Plumbing Licensing
Alabama Plumbing License: How to get certified and licensed in AL
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An Alabama plumbing license can lead to plenty of career opportunities in the plumbing industry. Whether you desire to work for an employer or start your own business, you must meet the licensing requirements. This guide will provide you with all the important details to become a plumber in Alabama.
- What plumbing work can be done without a license?
- What are the different types of plumbing licenses available in Alabama?
- Average hourly rates for plumbers in Alabama
- How to get a plumbing license
- Should I join a union?
- Insurance for plumbers in Alabama
- How to get my first plumbing apprenticeship
- How do I stay up to date with plumbing codes?
- What resources are available in the plumbing industry?
- I already have a license but:
- How often do I need to renew my plumbing license in Alabama?
What plumbing work can be done without a license?
None. You have an Alabama plumbing license to perform plumbing work.
What are the different types of plumbing licenses available in Alabama?
Three types of plumbing licenses are available in Alabama: apprentice license, journeyman license, and master plumber certification.
- Apprentice License:
As an apprentice, you must receive supervision from a master plumber or a registered journeyman. To get certified as an apprentice:- Fill out an updated Alabama apprentice registration form (online submission options may be available).
- Submit a photocopy of your social security card.
- Pay the $25 application fee.
- With an apprentice license, you can perform supervised plumbing duties, including repairs and pipe fittings.
- Journeyman License:
The requirements include:- Pass the journeyman plumber’s test.
- Minimum of two years of employment as a registered apprentice or enrollment in an approved apprenticeship program. (Check updated hours or program changes.)
- Submit the journeyman license application and pay the $110 fee.
- As a journeyman plumber, you can perform all types of plumbing jobs, including sprinkler installations and plumbing repairs.
- Master Plumber License:
The master plumber license is the highest-level plumbing license in Alabama. As a master plumber, you can perform any plumbing job without supervision. The requirements include:- Minimum of one year of employment as a journeyman plumber.
- Pass the master plumbing license exam.
- Submit the application and pay the $160 fee.
Average hourly rates for plumbers in Alabama
The average career span for a plumber is approximately 15 years. Here’s a breakdown of the average hourly rates for plumbers in Alabama, along with a comparison to the national averages:
- Apprentice Plumber: $12.21 per hour
(National Average: $15.31 per hour)
Apprentice plumbers in Alabama earn about 20% less than the national average, which highlights the importance of gaining experience and advancing in the trade. - Journeyman Plumber: $20.84 per hour
(National Average: $25.37 per hour)
Journeyman plumbers in Alabama earn roughly 18% below the national average. However, this rate may reflect regional cost-of-living differences. - Master Plumber: $23.61 per hour
(National Average: $30.46 per hour)
Master plumbers in Alabama earn approximately 22% less than their peers nationwide. Achieving master plumber status can provide a significant boost in earnings within the state.
These figures indicate that while plumbing wages in Alabama tend to be lower than the national averages, they remain competitive within the state’s economic context.
How to get a plumbing license
The career path from apprentice to master plumber requires education and training from a board-approved plumbing school.
The UA Local 91 Training Center provides on-the-job and classroom training for students. Courses include drafting, mathematics, science, sprinkler installation, and pipefitting. This program will prepare you for your journeyman plumber license. You’ll work under the direction of a master plumber doing a variety of plumbing jobs. This apprenticeship training lasts for 5 years.
To participate:
- Be at least 18 years old with a high school diploma or GED.
- Submit an application (there is no fee to apply for this training opportunity).
The Plumbers and Steamfitters UA Local 119 also offers an Apprenticeship Training program approved and supervised by the program sponsor and US Department of LAbor Bureau of Apprenticeship. The program is made up of both classroom and on the job training.
The Career Training Base also offers apprentice programs in Alabama at no cost to the trainees. This program teaches how to repair pipes/systems and other plumbing work.
You can apply for a plumbing license if you have a criminal record. Possessing a felony or misdemeanor on your record won’t prevent you from getting a plumbing license.
Should I join a union?
Consider all the pros and cons before joining a union.
Advantages:
- Union representatives will protect your interests.
- Union members have higher salaries than non-union members.
- Union representatives ensure members have safe working conditions.
- Unions provide a place to discuss any workplace concerns.
Potential Drawbacks:
- Union members are required to pay union dues.
- Some union members do not agree with their union’s decisions.
- Union members must follow union decisions regardless of their opinions.
Insurance for plumbers in Alabama
To work as a plumber in Alabama, you must have insurance. In some instances, companies will provide insurance for their employees. If your employer doesn’t offer insurance or you own a plumbing company, you must have the minimum amount of insurance:
- $300,000 for property damage insurance (for each occurrence)
- $100,000 for general liability insurance (for each occurrence)
You must submit a copy of your insurance certificate to the State of Alabama Plumbers and Gas Fitters Examining Board.
How to get my first plumbing apprenticeship
A plumbing apprenticeship gives you experience under the supervision of a master plumber. Not only can you earn a competitive salary, but you can also learn the necessary skills.
Steps to find and apply for an apprenticeship:
- Register as an apprentice plumber with the Alabama Plumber and Gas Fitters Examining Board.
- Enroll in a plumbing program offered by local unions or employers.
- For the apprenticeship interview:
- Dress in business casual attire.
- Bring a copy of your resume and any plumbing credentials.
Programs like those offered by the Alabama Plumber and Gas Fitters Examining Board provide the latest information about apprenticeship opportunities.
How do I stay up to date with plumbing codes?
The latest Alabama plumbing codes are available at the following websites:
Staying current ensures compliance with state regulations and helps avoid penalties.
What resources are available in the plumbing industry?
From blogs to trade shows, several resources exist to help you grow your career in the plumbing industry. Here are a few sites:
I already have a license but:
If you need a name or address change, contact the State of Alabama Plumber and Gas Fitters Examining Board. If you misplace your card, you must complete a replacement form and pay $25.
How often do I need to renew my plumbing license in Alabama?
Your Alabama plumbing license must be renewed annually. Here are the renewal fees by license type:
- Apprentice – $25
- Journeyman plumber – $50
- Master plumber – $150
Other industry licenses
Other industry licenses
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