Plumbing and Water Supply Services: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Designed for individuals seeking hands-on expertise in modern water systems, this program equips learners with the technical knowledge and practical skills required to design, install, maintain, and repair plumbing and water supply infrastructure. Emphasis is placed on safety, code compliance, and sustainable practices within residential, commercial, and industrial environments.
- Plumbing System Design: Learn to interpret blueprints and apply engineering principles to plan efficient and code-compliant piping networks for water distribution and waste removal.
- Water Supply and Distribution: Study the principles of potable water delivery, pressure management, and the integration of municipal and on-site water systems.
- Pipe Materials and Fittings: Gain proficiency in selecting, handling, and joining various piping materials, including copper, PVC, PEX, and cast iron, based on application and environmental factors.
- Fixture Installation and Maintenance: Develop skills in installing and servicing a range of plumbing fixtures, including sinks, toilets, showers, and water heaters, with an emphasis on efficiency and durability.
- Code Compliance and Safety Standards: Understand local, state, and national building codes, including the International Plumbing Code (IPC), to ensure all work meets regulatory and safety requirements.
- Drainage and Ventilation Systems: Master the design and troubleshooting of drainage networks and venting techniques to prevent backflow, odors, and system failure.
- Sustainable Plumbing Practices: Explore eco-friendly technologies such as low-flow fixtures, rainwater harvesting, and greywater recycling to support environmental stewardship and energy efficiency.
Plumbing and Water Supply Services Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Plumbing and Water Supply Services Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Plumbing and Water Supply Services degrees, including Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters. 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 455,940 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters 47-2152 | $62,970 | $40,670 - $105,150 | 455,940 | $30.27 |
Plumbing and Water Supply Services Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $49,630 in West Virginia to $96,200 in Illinois—a 94% difference. The highest-paying states include Illinois, Oregon, and Minnesota. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 455,940 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 and Water Supply Services by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 2 institutions offering Plumbing and Water Supply Services 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 and Water Supply Services is found at Arizona Western College (AWC) (70 graduates), and Fox Valley Technical College (FVTC) (1 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 71 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona Western College (AWC) |
Other Award
|
70 | Yuma, Arizona | Public | azwestern.edu |
| Fox Valley Technical College (FVTC) |
Other Award
|
1 | Appleton, Wisconsin | Public | fvtc.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Plumbing and Water Supply Services programs
How much can I earn with a Plumbing and Water Supply Services degree?
Salaries for Plumbing and Water Supply Services graduates vary by role and location. Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters earn a median of $62,970 annually. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in Illinois average $96,200 compared to $49,630 in West Virginia. Approximately 455,940 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 and Water Supply Services programs?
Currently 2 accredited institutions offer Plumbing and Water Supply Services degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Arizona Western College (AWC) (70 graduates), Fox Valley Technical College (FVTC) (1 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 and Water Supply Services growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have decreased over the past decade, rising from 105 in 2010 to a peak of 117 in 2020, before declining slightly to 71 in 2023-24. This represents a 32% decrease overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with consistent demand, 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 and Water Supply Services degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters. Related occupations employ approximately 455,940 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.
Electrical and Power Transmission Installers
Any instructional program in electrical and power transmission installation not listed above.
Property Maintenance
A program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to keep a building functioning, and to service a variety of structures...
Concrete Finishing
A program that prepares individuals to prepare, construct, and finish buildings, components, and related structures using compound masonry mixtures of stone, gravel, sand,...
Building Inspection and Construction Inspection
A program that prepares individuals to apply industrial, labor, and governmental standards and laws to the oversight of construction projects and the maintenance...
Drywall Installation
A program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to install, tape, and plaster drywall installations in interior and exterior construction...
Glazier
A program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to install and repair fixtures, sheets, windows, and skylights made of glass,...