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How to Become A Licensed Plumber

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What is a Licensed Plumber

A licensed plumber fits and fixes the pipes, drains, and gas lines in homes and businesses. They are one of the most in-demand trades in Australia right now.

To earn a licence, a plumber must complete a four-year apprenticeship and gain a Certificate III in Plumbing (CPC32420). They must then pass their state’s licensing exam. Only then can they take on jobs without supervision. The licence is mandatory. Plumbers who work without one risk heavy fines and legal action.

Day to day, licensed plumbers install water heaters, lay drainage systems, fit gas appliances, and carry out maintenance checks. They work on new builds, renovations, commercial sites, and emergency call-outs. No two days are the same.

About 107,600 plumbers work across Australia. The sector adds 4,500 new jobs each year (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2025). Licensed plumbers earn a median of $1,990 a week full-time. That is a competitive wage for a hands-on trade.

Career Outlook for Licensed Plumber

The career outlook for licensed plumbers in Australia is strong. The occupation employs around 107,600 people. Of these, 93% work full-time and average 44 hours a week (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2025). The median age of plumbers is 34 years. The sector added 4,500 jobs in 2025.

Median full-time earnings are $1,990 per week, which is around $103,000 a year (ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2025). Pay rises with experience and with specialist skills such as gas fitting or mechanical services. There is a clear path from apprentice to licensed plumber to contractor or business owner.

Demand for plumbers is tied to construction, infrastructure upgrades, and ongoing maintenance. Growth in solar hot water and heat pump work is also creating new opportunities. For those entering the trade now, the short and medium-term outlook is positive.

On this Article

Introduction

Average Salaries

Resources

Steps to Become a Licensed Plumber

Step 1: Get your White Card (Construction Induction Card)

Before working on any construction site, you need a White Card. Complete the CPCCWHS1001 Prepare to Work Safely in the Construction Industry unit through a registered training organisation (RTO). The course takes one day and is available online and in person across Australia. Your White Card does not expire as long as you stay active in the industry.

Step 2: Complete a Certificate III in Plumbing (CPC32420) through an apprenticeship

Enrol in the Certificate III in Plumbing (CPC32420) through a four-year Australian apprenticeship. You combine on-the-job training with a licensed employer and off-the-job study at a TAFE or registered RTO. The qualification covers water supply, drainage, sanitary systems, and the Plumbing Code of Australia. This is the minimum national requirement to apply for a plumbing licence. Confirm the current code at training.gov.au.

Step 3: Apply for a plumbing licence in your state or territory

Once you finish your apprenticeship, apply for a licence through your state or territory authority. Each state and territory has its own licensing body. Examples include NSW Fair Trading, the Victorian Building Authority (VBA), and the Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC). Check your state government website to find the right authority. Most require proof of your CPC32420 qualification, a licensing exam, and a fee. Allow four to eight weeks for processing.

Step 4: Add a specialist stream to your licence

Many licensed plumbers add a specialist stream to expand their work. Common options include gas fitting, above-ground drainage, mechanical services, or roof plumbing. Each stream may need extra units of competency or a separate licence endorsement. Check your state authority for the exact requirements for each stream.

Step 5: Consider a Diploma for career advancement

To move into project management or run your own contracting business, consider the Diploma of Plumbing and Services (CPC50220). This qualification is available at TAFE and selected RTOs and typically takes one to two years part-time. It covers project management, business skills, and advanced technical knowledge. Confirm the current code at training.gov.au.

What does a Licensed Plumber do?

A licensed plumber’s day is rarely the same twice. One morning you might be fitting a hot water system on a new build. By afternoon, you could be on an emergency call-out for a burst pipe. Typical tasks include installing and repairing pipes, diagnosing faults, fitting gas appliances, and carrying out routine maintenance. Plumbers also check that their work meets the Plumbing Code before signing off on each job.

Tasks

Licensed plumbers tackle a wide variety of jobs every day. From new installs to emergency repairs, this is a hands-on trade with real variety.

  • Install and repair water supply and drainage pipes
  • Fit gas appliances, flues, and regulators
  • Read blueprints and plan plumbing layouts
  • Test systems for leaks, pressure, and flow
  • Carry out routine maintenance on plumbing systems
  • Diagnose and fix leaks, blockages, and faulty fixtures
  • Install hot water systems and appliances
  • Respond to emergency call-outs
  • Check that all work meets the Plumbing Code of Australia
  • Discuss problems, solutions, and costs with clients

Skills for Success

To thrive as a licensed plumber, you need solid technical knowledge and the ability to think on your feet. Plumbing faults are often hidden and unpredictable, so sharp diagnostic skills are a must. You also need good physical stamina. The job involves lifting, bending, and working in tight spaces.

Communication skills matter more than many expect. You will explain technical problems to clients in plain language, provide quotes, and work alongside other tradespeople on construction sites. Keeping up with code changes and staying safe on site are also part of the job.

Skills & Attributes

  • Knowledge of water supply, drainage, and gas systems
  • Ability to read blueprints and technical drawings
  • Understanding of the Plumbing Code of Australia
  • Problem-solving and fault diagnosis
  • Attention to detail and precision in measurements
  • Physical fitness and manual dexterity
  • Safe use of plumbing tools and equipment
  • Workplace health and safety compliance
  • Time management and job planning
  • Clear communication with clients and contractors
  • Customer service skills
  • Ability to work independently and in a team
  • Basic mathematics for measurements and materials estimates
  • Knowledge of state-specific licensing requirements

Average Salaries

Plumbers in Australia earn a median of $1,990 per week full-time (ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, Jobs and Skills Australia, May 2025). This works out to around $90,000 to $103,000 a year. New licensed plumbers usually start near $65,000. Those with specialist skills in gas fitting or mechanical services can earn $130,000 or more.

min $65 K

max $130 K

av $90 K

About the author

Laura Atkinson - Course Finder Groups
Laura Atkinson

Laura Atkinson is an Account Management and SEM specialist at Course Finder Group with six years' experience in the Australian education sector. She works day to day with universities, TAFEs and independent training providers, which gives her a close view of how courses map to real career outcomes. She writes practical guidance on career pathways, choosing the right qualification and what to expect when moving into a new field.