How to become a Plumber
Official title: Plumber (General)
Installs and repairs water, drainage, gas and sewerage pipes and systems.
Main tasks
- Interprets blueprints to plan plumbing system layout
- Joins pipes and fittings using various techniques
- Installs and repairs water supply, drainage systems and fixtures
- Installs and repairs solar hot water and heat pump systems
- Installs and repairs gas lines and appliances in compliance with safety regulations
- Installs and maintains fire hydrants and hose reels
- Tests plumbing systems for leaks and issues
- Clears blockages in pipes and drains
- Maintains and repairs plumbing systems in various types of buildings
Ways in
- Apprenticeship: Certificate III in Plumbing. Trade occupations are usually entered through an apprenticeship: paid work plus this qualification, typically 3 to 4 years.
- TAFE and VET: Certificate III in Plumbing (CPC32420); Certificate IV in Plumbing and Services (CPC40920); Certificate III in Fire Protection (CPC32820); Certificate III in Gas Fitting (CPC32720); Certificate III in Roof Plumbing (CPC32620); Certificate III in Water Industry Operations (NWP30222); Certificate II in Drainage (CPC20720)
- Licence or registration: Registration or licensing is required.
Pay · Outlook · AI and this job
- Typical full-time pay: $103,480 a year
- About 103,600 people work in this job group now, and about 114,200 are projected by 2035. (+10.2%)
- AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.
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Questions people ask
How do I become a Plumber?
Ways in include: Certificate III in Plumbing; Certificate IV in Plumbing and Services; Certificate III in Plumbing.
How much does a Plumber earn in Australia?
Median full-time pay is $103,480 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).
Is a Plumber a growing career in Australia?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 10% by 2035, from about 103,600 to about 114,200 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).
Do you need a degree to become a Plumber?
Usually not. Only 1% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Certificate III in Plumbing; Certificate IV in Plumbing and Services; Certificate III in Plumbing.
Will AI change the work of a Plumber?
AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.
Sources
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
Updated 2026-10-04