15+ Best Plumbing Schools in Texas | 2024

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Discover the top 15+ Best Plumbing Schools in Texas in 2023. Explore comprehensive training programs and hands-on learning opportunities at these esteemed institutions.

Whether you’re a beginner or looking to advance your plumbing skills, this guide will help you find the perfect school in Texas. Don’t miss out on the chance to kickstart your plumbing career at one of the Best Plumbing Schools in Texas.

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Plumbing has become one of the most lucrative professions in recent years. 

Numerous established institutions provide comprehensive plumbing courses in response to the shortage of skilled workers. Of course, there is no need for training to perform easy fixes.

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However, formal training would benefit those interested in plumbing as a full-time profession. Enrolling in plumbing courses is your best chance of becoming a plumber.

See Also: 15 Best Plumbing Schools in San Antonio

Are there Plumbing Schools in Texas?

There are numerous plumbing schools in Texas:

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  • Texas State Technical College
  • Texas Southmost College
  • The University Of Texas El Paso
  • Houston Community College
  • Plumbing Training Classes
  • Plumbers Local 68
  • Pipefitters Local 211
  • Ashworth College
  • Remington College
  • Lee College
  • Brazosport College
  • SBISD – Community Education
  • Lone Star College
  • Blind College
  • Collin College

How Does One Become a Plumber in Texas?

The steps necessary to become a licensed plumber in the city of Texas are as follows:

Step 1: Finish your high school education.

The first and most important requirement is a high school diploma or a General Education Development (GED) certificate. 

To pursue apprenticeship and job opportunities, you must pass technical subjects such as mathematics and sciences with distinction.

Step 2: Get a Vocational Education

A college degree is not required to become a licensed plumber in Texas. 

However, courses provided by community colleges and technical schools are essential to get into a good apprenticeship program. 

Short-term courses, which typically take six months to a year to complete, are among those offered. Piping, valves, water supply, and drainage systems, as well as venting, are all covered in the course.

Step 3: Finish in an Apprenticeship Program

Apprenticeship programs provide comprehensive training that will prepare you to become a professional plumber. 

Such apprenticeship programs are offered by plumbers’ unions and other contractors, such as the United Association of Journeymen & Apprentices of the Plumbing & Pipe Fitting Industry of the United States and Canada. 

A typical apprenticeship program combines classroom instruction with paid on-the-job training. Also, a typical apprenticeship program lasts between 4-5 years.

Step 4: Obtain a License

After completing the apprenticeship program, you can begin working in Texas as a journeyman plumber, gas plumber, or service plumber. 

However, before you begin practicing, you must obtain a license from the appropriate authorities. 

Before you can get your license, you must pass a three-part exam administered by the Texas State of Plumbing Examiners: one written and two hands-on. 

Before taking this exam, you must have your high school diploma or GED certificate, a current Texas plumbers’ apprentice registration, a valid plumber experience document, a completed license exam/application form, and the application fee.

Step 5: Seek Employment.

You can begin looking for work after passing the exam by the state’s requirements.

The following are the Texas licensing requirements:

  • Pass a three-part exam (one written, two hands-on).
  • GED certificate or high school diploma
  • A valid plumber experience document A current Texas plumber apprentice registration
  • A completed license exam/application form
  • Before taking the exam, you must pay the applicable fee.

What are the Best Plumbing Schools in Texas?

Below are the best plumbing schools in Texas:

#1 Texas State Technical College

This program will teach you plumbing skills that you can apply to residential and commercial plumbing systems. 

These abilities can be applied in various work environments where plumbing maintenance is required.

Plumbing and Pipefitting Technology is a rigorous, hands-on program in which you will gain practical experience in plumbing, piping, construction, fabrication, and other areas. 

Most of your time will be spent training in laboratories and learning the tools of the trade. As a student in the program, you will also complete an internship to gain valuable industry experience.

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#2 Texas Southmost College

Over the next five years, over 350 entry-level plumbers will be hired by plumbing companies throughout the Rio Grande Valley.

The Workforce Training Plumbing program prepares students to apply plumbing trade calculations, proper hand and power tool usage, and standard industry safety practices. 

Students learn to cut, measure, join, and support piping, pipe valves, and pipe hanging systems.

This 160-hour, 14-week plumbing program is designed to provide you with the skills you need in a short period, allowing you to enter this high-growth occupation quickly.

Students will:

  • Be able to register as Apprentice Plumbers in Texas.
  • Obtain OSHA 10 Certification
  • Get your TSC Certificate of Completion

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#3 University Of Texas El Paso

The Plumbing program prepares students to work as entry-level plumbers and plumbing assistants in residential and commercial settings. 

Furthermore, installing, maintaining, and repairing various pipe systems are among the tasks. 

This program aims to train students to perform entry-level plumbing maintenance and repair tasks.

This program teaches students the fundamental skills needed to begin a career in plumbing. This course is intended to prepare students for confined-space safety, safety issues and practices, personal protective equipment, and the use of critical safety information. 

Plumbing tools, applicable math, drawings, interpretation, and application to layout and installation will also be covered. 

