Plumbing Technology: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Plumbing Technology is a hands-on, technical program designed to equip students with the expertise needed to install, maintain, and repair complex piping systems across residential, commercial, and industrial settings. The curriculum emphasizes real-world application of engineering principles, safety protocols, and regulatory compliance to ensure systems operate efficiently and reliably.
- Source determination and water distribution: Learn how to assess water supply sources and design efficient distribution networks that meet demand while maintaining pressure and quality standards.
- Waste removal and drainage systems: Master the design and implementation of drainage infrastructure to safely manage wastewater and prevent backups or contamination.
- Pressure adjustment and system balancing: Develop skills in regulating pressure within piping systems to ensure optimal performance and prevent damage to components.
- Basic physics and technical mathematics: Apply foundational scientific and mathematical concepts to solve real-world problems in fluid dynamics, flow rates, and system sizing.
- Blueprint reading and system layout: Interpret architectural and mechanical drawings to accurately plan and execute pipe routing and fixture placement.
- Pipe installation and system assembly: Gain proficiency in selecting appropriate materials and techniques for installing pipes using various joining methods, including threading, welding, and soldering.
- Pumps and mechanical components: Understand the function, selection, and maintenance of pumps and auxiliary equipment used in circulation and pressurization systems.
- Welding and soldering techniques: Acquire safe, precise skills in metal joining processes critical for high-pressure and high-temperature applications.
- Plumbing inspection and code compliance: Learn to evaluate systems against national and local codes, ensuring safety, efficiency, and legal adherence during installation and maintenance.
- Applicable codes and standards: Study industry regulations such as the International Plumbing Code (IPC), ASME standards, and environmental guidelines to ensure professional and legal compliance.
Plumbing Technology Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Plumbing Technology Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Plumbing Technology degrees, including First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters and Septic Tank Servicers and Sewer Pipe Cleaners. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 1,291,070 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers 47-1011 | $78,690 | $51,290 - $126,690 | 806,080 | $37.83 |
| Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters 47-2152 | $62,970 | $40,670 - $105,150 | 455,940 | $30.27 |
| Septic Tank Servicers and Sewer Pipe Cleaners 47-4071 | $49,140 | $36,500 - $73,670 | 29,050 | $23.62 |
Plumbing Technology Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $48,293 in Arkansas to $89,140 in District of Columbia—a 85% difference. The highest-paying states include District of Columbia, Oregon, and Illinois. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 1,291,070 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Plumbing Technology by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 99 institutions offering Plumbing Technology programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Plumbing Technology is found at Apex Technical School (193 graduates), South Florida Institute of Technology (SFIT) (164 graduates), NUC University (NUC) (160 graduates), Columbus State Community College (CSCC) (144 graduates), and Dixie Technical College (69 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 2,670 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apex Technical School |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
193 | Long Island City, New York | Private | apexschool.com |
| South Florida Institute of Technology (SFIT) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
164 | Miami, Florida | Private | sf-institute.com |
| NUC University (NUC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
160 | Bayamon, Puerto Rico | Private | nuc.edu |
| Columbus State Community College (CSCC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
144 | Columbus, Ohio | Public | cscc.edu |
| Dixie Technical College |
Residency
Other Award
|
69 | Saint George, Utah | Public | dixietech.edu |
| American River College (ARC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
68 | Sacramento, California | Public | arc.losrios.edu |
| Rio Salado College |
Other Award
|
65 | Tempe, Arizona | Public | rio.maricopa.edu |
| Porter & Chester Institute (PCI) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
59 | Bridgeport, Connecticut | Private | porterchester.edu |
