In the heart of the American Midwest, Missouri’s charm extends beyond its rolling landscapes and bustling cities.
Behind the scenes of this picturesque state lies a vital need for essential services, particularly in plumbing.
With an ever-growing population and evolving infrastructures, the role of a plumber becomes not just a profession but a cornerstone of growth and development.
Whether you’re contemplating a new career path or an experienced tradesperson seeking a shift, the journey to becoming a plumber in Missouri unveils a blend of opportunity and personal reward.
This article will help you on your journey to become a plumber in Missouri.
Table of Contents
How to Become a Plumber in Missouri – Step by Step
To begin your plumbing journey in Missouri you must be at least 18 years old.
You are also required to be a High School Graduate or have the GED equivalent.
For your plumbing training in Missouri, you have a few options:
- Enroll in an apprenticeship program under a union or a trade organization
- Work directly under the supervision of an already licensed plumber.
- Attend a trade school program that lasts up to 9 months
- Attend a course at a technical or community college, these courses usually take 2 years to complete
The state of Missouri doesn’t have state-approved licensing regulations when it comes to plumbers.
Licenses are being issued on a local level.
Some cities may require you to be at least 21 before you can apply for your journeyman plumber license, and at least 25 before you can apply for your master plumber license.
Some of the municipalities known to issue plumbing licenses in Missouri are:
- Cape Girardeau – Development Services Department
- Carthage – Public Works Department
- Columbia – Building & Site Development, Trade Licensing
- Jefferson – Planning & Protective Services, Contractor Licensing
- Kansas City – City Planning & Development, Contractor Licensing
- Shrewsbury – Permits & Applications
- Smithville – Occupational Licensing
- St. Charles County – Community Development, Contractor Licensing
- St. Louis County – Board of Plumbing Examiners
In this article, we’ll share with you some of the requirements to become a licensed plumber in Missouri’s capital – Jefferson.
How to Become a Plumber in Jefferson
Any plumbing work carried out under Jefferson’s authority must be done by certified plumbing contractors.
Working without a license is forbidden.
According to the municipal plumbing code, a homeowner may do their plumbing work at their house if the plumbing inspector grants permission.
Jefferson issues the following licenses:
- Apprentice License – $12 licensing fee
- Journeyman Plumber License – Pass the G28 – Journeyman Plumber with Gas, and pay the $105 fee
- Master Plumber License – Pass the G27 – Master Plumber with Gas, and pay the $105 fee
You can apply for one of the examinations on this form 2024 Plumbing License Application.
Plumbing Schools in Missouri
Missouri offers great plumbing programs from apprenticeships to college courses to prepare its aspiring plumbers for the fieldwork ahead.
Local 8 Training Center
Local 8 Training Center offers an apprenticeship program.
Their lecturers have vast field expertise and come from the top contractors in the region.
Before moving on to the next level of training, their apprentices must complete a minimum of 240 hours of classroom instruction and 1750 hours of on-the-job training annually.
The journeyman plumbers are completely qualified after completing the five-year apprenticeship program offered by Plumbers Local 8, and they can get licensed.
The trainees are not charged for this training.
In addition, they provide their members with ongoing education in areas like medical gas, backflow, and several welding certifications.
To learn more about their programs and how to apply visit their website.
UA Local 562 Plumbers & Pipefitters Training Center
UA Local 562 Plumbers & Pipefitters Training Center offers an apprenticeship program.
To become a U.A. apprentice must apply for their U.A. Local. Each applicant must be a High School Graduate or have the equivalent.
In addition, you must:
- pass a math exam
- pass a drug test
- a physical
- have a valid driver’s license
You submit a fully completed application to be eligible for acceptance into the program.
During the apprenticeship program, you will be required to complete five years of training, with each year consisting of up to 2,000 hours of on–the–job training and a minimum of 216 hours of classroom education.
After completing the 5 year program you will be able to apply for a journeyman plumber license.
An Associate of Applied Science in Apprenticeship Pipefitting is another degree that journeymen and apprentices can obtain.
After the fifth year of the apprenticeship, they can also work toward earning U.A. STAR certification.
Apprentices and journeymen will have even more earning potential after passing the U.A. STAR exam, and they will earn 30 credits toward an associate degree in Construction Supervision.
The ANSE has authorized and ISO3002 accredited US STAE training.
To learn more about the program and how to apply visit their website.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Local 8 Training Center | 5950 Manchester Trafficway, Kansas City, MO 64130, United States |
| UA Local 562 Plumbers & Pipefitters Training Center | 3755 Corporate Trail Dr, Earth City, MO 63045, United States |
Salary
Missouri pays its plumbers fair wages for the hard work they put into mainlining the plumbing systems and keeping their water supply clean at all times.
The annual wages currently vary from $45007 to $76353.
The current estimated average annual wage is $60619.
St. Louis currently has the highest annual average wages, estimated to be $62638, with a few other cities right behind also at $62k.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| St. Louis | $62,638 |
| Florissant | $62,537 |
| Kansas City | $62,390 |
| Independence | $62,323 |
| St. Charles | $62,299 |
| St. Peters | $62,164 |
| Lee's Summit | $62,153 |
| Columbia | $61,918 |
| St. Joseph | $61,789 |
| Springfield | $59,470 |
Regional Salary in Missouri
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cape Girardeau, MO-IL | 80 | $53,020 | $25.49 | $78,250 | $32,940 |
| Columbia, MO | 230 | $59,280 | $28.5 | $95,750 | $37,310 |
| Jefferson City, MO | 260 | $60,220 | $28.95 | $94,190 | $37,130 |
| Joplin, MO | 190 | $66,090 | $31.78 | $102,870 | $36,090 |
| Kansas City, MO-KS | 3,510 | $66,420 | $31.93 | $99,960 | $38,490 |
| St. Joseph, MO-KS | 110 | $61,520 | $29.58 | $104,330 | $37,790 |
| St. Louis, MO-IL | 4,040 | $73,940 | $35.55 | $102,780 | $39,000 |
| Springfield, MO | 660 | $57,090 | $27.45 | $86,970 | $35,890 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which plumbing codes are used in Missouri?
It may differ from city to city, however, according to the ICC, Missouri has adopted the 2009 International Plumbing Code.
Can I work as a plumber without a license in Missouri?
Even though Missouri issues plumbing licenses on a local level, you must get licensed to legally perform plumbing work.
Can I work as a plumber in Missouri with a license from another state?
Unfortunately, Missouri hasn’t granted reciprocity with any other states.
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