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Let’s cut to the chase: if you’re asking which course pays the most, and you’re thinking about plumbing, you’re on the right track. In New Zealand, especially in cities like Auckland, plumbers aren’t just fixing leaky taps-they’re earning solid six-figure incomes by the time they hit their mid-30s. And it’s not luck. It’s training, demand, and a trade that never goes out of style.
Why plumbing pays more than you think
Most people assume plumbers make decent money because they’re always busy. But the real reason they earn so much is simple: plumbing is essential, complex, and in short supply. Every new house, every renovation, every aging building needs a plumber. And there aren’t enough qualified ones to go around.
In 2025, the median salary for a licensed plumber in New Zealand was $82,000. But that’s just the average. Those with specialized skills-like gas fitting, sewer line repair, or commercial system design-earn between $95,000 and $120,000. Senior plumbers who run their own businesses or work on large-scale projects (think hospitals, high-rises, or irrigation systems) regularly clear $140,000+ a year. And that’s before overtime, weekend call-outs, or emergency jobs.
Compare that to university degrees in fields like marketing or communications, where graduates often start at $50,000 and wait years to break six figures. Plumbing? You can be earning that within five years of starting your training.
The best paying plumbing courses in New Zealand
Not all plumbing courses are created equal. Some just teach you how to fit a toilet. Others prepare you to handle high-pressure gas lines, complex drainage systems, and compliance with NZ Building Code standards. The difference? Thousands in annual earnings.
Here’s what actually pays off:
- Level 4 National Certificate in Plumbing, Drainage and Gasfitting - This is the gold standard. Offered by polytechnics like Whitireia and Ara Institute, it takes three years full-time (or longer part-time) and covers everything: water supply, waste systems, gas installation, and hot water systems. It’s the only qualification that lets you legally work on gas.
- Gasfitting Endorsement - This isn’t optional. If you skip this, you’re limited to water-only jobs. With gasfitting, you can install boilers, gas stoves, and heating systems. Gas plumbers earn 25-35% more than those without it.
- Commercial Plumbing Specialisation - Some providers offer advanced modules in commercial systems: fire suppression, large-scale drainage, and HVAC integration. These are rare, but they open doors to projects worth millions.
Don’t waste time on short courses that promise “plumbing in 6 weeks.” They’re not recognized by the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board. You won’t get licensed. You won’t get insured. And you won’t get paid properly.
How to get started: the real path
You don’t need a degree. You don’t need to be good at math. You need:
- A Year 12 qualification or equivalent (NCEA Level 2)
- Enrol in a Level 4 apprenticeship with a registered plumbing company
- Complete 3 years of on-the-job training
- Pass the final practical and theory exams
- Apply for your full licence with the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board
Most apprenticeships start at $20-$25/hour. By year three, you’re earning $30-$35/hour. That’s $60,000-$70,000 a year before overtime. And once you’re licensed, you can work freelance, join a team, or start your own business.
What makes one course better than another
Here’s what to look for:
| Feature | Basic Plumbing Course | Level 4 Apprenticeship | Commercial Plumbing Specialisation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration | 6-12 weeks | 3 years | 3 years + 6 months |
| Licensing | No | Yes | Yes |
| Gasfitting Included | No | Yes | Yes |
| Commercial Systems | No | Basic | Advanced |
| Average Starting Salary | $35,000 (unlicensed) | $80,000 | $95,000+ |
| Insurance Eligibility | No | Yes | Yes |
Only the Level 4 apprenticeship leads to a licence. Everything else is a side hustle at best. And in plumbing, being unlicensed means you can’t legally work on gas, sewage, or pressurized systems. That’s not just risky-it’s illegal. And if something goes wrong? You’re liable.
Real-world example: From apprentice to 0k
Take Jamie from Papakura. He left school at 17, didn’t know what he wanted to do. His uncle was a plumber. He asked for an apprenticeship. Got it. Three years later, he passed his exams. Now he works for a mid-sized firm in Manukau. He does 90% residential work, but he’s trained in gas and backflow prevention. He works 45 hours a week. He gets paid $58/hour. That’s $110,000 a year before tax. He doesn’t work weekends. He doesn’t chase clients. He just shows up. And he’s in demand.
He didn’t go to university. He didn’t take a short course. He did the real thing.
What you’re really buying: security, not just skills
Plumbing isn’t glamorous. It’s dirty, physical, and sometimes stressful. But here’s what it gives you that most other careers don’t:
- Job security - No recession hits plumbing. Water doesn’t stop flowing.
- Self-employment - You can work for a company, or start your own business with just a van and tools.
- No student debt - Most apprenticeships pay you while you learn. Some even cover your course fees.
- Respect - People need plumbers. They remember you. They refer you.
And here’s the kicker: you don’t need to be a genius. You need to be reliable. You need to show up. You need to learn the rules. And you need to get licensed.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Thinking short courses = career. They don’t. They’re for hobbyists.
- Skipping gasfitting. That’s like being a mechanic who only changes tires.
- Working without insurance. One claim can wipe you out.
- Choosing the cheapest provider. Look for ones registered with the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board.
- Waiting for the “perfect time.” The trade shortage is here. Now.
Where to enrol in 2026
Stick to these approved providers:
- Ara Institute of Canterbury - Strong commercial focus
- Whitireia Polytechnic - Excellent apprenticeship links
- Te Pūkenga - National network, flexible delivery
- Manukau Institute of Technology (MIT) - Auckland-based, strong industry ties
Check the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board website to verify any course provider. If they’re not on the list, walk away.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is plumbing a good career in New Zealand in 2026?
Yes. New Zealand has a critical shortage of licensed plumbers. The government estimates a need for over 1,200 new plumbers by 2028. Demand is rising with new housing builds, earthquake retrofitting, and aging infrastructure. Salaries are increasing, and competition for qualified workers is fierce.
Can I do a plumbing course part-time while working?
Yes. Most Level 4 apprenticeships are designed for part-time learners. You work 30-40 hours a week for a registered employer and attend block training every few months. Some providers offer evening classes. The entire process takes 3-4 years, but you earn while you learn.
Do I need to be physically strong to be a plumber?
You need to be fit, but not an athlete. Most of the work involves lifting, bending, and crawling under floors. You don’t need to bench press 100kg. But you should be able to carry a 25kg bag of cement, climb a ladder, and work in tight spaces. Many plumbers improve their strength gradually on the job.
How much does a plumbing apprenticeship cost?
Most apprenticeships cost nothing upfront. Your employer covers your training fees. Some government subsidies (like Skills Development Funding) may even cover tools or safety gear. You’ll pay for personal equipment-boots, gloves, a tool belt-but that’s under $500 total. You’ll earn $20-$35/hour from day one.
Can I become a plumber if I’m over 30?
Absolutely. Half of new plumbing apprentices in 2025 were over 28. Career changers from retail, construction, and even IT are common. Age doesn’t matter. Skill and reliability do. Many employers prefer mature apprentices because they’re more responsible and show up on time.
Next steps: What to do today
If you’re serious:
- Visit www.plumbingboard.govt.nz and find approved training providers.
- Call three local plumbing companies. Ask if they take apprentices.
- Apply for a Level 4 apprenticeship before April 2026-intake spots fill fast.
- Don’t wait for perfect conditions. The trade shortage won’t wait.
Plumbing isn’t the easiest path. But it’s one of the most reliable ways to build real wealth without debt. If you’re willing to work hard, show up, and learn the trade properly, you won’t just find a job-you’ll build a career that lasts.