Trade Schools
If you’re passionate about construction, a career in plumbing can be both personally rewarding and financially stable.
According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage reported by plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters was $61,550, as of May 2023.
This profession is expected to grow 6 percent over the next decade, so new jobs will appear as workers retire and new buildings are constructed.
If you live in California and want to start a career in construction trades, this page is for you.
Here we have compiled information about the best Plumbing schools in your state and the programs they offer.
Our selection includes certificate programs as well as paid apprenticeships.
Programs focus on teaching job-ready skills, such as:
- Reading blueprints
- Understanding and applying plumbing code requirements
- Installing plumbing systems
- Repairing plumbing fixtures
- Providing information to customers about their plumbing
- And more
So, if you’re interested in starting a career in this field we encourage you to start by reading our list.
1Pipe Trades Training Center
Pipe Trades Training Center offers a registered apprenticeship program that provides apprentices with paid on-the-job training and classroom instruction that supports their field of learning.
The training facility teaches state-of-the-art craftmanship and provides access to the latest technology and tools.
Courses Offered
The following programs are available at the school:
- Plumbing
- Steamfitting
- HVACR
- Residential Plumbing
The Plumbing program can be completed in five years.
Each year consists of 1760 hours of structured on-the-job training under the supervision of a journeylevel worker.
Apprentices also attend class two nights a week two semesters a year.
After completing the five years of training apprentices are granted journeylevel status and receive a completion certificate from the State of California.
Contact Information
- Address: 780 Commercial Street, San Jose, CA 95112
- Phone: 408-453-6330
- Website: https://www.pttc.edu
2Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association of California
About the School
The Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association of California provides its members with resources, advocacy, and education to enhance their businesses and careers.
The association provides four-year apprenticeships.
This program combines classroom instruction with on-the-job training.
Apprentices learn skills in plumbing and HVAC, working under the guidance of experienced journeymen.
Continuing education, certification programs, journeymen and business management training is also available.
An introductory Plumbing-preapprentice program is offered to help entry-level plumbing workers be productive as helpers.
This course teaches students about:
- Plumbing products
- Gas & Gas Fixtures
- Plumbing Systems
- Plumbing Definitions and Principles
- Customer Service and Soft Skills
- Safety, Science, and Math
Contact Information
- Address: 1820 Tribute Rd. Ste A, Sacramento, CA 95815
- Phone: (916) 925-7390
- Website: https://www.caphcc.org
3Fresno Area Plumbers Plumbers Pipefitters HVACR Technicians Joint Apprentice & Journeyman Training Center
About the School
Fresno Area Plumbers Pipefitters HVACR Technicians Joint Apprentice & Journeyman Training Center offers earn-as-you-learn training programs.
The five-year program consists of classes two nights per week and work by day for one of the union contractors.
Apprentices advance in training, education, and pay every six months as they progress in the program.
Programs are available for the following careers:
- Plumber
- Pipefitter/Steamfitter
- Welder
- HVACR Service Technician
Applicants must be at least 18 years of age
An original copy of high school diploma or GED certificate showing a minimum score of 35 in each test and a 45 overall is also required.
Contact Information
- Address: 1303 North Rabe Avenue, Suite 102 Fresno, CA 93727-2249
- Phone: (559) 455-1526
- Website: https://ualocal246.com
4Diablo Valley College
About the School
Diablo Valley College offers a plumbing program that focuses on hands-on training in essential plumbing skills, including installation, maintenance, and repair of residential and commercial systems.
A five-year plumbing apprenticeship is offered in partnership with Plumbers and Steamfitters Union Local 159 and Plumbers, Steamfitters, Refrigeration Union Local 342.
Apprentices earn a wage while learning.
Often they are able to continue into a full time position after completing the program.
The program prepares apprentices for work in a variety of occupations and career paths, including:
- Commercial Plumbing
- Industrial Plumbing
- Residential Plumbing
The following degrees and certificates are also available:
- Associate in Science- Plumbing
- Certificate of Achievement- Plumbing
- Certificate of Accomplishment- Plumbing
Contact Information
- Address: 321 Golf Club Road, Pleasant Hill, CA 94523
- Phone: 925-685-1230
- Website: https://www.dvc.edu
5Summit College
About the School
Summit College offers a variety of career training programs in trade and technical fields.
The Plumbing program teaches students the fundamentals of plumbing, mathematics in pumbling, devices, values, fittings, fixtures, water supplies, safety, design, and installation.
The Plumbing Technician program can be completed in as few as eight months.
Plumbing Technicians typically perform tasks such as:
- Installing and repairing water, gas, and other piping systems
- Determining the materials and equipment needed for a job
- Inspecting and testing installed pipe systems
- Installing plumbing fixtures
- Cleaning drains, replacing broken pipes
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 804 East Brier Drive, San Bernardino, CA 92408
- Phone: (888) 504-2552
- Website: https://summitcollege.edu
6United Association Local 447
About the School
United Association Local 447 offers Plumbers, Pipe Fitters, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration training.
The five-year apprenticeship program provides students with on-the-job training and related experiences.
The apprenticeship includes a minimum of 216 hours annually of related classroom instruction, as well as a minimum of 9000 hours of on the job training provided by the employing contractor over the five-year apprenticeship.
Applicants need a high school diploma or GED, and valid government issued photo ID.
They must be 18 years or older to take the entrance exam.
The test takes approximately three hours and covers mathematics up through first year Algebra.
A minimum of 65 percent score is requried to qualify.
Apprenticeship pay starts at $25 per hour.
Every six months apprentices receive a raise of approximatily $2-$3 per hour.
