Plumbing is a vital trade that ensures the safe and efficient management of water systems in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. With the increasing demand for skilled professionals, attending a plumbing school to gain a new skill can be a wise investment for your future. This article highlights the top 30 affordable plumbing schools in America, providing quality education without breaking the bank.
Why Choose a Plumbing Career?
Plumbing is a stable and in-demand trade. With a growing population and aging infrastructure, there’s always a need for skilled plumbers. A plumbing career offers excellent job security, competitive wages, and the opportunity to make a real difference in people’s lives.
1. South Florida Institute of Technology
South Florida Institute of Technology provides education and training for individuals seeking to advance their skills, change careers, or continue their education at any stage of life. In addition, the school accommodates students’ busy lives with flexible class schedules and delivers most programs one class at a time, enhancing focus.
Tuition: $14,700
2. Fox Valley Technical College
The Fox Valley Plumbing Apprentice program effectively teaches students installation techniques for plumbing systems by combining on-the-job training with classroom instruction. Additionally, it covers essential topics such as piping, fittings, fixtures, and relevant trade codes. Furthermore, the program emphasizes planning and laying out plumbing systems in coordination with other trades. Moreover, it offers both paid and unpaid instruction; however, students must secure employment before beginning their training.
Estimated Cost: $6,437-$8,500.
3. Berk Trade and Business School
Berk Trade and Business School trains students in every area of the plumbing trade. Specifically, the 30-week program covers essential skills for tasks such as repairs, remodeling, and new construction in residential and commercial settings. First, students develop their math skills and learn basic theory. After that, they progress to designing and installing plumbing systems.
The estimated cost of the program is $13,164.
4. Montana State University-Northern
The program is one of the affordable plumbing schools in America that provides plumbing apprentices with hands-on learning while fulfilling a significant portion of the academic requirements for an apprenticeship. As a result, classroom hours contribute to the overall apprenticeship time, ensuring graduates are well-prepared to begin their careers with a solid foundation of knowledge and skills.
The cost of this program ranges from $6,200 for in-state tuition to $19,269 for out-of-state tuition.
5. Fort Myers Technical College
The program combines classroom instruction with hands-on shop experience using modern equipment in its plumbing program. This approach focuses on the skills needed for residential, commercial, and industrial plumbing. It covers all phases of pipe assembly, installation, and repair, adhering to local plumbing codes for water distribution and waste disposal.
The approximate cost of the program is $6,150.
6. AVTEC-Alaska’s Institute of Technology
This program offers diverse experiences that prepare students for entry-level jobs and apprenticeships in plumbing, heating, construction, and facility maintenance. By combining classroom learning, hands-on lab work, and real-world practice, the Plumbing and Heating program equips students with the necessary skills to thrive in an apprenticeship and become Plumbing and Heating Technicians.
The training cost for this program is $13,184.
7. Orleans Technical College
The college offers trade diplomas that last 6 or 13 months. During this time, students receive hands-on training and acquire skills that employers seek. As part of the requirements, students must design and build a fully functional bathroom, which includes a toilet, sink, and bathtub. They also learn to install and repair forced hot air heaters, related ductwork, and hydronic heaters with radiators or baseboard units.
Additionally, the tuition fees for this program are approximately $20,500.
8. Sheridan Technical College
Students acquire essential skills such as soldering, blueprint reading, and cutting and joining pipes. They also interpret national and local plumbing codes. In addition, they develop a comprehensive understanding of the plumbing industry, which includes planning, management, finance, technical skills, and production processes. Furthermore, students explore important topics like technology principles, labor issues, community concerns, and health, safety, and environmental matters.
The training program costs $3,945.
9. Lancaster County Career and Technology Center
This affordable plumbing school in America serves both postsecondary and high school students in Pennsylvania. The center offers three pathways for the plumbing program: plumbing technician, plumbing apprentice, and plumbing installer.
The approximate cost of training is $7,324.
10. Mountainland Technical College
This program offers a solid understanding of the International Plumbing Code (IPC), including its layout and the requirements for different plumbing systems and parts. It discusses the processes, parts, and risks associated with various plumbing systems, as well as the safety equipment and measures in place to protect both plumbers and the public.
