High School Education
A high school diploma or equivalent is typically required to enter the plumbing trade. Individual apprenticeship sponsors may set additional education requirements.
National Apprenticeship Pathway
Plumber Apprenticeship Guide
Apprenticeship Snapshot
- Apprenticeship Length
- 4–5 years
- Paid Training
- Yes
- On-the-Job Training
- Typically about 2,000 hours of paid on-the-job training per year
- Technical Instruction
- Related technical instruction throughout the apprenticeship
Apprenticeship Guide Navigation
What Is a Plumber Apprenticeship?
A plumber apprenticeship combines paid on-the-job training with technical instruction to prepare workers for professional plumbing careers. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, most plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters learn their trade through a 4- or 5-year apprenticeship.
During an apprenticeship, trainees work under experienced journey-level workers while learning how to install, maintain, and repair piping systems, plumbing fixtures, water supply systems, drainage systems, and related equipment. Apprentices also receive technical instruction covering safety, local plumbing codes and regulations, blueprint reading, mathematics, applied physics, and chemistry.
Apprenticeship requirements vary by program sponsor, employer, union, state, and locality. Completing an apprenticeship may help satisfy experience requirements for journey-level or plumbing licensing, but licensing rules are established by individual states and local jurisdictions.
Plumber Apprenticeship Entry Requirements
Math Preparation
Applicants should be prepared to use basic mathematics in plumbing training. Apprenticeship technical instruction commonly includes mathematics, and individual programs may require applicants to complete an aptitude or math assessment.
Physical Ability
Plumbing work can involve lifting materials, working in confined spaces, climbing, standing for long periods, and using hand and power tools. Program sponsors or employers may require applicants to meet job-related physical requirements.
Driver’s License or Transportation
Some employers and apprenticeship sponsors may require a valid driver’s license or reliable transportation because apprentices may travel between job sites, training locations, and employer facilities.
Program-Specific Screening
Individual programs may require interviews, aptitude testing, drug screening, background checks, proof of work authorization, or other sponsor-specific application requirements.
How Much Do Plumber Apprentices Earn?
Plumber apprentices are generally paid while they train. Apprentice wages typically begin below the pay of fully qualified journey-level plumbers and increase as apprentices complete additional training, gain job skills, and progress through the apprenticeship.
Exact wage schedules vary by apprenticeship sponsor, employer, collective bargaining agreement, geographic area, and program stage. Career In Trades does not calculate apprentice wages from national plumber salary data because apprenticeship pay is determined by individual programs and local labor markets.
How to Apply for a Plumber Apprenticeship
Check Eligibility
Review the apprenticeship sponsor’s education, age, work authorization, transportation, testing, and other eligibility requirements before applying.
Find Plumbing Apprenticeship Programs
Search Apprenticeship.gov and official websites for plumbing contractors, unions, joint apprenticeship committees, trade associations, and other apprenticeship sponsors.
Submit an Application
Complete the sponsor’s application and provide any requested education records, identification, employment information, or other supporting documents.
Complete Testing or Interviews
Some programs use aptitude tests, interviews, or other screening steps to evaluate applicants before making apprenticeship selections.
Begin Paid Apprenticeship Training
Accepted apprentices begin supervised paid work while completing the technical instruction and progressive training required by the apprenticeship program.
Who Sponsors Plumber Apprenticeships?
Labor Unions and Joint Apprenticeship Committees
Labor organizations and joint labor-management apprenticeship committees may operate structured plumbing apprenticeship programs that combine supervised employment with classroom instruction.
Plumbing Contractors
Individual plumbing contractors may sponsor apprentices directly or participate in registered apprenticeship programs that train workers while they are employed.
Trade Associations
Contractor and industry associations may coordinate apprenticeship programs for participating plumbing businesses and provide related technical instruction.
Businesses and Employers
Businesses that employ plumbers, pipefitters, or related workers may sponsor apprenticeship programs or partner with training organizations to develop skilled workers.
Do You Need Trade School Before a Plumber Apprenticeship?
