How to Become a Plumber or Pipefitter in Central Louisiana
What the work involves, what it pays, and how to start an apprenticeship in Alexandria.
Plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters at a glance
National figures. Pay in Central Louisiana varies with the employer, your experience and the type of work.
Median pay
a year ($30.67 an hour).
Job outlook
projected growth from 2025 to 2035, much faster than average.
Apprenticeship
about 2,000 paid on-the-job hours a year plus technical instruction.
To start
a high school diploma or equivalent is the typical entry requirement.
What the work involves
Plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters install and repair the piping systems that carry water, gas, steam and other fluids in homes, businesses and industrial plants. Plumbers focus on water, drainage and gas systems in buildings. Pipefitters and steamfitters work on the larger piping used in industrial and commercial settings. The work calls for reading plans, measuring and cutting pipe, and following safety rules.
How to get started
Finish high school
A high school diploma or GED is the typical starting point. Math, shop and any construction pathway courses your school offers are a good head start.
Choose a path
A paid apprenticeship. The United Association (UA), the union for plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters, describes a five-year apprenticeship with about 2,000 paid on-the-job hours and 216 hours of classroom instruction each year, with up to 45 college credits available. UA says applicants must be at least 18 with a high school diploma or GED. Local programs set their own application dates and steps. In Alexandria, the Alexandria Pipetrades JAC is listed in Louisiana's apprenticeship directory for pipefitter and plumber training, phone (318) 442-9923. Call to ask when applications are open and what the local requirements are.
Work and learn with a contractor. Many plumbers start as helpers for a plumbing company and learn on the job. Check the licensing rules for your city or parish before working on your own.
What the Chapter does for aspiring plumbers and pipefitters
Come to Cenla Trades Day on Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2026 at the Westside Regional Library in Alexandria. Students can ask people who work in the building trades how they got started and what the work is like. The event is free, informational and not a job fair. RSVP by Nov. 6.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook: Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters
- United Association: apprenticeship overview
- Louisiana apprenticeship directory: current apprenticeship programs
Last reviewed Oct. 30, 2026. Pay and growth figures are national. Program requirements and dates change, so confirm them with the program.