Trade Schools
If you live in North Carolina and want to start a career in plumbing, 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
This profession can be both stable and financially rewarding.
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.
Salaries range from less than $40,000 to more than $100,000 per year depending on education, experience, skills, region, and a variety of other factors.
So, if you’re interested in starting a career in this field we encourage you to start by reading our list and them choose the program that best fits into your lifestyle.
1Wake Tech
About the School
Wake Tech offers a Plumbing program that provides students with the basics of installing and repairing plumbing systems in residential and commercial buildings.
The coursework includes sketching diagrams, interpreting blueprints, practicing plumbing assembly, and state codes and regulations.
Students acquire skills in soldering, system layout, threading pipes, and assembling all types of piping, including cast iron.
They are also introduced to water heaters, water pumps, water treatment, septic tanks, fixtures, valves, and other appliances.
The program also includes soft skills such as:
- Interpersonal skills and teamwork
- Communication
- Problem-solving
- Information processing
- Adaptability and lifelong learning
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 9101 Fayetteville Road, Raleigh, NC 27603
- Phone: 919-866-5000
- Website: https://www.waketech.edu
2Omitt Trade School
About the School
Omitt Trade School offers on-site/off-site mechanical industrial technical training.
The following courses are available:
- HVAC- a 26-week program that covers HVAC formulas, HVAC concepts, safety tools, controls, troubleshooting systems, basic heating systems, tubing, piping, and more
- Welding- a program that provides students with knowledge of the welding theory and applications that prepare them for entry-level career opportunities in welding and fabrication
- Forklift Operation Certification
- Carpentry
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 101 W Sugar Creek Rd, Charlotte, NC 28213
- Phone: (704) 248-0837
- Website: https://www.omitttradeschool.com
3North Carolina Trade School
About the School
North Carolina Trade School offers a variety of career-focused programs in areas such as:
- Plumbing Technician
- HVAC Technician
- Electrical Technician
The Plumbing Technician program is a fully online program that prepares students for their journey toward a career as Certified Plumbing Technicians.
This course equips students with the expertise needed to excel in this trade.
Students gain real-world experience through practical, immersive training.
The program covers a wide range of skills, from pipe installation and water system maintenance to advanced plumbing techniques and safety standards.
Students study at their own pace with 24/7 access to course materials designed to fit into their busy lives.
Contact Information
- Address: 10130 Mallard Creek Rd, Suite 300, Charlotte, NC 28262
- Phone: 980-480-9831
- Website: https://northcarolinatradeschool.com
4Fayeteville Technical Community College
About the School
Fayetteville Technical Community College offers a Plumbing program that places an emphasis on hands-on practice in the lab and on live projects in the community.
The program is designed to prepare students with the skills needed to lay out plumbing systems in residential and small commercial buildings.
The coursework includes:
- Installing various plumbing fixtures
- Interpretation of blueprints
- Sketching diagrams
- Slab and crawl space rough-in
- Installing different types of plumbing materials such as copper, CPVC, PEX, PVC, and cast iron.
The Diploma program is three semesters long.
A Basic Plumbing Certificate is two semesters long.
Contact Information
- Address: 2201 Hull Rd, Fayetteville, NC 28303
- Phone: (910) 678-8400
- Website: https://www.faytechcc.edu
5Piedmont Community College
About the School
Piedmont Community College offers a Plumbing Levels 1-4 course offered by the National Center for Construction Education and Research.
This is a comprehensive program designed to equip individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in the plumbing industry.
The multi-level course covers fundamental concepts, practical techniques, safety protocols, and advanced procedures.
Students must enter the program during level I.
Level I introduces students to plumbing, including plumbing safety, math, and drawings, as well as the tools, materials, and systems of the trade.
Students also develop critical thinking, judgment, and active listening skills needed for sound decision-making.
Level I also introduces NCCER Core: Introduction to Basic Construction Skills.
Contact Information
- Address: 1715 College Drive, Roxboro, NC 27574
- Phone: (336) 599-1181
- Website: https://piedmontcc.edu
6Forsyth Tech Community College
About the School
Forsyth Tech Community College offers a Plumbing program that provides hands-on training in blueprint interpretation, plumbing assembly, and job site experience.
The following paths are available:
- Plumbing Certificate- a program that takes between one and two semesters to complete and covers physics, codes, and sustainable building
- Plumbing Diploma- a one-year program that covers sustainable building, print reading, building codes, estimating, and construction materials.
Courses Offered
The program includes the following courses:
- Print-Reading- Construction
- Modern Plumbing
- Intro to Plumbing Codes
- Mathematical Measurement and Literacy
- Plumbing Applications
- Plumbing Diagrams
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 2100 Silas Creek Parkway, Winston-Salem, NC 27103
- Phone: 336.723.0371
- Website: https://www.forsythtech.edu
7Craven Community College
About the School
Craven Community College offers a Plumbing program that includes three levels of intensive, hands-on training to prepare students for the workforce.
