Are you searching for a career path that involves problem-solving skills and getting your hands dirty?
If your answer is yes, plumbing might be the ideal career choice for you.
Plumbers are the heroes of modern infrastructure making sure that our homes and businesses have a clean water supply and smoothly functioning plumbing systems.
If you are a Nevada resident and want to dabble into the plumbing waters, this article will help you by guiding you on everything you need to know about becoming a plumber in the state of Nevada.
Table of Contents
How to Become a Plumber in Nevada
To begin your plumbing journey in Nevada, you must start by becoming an apprentice.
There aren’t any age regulations, however, apprenticeship programs usually require you to:
- Be a High School Graduate or have the GED equivalent
- Have a Social Security card
- Have a valid driver’s license
- Provide an ID photo
To start your apprenticeship you need to apply directly to a company, school, or licensed plumbing individuals (journeyman and/or master) who offer apprenticeships.
You must complete at least 8,000 hours of apprenticeship (4 years) before you can go on and apply to get any of the plumbing licenses the state issues.
Nevada issues the following plumbing licenses:
- Journeyman Plumber License
- Master Plumber License
Journeyman Plumber License
After completing the 8,000 hours (4 years) of training required you can go on and apply for your Journeyman Plumber License.
You need to submit an application through the Nevada Board of Plumbing Examiners and pay the $205 application fee.
After your application has been approved you will go on to take the Journeyman plumbing exam.
The exam fee is $125.
The exam consists of 2 parts.
The first part is an open-book exam that consists of 50 questions and has a 2-hour time limit.
The second part of the exam is a closed-book test that consists of 100 questions and has a 2-hour time limit.
The exam is based on contents including:
- Installation Standards, Administration, Definitions& General Regulations
- Fixtures and Fixture Fittings, Water Heaters, Indirect Wastes, and Traps and interceptors
- Sanitary Drainage, Vents, & Storm Drainage Related Drawings
- Water Supply & Related Drawings
- Fuel Gas & Related Drawings
You need a score of 75% or higher to pass the exam, and you will receive your results immediately after completing the exam.
If you have passed the exam you will go on to receive your Journeyman Plumber License.
Master Plumber License
To apply for your Master Plumber License you must have at least 2,000 hours of experience working as a Journeyman plumber, this equals to 1 year of work as a Journeyman.
The application and examination processes are similar to Journeyman.
You need to submit an application through the Nevada Board of Plumbing Examiners and pay the $205 application fee.
After your application has been approved you will go on to take the Master plumbing exam.
The exam fee is $125.
The exam consists of 2 parts.
The first part is an open-book exam that consists of 50 questions and has a 2-hour time limit.
The second part of the exam is a closed-book test that consists of 100 questions and has a 2-hour time limit.
The questions on the exam consist of the following contents:
- Installation Standards, Administration, Definitions& General Regulations
- Fixtures and Fixture Fittings, Water Heaters, Indirect Wastes, and Traps and interceptors
- Sanitary Drainage, Vents, & Storm Drainage Related Drawings
- Water Supply & Related Drawings
- Fuel Gas & Related Drawings
You need a score of 75% or higher to pass the exam, and you will receive your results immediately after completing your exam.
If you have passed the exam you will go on and receive your Master Plumber License.
Plumbing Schools in Nevada
Becoming a plumber in Nevada is no easy task, however, the state has a variety of great schools, college courses, and apprenticeship programs to ensure their aspiring plumbers are on the right track to providing quality field work in the future.
National Technical Institute
National Technical Institute offers the Plumbing Technician Training Program. 
This plumbing program is completely designed to fit your life, as you get to choose between weekend, weekday, morning, mid-day, or evening schedules available.
NTI offers a unique Fusion Training Program that allows students to learn online and hone their skills one day a week in their plumbing labs.
Based on your program selection, in as little as 12 or 16 weeks, they offer students a carefully created program that guides them through becoming a plumbing technician.
This program covers the following classes:
- plumbing fundamentals
- mathematics
- blueprint reading
- waste systems
- water supply systems
- finish
- advanced plumbing
To learn more about the program and how to apply visit their website.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| National Technical Institute | 1870 Whitney Mesa Dr, Henderson, NV 89014, United States |
Salary
Nevada pays its plumbers greatly for the hard work they put into keeping the water supply clean, and the plumbing systems functioning smoothly.
The annual wages currently vary anywhere from $47745 to $80996.
The current annual average wage in Nevada is estimated at $64305.
It is no surprise that Las Vegas and North Las Vegas have the highest estimated annual average wages at $64668, with Henderson, Nero, Sparks, and Reno following shortly behind at $64k as well.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Las Vegas | $64,668 |
| North Las Vegas | $64,668 |
| Henderson | $64,413 |
| Reno | $64,216 |
| Sparks | $64,216 |
| Carson City | $64,127 |
| Boulder City | $63,777 |
| Mesquite | $63,714 |
| Fallon | $63,217 |
| Elko | $54,266 |
Regional Salary in Nevada
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carson City, NV | 80 | $60,860 | $29.26 | $87,510 | $46,800 |
| Las Vegas-Henderson-Paradise, NV | 3,760 | $67,070 | $32.24 | $109,710 | $38,040 |
| Reno, NV | 990 | $68,270 | $32.82 | $101,590 | $47,420 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be licensed to work as a plumber in Nevada?
Yes, the state of Nevada requires you to obtain a license if you legally want to work as a Journeyman or Master plumber.
When should I renew my plumbing license in Nevada?
Your license should be renewed by the specific expiration date on your card, received when getting licensed.
Where are plumbing exams being taken in Nevada?
PSI exams are responsible for all the plumbing examinations in Nevada.
They have a bunch of locations throughout the state so you will be examined at the location closest to your area.
You can also take the plumbing exams online.
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