Students will also examine various pipes and fittings and all fixtures and water systems they encounter on the job. 

Finally, students will learn about basic customer service and communication techniques.

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#4 Houston Community College

Plumbing I and II are combined into one course at Houston Community College. This course will teach you how to correctly apply plumbing-related math calculations, how to use hand and power tools, and proper plumber safety practices.

This course will teach you how to measure and cut plastic pipes, as well as how to groove copper tubes. 

You will also learn about the various types of steel pipe fittings, how to measure and cut hangers, and the different kinds of steel pipe support.

You will learn to select appropriate fixtures and faucets for various installation materials. 

Another essential concept covered is the design of the drain-waste-vent system. This course will teach you the skills needed for entry-level plumbing jobs.

A plumbing apprenticeship is also available at Houston Community College. The apprenticeship program will provide three to five years of on-the-job training and will teach you all the skills you will need to succeed in your future career.

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Read Also: 15 Best Plumbing Schools in Michigan

#5 Plumbing Training Classes

Plumbing Training Classes is a school in Houston, Texas. This school provides training for one qualification, including Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) 10-Hour Certification, through one program. This education training takes 10 hours to complete.

The most frequently mentioned benefits of attending plumbing training classes are “Good teachers” and “Affordable,” but respondents also said “Helpful career services” and a “Positive environment.”

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#6 Plumbers Local 68

The Houston Area Plumbing Joint Apprenticeship Committee provides five-year apprenticeship programs for plumbers and service and repair plumbers to all parties who qualify.

Contract provisions between Contractor Associations and Plumbers Local Union No. 68 finance the programs. 

This means contractors who agree with Plumbers Local Union No. 68 agreed to pay an agreed-upon amount for each hour worked by apprentices and journey workers into funds used for apprenticeship and journey worker training.

Apprentices are governed by Standards established by the Joint (Labor and Management) Committee and registered with the US Department of Labor’s Office of Apprenticeship and Training.

The main advantage is the opportunity to earn money while learning. 

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Read Also: 15 Best Plumbing Schools in Connecticut

#7 Pipefitters Local 211

Pipefitters Local 211 was founded in 1949 and is one of more than 300 local unions in the United Association. Local 211 was formed in Beaumont, Texas, by members of Local 195.

The 5-year classroom and on-the-job training program cover all aspects of pipefitting, welding, instrumentation, and HVAC service. 

The instructors are excellent, and each student receives individual attention and guidance. The training facility is cutting-edge and unrivaled. 

Also, Local 211 maintains high standards to ensure that the Contractors receive skilled, efficient, and productive Journeymen with a do-it-right-the-first-time attitude. 

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#8 Ashworth College

Ashworth is a great online plumbing school. This is ideal for those who cannot attend in-person classes but are still interested in entering the plumbing industry. 

You can complete the course at your own pace. You will learn all of the necessary plumbing information to ensure your success.

A career in this field may necessitate meeting specific licensing, training, and other requirements, which vary by vocation and state. 

You should check with your state, local government, and licensing board to determine which requirements may apply in your state.

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Read Also: 12+ Best Plumbing Schools in Florida

#9 Remington College

Remington College is an excellent choice for both technical and vocational students. The school has the best campus atmosphere, making your studies enjoyable, relaxing, and efficient. 

The school has branches in many major cities across the country, and the Houston branch offers a wide range of programs and opportunities for growth.

The plumbing program is excellent, and it also incorporates facility maintenance. They offer various levels of instruction, allowing you to begin this career or polish your remaining skills for the license exam.

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#10 Lee College

Lee College is proud to be one of Houston’s largest and most well-known educational institutions. 

The school has a long history and a wealth of experience, making us an excellent place to begin your education. 

The campus is beautiful and developed, providing the necessary facilities and resources for a fun and productive student experience.

Lee College offers a wide range of programs, including plumbing, which is a great way to start a new career. 

The program lasts a few months at the entry-level, and they will help you find the best apprenticeship program.

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Read Also: 10+ Best Plumbing Schools in Chicago

#11 Brazosport College

Brazosport College is a great place to begin your education and future career. The college has many wonderful partnerships that will provide you with the best opportunities to practice your skills and learn new things. 

The curriculum is updated based on market needs, ensuring you only learn the best and most up-to-date information.

The plumbing program is diverse and intensive, with everything from pipefitting labs to modern lectures that will keep you updated on the latest technology. Find your dream job with them.

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#12 SBISD – Community Education

This Foundations of Plumbing course will teach you and help you understand the fundamentals of plumbing. 

This course can be completed on your own time, which is ideal if you have a day job. One hundred forty-five class hours must be completed, possibly finishing in about a year.

Skilled plumbers are in short supply. With an aging infrastructure and a dwindling trade workforce, plumbers have never had a greater need. 

Indeed, the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that plumbing jobs will grow faster over the next decade. With the proper training, you could enter and create a scalable career in this high-demand field.

If you want to be a plumber, the Foundations of Plumbing course will teach you fundamental, job-ready skills in the plumbing and piping industries. 

You’ll learn how to work on modern plumbing systems from in-depth course material developed by industry experts and employers in this self-paced course. 

