How to Become a Plumber in Alabama

Have you ever had a pipe burst and the only thing you could do was to call a professional?

It’s the hardworking hands’ of the plumbers that make sure no pipes are leaking, water flows easily and so much more.

If you are from/living in Alabama and think that you’d excel in a career that involves practical skills, problem-solving, and helping people, plumbing might be the right career for you.

Here, we’ll share with you the basics you need to know about plumbing in Alabama such as the education needed and potential earnings to help you on your quest to find out if this is the path for you.

How to Become a Plumber in Alabama – Step-by-Step

The process of getting a plumbing license in Alabama includes practical experience, theoretical knowledge, and a written exam.

This process makes sure licensed plumbers become well-prepared professionals ready to take on all of the challenges that come with the job.

The first requirement is to have your high school diploma/GED.

Apprenticeship

As an apprentice, you will be learning from already licensed (journeymen or master) plumbers, and you will assist in various practical tasks such as installations of gas pipes, fixing broken dishwashers/showers, equipment, etc.

In order to apply for a plumber apprenticeship you need to complete a registration form and provide proof of your citizenship or lawful presence.

The initial application fee for a plumber’s apprenticeship is $25, followed by an annual fee of $10.

Usually, apprenticeships for plumbers take 2 years to complete and then you can take the Journeyman Plumbers exam, however, before you take the exam you are advised to take prep courses to help you with studying for the exam.

Prep Courses

Even though prep courses aren’t mandatory in order to take your Journeyman Plumbers exam, they are a way to make sure that you have properly prepared for the exam.

Plumbers Training Institute offers great courses.

Journeyman Plumbers Exam

After any kind of education in the field and the mandatory 2 years of apprenticeship, you can apply to take the Journeyman Plumbers exam.

To apply for the exam you need to send an Application For Examination Form and a non-refundable fee of $110.

Once you have successfully completed the application, you will receive an Exam Eligibility Notification explaining how to schedule your exam with PSI Services, Inc.

After receiving clearance, you will have 30 days to take the exam.

If for any reason you don’t take the test within the 30-day period you must reapply and pay the fees again in order to take the exam.

PSI Services, Inc. has weekly exams in Birmingham, Huntsville, Mobile, and Montgomery, or online.

The test consists of 70 questions, and you have 3 hours to complete it. In order to get certified you need to get at least 70% correct.

After successfully passing the exam you will have 90 days to apply to receive your certification online.

With this certification, you will be a licensed journeyman plumber.

Master Plumber 

The steps to get a higher certification aka Master plumber are very similar to becoming a journeyman.

In order to apply for the master plumber exam you need to have at least a year of experience working as a journeyman.

The test consists of 100 questions and you have 4 hours to complete it.

You need to have a score of at least 70% correct answers in order to get certified.

The application process for the exam and certification is the same as journeyman. 

Plumbing Schools in Alabama 

There are a variety of options you can choose to get an education in plumbing in Alabama.

Here we’ll share some of the best options you can choose from. 

Alabama Plumbers and Gas Fitters Examining Board Training Center

This center located in Homewood offers plumbing code reviews in various different cities in the following months.

Skill Trades Of West Alabama

Skill Trades of West Alabama in Tuscaloosa offers 2 different plumbing programs, the pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship program.

The pre-apprenticeship program is for individuals who are just beginning to dip their feet into the plumbing water.

This program is for people who have no prior experience in plumbing and will get you ready for an apprenticeship.

The apprenticeship program is for individuals who have already begun working in this field.

It consists of both on-the-job and classroom training with courses including:

• Introduction to the Plumbing Profession
• Plumbing Safety
• Tools
• Basic Math
• Types of Plumbing Pipe
• Commercial Drawings
• Installing and Testing Water Supply Piping
• Fixtures and Valves
• Venting
• Sewage Pumps
• Service Plumbing

The knowledge and skills you receive in this program will help you pass the journeyman exam with the highest score possible.

Shelton State Community College

Shelton State Community College offers a 12-month online program called Foundations of Plumbing.

The price for this program is $2,245 and has a syllabus of 49 different areas that will be covered.

The program is taught by instructor Adam Seek who has over 25 years of experience as a working plumber, pipefitter, instructor, and maintenance/service technician.

Salary

Plumbing is a well-respected and well-paid career choice in Alabama.

The salary varies based on the town as well as the work experience of the plumber, however, the average annual salary for plumbers in Alabama is $58,114.

Annual Salary Range:

Annual Salary by Location:

Location	Avg. Annual Salary
Huntsville	$60,493
Birmingham	$59,702
Gadsden	$59,591
Tuscaloosa	$59,306
Decatur	$58,501
Mobile	$58,500
Auburn	$57,088
Montgomery	$56,729
Georgiana	$56,222
Dothan	$54,433

Regional Salary in Alabama

* Salary information based on the May 2023 Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) Survey for Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters, OCC Code 47-2152, BLS.
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do my journeyman/master plumber certifications allow me to work in outside states?

Unfortunately no, the exams you take and certifications you receive in Alabama can only be used in Alabama.

Can I work as a plumber in Alabama with certifications from other states?

You can’t work as a plumber in Alabama with certifications from other states, however, you can apply to take the Alabama exams if:

1. The certification you already have from another state was passed with a score over70%
2. Your out-of-state license is valid, active, and with no disciplinary actions taken.
3. The out-of-state licensing agency from which you obtained your license must either fill out the bottom portion of the Alabama Request for Verification of License/Registration form or submit the same data on the standard agency form or letterhead as asked on the Alabama form.

Can I work as a plumber without a license in Alabama?

No, all of the towns in Alabama, mandate having at least a journeyman plumbing license before practicing as a plumber to ensure safety, professionalism, and proficiency.

Plumber Info by State