Plumbing courses
Plumbing is a licensed trade, and the Certificate III in Plumbing is the qualification behind it. Most people get there through an apprenticeship, learning on real jobs while they train. Here's what the course leads to and what the job pays.
- Quickest way to start
- 1 year
- Certificate III, full time at TAFE NSW
- TAFE cost from
- $2,440
- subsidised Certificate IV, TAFE NSW
- What the jobs pay
- $80,600 to $103,500
- median pay across 5 jobs, some estimated
- Demand
- 5 of 5 jobs
- are on the national shortage list
Which course do you need?
It depends on the job you want.
Certificate III in Plumbing
Become a plumber
Install and repair the water, drainage, gas and roofing systems in homes and commercial buildings, working from plans and clearing blockages.
JobPlumber
Median pay$103,500
- How long it takes
- 1 to 4 years full time at TAFE NSW
- What it costs
- $2,990 at TAFE NSW if you're eligible for a subsidised place, or $21,010 full fee
- How you'll study
- On campus or on the job
How much it costs at TAFE
If you're eligible for a government-subsidised place, you pay much less than the full fee, and in some states these courses can be free. Here's what each TAFE lists.
| TAFE | State | Certificate III | Certificate IV | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Subsidised | Full fee | Subsidised | Full fee | ||
| TAFE NSW | NSW | $2,990 | $21,010 | $2,440 | $8,660 |
| Chisholm Institute | VIC | $7,528 | $26,500 | Not listed | Not listed |
| GOTAFE | VIC | Not listed | $32,285 | $3,909 | $11,765 |
| The Gordon | VIC | $6,544 | $35,168 | Not listed | Not listed |
| TAFE Queensland | QLD | Not listed | Not listed | $4,230 | $11,400 |
TAFE NSWNSW
- Certificate III
- $2,990 subsidised
- $21,010 full fee
- Certificate IV
- $2,440 subsidised
- $8,660 full fee
Chisholm InstituteVIC
- Certificate III
- $7,528 subsidised
- $26,500 full fee
- Certificate IV
- Not listed
GOTAFEVIC
- Certificate III
- Not listed
- $32,285 full fee
- Certificate IV
- $3,909 subsidised
- $11,765 full fee
The GordonVIC
- Certificate III
- $6,544 subsidised
- $35,168 full fee
- Certificate IV
- Not listed
TAFE QueenslandQLD
- Certificate III
- Not listed
- Certificate IV
- $4,230 subsidised
- $11,400 full fee
Fees as each TAFE shows them on its website, checked 20 September 2026. “Not listed” means the TAFE doesn't show that fee online. Private colleges set their own fees.
Other certificates and diplomas
- Certificate II in PlumbingA course at the level below the trade qualification, for people who want to try the work before starting an apprenticeship.
- Certificate III in Roof Plumbing18 to 24 months. Trains you to install and repair metal roofs, cladding, gutters and downpipes. Roof plumbing is licensed, and the rules differ by state.
- Certificate IV in Plumbing and Services1 to 2 years. For plumbers moving into senior work, either running a contracting business or designing sanitary, drainage, gas and water systems.
Jobs you can do with this study
Pay is the median for everyone in the job, not a starting salary.
DrainerWhat you needCertificate IIIMedian pay$80,600 (estimate)In demand
GasfitterWhat you needCertificate IIIMedian pay$85,800 (estimate)In demand
Mechanical Services PlumberWhat you needCertificate IIIMedian pay$96,200 (estimate)In demand- PlumberWhat you needCertificate IIIMedian pay$103,500In demand
Roof PlumberWhat you needCertificate IIIMedian pay$91,000 (estimate)In demand
“In demand” means the job is on the national skills shortage list. Pay marked as an estimate is our own analysis, not a published figure. Check the course and provider are approved for the work you want, as rules differ by state.
Still not sure which one fits you?
Answer a few quick questions about your time, state and budget, and we'll show the courses that suit you.