After completing the course, you will have the specialized skills and technical knowledge required to begin a career in plumbing.

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Read Also: 15 Best Plumbing Schools in Minnesota

#13 Lone Star College

Lone Star College offers a residential plumbing certificate. This fast-track program will provide industry training and 228 hours of classroom instruction. 

You will learn the fundamentals of installing and maintaining water, sewage, drainage, and plumbing systems.

This program leads to a Lone Star College and National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) certificate. OSHA 10 training is included in the NCCER Core – Construction Methods/Materials.

A plumber installs and maintains plumbing systems for potable (drinking) water, sewage, and drainage.

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#14 Blinn College

Blinn’s Plumbing Program, available at the RELLIS Campus, is based on the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) curriculum. 

More than 125 construction CEOs, trade association officials, and academic leaders collaborated to create this nationally recognized curriculum.

Students interested in taking non-credit classes should begin by completing the Non-Credit Application.

A 10-hour construction training program covering OSHA standards, policies, and procedures in the construction industry is included in the Plumbing Program. 

The topics covered include the scope and application of the standards, construction safety and health principles, and a particular emphasis on the most hazardous construction areas.

It also includes over 200 contact hours of skills training and assessments in areas such as basic safety, construction math, hand tools, power tools, construction drawings, basic rigging, introductory plumbing, plumbing tools, plumbing math, plumbing drawings, plastic pipe, and fittings, copper tube and fittings, cast iron pipe and fittings, steel pipe and fittings, plumbing fixtures, drain, waste, and vent systems, and water distribution systems.

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Read Also: 15 Best Plumbing Schools in Oklahoma

#15 Collin College

The Construction Technology Plumbing program was created to prepare students to enter the workforce as apprentice plumbers in the State of Texas Apprenticeship in Plumbing by teaching plumbing fundamentals so that they can be productive much sooner than traditional entry-level plumbers. 

This is accomplished by providing two types of Level 1 and Level 2 certificates. 

For career advancement, the program also offers the opportunity to complete an AAS in the construction industry.

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Also Read- 15 Best Plumbing Schools in Arkansas

How Long Are Plumbing Schools In Texas?

Plumbing is a trade that traditionally requires years of college and several more years of training and apprenticeships to learn and become qualified.

There are many different paths one can take if one wants to become a licensed plumber.

If you are pursuing an NVQ Diploma Level 2, it will typically take you 1 to 2 years to obtain all the necessary plumbing certifications. 

Typically, an apprenticeship lasts between two and five years.

How Much Are Plumbing Schools In Texas?

Plumbers receive on-the-job training at technical schools, community colleges, and apprenticeships. 

According to Education Portal, a one-year certificate program trains students to install and repair plumbing systems. In contrast, a two-year associate’s degree may include pipefitting, basic electricity, pump system design, and essential heating. 

This additional education may lead to advanced careers in plumbing and pipefitting and related fields such as heating and gas technology. 

Although apprenticeship training courses take longer to complete, students may be able to earn a living while learning on the job.

Below are the typical costs:

  • An online plumbing training program costs between $800 and $1,000.
  • A plumbing certificate program costs between $1,250 and $3,000.
  • A plumbing technology associate’s degree costs between $3,000 and $23,000.
  • Plumbing apprenticeships range from $0 to $1,000 and last 4-5 years.
  • Plumbing licenses in the state range from $75 to $300 and are valid for 1-2 years.
  • Certification through the American Society of Plumbing Engineers costs between $300 and $625, depending on membership and practical work experience.

How Much Do Plumbers Make In Texas?

The average annual salary for a Tradesman Plumber in Texas is $46,452 as of September 8, 2022. 

A quick salary calculator works out to about $22.33 per hour if you need a quick salary calculator. This equates to $893 per week or $3,871 per month.

While ZipRecruiter reports salaries ranging from $103,235 to $26,893, the majority of Tradesman Plumber salaries in Texas currently range from $36,002 (25th percentile) to $67,666 (75th percentile), with top earners (90th percentile) earning $86,752 per year.

The average pay range for a Tradesman Plumber varies greatly (up to $31,664), implying that there may be numerous opportunities for advancement and higher pay based on skill level, location, and years of experience.

Conclusion

You can look into institutes in your area if you want to take formal training and obtain a plumber’s license. 

Before you begin, ensure that you have completed your studies and are at least the age of 18. These institutes will provide both theoretical and practical training. 

The plumbing course does not require any prior knowledge or experience. All you need is a willingness to grind it out and put in the effort. 

The course’s length would determine the fees for any plumbing course and the content taught.

I hope this article was helpful to you.

FAQs

How do I get a plumbing license in Texas?

You have at least 8,000 documented hours of plumbing work experience. You have completed a 48-hour training course that has been approved.

Can a handyman do plumbing in Texas?

The only state restrictions are that a handyman cannot work on homes’ plumbing, electrical, or HVAC systems.

How much does it cost to get a contractor’s license in Texas?

Applicants must first send their application and meet the remaining requirements, after which they will be contacted to take the exam. The license application fee is $115.

Reference

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