Ohio's Plumbing Technology pathway prepares students for careers as plumbers and plumbing technicians—essential skilled trades in all buildings and infrastructure throughout Ohio. Plumbers design and install piping systems for water, gas, and waste, requiring both technical knowledge and physical skill.
Students study plumbing codes, water supply systems, drain/waste/vent systems, water heaters, fixtures, and safety practices. They practice with actual plumbing materials and equipment, learn blueprint interpretation, and understand building codes governing plumbing installations.
Graduates apprentice in union plumbing programs, work for plumbing contractors, or become independent plumbers. The skilled trade offers strong earning potential and job security. Many advance to master plumber status or contractor ownership while others transition to plumbing inspection or design roles.
Plumbing Technology at a Glance
2
Courses
8
Credentials
4
Career Paths
State Standards & Framework
Ohio's plumbing standards align with the Ohio Plumbing Code and national plumbing standards. Curriculum emphasizes code compliance, safety, and technical skills required for plumbing installation and repair.
Competency assessments include code knowledge, system design, installation proficiency, troubleshooting, and safety practices. Students pursue apprenticeship credentials and plumber licensing examination preparation.
Typical Course Sequence
| Course |
|---|
| Plumbing Foundations |
| Plumbing Systems and Installation |
Industry Certifications & Credentials
- ✓NCCER HVAC Level 1
- ✓EPA 608 Certification
- ✓Autodesk Certified User - AutoCAD
- ✓Autodesk Certified User - Revit
- ✓NOCTI Building and Construction Occupations
- ✓First Aid/CPR/AED
- ✓NCCER Core
- ✓OSHA 10-Hour Construction
Career Opportunities
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Growth projections from BLS Employment Projections (2023-2033). Cost-of-living adjustment uses BEA Regional Price Parities (2023). Entry-level salaries reflect the 25th percentile; experienced salaries reflect the median.
Plumbing Apprentice
Entry LevelSalary range: $49,020 - $82,080
Adjusted for cost of living: $53,393
Journeyperson Plumber
ExperiencedSalary range: $49,020 - $82,080
Adjusted for cost of living: $68,108
Service Plumber
ExperiencedSalary range: $49,020 - $82,080
Adjusted for cost of living: $68,108
Master Plumber
ExperiencedSalary range: $49,020 - $82,080
Adjusted for cost of living: $68,108
Work-Based Learning Opportunities
Students apprentice with union plumbing programs and licensed plumbing contractors throughout Ohio, working on residential and commercial projects.
Career & Technical Student Organization
Students in this pathway can participate in SkillsUSA, gaining leadership experience and competing in career-related events.
How Sage Helps Ohio CTE Programs
AI-Powered Curriculum
Generate standards-aligned lesson plans in minutes, not months
Ohio Standards Built In
Pre-loaded with Ohio's CTE standards and frameworks
Teacher Customization
Teachers personalize content while maintaining standards alignment
Ongoing Updates
Curriculum stays current as Ohio standards and industry needs evolve
Related Pathways in Ohio
Electrical Technology
Ohio's Electrical Technology pathway prepares students for careers as electricians and electrical technicians—a skilled trade essential to all buildings and infrastructure. Electricians install, maintain, and repair electrical systems in residential and commercial buildings throughout Ohio. Students study electrical theory, code compliance, circuit design, wiring installation, equipment troubleshooting, and safety practices. They work with actual electrical equipment, learn blueprint reading, and master tools and techniques required in electrical installation and repair. Graduates apprentice in union electrical programs or work for licensed electrical contractors, establishing strong earning potential and job security. Many advance to master electrician status, supervision, or contractor ownership. Opportunities range from residential service to commercial and industrial electrical work.
Construction TechnologiesHVAC Technology
Ohio's HVAC Technology pathway prepares students for careers installing, maintaining, and repairing heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems. With Ohio's climate requiring year-round HVAC services, skilled HVAC technicians are in high demand across residential and commercial sectors. Students study HVAC systems operation, refrigeration cycles, electrical controls, ductwork design, installation techniques, and equipment troubleshooting. They work with actual HVAC equipment in labs and on work sites, mastering diagnostic and repair procedures. Graduates work as HVAC technicians, apprentices in union HVAC programs, or service managers with HVAC contractors, mechanical firms, and facilities management companies. Many advance to master technician or contractor roles. Union apprenticeship programs in Ohio offer pathways to well-paid career positions.
Construction TechnologiesMechanical Systems
Ohio's Mechanical Systems pathway prepares students for careers in hydraulics, pneumatics, mechanical systems maintenance, and industrial mechanics. Manufacturing equipment relies on mechanical systems that skilled technicians must maintain and repair. Students study fluid power systems, mechanical power transmission, mechanical troubleshooting, equipment maintenance, and systems integration. They work with actual hydraulic and pneumatic equipment, learning systems used throughout industrial operations. Graduates work as hydraulic technicians, industrial mechanics, or maintenance technicians with manufacturers and industrial facilities. Career advancement leads to senior technician, supervisor, or engineering technician roles. Union apprenticeships in industrial mechanics offer pathways to well-compensated positions.
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