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Plumbing careers in El Paso, TX offer promising opportunities with 24 plumbing jobs and 19 specific plumber positions currently available on Indeed, plus 44 plumber job openings on ZipRecruiter with hourly wages ranging from $21 to $26 123. With an average annual salary of $56,449 in the area 4, and senior plumbers earning around $60,711 with more than 8 years of experience 5, the plumbing trade presents a viable career path. To get started, visit the Texas Board of State Plumbing Examiners for official guidance on licensing requirements, training programs, and job market dynamics specific to El Paso.
Before diving into the steps to becoming a plumber, it's essential to understand what the profession entails. Plumbers are skilled professionals who install, repair, and maintain plumbing systems in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. This includes working on pipes, fixtures, water heaters, drainage systems, and specialized equipment. In El Paso, plumbers must be prepared to address unique challenges related to the region's dry climate with just 9 inches of annual rainfall, requiring expertise in efficient water management solutions; for more on local water rules, see EPWater 6.
Yes! To work as a plumber in El Paso, you must meet specific licensing requirements set by the Texas Board of State Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE). The key requirements include:
To begin your plumbing career in El Paso, you'll need to complete an apprenticeship program that combines classroom instruction with on-the-job training. Several options are available:
| Apprenticeship Program | Duration | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| EPAC Apprenticeship | Varies | Combines classroom and on-the-job training |
| U.A. Local Union No. 412 | 5 years | 10,000+ hours on-the-job training, 1,200 classroom hours |
| PHCC Texas Academy | 4 years | Online program, flexible learning |
To find an apprenticeship:
To become a plumber in El Paso, you must meet specific basic requirements:
While not always mandatory, completing a plumbing education program can give you a solid foundation in the trade. These programs are offered by trade schools, community colleges, and technical institutes in El Paso and usually cover topics like:
An apprenticeship is a crucial step in becoming a plumber. In El Paso, you'll need to complete a plumbing apprenticeship to gain the hands-on experience required for licensing. Apprenticeships typically last 4-5 years and involve both on-the-job training and classroom instruction.
To find an apprenticeship:
During your apprenticeship, you'll work under the supervision of a licensed plumber and learn the practical skills needed for the job, such as installing pipes, troubleshooting plumbing systems, and adhering to local codes.
After completing your apprenticeship, you can apply for a Journeyman Plumber license, which is required to work independently as a plumber in El Paso.
To obtain a Journeyman Plumber license, you must:
A Master Plumber license allows you to own and operate your plumbing business, supervise other plumbers, and take on larger projects. To become a Master Plumber in El Paso, you must:
Plumbers in El Paso, TX generally earn less than the national average but can experience similar career growth opportunities. Here's a breakdown of salary progression by experience level:
| Experience Level | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry-level | $31,000 - $45,000 |
| Journeyman | $56,449 average 4 |
| Senior (8+ years) | $60,711 5 |
While salaries in El Paso are generally lower than in some other parts of Texas or the U.S., plumbers in El Paso can still experience standard career growth and opportunities for advancement. Journeyman plumbers earn an average of $30.32 per hour 8, which is slightly lower than the higher end of the national average for journeyman plumbers; for more salary data, visit Salary.com.
The plumbing industry in El Paso is influenced by several key trends and innovations:
Plumbers in El Paso face several notable challenges:
Regulatory and Code Compliance: El Paso adheres to the 2021 edition of the International Plumbing Code, which is strictly enforced. Plumbers must comply with requirements such as using freeze-proof hose bibs, installing service entrances within heated enclosures, and maintaining detailed records of inspections and maintenance 48; compliance guidelines are on EPWater.
Competition: Plumbers in El Paso operate in a competitive environment due to a growing population and development. The presence of stringent licensing and inspection requirements means that only certified professionals can legally perform plumbing work, which limits competition from unlicensed contractors but also raises the bar for entry into the market.
Technological Changes: Plumbers must continuously update their skills to keep up with new materials and technologies like PEX piping, which requires adapting traditional installation techniques while ensuring compliance with local standards 4; stay informed via Farnsworth Group.
As of May 2025, there are various plumbing job openings available in El Paso, indicating some level of stability or recovery in the sector. Jobs include plumbers, journeymen, and plumbing technicians, with salaries ranging from $21 to $39 per hour 456; check current listings on Indeed and ZipRecruiter. The presence of multiple job openings suggests that while the pandemic might have caused short-term disruptions, the plumbing industry is now actively hiring.
Long-term impacts will depend on factors such as the availability of skilled workers and the overall economic recovery. The pandemic has exacerbated existing challenges in filling skilled positions, which could lead to a shortage of skilled workers in the long term if not adequately addressed 7; for job trends, explore Gild.
To increase your chances of getting hired as a plumber in El Paso in 2025:
Starting a career as a plumber in El Paso, TX is an exciting opportunity to enter a field that is essential and well-paid. Whether you're just finishing high school or considering a career change, following these steps will set you on the path to success in this critical industry. As you gain experience and build your credentials, the opportunities in plumbing will only continue to grow. Good luck on your journey and be sure to check out Gild for apprenticeship opportunities near you!
https://tsbpe.texas.gov/license-types/master-plumber/ ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5 ↩6 ↩7 ↩8 ↩9 ↩10 ↩11
https://www.servicetitan.com/licensing/plumbing/texas ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5 ↩6
https://texasplumbertraining.com/tsbpe-requirements-to-become-licensed-or-registered/ ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5 ↩6 ↩7 ↩8
https://www.elpasotexas.gov/assets/Documents/CoEP/Planning-and-Inspections/Applications/License-Applications/Contractor-Registration-Requirements.pdf ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5
