying for apprenticeship openings 4. Some community colleges in Alaska may also offer related training.
Alaska offers multiple pathways to plumbing certification, but the most direct route is through the apprenticeship program administered by unions like UA Local 375 in Fairbanks 2. This program trains plumbers and pipefitters with a focus on Alaskan-specific plumbing needs. The program accepts new apprentices periodically; learn more at UA Local 375's site.
During the 5-year apprenticeship program (10,000 hours) 2, you'll receive both on-the-job training and classroom instruction in areas such as system maintenance, pipefitting, welding, HVAC, refrigeration, instrumentation controls, job health and safety, and rigging 2. Apprentices earn wages throughout this period, with scheduled increases as skills develop.
After completing your 10,000-hour apprenticeship, you must pass the plumbing certification exam administered by Alaska’s Department of Labor and Workforce Development 45. This license will allow you to work independently as a qualified plumber.
Once you've obtained your license, significant opportunities for career advancement exist in College, AK in 2025. With 150 annual job openings statewide 1, there's room for growth, particularly for those who pursue additional certifications or specialize in areas like commercial plumbing, cold-weather systems, or sustainable water efficiency solutions. Some plumbers go on to start their own businesses, work on major infrastructure projects like the Alaska LNG project, or train new apprentices.
To get started on this promising career path, I recommend taking these next steps:
With strong job growth projections of 11%, high wages, and significant opportunities for advancement, now is an excellent time to start a career in the plumbing trade in College, AK. Whether you're finishing high school or considering a career change, following these steps will set you on a path to success in this essential and well-compensated industry. Good luck on your journey and be sure to check out Gild for apprenticeship opportunities near you; additionally, explore BLS for ongoing updates on the trade.
https://thebestschools.org/careers/career-guide/plumber/ ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5 ↩6 ↩7 ↩8 ↩9 ↩10
https://www.indeed.com/q-plumbing-l-alaska-jobs.html ↩ ↩2 ↩3
https://www.servicetitan.com/licensing/plumbing/alaska ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5 ↩6
https://dreambound.com/blog/how-to-become-a-plumber-in-alaska ↩ ↩2 ↩3
UA Local 375 Plumbers and Pipefitters Apprenticeship Training - How to Apply ↩
