Becoming a plumber has plenty of advantages: consistent demand, solid wages, and the ability to start earning while you train.
Most plumbers graduate with little to moderate student debt—especially those who pursue apprenticeships or attend affordable public training programs.
But before committing to a plumbing career path, it’s important to understand what your education might cost and how to keep borrowing under control.
For example:
- Plumbers who attend a public associate degree or community college trade program often graduate with $10,000 to $20,000 in student loan debt.
- Private trade school graduates may owe $25,000 to $50,000 or more, depending on the program.
- Bachelor’s degree holders in construction or related fields may incur $30,000 to over $100,000, especially at private institutions.
This guide breaks down plumber education costs, average student loan debt, and key strategies to minimize your financial burden.
Cost of Plumbing Education
The cost of becoming a plumber depends on:
- Type of program (associate degree, trade certificate, or bachelor’s degree)
- School type (public vs. private)
- In-state vs. out-of-state tuition
- Participation in a paid apprenticeship
Certificate and Associate Degree Programs
Public Community Colleges (In-State)
These programs typically cost between $4,000 and $20,000 in total tuition.
Examples:
- Hennepin Technical College (MN) – $6,830 (2-year diploma)
- Oakland Community College (MI) – ~$7,000 (Construction Tech/Plumbing)
- Wake Tech (NC) – ~$5,300 (Plumbing Diploma Program)
- Los Angeles Trade-Technical College (CA) – ~$2,760 per year
Some schools offer reduced rates for in-state residents and options to earn while learning.
Private Trade Schools
These tend to cost significantly more, ranging from $25,000 to $50,000+, according to data from program tuition listings and student reports on Indeed, Reddit, and College Scorecard.
Example:
- Universal Technical Institute (AZ) – Plumbing program tuition: ~$39,000
- Concorde Career College (various locations) – Plumbing programs: $35,000–$45,000
Private schools often promote faster program timelines or online options—but usually at a higher cost.
Bachelor’s Degree in Construction/Related Fields
Some aspiring plumbing contractors or union-affiliated plumbers pursue a Bachelor’s in Construction Management, Engineering Technology, or related areas.
- Public University Tuition: $30,000–$60,000 (in-state, 4 years)
- Private University Tuition: $65,000–$100,000+
These degrees are optional for most entry-level plumbing jobs but may be useful for long-term career advancement or licensing in certain states.
Additional Expenses
In addition to tuition, budget $5,000 to $7,000 for:
- Books and supplies: $1,200–$2,000
- Tools and uniforms: $1,000–$2,500
- Licensing exam fees: $300–$800 (varies by state)
- Transportation, insurance, and living costs
Strategies to Minimize Debt
1. Choose Affordable, In-State Programs
Public technical colleges and community colleges usually offer the best value. Many partner with local unions or employers to provide hands-on experience.
2. Enroll in a Registered Apprenticeship
Plumber apprenticeships are one of the few earn-while-you-learn models in skilled trades. Apprentices typically:
- Earn $18–$30 per hour while training
- Complete 4–5 years of on-the-job learning
- Graduate with little or no debt
Find opportunities through UA Local Unions, state labor departments, or Apprenticeship.gov.
3. Apply for Financial Aid and Scholarships
Plumbing students may be eligible for:
- Federal Pell Grants (for low-income students)
- State-specific trade school grants
- Industry scholarships (e.g., PHCC Educational Foundation)
The PHCC offers scholarships from $500 to $10,000 annually.
4. Budget Wisely and Work Part-Time
Some students work part-time or during summers as plumber’s helpers. Gaining experience while offsetting tuition helps reduce long-term debt.
Impact of Student Loan Debt on Plumbers
Plumbers earn a median salary of $61,550/year according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2024).
That means most plumbers can reasonably manage modest student loan payments, especially if they keep borrowing under control and avoid high-interest private loans.
Let’s take a look at what repayment might look like at different borrowing levels:
Education Debt Repayment Chart
| Education Type | Payment (% of Salary) | Debt Range | Years to Repay (Min) | Years to Repay (Max) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Public Certificate Program | 5% | $2,000 – $5,000 | 0.3 years | 0.7 years |
| 10% | $2,000 – $5,000 | 0.2 years | 0.3 years | |
| 20% | $2,000 – $5,000 | 0.1 years | 0.2 years | |
| Public Associate Degree | 5% | $3,000 – $23,000 | 0.5 years | 3.8 years |
| 10% | $3,000 – $23,000 | 0.3 years | 1.9 years | |
| 20% | $3,000 – $23,000 | 0.1 years | 1.0 year | |
| Private Trade School | 5% | $1,250 – $3,000 | 0.2 years | 0.5 years |
| 10% | $1,250 – $3,000 | 0.1 years | 0.3 years | |
| 20% | $1,250 – $3,000 | < 0.1 years | 0.1 years | |
| Online Plumbing Program | 5% | $800 – $1,200 | 0.1 years | 0.2 years |
| 10% | $800 – $1,200 | < 0.1 years | 0.1 years | |
| 20% | $800 – $1,200 | < 0.1 years | 0.1 years | |
| Apprenticeship (Paid) | 5% | $0 – $1,000 | < 0.1 years | 0.2 years |
| 10% | $0 – $1,000 | < 0.1 years | 0.1 years | |
| 20% | $0 – $1,000 | < 0.1 years | 0.1 years |
(Assuming $61,550 salary; loan repayment percentages based on pre-tax income)
You can find the detailed Plumber Education Debt Repayment Table above, which shows how long it takes to repay plumbing education loans under various payment scenarios.
Education Program Notes:
- Public Certificate: Short, skill-focused programs offered by community colleges.
- Associate Degree: Two-year programs providing comprehensive plumbing and general education training.
- Private Trade Schools: Intensive, specialized training institutions.
- Online Programs: Self-paced, flexible coursework suitable for working individuals.
- Apprenticeships: Hands-on training where individuals earn wages while learning, typically resulting in minimal or no debt.
Conclusion
Becoming a plumber is one of the most cost-effective ways to enter a stable, well-paying trade career.
By:
- Choosing low-cost programs
- Participating in apprenticeships
- Seeking out financial aid
- Borrowing only what’s necessary
…you can graduate with minimal debt—and start your career with strong earning power and job security.
If you manage your choices wisely, plumbing can offer a solid financial future without the heavy loan burden many college grads face.