If you live in Pennsylvania and want to start a career in plumbing, this page will provide you with information about the best plumbing schools in your state and the programs they offer.
Typically, plumbers learn the skills for this profession on the job by enrolling in an apprenticeship.
Some also attend a vocational school before starting the apprenticeship.
The training programs included in our list focus on teaching job-ready skills, such as:
- Reading blueprints
- Understanding and applying plumbing code requirements
- Installing plumbing systems
- Repairing plumbing fixtures
- Math for plumbers
- Providing information to customers about their plumbing
- And more
If you want to learn the above skills, we encourage you to start by reading our list of the best training options available in Pennsylvania.
#1Local 520 Training Center
About the School
Local 520 Training Center provides training programs for a skilled workforce responsible for building and maintaining piping systems in various industrial and residential facilities in North America.
Applicants are required to submit documents, test, and interview.
Courses Offered
The Plumber/Pipefitter program takes five years to complete with a total of 1,100 hours of class time and lab time and 7,830 hours of internship.
Students learn about:
- Science
- Materials
- Introduction to Rigging
- Copper
- PVC
- Heritage
- Orientation
- Gas Installations
- Air Conditioning
- First Aid/CPR
- Tube Bending
- Welding & Fab
- Plumbing Code
- Medical Gas
- And many other topics
Contact Information
- Address: 7193 Jonestown Road, Harrisburg, PA 17112
- Phone: 717-652-3294
- Website: https://ualocal520training.com
#2Pennsylvania College of Technology
About the School
Pennsylvania College of Technology prepares students for a hands-on career in an in-demand field.
Students may pursue a certificate in plumbing and prepare for a career installing and repairing pipes in commercial and residential settings.
The curriculum covers everything from understanding code compliance and blueprints to mastering electrical systems and exploring new technologies.
Through specialization, students learn and apply major-specific concepts, skills, and methods, such as:
- Introduction to Refrigeration
- Mechanical Systems Design & Operation
- Fundamentals of HVAC Electrical Controls
- HVAC Print Reading & Automated Design
- Mechanical Systems
- Introduction to Welding Processes
Contact Information
- Address: One College Avenue, Williamsport, PA 17701
- Phone: 570.320.2400
- Website: https://www.pct.edu
#3Community College of Allegheny County
About the School
Community College of Allegheny County provides a five-year certificate program that offers students occupational training under the sponsorship of a local Joint Apprenticeship Committee.
Lecture and laboratory classes award 28 credits, which may be applied toward an Associate of Science in Building Construction Estimating or Building Construction Supervision.
After completing this certificate and the required job training, students are ready to work in the commercial building construction industry as skilled plumbers.
Courses Offered
The following options are available:
- Plumber Apprenticeship, Certificate
- Plumbing, Certificate
The short-term training certificate is designed to offer students an opportunity to acquire basic skills to assist with the installation and repairs of plumbing systems in residences and small buildings.
Contact Information
- Address: 1040 Montour West Industrial Park, Coraopolis, PA 15108
- Phone: 724.695.9047
- Website: https://www.ccac.edu
#4Westmoreland County Community College
About the School
Westmoreland County Community College offers a Plumbing, Associate in Applied Science program that provides students with an in-depth background of the plumbing industry.
The coursework combines theory and practical shop experiences to help students develop the skills needed for the design, installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of plumbing systems for residential and commercial applications.
The plumbing program also has certificate and diploma options.
Courses Offered
The following courses are included in the program:
- First Year Seminar
- Plumbing
- Hydronics
- Estimating for the Plumber
- Blueprint Reading for HVAC Technicians
- Plumbing Code
In total, the certificate requires 16 credits.
Contact Information
- Address: 151 Pavilion Lane, Youngwood, PA 15697 (Business and Industry Center)
- Phone: 724-925-4000
- Website: https://westmoreland.edu
#5Mid-Young Plumbing Apprentice School
About the School
Mid-Young Plumbing Apprentice School is a plumbing apprentice training program that provides related training instruction to Apprentice Plumbers of Allegheny County.
This program requires 144 hours of education per year, 72 each semester.
Students take classes such as:
- Plumbing Math & Fundamentals
- Introduction to Plumbing Code
- Applied Trade Skills
- Building Drainage & Vents
- Plumbing Code & Theory
- Plumbing Code & Drawings
- And more
The information learned during the apprenticeship will be reviewed to prepare students for the Journeyman Exam administered by the Allegheny County Health Department.
Contact Information
- Address: 322 Mall Blvd. – Box #258, Monroeville, PA 15146
- Phone: (412) 856-0321
- Website: https://www.mypasschool.com
#6Pennco Tech
Pennco Tech has been providing quality post-secondary training in Bristol since 1973.
The programs are designed to help students improve their career opportunities in a variety of technical fields.
Courses Offered
The Plumbing & Heating Program in Pennsylvania can be completed in just 26 weeks.
The program is hands-on so students can gain the skills employers look for most.
Students are able to develop skills in all types of plumbing and heating repair work used in residential, institutional, and commercial applications.
Classes take place in the daytime.
Students need a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent.
Classes include:
- Brazing and soldering
- Bending tool and reverse bending tool
- Hydraulic crimping tool
- Piping materials and fixtures
- Valves and meters
- Reading blueprints and symbology
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 3815 Otter St, Bristol, PA 19007
- Phone: 215-268-7885
- Website: https://www.penncotech.edu
#7Orleans Technical College
About the School
Orleans Technical College is a non-profit, post-secondary school that provides Career and Technical Education to help individuals learn new skills to enhance success in the workforce.
