Plumbing and Related Water Supply Services, Other.
Data details: Graduation rate, gender, ethnicity, and summary are for this specific degree (6-digit CIP) from IPEDS. Salary, debt, and related financial outcomes are based on the degree category (4-digit CIP) from the College Scorecard API. ← Back to search
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Please use your own discretion when interpreting these results. For certain degrees, a limited number of institutions report to the government's College Scorecard API, which may cause the data to be skewed or less representative of national trends. Consider these figures as informative but not definitive, and consult additional sources or advisors for important decisions.
Debt to Income Ratio
Why Plumbing and Related Water Supply Services, Other. stands out: With a debt-to-income ratio of just 22.8%, graduates of this program typically enjoy manageable student loan payments compared to their first-year earnings. This low ratio means that, on average, students who complete Plumbing and Related Water Supply Services, Other. can expect to pay off their student debt faster and with less financial stress than most other fields. Programs with a DTI below 0.5 are considered excellent by financial experts, making this degree a smart investment for your future.
For example, with a median salary of $39857 and average student debt of $9095, the financial outlook for Plumbing and Related Water Supply Services, Other. graduates is especially strong in .
Key Insights
Plumbing and Related Water Supply Services, Other. is a program that attracts motivated students who want to make an impact. Starting pay for new grads is typically $39857, and with an average debt of $9095, the debt-to-income ratio comes in at 0.23—meaning you’ll have lots of flexibility after graduation.
This program sees about 2745 graduates annually, so you’ll be joining a well-established network. Whether you’re aiming for a high-paying job, a stable career, or a chance to make an impact, Plumbing and Related Water Supply Services, Other. is a great foundation. Remember, your journey is shaped by the opportunities you pursue—so get involved and stay curious!
Degree Overview
Plumbing and Related Water Supply Services, Other (CIP 46.0599) is a skilled construction and infrastructure trade focused on installing, maintaining, and protecting the systems that deliver clean water, remove waste, and support sanitation in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. This classification includes specialized and emerging plumbing-related programs that fall outside traditional plumbing tracks, such as advanced water systems, specialty piping, water treatment support, and infrastructure-focused plumbing services.
For a degree search site, Plumbing and Related Water Supply Services, Other represents reliability, public health, and long-term job security. Every building—homes, hospitals, factories, schools, and cities—depends on safe water delivery and wastewater removal. This degree appeals to students who want a hands-on, high-demand career with strong earning potential, minimal automation risk, and clear paths to specialization or business ownership.
What Is a Plumbing and Related Water Supply Services Degree?
A Plumbing and Related Water Supply Services degree or certificate is a workforce-focused training program that prepares students to work with water supply, drainage, and sanitation systems. Programs under the “Other” designation typically emphasize specialized plumbing applications, advanced systems, or integrated water infrastructure roles rather than standard residential plumbing alone.
This degree typically focuses on:
- Installation and maintenance of water supply systems
- Drainage, waste, and vent (DWV) systems
- Pipefitting and specialty piping applications
- Plumbing codes, regulations, and inspections
- Water efficiency, treatment, and conservation systems
Community colleges, trade schools, and apprenticeship programs offer this degree to:
- Prepare students for entry-level and specialized plumbing roles
- Support apprenticeship and licensing pathways
- Address persistent shortages of skilled plumbing professionals
- Train workers for modern and specialized water systems
Plumbing programs emphasize applied learning, safety, and code compliance.
What Will You Learn?
Students learn how water and waste systems function inside buildings and across infrastructure networks. You’ll be trained to install pipes, fixtures, and valves; troubleshoot leaks and blockages; and ensure systems meet health, safety, and environmental standards.
The curriculum emphasizes precision, problem-solving, and responsibility. Because plumbing directly affects sanitation and public health, students learn to follow strict codes, document work accurately, and adapt systems to different building types and conditions.
