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Individuals in Mississippi who consider getting into a lucrative occupation can consider getting trained as plumbers.
You’ll learn more about what you need to do with this guide.
Article Table of Contents
Plumber Job Description and Responsibilities
Plumbers used to work with lead, and this is where the occupation’s name comes from.
While this sounds like a hazardous trade to work in, these days these professionals still have a job full of dangers.
They work with various pipe systems, including those for gas.
On a daily basis, they have to complete tasks such as:
- Reading or drafting blueprints
- Installing the piping system
- Maintaining the water system
- Repairing the system whenever needed
- Ensuring the safety standards
- Meeting building regulations
- Using the appropriate devices to measure or solder
Individuals in Mississippi cannot work in this trade without a license from the state’s Board of Contractors (MSCOB).
The Board issues 2 types of licenses:
- Residential work
- Commercial work
This is important to know because the processes to obtain these differ, as do the fees.
Becoming an Apprentice Plumber
In Mississippi, future plumbers don’t need to enroll in apprenticeship programs.
They can do so if they want to, or they can choose to enroll in a vocational school.
By attending a training school in plumbing, you’ll have easier access to a career in this field.
There are a few minimum requirements to meet when enrolling in these schools.
They might vary slightly from school to school, but do expect to be asked for:
- Proof of age over 18
- A high school diploma or GED
- Good knowledge of English and math
- Some document to prove your identity
Some of the schools can offer help with finding employment upon completing their programs.
Expect to study among other subjects:
- Welding or soldering
- Blueprint reading
- Pipe system design
- Pipe system installation
- Math
- Safety measures for the construction field
Becoming a Journeyman Plumber
The first step to becoming a journeyman plumber is to decide on which type of license to obtain.
The residential plumbing license is needed when the value of the work exceeds $10,000.
The commercial licenses are needed for works that cost over $50,000.
However, for work valued under $10,000, the local building official will decide what type of license is needed, as there is no license needed at the state level.
To obtain the license, candidates will need:
- To fill out the appropriate commercial or residential license application
- 3 reference letters:
- From the bank – 1
- From past employers or co-workers in the construction field – 2
- Tax ID number
- General liability insurance certificate
- Workers’ compensation coverage – when there are more than 5 employees
- Paying the fee:
- Residential: $50
- Commercial: $400
- Passing the exams
The minimum insurance is $300,000 per occurrence and $600,000 aggregate.
The exams you’ll need to pass will depend on a variety of factors.
For instance, those who want a commercial license will have to pass the Business and Law exam.
If you want to specialize in a certain field, then you’ll have to take and pass testing for the specific field as well.
Each field has its own exam for which you need to apply separately.
You’ll also have to pay $100 for each additional test you want to take.
The institution organizing the testing is PSI Examination Services.
You can take one of 2 exams for the commercial license:
- NASCLA Accredited Examination
- Mississippi Building Construction exam
With the first exam you can obtain a license in additional jurisdictions:
- Alabama,
- Arkansas,
- Arizona,
- Georgia,
- Louisiana,
- Nevada,
- North Carolina,
- Oregon,
- South Carolina,
- Tennessee,
- Utah,
- Virginia,
- U.S. Virgin Islands,
- West Virginia
General contractors’ licenses in this state need to be renewed every year.
Plumber Salary Information
When starting a new job o considering a new career, we all want to know how much we’ll earn.
Like with most professions, your salary will increase the more experience you accumulate.
However, salaries are currently higher in cities like Olive Branch, Southaven, and Horn Lake.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Jackson | $51,523 |
| Gulfport | $50,616 |
| Southaven | $53,264 |
| Hattiesburg | $50,299 |
| Biloxi | $51,019 |
| Meridian | $51,024 |
| Tupelo | $48,561 |
| Olive Branch | $53,130 |
| Greenville | $51,174 |
| Horn Lake | $53,237 |
Regional Salary in Mississippi
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gulfport-Biloxi-Pascagoula, MS | 1,340 | $56,820 | $27.32 | $65,540 | $38,710 |
| Hattiesburg, MS | 110 | $45,320 | $21.79 | $62,400 | $28,070 |
| Jackson, MS | 470 | $52,460 | $25.22 | $72,540 | $31,100 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Additional Information
There are a few more things that need to be mentioned regarding the plumbing world.
License Reciprocity Agreement
Mississippi has no license reciprocity agreement with other states.
This means that plumbers from other states need to obtain a license if they want to offer their services in this state.
The state does have an agreement with a few states regarding the license exam.
Individuals who got their license in one of the states below don’t need to take the license exam:
- Alabama
- Arkansas
- Georgia
- Louisiana
- North Carolina
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
If the individual had a license for over 3 years in one of these states, they can waiver the trade exam.
Everyone still has to pass the Business and Law exam for Mississippi if they want to perform commercial plumbing work.
Schools Offering Plumbing Programs in Mississippi
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Hinds Community College | P.O. Box 1100 Raymond, MS 39154 |
| Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College | 51 Main St, Perkinston, MS 39573 |
| Mississippi State University - Center for Continuing Education | 190 Bost Drive Suite 330 Mississippi State, MS 39762 |
Read the full guide: How to Become a Plumber
Plumbing License by City
Plumbing License by State