The total cost of the program is $4,739.
11. Western Technical College
The college offers a five-year Plumbing Apprentice program, which includes 7,500 hours of on-the-job training, 500 hours of paid related instruction, and 260 hours of unpaid instruction, along with additional instruction as needed. Topics covered include plumbing code, repair and service, materials, fixture and appliance installation, system design, trade math, safety, science, blueprint reading, and isometric drawing.
The approximate cost of attendance is $15,500.
12. Lawson State Community College
The plumbing program equips students for successful careers and growth in the plumbing industry. This short-certificate program enables students to acquire skills in various plumbing installation and repair tasks applicable to residential, institutional, and commercial settings.
Fee breakdown is as follows:
In-State tuition, $129 per semester hour for on-campus and online courses
Out-of-State tuition: $258 per credit hour for on-campus and online courses.
13. Western Dakota Technical College
The program effectively teaches students technical skills while integrating theory with practical experience. Specifically, students learn piping techniques, plumbing and piping systems, and residential and commercial system installations. Additionally, they study blueprint reading and isometric interpretation. Graduates earn one year of credit toward their apprenticeship card, allowing them to secure jobs at an advanced apprenticeship level.
Total Cost Per Credit Hour: $255
Online Fee (for designated online courses): $50
14. Red Rocks Community College
Key areas of interest include service plumbing and heating repair and maintenance. Through this program, students earn certificates and participate in special job upgrade workshops and seminars, including Cross Connection Control Technician Training. The cost of training is as follows:
Colorado Resident (on-campus classes only): $153.35 per credit hour.
Non-Colorado Resident or International student (on-campus classes only): $629.25 per credit hour.
15. Ranken Technical College
Ranken offers a nine-month plumbing technology certificate program. During this time, students learn to install, maintain, and repair residential plumbing systems. Additionally, students gain practical experience by working on real residential job sites, installing essential plumbing components.
Tuition fees amount to approximately $16,680.
16. Northeast Community College
Students learn to install new plumbing systems in buildings under construction. The instructor guides students in applying technical expertise in piping selection, layout, plumbing systems, materials, plumbing codes, print reading, and installation and maintenance.
The total cost is approximately $8,500.
17. Southeast Technical College
The course teaches the installation, maintenance, and repair of pipes and fittings that carry water, steam, air, or other liquids and gases. In addition, the program covers various materials used on job sites, including copper, steel, and plastic.
Estimated cost: $89 Per Credit Hour
18. Summit College
It covers the fundamentals of plumbing, plumbing mathematics, devices, valves, fittings, fixtures, water supply systems, safety protocols, design, and installation. Whether students aim to work in residential, commercial, or industrial settings, the program provides hands-on training in all essential components, preparing participants for entry-level positions.
The estimated program cost is $16,500.
19. Arizona Western College
Students enrolled in the plumbing course have access to skills classes for cross-training in areas such as HVAC, electrical, drafting, and welding. Additionally, students can earn Occupational Certificates or Associate in Applied Science degrees.
Estimated Cost: $13, 900 (Instate)
$21,921 (out-of-state)
20. St. Paul College
Saint Paul College features a modern plumbing laboratory designed for hands-on learning in a safe and supervised setting. The plumbing program focuses on techniques relevant to industrial, commercial, and residential applications, effectively preparing students for diverse career paths in the industry. Participants gain skills in tool usage, blueprint reading, and compliance with state plumbing codes.
Estimated Cost: $6,318
21. Northern Maine Community College
In the Plumbing and Heating program, students learn to properly install and service domestic water pumps, plumbing fixtures, drainage and vent lines, and potable water lines during their first year of classroom and lab experiences. Instructors will discuss the Maine state plumbing code in detail. Students will become eligible to sit for the Maine Plumbers’ Journeyman exam, and if they succeed, they will receive a Journeyman in Training License.
