Starting a plumbing career in Wyoming begins with proper training. Skilled plumbers are widely needed, and the path to getting licensed is straightforward if you know the steps. The most important decision you make early on is choosing the right training program.
Below, you’ll find the key Wyoming schools that offer plumbing instruction, how the state handles plumber licensing, and what you can expect from training.
How plumber licensing works in Wyoming
In Wyoming, plumbing licenses are issued locally by cities and towns rather than through a single statewide agency. This means requirements can vary depending on where you work.
Here’s the typical process most Wyoming municipalities use:
Start in an Apprenticeship Program - You work under a licensed journeyman or master plumber.
Complete Required Experience Hours - Most cities require several years of documented, supervised work.
Apply for the Journeyman Test - You take a written exam proving your plumbing knowledge.
Earn Your Journeyman License - With this license, you can work without direct supervision.
Advance to Master Plumber - After more work experience and another exam, you can supervise others and run your own jobs.
Note: Always check licensing rules with your local building department. Cheyenne, Casper, Laramie, and other Wyoming cities have their own application forms and deadlines.
Choosing the right Plumbing school in Wyoming
Training will give you the technical skills that employers need. A quality plumbing program will cover:
Pipe fitting and installation
Blueprint reading
Local plumbing codes
Safety procedures (OSHA standards)
Water supply and drainage systems
Welding and soldering basics
Wyoming has a mix of community colleges, technical schools, and union training programs that offer plumbing instruction or apprenticeships.
Best Plumbing schools in Wyoming
Here are some of the most recognized training options in the state:
#1
Laramie County Community College
📍
Cheyenne, WY
•In-state option
Located in Cheyenne, WY Laramie County Community College is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Auto Body and Collision Repair, Automotive Technician, and Automotive Technology. The campus serves roughly 2,563 learners.
Located in Rock Springs, WY Western Wyoming Community College is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Automotive Technician, Automotive Technology, and Machining Technology. The campus serves roughly 1,289 learners.
Each option has different admission requirements and schedules. Contact the school directly for details on start dates, costs, and entrance testing.
How long Plumbing training takes
The time it takes depends on the path you choose:
Path
Average Length
Notes
Technical School Certificate
1 year or less
Fast-track into entry-level apprentice roles
Associate Degree
2 years
Includes broader construction knowledge
Union or Non-Union Apprenticeship
4-5 years
Paid work plus classroom learning
Key steps to begin your Plumbing career in Wyoming
If you’re just starting out, here’s a clear plan:
Research Local Licensing Rules - Find out your city’s requirements.
Choose a Training Path - School, apprenticeship, or both.
Get OSHA Safety Training - Often required before site work.
Register as an Apprentice - With the local building or licensing office.
Track All Work Hours - You’ll need proof for your journeyman application.
Prepare for the Journeyman Exam - Use practice tests and code books.
Continue Your Education - Plumbing codes and technology change.
Why choose a Wyoming program
Training in the same state where you plan to work gives you a big advantage. You’ll learn the specific plumbing and building codes used in your local area, which makes passing your license exam easier. Schools also connect you with local contractors, making it more likely you’ll find work quickly.
Industry and safety requirements
Plumbing work often falls under OSHA safety regulations, especially in commercial and industrial settings. You’ll likely need to know:
Proper ladder and scaffold safety
Confined space entry
Lockout/tagout procedures for equipment
PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) rules
Following safety standards not only protects you on the job, it’s also required for licensing in many cities.
OSHA Reminder: “Each employee must be protected from falling into holes, including those used to access plumbing lines, by covers, guardrails, or fall arrest systems.” 1
Apprenticeship vs. Classroom Learning
Both have their place. A trade school gives you structured learning and a clear curriculum. An apprenticeship puts you on the job and pays you while training. Many plumbers combine them-starting in school to get basic skills before entering an apprenticeship.
Advantages of Apprenticeships
Earn while you. Learn
Build direct connections with. Employers
Learn real-world troubleshooting
Advantages of school-based training
Safe environment to. Practice
Focused on theory and code
Easier to change specialties before committing
Final Advice
Starting a plumbing career in Wyoming takes planning. First, check your city’s licensing rules. Then, pick a training path that matches your learning style and schedule. Whether you choose a technical college, union apprenticeship, or both, commit to learning the trade well. Good plumbing training lays the foundation for years of steady work.
Here’s what you should do next: make a list of programs near you, contact each for enrollment details, and apply to the one that fits your goals. The sooner you start, the sooner you can begin earning experience hours toward your license.