| Jefferson Community and Technical College (JCTC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Residency
Other Award
|
56 | Louisville, Kentucky | Public | jefferson.kctcs.edu |
| Polytech Adult Education |
Other Award
|
54 | Woodside, Delaware | Public | polytechworks.com |
| Ranken Technical College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
51 | Saint Louis, Missouri | Private | ranken.edu |
| Mountainland Technical College (MTECH) |
Other Award
|
51 | Lehi, Utah | Public | mtec.edu |
| Waukesha County Technical College (WCTC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
49 | Pewaukee, Wisconsin | Public | wctc.edu |
| Fox Valley Technical College (FVTC) |
Other Award
|
46 | Appleton, Wisconsin | Public | fvtc.edu |
| Summit College |
Other Award
|
45 | San Bernardino, California | Private | summitcollege.edu |
| Pennco Tech |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
44 | Bristol, Pennsylvania | Private | penncotech.edu |
| Davis Technical College (DATC) |
Other Award
|
43 | Kaysville, Utah | Public | davistech.edu |
| Foothill College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
42 | Los Altos Hills, California | Public | foothill.edu |
| Los Angeles Trade Technical College (LATTC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
40 | Los Angeles, California | Public | lattc.edu |
| Berk Trade and Business School |
Other Award
|
37 | Long Island City, New York | Private | berktradeschool.com |
| Hennepin Technical College (HTC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
34 | Brooklyn Park, Minnesota | Public | hennepintech.edu |
| San Jacinto Community College |
Other Award
|
33 | Pasadena, Texas | Public | sanjac.edu |
| Hohokus School of Trade and Technical Sciences |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
32 | Paterson, New Jersey | Private | hohokus.edu |
| Fayetteville Technical Community College (FTCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
28 | Fayetteville, North Carolina | Public | faytechcc.edu |
| Perry Technical Institute (Perry Tech) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
28 | Yakima, Washington | Private | perrytech.edu |
| Texas State Technical College (TSTC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
28 | Waco, Texas | Public | tstc.edu |
| Atlanta Technical College (Atlanta Tech) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
27 | Atlanta, Georgia | Public | atlantatech.edu |
| Hillsborough Community College (HCC) |
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
|
25 | Tampa, Florida | Public | hccfl.edu |
| Fort Myers Technical College (FMTC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
|
25 | Fort Myers, Florida | Public | fortmyerstech.edu |
| Adult and Continuing Education-BCTS |
Other Award
|
24 | Hackensack, New Jersey | Public | bergen.org |
| Ogden-Weber Technical College |
Other Award
|
24 | Ogden, Utah | Public | otech.edu |
| Collin County Community College District (CCCCD) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
24 | McKinney, Texas | Public | collin.edu |
| Saint Paul College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
23 | Saint Paul, Minnesota | Public | saintpaul.edu |
| Porter & Chester Institute (PCI) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
20 | Hamden, Connecticut | Private | porterchester.edu |
| Iowa Western Community College (IWCC) |
Other Award
|
20 | Council Bluffs, Iowa | Public | iwcc.edu |
| Washburn Institute of Technology (Washburn Tech) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
20 | Topeka, Kansas | Public | washburntech.edu |
| Northwest Technical College (NTC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
|
19 | Bemidji, Minnesota | Public | ntcmn.edu |
| Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
19 | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania | Public | ccac.edu |
| SOWELA Technical Community College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
18 | Lake Charles, Louisiana | Public | sowela.edu |
| St Cloud Technical and Community College (SCTCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
18 | Saint Cloud, Minnesota | Public | sctcc.edu |
| Professional Technical Institution (PTI) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
18 | Bayamon, Puerto Rico | Private | ptipr.edu |
| Suncoast Technical College (STC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
17 | Sarasota, Florida | Public | sarasotacountyschools.net |
| North Dakota State College of Science (NDSCS) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
17 | Wahpeton, North Dakota | Public | ndscs.edu |
| Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology (TSCT) |
Associate's
|
17 | Lancaster, Pennsylvania | Public | stevenscollege.edu |