The college offers intensive, employer-driven skills training to help students find and retain employment in the competitive job market.
Graduates are ready to work with gas, oil, and electric heating, lay out plumbing systems, and install water lines, fixtures, furnaces, and more.
Students are instructed in the installation and repair of forced hot air heaters, related ductwork, and hydronic heaters with radiators and baseboard units.
This day class takes eight months to complete.
Orleans Tech is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges.
A high school diploma or equivalent is required to apply.
Financial aid is available for students who qualify.
Contact Information
- Address: 2770 Red Lion Road, Philadelphia, PA 19114
- Phone: 215-728-4700
- Website: https://orleanstech.edu
#8Plumbers Training Institute
About the School
The following Pennsylvania Professional Development classes are available at Plumbers Training Institute:
- Professional Development 2021 IPC Update- a six-hour text course that costs $79
- Professional Development Master Plumber Isometrics- a three-hour course that costs $69
- Professional Development Introduction to Fire Sprinklers, Valves, and Hydraulic Calculations- a three-hour course that costs $59
- Professional Development Sanitary Drainage Systems- a four-hour course that costs $49.
- Professional Development Plan Reading- a one-hour video course costs $19
- Professional Development Plumbing Math- a one-hour video course that costs $19
- And more
Plumbers Training Institute classes may be completed from anywhere, anytime.
Contact Information
- Phone: 855-284-8738
- Website: https://www.plumberstraininginstitute.com
#9Career Technology Center
About the School
Career Technology Center offers a Plumbing and Heating program that includes a specialized classroom and lab training for practical learning experiences including layout, assembly, installation, and repair of pipes, fittings, and fixtures of water and drainage systems according to specifications and plumbing codes.
Students gain experience in soldering, brazing, and the use of hand and power tools.
The curriculum also covers the design and installation of steam, hydronic, and warm-air heating systems.
Key Learning Objectives include:
- Personal Safety in the Training Lab
- Job Site Safety
- Use of Hand and Power Tools
- How to Identify and Install Valves
- Water Distribution
- Steel and Cast Iron Piping
- Drains and Sewers
- Pressure Boilers
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 3201 Rockwell Avenue, Scranton PA 18508
- Phone: (570) 346-8471
- Website: https://www.ctclc.edu
#10Reading Muhlenberg Career & Technology Center
About the School
Reading Muhlenberg Career & Technology Center offers a curriculum designed to connect classroom learning and real-world demands.
Students get practical experience in fields spanning healthcare, graphic arts, construction, manufacturing, and more.
Courses Offered
Reading Muhlenberg Career & Technology Center offers a Plumbing & Heating program that covers the following skills:
- Design and build residential and industrial plumbing systems
- Install kitchen and bathroom fixtures
- Repair and replace older plumbing fixtures and faucets with modern tools and equipment
- Obtain OSHA 10-Hour Safety Certification required by most plumbing contractors
The program is accredited by the Pennsylvania Builders Association.
Contact Information
- Address: 2615 Warren Road, Reading, PA 19604
- Phone: 610-921-7300
- Website: https://www.rmctc.org
Schools Summary Table
Plumbing Average Salary in Pennsylvania
Estimated Earnings Range:| Item | Percent |
|---|---|
|
$45K
|
|
|
$73K
|
|
|
$108K
|
Plumbing Salary by Metro Area in Pennsylvania
| Metro Area | Employed | Avg. Annual | Avg. Hourly | Top 10% | Bottom 10% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ | 760 | $74,480 | $35.81 | $119,110 | $44,510 |
| Altoona, PA | 110 | $58,450 | $28.10 | $78,680 | $36,610 |
| Chambersburg, PA | 100 | $56,980 | $27.39 | $74,200 | $37,440 |
| Erie, PA | 300 | $64,810 | $31.16 | $94,810 | $38,010 |
| Gettysburg, PA | 60 | $61,280 | $29.46 | $84,120 | $37,090 |
| Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA | 830 | $75,600 | $36.35 | $108,520 | $46,420 |
| Johnstown, PA | 110 | $57,140 | $27.47 | $89,300 | $35,570 |
| Lancaster, PA | 830 | $64,890 | $31.20 | $93,600 | $39,910 |
| Lebanon, PA | 140 | $62,670 | $30.13 | $97,770 | $37,400 |
| Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD | 7,570 | $80,560 | $38.73 | $131,040 | $48,000 |
| Pittsburgh, PA | 2,880 | $72,550 | $34.88 | $99,470 | $46,550 |
| Reading, PA | 420 | $66,610 | $32.03 | $102,880 | $37,620 |
| Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA | 460 | $61,880 | $29.75 | $78,010 | $41,910 |
| State College, PA | 120 | $69,340 | $33.34 | $137,200 | $41,210 |
| Williamsport, PA | 110 | $59,580 | $28.64 | $74,820 | $42,080 |
| York-Hanover, PA | 520 | $67,160 | $32.29 | $99,340 | $40,190 |
* Employment opportunities may differ based on your location.
Final Thoughts
If you want to start an in-demand and rewarding career in trades, the plumbing profession is worth exploring.
Now that you have read our list of the best Plumbing schools in the state of Pennsylvania, it’s time to continue the research and apply for the program that best meets your learning style and career aspirations.
