Trade Schools
If you live in Alabama and you want to become a plumber, this page is for you.
Plumbers are usually responsible for:
- Reading and interpreting blueprints
- Installing, repairing, and maintaining plumbing systems in buildings
- Fixing and repairing various appliances
- Preparing cost estimates
- Handling customer queries
- And more
Plumber annual wages range from less than $40,000 to more than $100,000, depending on experience, industry of employment, and many other factors.
According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median wage reported by workers in this profession was calculated at $61,550, as of May 2023.
Salaries also vary by state.
In Alabama, the mean annual wage reported by plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters was $52,860 per year.
Salaries vary depending on experience, industry, region, and a variety of other factors.
Most employers require plumbers to hold a trade school diploma or to have completed an apprenticeship.
Apprenticeships typically last between four and five years and include technical instruction and paid on-the-job training.
Most states also require plumbers to be licensed before being allowed to work independently.
1Lawson State Community College
About the School
Lawson State Community College offers a Plumbing program that prepares students for employment and advancement in the plumbing industry.
The short-certificate program introduces students to all types of plumbing installation and repair work in residential, institutional, and commercial applications.
The program is two semesters long and prepares students for the workforce.
Students in this program have the opportunity to apply for an apprentice card and, after completion, they may join the plumbers’ union or work for a company.
One year after holding an apprentice card students are eligible to take the Journeyman Plumber state licensure exam.
Classes are limited to 20 students per class.
Contact Information
- Address: 3060 Wilson Road, SW Birmingham, AL 35221
- Phone: 205.925.2515
- Website: https://www.lawsonstate.edu
2Northeast Alabama Community College
About the School
Northeast Alabama Community College offers degrees and courses that prepare students for careers in a variety of in-demand industries.
The college is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award Associate Degrees.
Courses Offered
The college provides the following plumbing courses:
- Introduction to Plumbing
- Plumbing Applications
- Pipes & Fittings
- Joining Pipes & Fittings
- Pressure & Non-Pressure Systems Applications
- Plumbing Codes
- Plumbing & Repair & Installation
- Plumbing Repair & Installation Laboratory
Contact Information
- Address: 138 AL Hwy 35, Rainsville, Alabama 35986, P.O. Box 159
- Phone: 256-638-4418 or 256-228-6001
- Website: https://catalog.nacc.edu/
3Alabama State University
About the School
Alabama State University offers a Foundations of Plumbing course that teaches students specialized plumbing skills and terminology for residential, commercial, and industrial plumbing systems.
The course also teaches math, geometry, and physical principles.
Students learn:
- Basic concepts of plumbing safety
- The function of components required for the construction of standard piping and water supply systems
- The use and meaning of specialty drawings
- The application and installation of standard plumbing fixtures
- How to identify piping materials
- And more
Courses Offered
The syllabus includes the following courses:
- Plumbing History, Codes, and Principles
- Tools of the Plumbing Trade
- First Aid and Safety
- Piping Materials
- Water Heaters
- Sketching
- Soldering, Brazing, Cutting, and Gas Welding
- Cross-Connection Protection and Pipe Identification
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 32 Commerce Street, Montgomery, AL 36104 US
- Phone: 855.520.6806
- Website: https://careertraining.alasu.edu/training-programs/plumbing-foundations
4Auburn University
About the School
Auburn University offers a Plumbing Technician online certification program that is designed to prepare students to function as entry-level plumbers and plumbing assistants in residential and commercial environments.
Students prepare for tasks such as installing, maintaining, and repairing different pipe systems.
The course topics include:
- Describing the building trades and technology industry
- Identify the professional skills needed for a career in this industry
- explaining safety procedures and equipment used in the workplace
- Reading common construction drawings and plans
- Understanding and complying with local plumbing codes
- Interpreting plumbing drawings
- And many more
Contact Information
- Address: 301 O.D. Smith Hall, Auburn University, AL 36849
- Phone: (334) 844-5100
- Website: https://www.auburn.edu
5UA Local 52
About the School
UA Local 52 offers apprenticeship and journeyman training.
Apprentices and journeymen learn from certified United Association Instructors.
They attend 40 hours each summer over a period of five years to obtain their certification in a wide variety of processes, including:
- Plumbing
- Valve repair
- HVAC
- Welding
- Pipefitting and backflow prevention
Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and have a high school diploma or G.E.D.
Contact Information
- Address: 5563 Wares Ferry Road, Montgomery, Alabama 36117
- Phone: (334)-272-9500
- Website: https://ualocal52.org
6Southland Training Solutions
About the School
Southland Training Solutions offers training for the following skilled trades:
- Electrical
- HVAC
- Plumbing
- Specialized topics
The Plumbing program covers a wide range of topics, including pipe systems, fittings, fixtures, and drain systems using hands-on training.
