If you are wondering what the difference is between a Journeyman and a Master Plumber, we have to mention that they are both licensed as plumbers, but a Master Plumber is allowed to own a plumbing business, supervising other plumbers, while a Journeyman is not.
Journeyman and Master Plumbers have the same skills and knowledge, meaning that they can work without supervision.
Job Description
The job of plumbers is basically focused on installing new plumbing fixtures and unclogging drains.
So as to be able to do this, they need to possess knowledge of drainage systems, piping, and waste disposal mechanisms and their task is not at all easy.
Journeyman and Master Plumbers can look for a job in residential settings, power plants, factories, and water treatment facilities.
Even more, a Master Plumber can have an apprentice, making them a teacher in some way.
The apprentice must gain experience, working with a Master plumber, so as to become a Journeyman.
Master Plumbers get the certification without which they cannot supervise other Journeyman Plumbers.
Those with a master’s degree in plumbing have advanced training and education which makes them able to work on piping systems, install bathtubs and toilets, fix sinks and repair water heaters and dishwashers.
In commercial or industrial settings, they are trained to create and install entire plumbing systems, such as heating and cooling systems, steamfitting, and storm drain maintenance.
Wherever they work, the decision making is given to a Master Plumber who is a supervisor as well.
Education Requirements
Getting into plumbing filed is not possible without proper education and the only way of earning the title of a Journeyman Plumber is by completing an educational or training program and gaining five years of experience, under the supervision of a Master Plumber.
On the other hand, becoming a Master plumber requires more education and training, and it is estimated to take seven to ten years of education and training.
Two years of this training must be as a Journeyman Plumber.
When we think about these two occupations, the distinction is in education.
Actually, Journeyman Plumbers have a minimum of five years of experience and three professional references.
They usually attend a trade school and earn a two-year degree.
During their education, they learn the following topics: blueprint reading, waste systems, building codes, venting, residential plumbing repair, and plumbing illustrations.
The end of the coursework is not the end of education, as they are placed in an apprenticeship for four to five years of supervised experience.
This is a paid position where you will get a chance to put into practice what you have learned in the classroom.
The next step is to complete state licensing requirements and apply to be a Journeyman Plumber.
Only after working for five years, you can take a certification test and if you pass it, you will become a licensed Master Plumber.
This test is designed so as to ensures that you understand Federal and state regulations and building codes, in addition to advanced plumbing skills, as you will be allowed to open your own plumbing company.
Job Growth Trend And Salary
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary for a plumber to be $51,450, or $24.74 per hour and it is expected that the salaries become higher due to the fact that the plumbing industry is a growing trade.
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