At Gild, we understand that starting a plumbing career in Scottsboro, AL offers a promising pathway with 37 active plumbing jobs currently available and a steady local demand that's expected to grow alongside Alabama's $2.1 billion plumbing industry by 2025 1. As an aspiring plumber, you’ll begin by registering as an apprentice—requiring just a $25 application fee before advancing toward your Journeyman Plumber license after two years of training and hands-on experience. For more detailed licensing info, check the Alabama Plumbers Board. For Scottsboro residents, entry-level positions start at $25.00 to $28.00 per hour, with many employers offering benefits including health coverage and retirement plans 2. And while average apprentice pay in Scottsboro is listed at $700 per week, more specialized or contract roles may offer rates as high as $90 to $160 per hour 1. If you're ready to begin, the steps to becoming a licensed plumber in Scottsboro are both accessible and structured to position you for long-term success. Let’s dive into how you can launch this in-demand career, and for national trends, see the BLS report.
Before diving into the licensing process, it's essential to understand what being a plumber involves. Plumbers in Scottsboro install, repair, and maintain residential, commercial, and industrial plumbing systems, ensuring everything from water delivery to sewage systems functions reliably and safely. The work includes diagnosing plumbing issues, performing repairs, installing fixtures and piping, and regularly reading blueprints to plan systems. Plumbers also ensure compliance with local If you are a newcomer to the area, it’s also important to know the growing environment of Scottsboro is ideal for expanding into a skilled trade. The city now has a 3.2% employment growth from 2022 to 2023, showing that opportunities are increasing for skilled trades like plumbing 3. For industry trends, explore additional reports.
Licensing for plumbing in Alabama is overseen by the Alabama Plumbers and Gas Fitters Examining Board. To work as a plumber in Scottsboro, AL, you must meet state-certified requirements as follows:
Apprentice Plumber: Requires completing the registration form through the Alabama Plumbers and Gas Fitters Examining Board and a $25 application fee, followed by $10 annually thereafter. Work under a licensed journeyman or master plumber. More info is available on their site here.
Journeyman Plumber: Must complete a minimum of 2 years of apprenticeship under a licensed plumber and pass the journeyman exam.
Master Plumber: Must already hold a journeyman plumber license and have at least 1 year of full-time experience before passing the master plumber exam 4.
Earning a license marks an essential step in establishing your professional credentials, increasing your earning potential, and showing your commitment to the trade. For salary specifics, refer to ZipRecruiter.
To enter the plumbing trade, most individuals start by registering as an apprentice plumber before gaining critical on-the-job experience. Apprentices are required to work under the supervision of a licensed journeyman or master plumber while completing the 2-year process to qualify for the journeyman exam 4.
To find an apprenticeship:
While the timeline to becoming a fully licensed plumber varies depending on the level you’re pursuing, here are the basic steps:
To start as an apprentice:
After fulfilling basic eligibility, you must register with Alabama’s license board by submitting a completed application and paying the initial $25 fee. You’ll then begin a 2-year apprenticeship working under a licensed plumber 4. Visit licensing details for more.
Once the apprenticeship is complete, apply to take the Alabama Journeyman Plumber exam. This license will allow you to work independently on plumbing systems in Scottsboro 4.
Beginning as a journeyman plumber enables experienced professionals to qualify for advanced roles. After holding a valid journeyman license and completing at least one year of full-time service, applicants can sit for the Master Plumber exam 4. This license unlocks further opportunities, such as managing teams and running a plumbing business. For the latest industry outlook, see this report.
Plumbers at the entry level in Scottsboro typically earn between $25.00 to $27.55 per hour, with an annual salary of $48,750 to $52,000, depending on experience and the employer 2. Keep in mind, higher pay rates like $90 to $160 per hour might reflect temporary or contract work.
Apprentice plumbers in Scottsboro average $700 per week, which is considered standard in this stage of credentials building 5.
Here’s a quick summary of entry-level plumber salaries in Scottsboro:
| Job Type | Typical Hourly Rate | Typical Annual Salary | Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | $25.00–$27.55 | $48,750–$52,000 | Health, PTO, retirement plans263 |
| Contract/Temp | $90–$160 | Variable | Flexible hours; benefits excluded5 |
A strong trend indicates continued demand for skilled plumbers in Scottsboro as part of Alabama’s evolving economy. For instance:
Overall, plumbing jobs in Scottsboro maintain strong relevance due to local industry growth, steady demand for repair and maintenance, and proactive sustainability trends 1.
Like many trades across the U.S., the plumbing profession in Scottsboro is undergoing changes driven by labor shortages, evolving technology, and sustainability demands. For example:
These challenges are not just hindrances—they open new avenues for growth, especially for plumbers with specialized training and sustainability skills. Staying informed and proactive about continuing education and keeping up with plumbing innovations is key to expanding your career.
Starting a career as a plumbing apprentice in Scottsboro is not only a reliable path but also an exciting opportunity to grow with a trade in steady demand. Whether you’re graduating high school or looking to shift careers, pursuing plumbing offers a hands-on and stable future. The local job market is broadening, state requirements are structured for accessibility, and licensing paves the way to rewarding long-term growth. With the help of Gild, opening doors to hands-on training, apprenticeships, and full-time employment has never been easier. Don’t wait—browse all the active plumbing opportunities across Scottsboro and begin your career today! For the latest on statewide developments, check this link.
https://www.ache.edu/wp-content/Instruction/2025_Statewide_InDemand_Occ.pdf ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5
https://www.ibisworld.com/united-states/industry/alabama/plumbers/15546/ ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5
https://www.consumeraffairs.com/homeowners/plumbing-industry-statistics.html ↩ ↩2
How to Become a Plumber in Alabama - Plumbers Training Institute ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5 ↩6
https://www.indeed.com/q-plumbing-l-scottsboro,-al-jobs.html ↩ ↩2
