If you’re searching for a fulfilling and practical career in Delaware, consider becoming a plumber.
This is a trade that sometimes goes undetected yet is extremely important to our daily lives.
Plumbing is the backbone of modern infrastructure, ensuring clean water supply and efficient wastewater removal.
If this sounds like the career you want to pursue, let this article serve you as a guide on how to become a plumber in Delaware.
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How to Become a Plumber in Delaware – Step by Step
To begin your plumbing journey in Delaware, just like in most other states, you must be 18 or older and show proof of a high school degree or a GED equivalent.
Having met these criteria you can go on and begin your training journey.
In Delaware, you are required to enroll in a 4-year apprenticeship program that will include on-the-job training and classroom education.
The program must include 144 hours of classroom education annually or a total of 576 hours of formal education.
You must also register with the Delaware Department of Labor.
After completing your 4-year registered apprenticeship program you will be allowed to work under the supervision of a master plumber to to receive your Journeyman Certificate of Completion.
You can also get your Journeyman Certificate of Completion by working as a trainee under the supervision of a master plumber for a total of 7 years, and later taking the Apprentice By-Pass exam.
It is important to note that Delaware does not issue Journeymen Plumber licenses, this is just a certificate to prove your experience and qualifications.
The only plumbing license the state issues is the Master Plumber License.
Master Plumber License
To apply for your Master Plumber License in Delaware you must provide:
- Journeyman’s Certificate from a Federal apprenticeship program
- Proof of 2 years of experience working as a Journeyman plumber
or proof of the 7 years of work under the supervision of a Master plumber.
The application fee is $153.
Following the approval of your application, you will go on to take the Master plumber exam.
Just like in most other states, you need a score of 70% or higher to pass the exam and receive your license.
If you happen to fail your exam, you can retake the test 2 more times without having to reapply.
You will have to wait a year and reapply to take the exam if you fail it three times.
Plumbing Schools in Delaware
There is no shortcut to becoming a plumber in Delaware.
It is a years-long journey, however, Delaware offers some of the best apprenticeship programs, and educational institutions to help you to become the best plumber you can be.
Delaware Skills Center
The Delaware Skills Center offers a 12-week course designed for anyone who wants to become an employed plumber.
The course equals 420 hours of classes, from Monday through Friday, starting at 7:30 am and finishing at 3:00 pm.
There are currently classes being held which started on November 20, 2023, and are ending on February 26, 2024.
The next cycle of classes will start on March 4, 2024, and finish on June 3, 2024.
After you have completed this course you will be awarded the following certifications:
- NCCER Core Curriculum
- NCCER Plumbing Level 1
- 1st Year Apprenticeship Certification
- Advanced Placement into the Second Year of the Delaware Apprenticeship Program
- 10-Hour OSHA Certification
To learn more about the program and how you can apply visit their website.
POLYTECH Adult Education
POLYTECH Adult Education offers a 4-year apprenticeship program that consists of a total of 634 hours of classroom education and 8,000 hours of on-the-job training.
The curriculum will make sure you get the needed knowledge in:
- Introduction to plumbing theory
- Techniques
- The most recent technological advancements
Students who complete the program will be equipped to install, maintain, and repair a wide variety of pipe systems in both residential and commercial settings.
They will also be eligible to receive the Journeyperson credential through the Delaware Department of Labor.
Tuition varies from $349 to $398 per class.
They also offer 2 different online courses:
- Foundations of Plumbing
- Foundations of Plumbing (Tools Included)
Foundations of Plumbing
The online course Foundations of Plumbing is a 12-month course with 145 hours of class total.
The tuition cost is $2,245.
During the course, you will gain knowledge in:
- Basic concepts of plumbing safety and the safety procedures for material and equipment use
- The function of components required for the construction of standard piping and water supply systems
- The use and meaning of specialty drawings associated with construction detail
- The application and installation of standard plumbing fixtures
- To identify piping materials and fixture types used in plumbing work
- To perform the essential math functions, calculations, and interpretation of the plumbing codes required to complete standard plumbing services
Foundations of Plumbing (Tools Included)
The tools included course essentially the same course as the Foundations of Plumbing course.
It is also a 12-month program with 145 hours of class total.
The bonus in this course is that you will be provided with your own 55-piece set, including essential plumber tools like a job site backpack featuring pliers, wrenches, cutters, knives, and blades—all included in your course registration.
This tool kit features tools from well-known tool manufacturers in the field such as Stanley, Klein Tools, and Milwaukee.
The tuition for this course is $2,955.
To learn more and apply to the program that best suits you visit their website.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Delaware Skills Center | 500 Ship's Landing Way, New Castle, DE 19720, United States |
| POLYTECH Adult Education | 823 Walnut Shade Rd, Dover, DE 19901, United States |
Salary
Plumbers are adequately paid for the hard work they do in Delaware.
The annual salary goes anywhere from $48250 to $81854 with the average throughout the state currently being $64986.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Milford | $67,314 |
| Georgetown | $67,314 |
| Dover | $66,978 |
| Smyrna | $66,827 |
| Wilmington | $66,799 |
| New Castle | $66,799 |
| Middletown | $66,758 |
| Newark | $66,748 |
| Delaware City | $66,748 |
| Seaford | $66,198 |
Regional Salary in Delaware
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dover, DE | 100 | $54,390 | $26.15 | $90,670 | $27,350 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Plumber in Delaware with a license from a different state?
Delaware has granted reciprocity with only 3 states:
- Connecticut
- Iowa
- Maryland
If you were licensed in any of those states, and your license is valid, you can legally work as a plumber in Delaware.
If you have a license from any other state the board must evaluate the licensure criteria.
Where can I take the Master Plumber exam in Delaware?
In Delaware, you can take the Master Plumber exam in 3 cities:
- Dover
- Harrington
- Newark
How long is my plumbing license valid in Delaware?
Plumbing licenses in Delaware expire on October 31st during even-numbered years.
Which would mean that they expire every 2 years.
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