The plumbing trade in Fairhope, AL, is booming as of 2025, offering abundant opportunities for skilled professionals. With 27-28 plumbing-related positions currently available on job boards like Indeed 1, and up to 121 job openings reported on ZipRecruiter offering hourly wages between $22 to $36 2, it's an ideal time to enter the field. Plumbers in Fairhope earn a local average of $60,000 per year, slightly above the Alabama state average of $27.55 per hour, though below the national median wage 3. The plumbing industry in Alabama is projected to reach a value of $2.1 billion by 2025, reflecting steady growth driven by both residential and commercial demand 4. This article guides you through the plumbing apprentice requirements and the steps to launch your plumbing career in Fairhope plumbing companies and beyond. For additional insights on plumbing trends, check out Plumbing Trends for 2025.
Plumbers are skilled tradespeople who design, install, repair, and maintain plumbing systems in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. Plumbers work with water supply, drainage, waste removal, gas lines, and heating systems.
The role includes tasks like:
Plumbing is both a mentally and physically demanding job, requiring problem-solving skills and physical stamina to work on ladders, in tight spaces, and on your feet for extended periods.
Yes, to work legally as a plumber in Alabama, including Fairhope, you must obtain a plumbing license through the Alabama Plumbing and Gas Fitters Examining Board. There are three main levels — apprentice, journeyman, and master plumber — each requiring different experience levels and examinations.
The licensing structure ensures the safety and quality of plumbing systems, especially in a growing area like Fairhope, where Fairhope plumbing companies rely on licensed professionals to serve both new construction and service work.
To begin your journey as a plumber in Fairhope, you must first register as an apprentice with the Alabama Plumbing and Gas Fitters Examining Board 3. Here are the primary requirements:
You can become a licensed plumber in two ways:
To help you launch your career, here are a few Fairhope plumbing apprenticeship providers:
| Training Provider | Description |
|---|---|
| Gild | Gild aggregates thousands of plumbing apprenticeships across Alabama including in Fairhope |
| Local Plumbers | Some local plumbing companies like Affordable Plumbing Sewer & Drain offer apprenticeships |
To find plumbing apprenticeship opportunities in Fairhope, Alabama visit Gild's dedicated platform: Fairhope plumbing jobs on Gild.
Before you can start your plumbing career in Alabama, you must:
While not mandatory, completing a plumbing education program can significantly benefit your career. These programs teach:
Technical colleges like those partnered with the Plumbers Training Institute offer comprehensive programs for aspiring plumbers 4. For detailed information, visit the How to Become a Plumber in Alabama page.
Your apprenticeship requires 2 years of on-the-job training under a licensed journeyman or master plumber.
To find an apprenticeship:
During your apprenticeship, you'll work 2,000+ hours on installations, repairs, and maintenance while also completing classroom instruction covering essential technical knowledge.
After completing your apprenticeship program or 2 years of practical experience, you can apply to take the journeyman plumber licensing exam.
To qualify:
Upon passing, apply for the journeyman plumber license with a $50 certificate fee.
A journeyman license allows you to:
A Master Plumber license gives you advanced credentials:
To qualify:
With a master plumber license, you can bid on commercial plumbing contracts, work on specialized systems, and provide expert consultation.
While the plumbing trade in Fairhope offers strong opportunities, certain challenges exist:
Finding a Qualified Supervisor: Apprentices must work under a licensed journeyman or master plumber for 2 years, but not all companies offer robust training. Solution: Use platforms like Gild to find apprenticeships with established Fairhope plumbing companies 5.
Managing Licensing Costs and Requirements: There are registration and exam fees ($25–$160 depending on the license level), and documentation must be accurate. Solution: Seek mentorship or use prep courses from the Plumbers Training Institute to prepare for licensing exams 4.
Learning Technical Skills: Apprentices must learn proper installation, diagnostics, and plumbing codes, which can feel overwhelming. Solution: Pursue classroom instruction to reinforce hands-on training 6.
Passing Certification Exams: The journeyman and master exams are challenging and require preparation. Solution: Take prep courses and use study resources to improve success rates 46.
Many Fairhope plumbing companies provide guidance and mentorship, helping apprentices build skills and confidence from day one 5.
Plumbers in Fairhope earn an average of $60,000 per year — slightly above the Alabama average wage of $27.55 per hour, and approaching the national median wage of $33.65 per hour 3:
| Skill Level | Hourly Wage | Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Fairhope Plumbers | $28.85 | $60,007.50 |
| Alabama Average | $27.55 | $57,304.00 |
| National Median | $33.65 | $70,000.00 |
Earnings vary by experience, but plumbers in Fairhope have strong earning potential. Entry-level plumbers start near $49,563 annually, while experienced professionals may reach $80,000 annually, especially those with specialized skills 3.
Fairhope’s plumbing job growth is projected to remain steady through 2025 due to continuous residential and commercial development, aging infrastructure requiring upgrades, and ongoing maintenance needs 5.
The plumbing trade is evolving, and Fairhope plumbers who embrace new technologies and skills will have the best career prospects:
By mastering these advancements, plumbers in Fairhope can command higher wages and enjoy diverse career opportunities, including specializing in green plumbing or managing high-tech residential systems.
Starting a plumbing career is an exciting opportunity to join a vital and stable profession with strong earning potential. Whether you're just graduating high school or considering a mid-career change, the steps outlined above set a clear path to becoming a plumber in Fairhope.
To take action today:
The plumbing industry in Fairhope is growing steadily through 2025, creating opportunities for skilled professionals who are ready to meet demand.
Ready to start your journey? Find an apprenticeship opportunity near you today: Fairhope plumbing apprenticeship on Gild.
https://www.indeed.com/q-plumbing-l-fairhope,-al-jobs.html ↩
https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Jobs/Plumbers/-in-Fairhope,AL ↩
https://www.servicetitan.com/licensing/plumbing/alabama ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5
https://www.smarthomeamerica.org/assets/catalog/Fairhope-Building-Codes-2019.pdf ↩ ↩2 ↩3
https://pgfb.alabama.gov/applicants/how-do-i-become-licensed/ ↩ ↩2 ↩3