Tuition: $2,880(in-state)
$5,760(out-state)
22. Elizabethan Community and Technical College
Elizabethtown Community and Technical College offers a personalized apprenticeship studies program in various skilled trades, including plumbing. Participants must complete several basic education courses, with over 20 available online. The college also provides Continuing Education Courses for Journeyman Plumbers and Master Plumbers, serving as a valuable resource for those with a state Journeyman’s license.
Estimated cost: $189per credit hour (resident students)
$260 per credit hour (nonresident students)
23. Salt Lake Community College
The college requires students to have employment in the plumbing field or to obtain such a position within their first year. This course trains for a career in plumbing. You will learn specialized plumbing skills and terminology for residential, commercial, and industrial plumbing. Apprenticeship students receive a reduced-cost tuition at 50% off.
Tuition: $387 (resident students)
$578(non-resident students)
24. Macomb Community College
Macomb Community College’s South Campus provides an apprenticeship program that covers the technical fundamentals of the plumbing industry, including pressure management, template creation, and proper pipe fitting. While the college encourages students to pursue an employee-sponsored apprenticeship alongside their formal coursework, career services are available at any time to assist with job search efforts.
Estimated cost: $4,944 per year (in-state students)
$6,878 per year (out of state students)
25. Foothill College
The program equips students with the skills needed for a successful career in the plumbing industry. The program features an Associate of Science degree and a Certificate of Achievement in Plumbing Technology. Students participate in a five-year apprenticeship program, which includes at least 9,000 hours of on-the-job training combined with classroom instruction. This hands-on training covers essential skills such as pipe system installation, maintenance, and repair, preparing graduates for various roles in the field.
Estimated Tuition: $1,395.
26. Fort Myers Technical College
The program combines hands-on training in a well-equipped workshop with classroom instruction delivered by experienced professionals. Students will engage in practical exercises covering various plumbing tasks, from installations to repairs, and are trained in essential safety protocols, including OSHA standards.
Estimated Tuition: $4,580
27. Santa Fe Community
The plumbing course prepares students for a career in plumbing across residential, commercial, and industrial sectors. The program emphasizes specialized plumbing skills and terminology, covering essential topics for aspiring plumbers. The Plumbing Apprenticeship program spans four years, combining classroom instruction with hands-on training. Students will engage in learning about plumbing systems, installation, maintenance, and repair techniques.
Tuition: The program estimated cost: $3,300.
28. Orange Coast College
Orange Technical College (OTC) offers a comprehensive plumbing program designed to prepare students for rewarding careers in the plumbing industry. The program emphasizes hands-on training and industry-relevant skills, covering essential areas such as pipe installation, fixture repairs, and compliance with plumbing code. OTC also offers continuing education courses for licensed plumbers looking to advance their skills
29. New England Institute of Technology
The Associate of Science (AS) in Plumbing and Heating Technology program at the New England Institute of Technology (NEIT) provides students with both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience necessary to succeed in the industry. The curriculum covers both heating for residential buildings and plumbing for various facilities, equipping students with a comprehensive skill set to tackle complex challenges.
Estimated cost: $18000
30. Northeast Community College
The new diploma at Northeast will teach you essential plumbing concepts and skills for repairs in homes, apartments, and commercial buildings, as well as for installing plumbing systems in new constructions. The instructor will guide you in applying technical knowledge in piping selection, layout procedures, plumbing systems, materials, codes, print reading, and pipe installation and maintenance.
Tuition: $108 per credit hour.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Plumbing School:
- Accreditation: Ensure the school is accredited by a recognized organization.
- Curriculum: Check if the curriculum covers all the essential aspects of plumbing, including pipe installation, fixture repair, and code compliance.
- Hands-on Training: Look for schools that offer plenty of hands-on training in real-world plumbing scenarios.
- Job Placement Assistance: A good school will provide job placement assistance to help you find work after graduation.
- Cost: Compare tuition costs and financial aid options to find the most affordable program for you.
By choosing one of these plumbing schools, you’re taking the first step toward a rewarding and fulfilling career. With the right training and dedication, you can become a skilled plumber and make a positive impact on your community.