| Factor | Detail |
|---|---|
| Projected National Growth Rate | 6% from 2023-2033 1 |
| National Plumbing Position Openings | 16,300 over next decade 2 |
| Master Plumber Salary | $74,700 annually in Washington, VA 3 |
| Average Plumber Salary Virginia | $65,264 annually 4 |
| Hourly Wage Range | $25-$60/hour 1 |
| Experience Paths | 10-year experience, 5Y+240 hours, 4Y+240 hours 5 |
| Exam Fees | $100-$125 depending on license level 6 |
For more on Washington's job market, see CareerExplorer's Plumber Market.
Before diving into the steps toward becoming a plumber in Washington, VA, it's essential to understand what the profession entails. Plumbers install, repair, and maintain complex plumbing systems across residential, commercial, and industrial properties. Their work involves:
This skilled trade remains critical to modern infrastructure development and home construction in Virginia and nationwide.
Yes! Virginia requires proper licensing for plumbers working in Washington, VA or anywhere else in the state. While technically not a distinct city, Washington represents a growing regional market for skilled trade opportunities.
In Virginia, plumbing licenses are issued at the state level and include:
You must be at least 18 years old to apply for any plumbing license in Virginia 4, and all licenses require passing exams and paying application fees.
Gaining practical experience forms the core of becoming a plumber in Washington, VA. Several pathways exist for qualifying for a license:
| Education/Experience Path | Practical Experience | Vocational Training |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor’s + experience | 1 year | N/A |
| Associate’s + experience | 2 years | N/A |
| 4 Years Experience | 4 years | 240 hours |
| 5+ Years Experience | 5+ years | Reduced hours |
| 10 Years Experience | 10 years | Not required 5 |
To start your career, consider these steps:
Vocational training programs often cover plumbing codes, blueprint reading, pipe fitting, and safety compliance. Many community colleges and technical institutions across Virginia offer relevant coursework to prepare apprentices.
To begin a plumbing career:
Apprenticeships combine classroom instruction with hands-on training under licensed professionals. In Virginia, apprenticeships typically last 4-5 years depending on your chosen specialization. Many plumbers find apprenticeships through trade associations, union apprenticeships, or local plumbing companies.
You can use Gild to search for apprenticeships specifically in Virginia.
After completing your apprenticeship, you must pass the Virginia Journeyman Plumber Exam. The exam includes:
The examination costs $100, with an additional $130 application fee 6.
A Master Plumber license allows greater independence, including owning your own business. For detailed insurance requirements, see NextInsurance for Virginia Plumbers. Requirements include:
If you want to run your own plumbing business:
The plumbing profession offers strong financial rewards and stability. In Virginia, plumbers earn an average of $65,264 annually, with hourly wages averaging around $31 5. However, Master Plumbers in Washington, VA command $74,700 annually, highlighting the earnings potential with experience and specialization 3.
While Washington, VA has approximately 24 current job openings with hourly pay ranging from $25 to $36 1, Virginia overall features over 360 plumber positions advertised, with some roles offering up to $60 per hour with enhanced benefits 4. Explore current salaries at ZipRecruiter.
The national job growth projection stands at 6% from 2023 to 2033, significantly faster than the average for all occupations 1, indicating strong career longevity for qualified plumbers.
When comparing Washington, VA to Fairfax, VA:
This suggests diverse opportunities depending on your experience level. While Fairfax typically targets experienced commercial plumbers with higher pay scales, Washington, VA represents a more accessible entry point for aspiring plumbers in Virginia.
Several technology and sustainability trends are transforming the plumbing profession:
Staying ahead of these trends provides plumbers in Washington, VA with competitive advantages and specialization opportunities. Learn more at CareerExplorer's Plumber Market.
While strong opportunities exist, plumbers in Virginia face several challenges:
To address these issues:
Starting a career as a plumber in Washington, VA offers a stable, well-paying path in Virginia's construction industry. Whether you're just finishing high school or considering a career change, following a clear pathway toward licensing provides opportunities for growth and professional independence.
As the plumbing profession expands with emerging technologies and sustainability focus, skilled plumbers will remain in high demand across Virginia and the Washington region.
To begin your journey, search for plumbing apprenticeship opportunities on Gild today.
https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/Plumber-Salary--in-Virginia ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5
https://www.careerexplorer.com/careers/plumber/job-market/ ↩
https://www.talent.com/salary?job=plumber&location=virginia ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5
https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/What-Is-the-Average-Plumber-Salary-by-State ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5
