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Plumbing Schools in California

9 accredited Plumbing programs in CA

9

Schools in CA

$63,800

Avg. Salary

9-24 months

Program Length

7

Cities

There are 9 plumbing training programs in California listed on Trade Schools Review, across 7 cities. Listed tuition runs from $1,148 to $3,500, with a median of $2,338. Programs typically take 9-24 months to complete. California does not license individual journeyman plumbers; only plumbing contractors are licensed (C-36 classification). Applicants need at least four years of journey-level or higher experience in the trade and must pass a law-and-business exam plus the C-36 trade exam.

9

Programs

$2,338

Median tuition

9-24 months

Program length

$63,800

Avg. salary (US)

Plumbing Schools in California

American River College

4700 College Oak Drive, Sacramento, CA 95841

American River College's Plumbing program prepares students for careers installing and maintaining water, gas, and waste systems in residential and commercial settings. The curriculum covers pipe fitting, code compliance, and hands-on troubleshooting over nine to twenty-four months, building toward journeyman certification. Graduates are equipped to enter the plumbing trade or pursue advanced credentials like master plumber status.

Financial AidGI Bill AcceptedJob PlacementHands-On Training
4.3 (48)

$3,000

12-24 months

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Berkeley City College

2050 Center St, Berkeley, CA 94704

Berkeley City College's plumbing program prepares students for careers installing, maintaining, and repairing water and drainage systems in residential and commercial settings. The curriculum typically spans nine to twenty-four months and covers the technical skills needed to pursue journeyman and master plumber certifications. Graduates are equipped to work as independent contractors or join established plumbing firms throughout the East Bay.

Financial AidGI Bill AcceptedJob PlacementOnline Available
4.2 (56)

$1,148

1-2 years

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Cerritos College

11110 Alondra Blvd, Norwalk, CA 90650-6298

Cerritos College's plumbing program prepares students for careers installing and maintaining water and drainage systems in residential and commercial settings. The curriculum covers pipe fitting, code compliance, and system troubleshooting, building toward certifications like Journeyman Plumber. Graduates are ready for apprenticeships or entry-level positions with plumbing contractors and municipalities.

Financial AidGI Bill AcceptedJob PlacementHands-On Training
4.3 (56)

$1,346

18-24 months

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City College of San Francisco

50 Frida Kahlo Drive, San Francisco, CA 94112-1898

City College of San Francisco offers a comprehensive plumbing program spanning 9 to 24 months, designed to prepare students for professional careers in the plumbing trade. Graduates earn credentials including Journeyman Plumber, Master Plumber, and Backflow Prevention certifications, which are essential for employment and advancing in the field. The program combines classroom instruction with hands-on training to develop the technical skills required for this in-demand profession.

Financial AidGI Bill AcceptedJob PlacementOnline Available
4.4 (37)

Contact for pricing

1-2 years

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Laney College

900 Fallon St, Oakland, CA 94607

Laney College's plumbing program combines classroom instruction with hands-on training in pipe installation, repair, and system design. Students work toward credentials like Journeyman Plumber and Backflow Prevention certification while developing skills for residential and commercial plumbing work. The program suits those seeking a skilled trade with strong job prospects in the Bay Area.

Financial AidGI Bill AcceptedJob PlacementOnline Available
4.1 (58)

Contact for pricing

1-2 years

View Details

Los Angeles Trade-Technical College

400 West Washington Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90015

Los Angeles Trade-Technical College's plumbing program prepares students for careers in residential and commercial water systems, drainage, and pipe installation. The curriculum covers code requirements and hands-on skills needed to pursue Journeyman Plumber certification and related credentials. Graduates are ready to enter the workforce or continue toward advanced certifications in specialized plumbing areas.

Financial AidGI Bill AcceptedJob PlacementHands-On Training
4.2 (31)

$2,476

2 years

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Sacramento City College

3835 Freeport Boulevard, Sacramento, CA 95822

Sacramento City College's plumbing program prepares students for careers installing and maintaining water systems in residential and commercial settings. The curriculum covers pipes, fixtures, codes, and safety practices over nine to twenty-four months. Graduates are equipped to pursue journeyman plumber certification and enter a skilled trade with steady demand.

Financial AidGI Bill AcceptedJob PlacementHands-On Training
4.1 (58)

$2,200

12-18 months

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San Diego City College

1313 Park Boulevard, San Diego, CA 92101

San Diego City College's plumbing program trains students in pipe installation, repair, and system maintenance across residential and commercial settings. The curriculum prepares graduates to pursue certifications such as Journeyman Plumber and Master Plumber. This certificate program suits individuals ready to enter a skilled trade with hands-on technical instruction in downtown San Diego.

Financial AidGI Bill AcceptedJob PlacementHands-On Training
4 (60)

$3,500

Apprenticeship-based

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San Diego College of Continuing Education (SDCCE)

4343 Ocean View Boulevard, San Diego, CA 92113

San Diego College of Continuing Education offers tuition-free plumbing instruction across multiple San Diego campuses, preparing students for entry-level positions and industry certifications like Journeyman Plumber. The program covers essential skills in pipe installation, repair, and system design over nine to twenty-four months. Graduates are ready to work in residential and commercial plumbing or pursue advanced credentials like Master Plumber certification.

GI Bill AcceptedJob PlacementHands-On TrainingOnline Available
4.1 (37)

$0

12 months

View Details

Plumbing Training in California

California offers excellent opportunities for aspiring plumbings. With 9 accredited training programs across the state, you can find a program that fits your schedule and budget.

The average plumbing in California earns around $63,800 per year, with experienced professionals earning significantly more. Job growth in this field is projected at 6.8% over the next decade, making it a strong career choice for job security and long-term earning potential.

Most Plumbing programs in CA take 9-24 months to complete. Upon finishing your training, you'll be prepared to pursue industry certifications such as Journeyman Plumber, Master Plumber, Backflow Prevention, which can increase your employability and starting salary.

What to Expect from Plumbing Training

Plumbing programs combine classroom instruction with practical, hands-on training. You'll learn both the theory and the real-world skills needed to succeed in this field. Here's what a typical program covers:

  • Technical fundamentals: Core concepts, safety procedures, and industry standards that form the foundation of your training.
  • Hands-on practice: Lab sessions and shop time where you apply what you've learned using industry-standard tools and equipment.
  • Certification prep: Focused preparation for exams like Journeyman Plumber and Master Plumber that employers look for.
  • Career readiness: Resume building, interview prep, and job placement assistance to help you transition into the workforce.

Plumbing License Requirements in California

California: California does not license individual journeyman plumbers; only plumbing contractors are licensed (C-36 classification). Applicants need at least four years of journey-level or higher experience in the trade and must pass a law-and-business exam plus the C-36 trade exam.

Licensing authority: Contractors State License Board (CSLB). Official requirements →

Plumbing Schools by City in California

Plumbing Schools in California: FAQ

How much does plumbing school cost in California?

Listed tuition for plumbing programs in California has a median of $2,338, ranging from $1,148 to $3,500, based on the 6 CA programs that publish a price. Public community and technical colleges sit at the low end; private career colleges at the high end.

How long is plumbing school in California?

Plumbing programs typically take 9-24 months. Full-time certificate tracks finish fastest; evening and weekend options for working students take longer.

How many plumbing schools are in California?

9 plumbing training programs are listed in California, across 7 cities including Berkeley and Los Angeles.

Do you need a license to work as a Plumbing professional in California?

California does not license individual journeyman plumbers; only plumbing contractors are licensed (C-36 classification). Applicants need at least four years of journey-level or higher experience in the trade and must pass a law-and-business exam plus the C-36 trade exam.