The program allows students to work with real-world plumbing equipment and tools.
Students learn how to install, maintain, and repair plumbing systems in residential and commercial settings.
The school offers job placement assistance for its graduates, helping them to secure employment in this field.
Contact Information
- Address: 204 Frankfurt Circle Birmingham, AL 35211
- Phone: 205-202-2447
- Website: https://www.southlandtrainingsolutions.org
7Coastal Alabama Community College
About the School
Coastal Alabama Community College offers a variety of certificates, including:
- Advanced Manufacturing- Mechatronics
- Building Construction Technology
- Building Maintenance
- Engineering Graphics and Design Technology
- Heating and Air Technology
- Industrial Production Technology
- Machine Tool Technology
- And more
The college is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission of College to award the Associate degree.
Contact Information
- Address: 220 Alco Drive, Brewton, AL 36426
- Phone: (800) 381-3722
- Website: https://www.coastalalabama.edu
8Bevill State Community College
About the School
Bevill State Community College offers a Plumbing Technician online certification course.
This course takes between four and six months to complete and provides students with entry-level skills required to start a career in plumbing.
Courses Offered
The program has the following objectives:
- Describing the building trades and technology industry and associated career paths
- Completing basic measuring tasks and math calculations
- Identifying common rigging equipment
- Reading common construction drawings and plans
- Interpreting blueprint drawings
- Understanding health issues
- And many more
Contact Information
- Address: Fayette, Alabama 35555
- Phone: 888.574.6218
- Website: https://bscc.edu2.com
9J.F. Ingram State
About the School
J.F. Ingram State offers a Plumbing program.
This comprehensive 60-semester hours course is designed to equip students with essential skills, knowledge, and abilities for successful entry-level employment in the plumbing industry.
To earn a certificate of completion students must complete four academic courses totaling 12 semester hours, as well as all required career technical courses.
Students also have the opportunity to earn stackable short-term certificates and industry certifications.
The following credentials are available:
- Plumbing Certificate
- Short-term certificates:
- Basic Pipe Joining Technique
- R/C Water, Drain Waste & Vent System
- Plumbing Repair System
The required courses include:
- Introduction to Plumbing
- Pipe & Fittings
- Plumbing Codes
- Code Applications
- Plumbing Repair and Installation
- Process Piping
- Pumps and Compressors
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 5375 Ingram Road, Deatsville, AL 36022
- Phone: 334-285-5177
- Website: https://www.istc.edu
10ICC Training
About the School
ICC Training offers AL Plumbing & Gas Continuing Education program that offers six credit hours of training.
The following topics are covered:
- Residential Plumbing
- Commercial Plumbing
- AL Laws & Rules
- Commercial Gas Fitting
- Residential Gas Fitting
The course includes continuing education hours required by Alabama to renew plumbing and gas fitting licenses (Master or Journeyman)
Contact Information
- Address: 750 E US Hwy 80, Suite 200 Box 671, Forney, TX 75126
- Phone: 855-899-4667
- Website: https://winnsce.com
Regional Salary in Alabama
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anniston-Oxford-Jacksonville, AL | 80 | $51,070 | $24.55 | $69,910 | $32,700 |
| Auburn-Opelika, AL | 140 | $47,520 | $22.84 | $66,190 | $30,930 |
| Birmingham-Hoover, AL | 2,170 | $54,390 | $26.15 | $70,710 | $36,250 |
| Daphne-Fairhope-Foley, AL | 250 | $46,220 | $22.22 | $63,220 | $30,890 |
| Decatur, AL | 250 | $59,690 | $28.7 | $99,030 | $37,900 |
| Dothan, AL | 120 | $46,600 | $22.4 | $61,610 | $31,080 |
| Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL | 260 | $53,840 | $25.88 | $77,620 | $33,770 |
| Gadsden, AL | 80 | $46,760 | $22.48 | $61,360 | $29,260 |
| Huntsville, AL | 760 | $55,800 | $26.83 | $78,070 | $35,360 |
| Mobile, AL | 960 | $54,120 | $26.02 | $65,360 | $36,680 |
| Montgomery, AL | 370 | $50,710 | $24.38 | $69,360 | $31,510 |
| Tuscaloosa, AL | 500 | $54,420 | $26.16 | $68,700 | $36,150 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Final Thoughts
Now that you have read our list of the best Plumbing schools in Alabama, it’s time to decide if this is the career path you want to pursue and apply for the program that best meets your learning style and career aspirations.
This is an important step, so take your time and choose wisely.
