Plumber in Nebraska

Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for NE

Median Salary
$62,880
Nebraska (2024)
National Median
$62,970
All states
Time to Complete
Approximately 4 years for apprenticeship, plus additional experience for higher licenses.
From start to licensed

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.

Plumber Requirements in Nebraska

DetailNebraska
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 Required No
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.
Exam Varies 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

Plumber Salary in Nebraska

The median plumber salary in Nebraska is $62,880 per year, which is 0.1% below the national median of $62,970.

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

Nebraska employs approximately 4,240 plumbers.

Plumber Job Outlook

10-Year Growth
+4.5%
Faster than average
Annual Openings
44
Nationwide per year
Total Employment
504.5
Nationwide

AI Impact on Plumbers

Low AI Exposure (Score: -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.

Is Becoming a Plumber in Nebraska Worth It?

Factors to consider: Nebraska's cost of living, the lack of a state license requirement, moderate job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the steps to becoming a plumber in Nebraska?
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?
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?
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?
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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