| Pennsylvania College of Technology |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
17 | Williamsport, Pennsylvania | Public | pct.edu |
| Union County Vocational Technical School (UCVTS) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
17 | Scotch Plains, New Jersey | Public | ucvts.tec.nj.us |
| Florida International Training Institute (FITI) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
17 | Miami, Florida | Private | fitischools.com |
| Forsyth Technical Community College (Forsyth Tech) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
16 | Winston-Salem, North Carolina | Public | forsythtech.edu |
| Central Georgia Technical College (CGTC) |
Other Award
|
16 | Warner Robins, Georgia | Public | centralgatech.edu |
| Kirkwood Community College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
15 | Cedar Rapids, Iowa | Public | kirkwood.edu |
| Central Maine Community College (CMCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
15 | Auburn, Maine | Public | cmcc.edu |
| East Valley Institute of Technology (EVIT) |
Other Award
|
15 | Mesa, Arizona | Public | evit.com |
| City Colleges of Chicago (KKC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
14 | Chicago, Illinois | Public | ccc.edu |
| Southern Maine Community College (SMCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
14 | South Portland, Maine | Public | smccme.edu |
| Ridgewater College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
14 | Willmar, Minnesota | Public | ridgewater.edu |
| Halifax Community College (HCC) |
Other Award
|
14 | Weldon, North Carolina | Public | halifaxcc.edu |
| Cape Fear Community College (CFCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
13 | Wilmington, North Carolina | Public | cfcc.edu |
| New England Institute of Technology (NEIT) |
Associate's
|
13 | East Greenwich, Rhode Island | Private | neit.edu |
| Bridgerland Technical College (BTECH) |
Other Award
|
13 | Logan, Utah | Public | btech.edu |
| Peninsula College |
Other Award
|
13 | Port Angeles, Washington | Public | pencol.edu |
| Southern Crescent Technical College (SCTC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
12 | Griffin, Georgia | Public | sctech.edu |
| Western Iowa Tech Community College (WITCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
12 | Sioux City, Iowa | Public | witcc.edu |
| Montana State University |
Associate's
|
12 | Havre, Montana | Public | msun.edu |
| Lawson State Community College (LSCC) |
Other Award
|
11 | Birmingham, Alabama | Public | lawsonstate.edu |
| South Mountain Community College (SMCC) |
Other Award
|
11 | Phoenix, Arizona | Public | southmountaincc.edu |
| Pinellas Technical College (PTC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
11 | Saint Petersburg, Florida | Public | myptc.edu |
| Johnson County Community College (JCCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
11 | Overland Park, Kansas | Public | jccc.edu |
| Eastern Maine Community College (EMCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
11 | Bangor, Maine | Public | emcc.edu |
| Southeastern Technical Institute (STI) |
Other Award
|
11 | South Easton, Massachusetts | Public | stitech.edu |
| Cuyahoga Community College District (Tri-C) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
11 | Cleveland, Ohio | Public | tri-c.edu |
| Tennessee College of Applied Technology |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
11 | Elizabethton, Tennessee | Public | tcatelizabethton.edu |
| Northwood Technical College (Northwood Tech) |
Other Award
|
11 | Rice Lake, Wisconsin | Public | northwoodtech.edu |
| Erwin Technical College (ETC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
11 | Tampa, Florida | Public | hillsboroughschools.org |
| Miami Lakes Educational Center and Technical College (MLEC & TC) |
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
|
10 | Miami Lakes, Florida | Public | miamilakes.edu |
| Northwest Kansas Technical College (NWKTC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
10 | Goodland, Kansas | Public | nwktc.edu |
| Central New Mexico Community College (CNM) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
10 | Albuquerque, New Mexico | Public | cnm.edu |
| Seminole State College of Florida |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
9 | Sanford, Florida | Public | seminolestate.edu |
| Orleans Technical College |
Other Award
|
9 | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | Private | orleanstech.edu |
| Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC) |
Other Award
|
9 | Milwaukee, Wisconsin | Public | matc.edu |
| Central Technology Center |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
9 | Drumright, Oklahoma | Public | centraltech.edu |
| Industrial Management Training Institute (IMTI) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
9 | Waterbury, Connecticut | Private | imti.edu |
