CertOutlook

Plumber in Nebraska

Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for NE. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.

Median annual salary
$62,880
trending_down -0.1% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Nebraska.

engineering
4,240

Jobs (NE)

monitoring Strong
+4.5%

10-yr job growth

schedule
Approximately 4 years for apprenticeship, plus additional experience for higher licenses.

Time to complete

route How to become a plumber in Nebraska

To become a licensed plumber in Nebraska, individuals must obtain a license through local jurisdictions, as there is no statewide plumbing license. Requirements vary by city, but generally involve completing a four-year apprenticeship program and passing a journeyman exam. Plumbing contractors and subcontractors must also register with the Nebraska Department of Labor. Reciprocity with other states is not offered, but some municipalities may consider out-of-state licenses on a case-by-case basis.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $45,540
25th percentile $48,740
50th (median) $62,880
75th percentile $90,220
90th (experienced) $93,350

Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Nebraska. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.

checklist Nebraska requirements

Licensing bodyLocal Jurisdictions (e.g., City of Omaha Plumbing Board, City of Lincoln Building and Safety Department) and Nebraska Department of Labor for contractors
State license Not required
EducationHigh school diploma or GED for apprenticeship; completion of a four-year apprenticeship program certified by the city or equivalent course of study for journeyman license.
ExamVaries by jurisdiction (e.g., City of Omaha Plumbing Board exams for journeyman and master plumbers)
RenewalEvery 1.0 year
NotesNebraska does not have a statewide plumbing license; licensing is handled at the city/local level. Plumbing contractors and subcontractors must register with the Nebraska Department of Labor. Minimum age for apprenticeship is 16 in Lincoln and 18 in Omaha. Journeyman plumbers typically need 4 years (approx. 8,000 hours) of supervised apprenticeship. Master plumbers need additional experience as a journeyman (e.g., 4 consecutive years in Omaha). Continuing education requirements vary by city (e.g., Lincoln: 6 hours for journeyman, 10 for master; Omaha: 8 hours for journeyman and master).

Source: Local Jurisdictions (e.g., City of Omaha Plumbing Board, City of Lincoln Building and Safety Department) and Nebraska Department of Labor for contractors

work_outline Job outlook

10-year growth
+4.5%
Faster than average
Annual openings
44,000
Nationwide per year
Total employment
504,500
Nationwide
neurology

AI & tech impact

verified Low exposure -1.12/1.00

This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.

hub

balance Is it worth it?

  • infoNo state license required — lower barrier but weaker signal
  • check_circleLow AI disruption risk
psychology
Wondering if a plumber career is the right fit?
See what the day actually looks like, who the role suits, and who should skip it — grounded in real practitioner sources.
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Frequently asked questions

What are the steps to becoming a plumber in Nebraska? expand_more
In Nebraska, becoming a plumber requires you to complete the required education (High school diploma or GED for apprenticeship; completion of a four-year apprenticeship program certified by the city or equivalent course of study for journeyman license.), and pass the Varies by jurisdiction (e.g., City of Omaha Plumbing Board exams for journeyman and master plumbers).
Can I work as a plumber in Nebraska without a license? expand_more
Nebraska does not require a state license for plumbers. Note: Nebraska does not have a statewide plumbing license; licensing is handled at the city/local level. Plumbing contractors and subcontractors must register with the Nebraska Department of Labor. Minimum age for apprenticeship is 16 in Lincoln and 18 in Omaha. Journeyman plumbers typically need 4 years (approx. 8,000 hours) of supervised apprenticeship. Master plumbers need additional experience as a journeyman (e.g., 4 consecutive years in Omaha). Continuing education requirements vary by city (e.g., Lincoln: 6 hours for journeyman, 10 for master; Omaha: 8 hours for journeyman and master).
How much does a plumber make in Nebraska? expand_more
Nebraska plumbers bring home a median salary of $62,880. This is close to the national median of $62,970. The range spans from $45,540 at the entry level to $93,350 for top earners.
What's the timeline to become a plumber in Nebraska? expand_more
Expect to spend Approximately 4 years for apprenticeship, plus additional experience for higher licenses. from start to finish in Nebraska — covering coursework, supervised experience, and examination.

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