Core Skills You’ll Build
Graduates typically develop skills such as:
- Plumbing system installation—water supply and drainage
- Pipefitting and joining techniques—copper, PVC, PEX, steel
- Blueprint and schematic reading—interpreting plans
- Troubleshooting and repair—leaks, clogs, pressure issues
- Code compliance and inspections—local and national standards
- Tool and equipment operation—plumbing tools and machinery
- Water efficiency and conservation practices—sustainable systems
- Jobsite safety and sanitation—health and risk prevention
These skills are essential for safe, reliable water system operation.
Topics You May Explore
Coursework in plumbing and water supply programs commonly includes:
- Introduction to Plumbing Systems: water and waste fundamentals
- Plumbing Codes and Regulations: compliance and permitting
- Drainage, Waste, and Vent Systems: sanitary design
- Water Supply and Distribution: pressure and flow control
- Pipefitting and Specialty Piping: advanced applications
- Plumbing Math and Measurement: calculations and layout
- Fixtures, Valves, and Appliances: installation techniques
- Water Treatment and Filtration Systems: quality and safety
- Repair, Maintenance, and Troubleshooting: service skills
Many programs include lab-based training that simulates real jobsite conditions.
What Jobs Can You Get With This Degree?
A Plumbing and Related Water Supply Services, Other degree prepares students for entry-level plumbing roles, apprenticeships, or specialized water system positions. Advancement is typically based on experience, licensing, and technical skill.
Common career paths include:
- Plumber or Plumbing Apprentice: residential and commercial work
- Pipefitter or Plumbing Technician: specialty piping systems
- Water Systems or Utility Technician: infrastructure support
- Maintenance or Facilities Plumber: building operations
- Service and Repair Technician: troubleshooting roles
- Plumbing Inspector or Compliance Assistant: regulatory support
- Self-Employed Plumber or Contractor: business ownership
Licensed plumbers often enjoy steady work and strong earning potential.
Where Can You Work?
Graduates work in environments where water systems are installed or maintained:
- Residential and commercial construction firms
- Plumbing and mechanical contracting companies
- Industrial and manufacturing facilities
- Hospitals, schools, and public buildings
- Water utilities and infrastructure agencies
- Facilities and property management organizations
- Self-employed or small contracting businesses
Plumbing professionals are essential in every community.
How Much Can You Earn?
Earnings vary by location, licensing level, specialization, and experience.
Typical ranges include:
- Entry-level plumbing roles or apprentices: often $40,000–$55,000
- Licensed plumbers and technicians: commonly $55,000–$80,000
- Master plumbers, specialists, or contractors: can reach $85,000–$120,000+
Overtime, emergency service, union benefits, and business ownership can significantly increase income.
Is This Degree Hard?
Plumbing and Related Water Supply Services, Other is considered physically and technically demanding. Academically, coursework is practical and applied, but students must master codes, calculations, and safety standards while working in varied environments.
The challenge lies in precision, responsibility, and problem-solving under real-world conditions.
Who Should Consider This Degree?
This degree may be a strong fit if you:
- Enjoy hands-on, technical work
- Like solving practical problems
- Want strong job security and demand
- Are interested in public health and infrastructure
- Prefer applied learning over traditional academics
How to Prepare in High School
To prepare for a plumbing and water services program:
- Take math, physics, and technical education courses
- Develop strong measurement, spatial reasoning, and problem-solving skills
- Learn basic tool use and safety practices
- Participate in trade or construction-focused programs if available
- Build responsibility, reliability, and teamwork skills
Plumbing and Related Water Supply Services, Other (CIP 46.0599) is a vital and future-proof trade for students who want to work at the core of public health and infrastructure. It offers strong wages, steady demand, and clear pathways to advancement without requiring a four-year degree. For those who value technical skill, independence, and real-world impact, this degree provides a durable foundation for a respected and rewarding career.
Personality Fit (RIASEC Profile)
Official assessment tool by the U.S. Department of Labor