South Carolina's Plumbing pathway prepares skilled plumbers for residential and commercial work. The state's construction growth and ongoing infrastructure maintenance create sustained demand for qualified plumbing professionals.
Students study piping systems, water supply and drainage principles, building code compliance, and safety protocols. They gain practical experience in school training facilities and on job sites with licensed plumbers.
Graduates work as plumbers, service technicians, job supervisors, or establish independent plumbing businesses. Employment opportunities exist with plumbing contractors, construction companies, property management, and facilities maintenance throughout South Carolina. Many pursue journeyman and master plumber licenses.
Plumbing at a Glance
4
Courses
8
Credentials
4
Career Paths
State Standards & Framework
South Carolina plumbing standards align with national plumbing codes and EPA water conservation requirements. Standards cover water supply, drainage, venting, and fixture installation.
Students complete competency assessments in blueprint reading, code compliance, and practical installation techniques. State standards include green plumbing and water efficiency technologies.
Typical Course Sequence
| Course |
|---|
| Plumbing 1 |
| Plumbing 2 |
| Plumbing 3 |
| Plumbing 4 |
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: $43,060 - $65,210
Adjusted for cost of living: $46,212
Licensed Plumber
ExperiencedSalary range: $43,060 - $65,210
Adjusted for cost of living: $58,854
Service Manager
ExperiencedSalary range: $53,460 - $81,760
Adjusted for cost of living: $67,697
Independent Plumber
ExperiencedSalary range: $43,060 - $65,210
Adjusted for cost of living: $58,854
Work-Based Learning Opportunities
Students apprentice with licensed plumbing contractors on residential and commercial projects throughout South Carolina.
Career & Technical Student Organization
Students in this pathway can participate in SkillsUSA, gaining leadership experience and competing in career-related events.
How Sage Helps South Carolina CTE Programs
AI-Powered Curriculum
Generate standards-aligned lesson plans in minutes, not months
South Carolina Standards Built In
Pre-loaded with South Carolina's CTE standards and frameworks
Teacher Customization
Teachers personalize content while maintaining standards alignment
Ongoing Updates
Curriculum stays current as South Carolina standards and industry needs evolve
Related Pathways in South Carolina
Architecture and Construction
South Carolina's Architecture and Construction pathway prepares students for careers in the state's thriving construction industry. This comprehensive program covers residential and commercial construction, carpentry, masonry, electrical systems, plumbing, and construction management. With South Carolina experiencing significant population growth and ongoing infrastructure development, the construction industry provides abundant career opportunities throughout the state. The pathway emphasizes both traditional construction crafts and modern building technologies including green building practices, building information modeling (BIM), and sustainable construction methods. Students gain hands-on experience through construction laboratory projects, actual building construction, and partnerships with local construction companies and contractors. The curriculum integrates safety training, blueprint reading, building codes, and construction mathematics essential for success in the trades. South Carolina's Construction Technology programs often involve students in community service projects, building real structures such as sheds, playhouses, or tiny homes that demonstrate mastery of construction skills while serving community needs. Graduates are prepared for immediate employment as apprentice tradespeople, continuation to construction management programs, or establishment of their own contracting businesses.
ConstructionElectrical Technology
South Carolina's Electrical Technology pathway prepares students for careers as electricians and electrical technicians. The state's growth in manufacturing, commercial development, and infrastructure creates strong demand for skilled electrical professionals. Students study circuit theory, wiring systems, safety protocols, and electrical code compliance. They develop practical skills in school laboratories and job sites, learning both residential and commercial electrical systems. Graduates work as electricians, electrical technicians, solar installers, or building automation specialists. Many pursue apprenticeships leading to journeyman and master electrician licenses. Employment opportunities exist with electrical contractors, utilities, manufacturing facilities, and new construction projects across the state.
Architecture & ConstructionHVAC Technology
South Carolina's HVAC Technology pathway develops skilled technicians for the state's heating, cooling, and ventilation industry. South Carolina's climate demands efficient HVAC systems year-round, creating consistent employment opportunities. Students study thermodynamics, refrigeration systems, ductwork design, and building code compliance. They gain hands-on experience in training labs and working on real systems in commercial and residential buildings. Graduates work as HVAC technicians, system designers, building maintenance specialists, or start service businesses. Opportunities exist with HVAC contractors, property management companies, manufacturing facilities, and hospitality operations throughout the state. Many pursue EPA refrigerant certifications and advanced technical credentials.
Architecture & ConstructionReady to Build Plumbing Programs at Scale?
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