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Plumbers in Nebraska have to get licensed before they can practice.
If you would like to learn more about the job and perhaps start a new career, read on for tips and information.
Article Table of Contents
Plumber Job Description and Requirements
In Nebraska, a plumber has several daily duties they need to complete, 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
Nebraska doesn’t have a licensing entity, and so the certification process is different for each city.
In Nebraska, you can get the following plumbing licenses:
- Apprentice license,
- Journeyman license,
- Master license
How to Become an Apprentice in Nebraska
The easiest way to get the experience you need to get licensed is by joining a trade school.
The training program you choose can have online classes or in-person classes.
Most apprentices spend about 4 to 5 years in training.
The training programs will include a theory part but also practice.
Some of the classes you will attend include:
- Drafting,
- Mathematics,
- Science,
- Sprinkler installation,
- Pipefitting
- Reading blueprints
To get into a training program, you have to:
- Be 18 years old
- Have a high-school diploma or a GED
- Driver’s license or ID copy
- Copy of the birth certificate
- Proof of US citizenship
- A processing fee
- Pass a background check
- Pass a drug test
The registration for apprentices needs to be renewed every year by December 30.
You should also make sure the vocation college you choose is accredited by the city board.
How to Get a Journeyman License in Nebraska
If you are serious about working in the plumbing industry, you will need to get a journeyman license.
This can be done by taking an exam.
The exam covers topics such as:
- Plumbing fundamentals and safety;
- Materials used, and specifications;
- Traps, interceptors, and backwater valves;
- Plumbing fixtures, fixture fittings, and plumbing appliances;
- Water supply systems;
- Backflow preventions;
- Gas appliances and piping;
- Plumbing mathematics.
You will need to meet some requirements before you can apply for the exam.
These requirements are:
- Be 18 years olf at the minimum
- Send in an application form and pay the needed fees
- Be a registered apprentice
- 300 hours of hands-on experience over a period of 4 years
You will have to get a test score of 70% in order to pass.
You can choose to take this exam online or in person, based on what is easier for you.
Keep in mind that you need to get your license renewed every year.
How to get a Master License in Nebraska
As a master plumber, you will be able to take any plumbing projects, no matter how big they are.
You will also be able to hire other plumbers and supervise them.
To get this certification, you first need to pass an exam.
To pass the exam, you have to meet the following criteria:
- 4 years of working as a journeyman
- Send in an application form
- Submit an application fee
- Take the master plumber exam and pass with a 70% score
You may also need to pay some extra fees to have your license issued.
The subjects in the test include:
- Plumbing fundamentals and safety;
- Materials, their uses, and specifications;
- Traps, interceptors, and backwater valves;
- Plumbing fixtures, fixture fittings, and plumbing appliances;
- Water supply systems;
- Backflow prevention;
- Drain, waste, and vent systems;
- Special topics;
- Gas appliances and piping;
- Plumbing mathematics.
Plumber Employment and Salary Information
In Nebraska, plumber jobs become more and more in demand.
If you have a license and some experience, you will also have more job opportunities.
Plumbers who are registered with a union, or run their own business, also earn more.
You can also get paid for your services as an apprentice, however, the payment will be half of what a licensed plumber makes.
Larger cities in Nebraska also offer significantly better pay.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Omaha | $54,423 |
| Lincoln | $54,161 |
| Bellevue | $54,423 |
| Grand Island | $53,412 |
| Kearney | $53,412 |
| Fremont | $53,612 |
| Hastings | $53,412 |
| Norfolk | $48,474 |
| North Platte | $51,787 |
| Columbus | $53,412 |
Regional Salary in Nebraska
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Island, NE | 120 | $57,510 | $27.65 | $88,610 | $39,170 |
| Lincoln, NE | 580 | $57,340 | $27.57 | $82,280 | $37,630 |
| Omaha-Council Bluffs, NE-IA | 2,120 | $69,660 | $33.49 | $95,280 | $46,140 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Additional Information
In order to get a license by reciprocity in Omaha, Nebraska, a plumber needs to have a license in a similar city.
This means that you can work in Omaha if the city you are coming from has the same size.
To get a plumber license, you have to show proof of already having one in another state.
Keep in mind that plumbing licenses in Nebraska expire each year on December 30.
You may have to attend some additional education classes before renewal.
Overall, working as a plumber in this state will allow you to build a solid career.
Most plumbers remain employed for about 15 years or more.
So, all you need to do is find the right school and attend a training program.
Schools Offering Plumbing Programs in Nebraska
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Northeast Community College | 801 East Benjamin Avenue | Norfolk, Nebraska 68701 |
| Steamfitters and Plumbers Local Union 464 | 3375 Oak View Drive Omaha, NE 68144 |
| Southeast Community College | 4771 W. Scott Rd. Beatrice, NE 68310 |
| John Henry's Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning | 2949 Cornhusker Hwy Lincoln, NE 68504 |
| The Sweet Plumbers | 7065 Maple St Omaha, NE 68104 |
Read the full guide: How to Become a Plumber
Plumbing License by City
Plumbing License by State