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13 schools in Pennsylvania offer plumbing-related programs, compared below on official cost, completion, and earnings data. Prefer to earn while you learn? 148 registered apprenticeship sponsors in Pennsylvania train plumbing apprentices — see apprenticeships.
Pennsylvania has no state plumbing license — requirements are set at the city and county level. Philadelphia requires a Master Plumber license from the Department of Licenses & Inspections (ICC-administered exam, at least 1 year as a registered Philadelphia journeyman), and Allegheny County (Pittsburgh) licenses apprentices, journeymen (576 hours of schooling plus 4 years under a master plumber, $133 exam), and master plumbers (2 more years plus a $265 exam) through its Health Department. Check your municipality before working, since a license from one city carries no automatic standing in another.
Official source: No state board — Philadelphia Department of Licenses & Inspections; Allegheny County Health Department Plumbing Program · Exam: Local exams: Philadelphia Master Plumber Examination (International Code Council); Allegheny County journeyman/master exams (held spring and fall) · Typical requirement: Philadelphia Master Plumber: at least 1 year registered as a Philadelphia Journeyman Plumber (or equivalent from another jurisdiction), ICC-administered exam, insurance and city tax compliance ($303 license fee). Allegheny County: apprentice card via accredited apprenticeship; Journeyman = 576 hours of schooling + 4 years under a registered master plumber + exam ($133); Master = 2 additional years as journeyman + exam ($265).
| School | City | Type | Net price / yr | Completion | Earnings (10 yr) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Westmoreland County Community College | Youngwood | public | $5,167 | 26.4% | $37,439 |
| Delaware County Community College | Media | public | $6,576 | 18.3% | $45,391 |
| Luzerne County Community College | Nanticoke | public | $9,433 | 24.1% | $40,437 |
| Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology | Lancaster | public | $14,104 | 67.1% | $54,681 |
| Community College of Allegheny County | Pittsburgh | public | $13,970 | 25.3% | $39,449 |
| Lancaster County Career and Technology Center | Willow Street | public | $17,505 | 77.2% | $44,566 |
| Pennco Tech-Bristol | Bristol | private for-profit | $19,197 | 72.3% | $43,493 |
| Pennsylvania College of Technology | Williamsport | public | $25,110 | 61% | $52,567 |
| Orleans Technical College | Philadelphia | private nonprofit | $20,113 | 82.2% | $38,668 |
| Douglas Education Center | Monessen | private for-profit | $27,348 | 84.2% | $30,814 |
| Berks Career & Technology Center | Leesport | public | $20,536 | 70% | not reported |
| Philadelphia Technician Training | Philadelphia | private nonprofit | $22,813 | 49.8% | not reported |
| Lehigh Career & Technical Institute | Schnecksville | public | $23,735 | not reported | not reported |
Ranking = median earnings 10 years after entry per $1,000 of average yearly net price (methodology). Schools without both figures sort last — "not reported" means the federal dataset lacks the value, not that the school is bad.
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