Contact Information
- Address: 5841 Newman Ct, Sacramento, CA 95819
- Phone: (916) 457-6595
- Website: http://www.ualocal447.org
7California Apprenticeship Coordinators Association
About the School
California Apprenticeship Coordinators Association offers a Plumber Apprenticeship that can be completed in five years.
The apprentice receives 9000 hours of on-the-job training and attends 1,080 hours of related training classes.
Admission requirements include:
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Possess a high school diploma or GED
Students must be able to attend two nights per week in related training classes during school terms.
They also need a valid California drivers license when accepted.
Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.
Contact Information
- Address: 18931 Laurel Park Road, Compton, CA 90220
- Phone: (310) 604-0892
- Website: http://www.calapprenticeship.org
8Foothill College
About the School
Foothill College offers opportunities to enroll in its career preparation programs at a reasonable cost.
Courses Offered
The College provides a Plumbing Technology program that can lead to the following credentials:
- Plumbing Technology, AS
- Plumbing Technology, CA
- Residential Plumbing, CA
An Apprenticeship: Plumbing Tech is also available and designed to be completed in 60 weeks.
This program costs $1,767 for California residents if completed within normal time.
Foothill College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community Schools and Colleges.
Contact Information
- Address: 12345 El Monte Road, Los Altos Hills, CA 94022
- Phone: 650.949.7777
- Website: https://foothill.edu
9Modesto Junior College
Modesto Junior College offers an online Foundations of Plumbing course.
Students learn at their own pace specialized plumbing skills and terminology for residential, commercial, and industrial plumbing systems.
The course also teaches math, geometry, and physical principles needed to work on plumbing systems.
Courses Offered
The course syllabus includes:
- Plumbing History, Codes, and Principles
- First Aid and Safety
- Basic Math for Plumbing
- Piping Materials Used in Plumbing Work
- Plumbing Fixtures
- Sketching
- Introduction to Welding
- Soldering, Brazing, Cutting, and Gas Welding
- And more
This course costs $2,245.
Contact Information
- Address: 435 College Ave. Modesto, CA 95350 US
- Phone: 855.520.6806
- Website: https://careertraining.mjc.edu
10California State University Chico
About the School
California State University Chico offers a Foundations of Plumbing Online Career Training Program.
There are no prerequisites to take this course.
The course objectives include:
- Basic concepts of plumbing safety and the safety procedures for material and equipment use
- The function of components in construction of standard piping and water supply systems
- Use and meaning of specialty drawings
- To identify piping materials and fixture types
- Perform essential math functions, calculations, and interpretation of the plumbing codes
- And more
The curriculum covers topics such as: Tools of the Plumbing Trade, Piping Materials Used in Plumbing Work, Plumbing Fixtures, Valves, Water Heaters, Sketching, Piping Joining Techniques, and many more
Contact Information
- Address: 400 W First Street, Chico, CA 95929-0250
- Phone: 530–898–6105
- Website: https://rce.csuchico.edu
Regional Salary in California
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bakersfield, CA | 860 | $65,690 | $31.58 | $99,370 | $38,730 |
| Chico, CA | 160 | $61,130 | $29.39 | $95,230 | $35,900 |
| El Centro, CA | 130 | $67,820 | $32.61 | $99,580 | $39,520 |
| Fresno, CA | 890 | $69,200 | $33.27 | $123,950 | $38,500 |
| Hanford-Corcoran, CA | 110 | $69,050 | $33.2 | $103,490 | $45,050 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | 13,700 | $73,530 | $35.35 | $118,410 | $43,710 |
| Madera, CA | 100 | $66,050 | $31.76 | $95,420 | $39,640 |
| Merced, CA | 180 | $59,910 | $28.8 | $81,740 | $39,240 |
| Modesto, CA | 450 | $71,000 | $34.13 | $116,430 | $40,460 |
| Napa, CA | 160 | $85,410 | $41.06 | $126,790 | $47,060 |
| Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA | 960 | $66,940 | $32.18 | $103,060 | $39,610 |
| Redding, CA | 180 | $63,770 | $30.66 | $98,460 | $38,110 |
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA | 3,850 | $65,720 | $31.6 | $103,320 | $39,870 |
| Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade, CA | 3,040 | $71,440 | $34.35 | $125,370 | $44,720 |
| Salinas, CA | 390 | $67,600 | $32.5 | $100,580 | $44,970 |
| San Diego-Carlsbad, CA | 4,960 | $72,870 | $35.04 | $119,120 | $42,540 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA | 5,430 | $90,790 | $43.65 | $156,010 | $48,200 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | 2,370 | $99,570 | $47.87 | $167,490 | $52,920 |
| San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles-Arroyo Grande, CA | 390 | $70,210 | $33.76 | $104,270 | $39,180 |
| Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA | 330 | $77,390 | $37.21 | $127,230 | $46,930 |
| Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA | 750 | $67,720 | $32.56 | $99,430 | $46,780 |
| Santa Rosa, CA | 550 | $72,510 | $34.86 | $107,070 | $45,550 |
| Stockton-Lodi, CA | 510 | $67,740 | $32.57 | $106,430 | $38,490 |
| Vallejo-Fairfield, CA | 350 | $68,960 | $33.15 | $101,330 | $44,840 |
| Visalia-Porterville, CA | 410 | $67,920 | $32.66 | $98,730 | $41,530 |
| Yuba City, CA | 100 | $64,440 | $30.98 | $102,850 | $36,140 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Final Thoughts
There are plenty of learning opportunities available if you live in California and you want to start a career as a plumber.
Now that you have read our selection of the best Plumbing schools in your state and the programs they offer, it’s time to continue your research and apply for the one that best fits your learning style, schedule, and career aspirations.
