In the Sunflower State, known for its charm and to some as the land of the Wizard of Oz, a career in plumbing offers a unique fusion of stability, diverse opportunities, and meaningful community impact.
If you possess problem-solving skills enjoy hands-on challenges, and aim for a fulfilling career benefiting your community, plumbing might be your perfect fit.
This article will help you on the journey of becoming a licensed plumber in Kansas.
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How to Become a Plumber in Kansas – Step by Step
Kansas differs from other states when it comes to issuing plumbing licenses.
Unlike most other states that issue state licenses, Kansas issued plumbing licenses on a local (municipality) level.
Because Kansas issues local plumbing licenses, different cities usually have different requirements and policies for their plumbers.
Differences can be found both in the requirements for the apprenticeship programs/schooling and the licensing itself.
One thing is similar in all cities though, you must be an apprentice before you can get a plumbing license.
Most cities also require you to be a High School graduate or have the GED equivalent.
Apprenticeships should last anywhere from a year to four years depending on the city you’re in.
After completing your apprenticeship in most cities you can get the following licenses:
- Journeyman Plumber License
- Master Plumber License
- Contractor License (If you wish to own your own plumbing business)
Plumbing Licenses are issued in the following cities:
- Topeka
- Wichita
- Bel Aire
- Hutchinson
- Johnson County
- Lawrence
- Manhattan
- Salina
- Sedgwick County
In this article, we’ll go over the step-by-step process of becoming a plumber in Wichita.
Apprenticeship programs in Wichita
To become an apprentice plumber in Wichita you need to have a High School Degree or the GED equivalent, and a valid driver’s license.
There are a few options to choose from when it comes to your apprenticeship:
- Work under the supervision of an already licensed plumber/contractor
- Join a union
- Join a local company
- Join the Plumbers and Pipefitters Apprenticeship Training of Kansas
You can complete your apprenticeship in 2 different ways:
- 2 years of on-the-job training and score 75% or higher on an approved International Code Council or IAPMO Exam
- 1 year of vocational (trade) school and 1 year of on-the-job training
There is no license for apprentice plumbers therefore there is no application fee or exam (other than the International Code Council or IAPMO Exam if you choose on-the-job training for 2 years).
Journeyman Plumber License in Wichita
After completing the necessary apprenticeship program you can go on to apply for your journeyman plumber license.
The application and licensing process follows almost identical rules as other cities and other states.
You need to submit an application form and pay a $125 application/exam fee.
The trade is an open-book exam that consists of 100 multiple-choice questions and you will have 3 hours to complete the exam.
You choose if you want to take the test in person or remotely, and you need a score of 75% or higher to pass.
In-person exams are taken every first Thursday of every month, starting at 8:00 am.
If you have passed the exam you can go on and apply for your journeyman plumber license, the licensure fee is $35.
Master Plumber License in Wichita
To apply for your Master Plumber License in Wichita you must either have 2 years of experience as a journeyman plumber, or at least 4 years of experience as an apprentice plumber and have passed the International Code Council or IAPMO Exam.
The application and exam process is fairly similar to the Journeyman Plumber license.
You must submit an application form and pay a $125 application/exam fee.
The trade consists of 125 multiple-choice questions.
It is an open-book exam and you will have 4 hours to complete it.
If you have a score of 75% or higher you have passed and can apply to get your Master Plumber license.
The license fee is $35.
Plumbing schools in Kansas
Kansas offers great apprenticeship programs, vocational schools, and college courses to ensure that aspiring plumbers are getting the knowledge and training they need to run plumbing systems smoothly in the future.
Plumbers & Pipefitters Apprenticeship Training of Kansas
Plumbers & Pipefitters Apprenticeship Training of Kansas offers a hands-on experience for its apprentices.
This program prepares apprentices to become Journeyman plumbers.
Candidates who sign up for this program will get both the knowledge and on-the-job training they need to become great professionals in the field.
Barton Community College
Barton Community College offers a 16-credit course for aspiring plumbers.
This course covers both commercial and residential plumbing.
Students who enroll in this program will:
- earn an NCCER Introductory to Craft Skills and Plumbing Level 1 Certificate
- earn 10-Hour OSHA Certification
- Hands-on and classroom training
- be taught by instructors with extensive experience in both the field and teaching
- Gain the knowledge and ability for entry into the high-demand field of plumbing
To learn more about this program, the tuition, and how to apply visit their website.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Plumbers & Pipefitters Apprenticeship Training of Kansas | 4646 W Kellogg Dr, Wichita, KS 67209, United States |
| Barton Community College | 245 NE 30 Rd, Great Bend, KS 67530, United States |
Salary
Kansas pays its plumbers fairly for the hard work they put into ensuring all the plumbing systems throughout the state function smoothly.
The annual wages vary anywhere from $44977 to $76301, with the current average being $60577.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Kansas City | $62,378 |
| Shawnee | $62,193 |
| Overland Park | $62,193 |
| Olathe | $62,024 |
| Lawrence | $60,093 |
| Wichita | $59,992 |
| Salina | $59,356 |
| Hutchinson | $59,356 |
| Topeka | $58,840 |
| Manhattan | $58,204 |
Regional Salary in Kansas
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lawrence, KS | 140 | $67,010 | $32.21 | $103,140 | $36,810 |
| Manhattan, KS | 140 | $61,650 | $29.64 | $87,260 | $38,250 |
| Topeka, KS | 370 | $63,800 | $30.67 | $82,520 | $36,350 |
| Wichita, KS | 1,070 | $58,080 | $27.92 | $81,590 | $36,280 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What other programs does Kansas offer for apprenticeship/college?
Other than the Plumbers & Pipefitters Apprenticeship Training of Kansas and Barton Community College different programs are also offered by:
Can I work as a plumber in another state with my Kansas plumbing license?
Unfortunately no, Kansas does not have a reciprocity agreement with any other states.
How can I get a Contractor license in Wichita?
If you want to get a Contractor License in Wichita and own your own plumbing business you must:
- submit an application form and pay a $360 licensure fee
- have proof of a trade certificate that shows that you or someone who works with you is a licensed Master Plumber
- have a Certificate of liability insurance (at least $300,000 in general liability) showing MABCD as the certificate holder
- have a Certificate of Workers’ Compensation Insurance
- have a Certificate of Good Standing from the Secretary of the State of Kansas
- have an Auto certificate of insurance
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