| Southeast Community College Area (SCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
8 | Lincoln, Nebraska | Public | southeast.edu |
| Guilford Technical Community College (GTCC) |
Other Award
|
8 | Jamestown, North Carolina | Public | gtcc.edu |
| William R Moore College of Technology |
Other Award
|
8 | Memphis, Tennessee | Private | mooretech.edu |
| Gateway Community and Technical College (GCTC) |
Other Award
|
7 | Florence, Kentucky | Public | gateway.kctcs.edu |
| Kennebec Valley Community College (KVCC) |
Other Award
|
7 | Fairfield, Maine | Public | kvcc.me.edu |
| Wake Technical Community College (Wake Tech) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
7 | Raleigh, North Carolina | Public | waketech.edu |
| Luzerne County Community College (LCCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
7 | Nanticoke, Pennsylvania | Public | luzerne.edu |
| Northcentral Technical College (NTC) |
Other Award
|
7 | Wausau, Wisconsin | Public | ntc.edu |
| Owensboro Community and Technical College (OCTC) |
Residency
Other Award
|
7 | Owensboro, Kentucky | Public | owensboro.kctcs.edu |
| Pima Community College (PCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
6 | Tucson, Arizona | Public | pima.edu |
| Orange Coast College (OCC) |
Other Award
|
6 | Costa Mesa, California | Public | orangecoastcollege.edu |
| Daytona State College (DSC) |
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
|
6 | Daytona Beach, Florida | Public | daytonastate.edu |
| Barton County Community College |
Other Award
|
6 | Great Bend, Kansas | Public | bartonccc.edu |
| Northern Maine Community College (NMCC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
6 | Presque Isle, Maine | Public | nmcc.edu |
| Northeast Community College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
6 | Norfolk, Nebraska | Public | northeast.edu |
| Southeast Technical College (STC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
6 | Sioux Falls, South Dakota | Public | southeasttech.edu |
| Western Technical College (WTC) |
Associate's
|
6 | La Crosse, Wisconsin | Public | westerntc.edu |
| Osceola Technical College (oTECH) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
6 | Kissimmee, Florida | Public | osceolaschools.net |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Plumbing Technology programs
How much can I earn with a Plumbing Technology degree?
Salaries for Plumbing Technology graduates vary by role and location. First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers earn a median of $78,690 annually, while Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters earn around $62,970. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in District of Columbia average $89,140 compared to $48,293 in Arkansas. Approximately 1,291,070 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Plumbing Technology programs?
Currently 138 accredited institutions offer Plumbing Technology degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Apex Technical School (193 graduates), South Florida Institute of Technology (SFIT) (164 graduates), and NUC University (NUC) (160 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Plumbing Technology growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 1,728 in 2010 to 2,780 in 2023-24. This represents a 61% increase overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with steady interest, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Plumbing Technology degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters, and Septic Tank Servicers and Sewer Pipe Cleaners. Related occupations employ approximately 1,291,070 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
Related Construction Programs
Explore similar degree programs within the Construction field. These programs share the same academic discipline and may offer complementary skills and career pathways.
Well Drilling and Drilling Technology
A program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to set up, maintain, repair, and operate well drilling equipment; locate, drill,...
Plumbing and Water Supply Services
Any instructional program in plumbing and related water supply services not listed above.
Construction Trades
Any instructional program in construction trades not listed above.
Masonry
A program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills in the laying and/or setting of exterior brick, concrete block, hard tile,...
Carpentry
A program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to lay out, cut, fabricate, erect, install, and repair wooden structures and...
Electrical and Power Transmission Installation
A program that generally prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to install indoor and outdoor residential, commercial, and industrial electrical systems,...