Students learn about many topics, including plumbing tools, types of valves, and potable water treatments.
The following plumbing programs are available:
- NCCER Plumbing Level 1
- NCCER Plumbing Level 2
- NCCER Plumbing Level 3
- NCCER Plumbing Pathway
- DIY Plumbing
Plumbing Level 1 covers topics such as introduction to the plumbing profession, plumbing safety, tools of the plumbing trade, introduction to plumbing math, introduction to plumbing drawings, plastic pipe and fittings, copper pipe and fittings, carbon steel pipe and fittings, introduction to plumbing fixtures, and more.
All students receive 72.5 hours of Core Curriculum.
When students complete the program, they receive National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) certification for Plumbing Level I.
Contact Information
- Address: 800 College Court, New Bern, NC 28562
- Phone: (252) 638-7200
- Website: https://cravencc.edu
8Guilford Technical Community College
About the School
Guilford Technical Community College offers a Plumbing program designed to help students acquire basic skills to assist with plumbing systems installation and repairs in residential and light commercial buildings.
The coursework includes:
- Sketching diagrams
- Interpretation of blueprints
- Practices in plumbing assembly
- Students also gain knowledge of state codes and requirements
They develop skills through hands-on participation in a lab and at job sites.
Students need 14 credits for a certificate.
The program covers:
- Modern Plumbing I
- Print-Reading-Construction
- Modern Plumbing Part II
- Introduction to Plumbing Codes
After completing the program, students are able to:
- Identify and properly use tools associated with the plumbing industry
- Safely assemble various pipes and fittings
- Identify and diagnose needed repairs
Contact Information
- Address: 601 E. Main Street P.O. Box 309 Jamestown, NC 27282
- Phone: 336.334.4822
- Website: https://www.gtcc.edu
9Plumbers Training Institute
About the School
Plumbers Training Institute offers the following North Carolina Online Plumber courses:
- P-I, P-II, RLP & SLGT-P Exam Prep
- Professional Development
The following North Carolina Exam prep classes are available:
- North Carolina Contractor & Technician Plumber exam prep- a 15-hour course that costs $489
- North Carolina Business and Law exam prep- a six-hour course that costs $69
- North Carolina Master Plumber Isometrics- a three-hour course that costs $59
- North Carolina Plumbing Vents- a one-hour course that costs $29.
Plumbers Training Institute classes may be completed from anywhere, anytime.
Contact Information
- Phone: 855-284-8738
- Website: https://www.plumberstraininginstitute.com
10Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute
About the School
Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute offers several fast-track training programs.
The Plumbing program includes the following courses:
- Introduction to Plumbing- a course that serves as the entry-level requirement for all the other courses
- Intermediate Plumbing- a course that explores plumbing code, permitting, and math
The topics covered include:
-
- Reading Commercial Drawings
- Structural Penetrations
- Insulation and Fire Stopping
- Drain installation
- Advanced Plumbing
Contact Information
- Address: 2855 Hickory Blvd, Hudson, NC 28638
- Phone: 828.297.3811
- Website: https://cccti.edu
Schools Summary Table
Regional Salary in North Carolina
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Asheville, NC | 510 | $59,700 | $28.70 | $75,230 | $43,110 |
| Burlington, NC | 240 | $53,370 | $25.66 | $75,300 | $34,490 |
| Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC | 4,210 | $56,310 | $27.07 | $75,230 | $38,470 |
| Durham-Chapel Hill, NC | 590 | $58,510 | $28.13 | $75,940 | $44,220 |
| Fayetteville, NC | 410 | $53,050 | $25.50 | $70,290 | $36,390 |
| Goldsboro, NC | 140 | $50,240 | $24.15 | $66,560 | $35,000 |
| Greensboro-High Point, NC | 1,160 | $53,320 | $25.64 | $67,620 | $37,590 |
| Greenville, NC | 290 | $55,500 | $26.69 | $70,100 | $39,060 |
| Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC | 320 | $52,210 | $25.10 | $64,110 | $36,920 |
| Jacksonville, NC | 220 | $52,760 | $25.37 | $70,580 | $37,160 |
| Pinehurst-Southern Pines, NC | 130 | $49,300 | $23.70 | $63,660 | $35,550 |
| Raleigh-Cary, NC | 2,520 | $56,280 | $27.06 | $72,910 | $39,810 |
| Rocky Mount, NC | 90 | $51,840 | $24.92 | $72,350 | $36,070 |
| Wilmington, NC | 640 | $52,160 | $25.08 | $73,370 | $36,260 |
| Winston-Salem, NC | 900 | $52,160 | $25.08 | $67,390 | $38,660 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Final Thoughts
If you want to start a rewarding career in trades, the plumbing profession is worth exploring.
Now that you have read our list of the best Plumbing schools in North Carolina, it’s time to continue the research and apply for the program that best meets your learning style, budget, schedule, and career aspirations.