Trade school is not always required before entering a plumber apprenticeship. The Bureau of Labor Statistics states that most plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters learn through apprenticeship, although some workers also attend vocational-technical school.
Vocational and technical programs may provide instruction in plumbing systems, pipe system design, safety, tool use, blueprint reading, and related subjects. Some apprenticeship sponsors may recognize prior training, but credit for previous education depends on the individual program.
How Apprenticeship Relates to Plumber Licensing
Completing a plumbing apprenticeship can provide the work experience and technical training needed to progress toward journey-level status, but apprenticeship completion does not automatically create a nationwide plumbing license.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that most states and some localities require plumbers to be licensed. Licensing requirements may include documented work experience, completion of approved training, examinations, fees, and other state or local requirements. Some jurisdictions also distinguish between apprentice, journey-level, master plumber, and contractor credentials.
Because plumbing licensing is state- and locality-specific, apprentices should review the requirements of the licensing authority where they plan to work.
Certifications for Plumber Apprentices
Plumbing apprenticeship completion, occupational licensing, and voluntary certifications are separate credentials. Apprenticeship establishes structured training and work experience, while licensing determines whether a worker may legally perform regulated plumbing work in a particular jurisdiction.
Additional certifications may be relevant for specialty work, safety responsibilities, medical gas systems, backflow prevention, welding, green plumbing systems, or other employer- and jurisdiction-specific work. Requirements depend on the type of plumbing performed and the rules of the state, locality, employer, or certifying organization.
How to Find a Plumber Apprenticeship
Prospective plumbers can search for apprenticeship opportunities through Apprenticeship.gov and through organizations that sponsor or participate in registered apprenticeship programs. Plumbing apprenticeships may be offered by contractors, labor unions, joint apprenticeship committees, contractor associations, and other employers.
When comparing programs, review the occupation covered by the apprenticeship, geographic service area, application period, entry requirements, wage progression, technical instruction, work schedule, and any licensing pathway described by the sponsor.
The broader Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters occupation is recognized within the U.S. Registered Apprenticeship system, and approved apprenticeship titles include Plumber and Pipefitting and/or Plumbing.
Plumber Career & Apprenticeship Guides by State
Explore state-specific plumber salary data, training pathways, apprenticeship information, and licensing requirements.
AlabamaState salary, training, apprenticeship & licensing informationView Alabama Guide AlaskaState salary, training, apprenticeship & licensing informationView Alaska Guide ArizonaState salary, training, apprenticeship & licensing informationView Arizona Guide ArkansasState salary, training, apprenticeship & licensing informationView Arkansas Guide CaliforniaState salary, training, apprenticeship & licensing informationView California Guide ColoradoState salary, training, apprenticeship & licensing informationView Colorado Guide ConnecticutState salary, training, apprenticeship & licensing informationView Connecticut Guide DelawareState salary, training, apprenticeship & licensing informationView Delaware Guide FloridaState salary, training, apprenticeship & licensing informationView Florida Guide GeorgiaState salary, training, apprenticeship & licensing informationView Georgia Guide HawaiiState salary, training, apprenticeship & licensing informationView Hawaii Guide IdahoState salary, training, apprenticeship & licensing informationView Idaho Guide IllinoisState salary, training, apprenticeship & licensing informationView Illinois Guide IndianaState salary, training, apprenticeship & licensing informationView Indiana Guide IowaState salary, training, apprenticeship & licensing informationView Iowa Guide KansasState salary, training, apprenticeship & licensing informationView Kansas Guide KentuckyState salary, training, apprenticeship & licensing informationView Kentucky Guide LouisianaState salary, training, apprenticeship & licensing informationView Louisiana Guide MaineState salary, training, apprenticeship & licensing informationView Maine Guide MarylandState salary, training, apprenticeship & licensing informationView Maryland Guide MassachusettsState salary, training, apprenticeship & licensing informationView Massachusetts Guide MichiganState salary, training, apprenticeship & licensing informationView Michigan Guide MinnesotaState salary, training, apprenticeship & licensing informationView Minnesota Guide MississippiState salary, training, apprenticeship & licensing informationView Mississippi Guide MissouriState salary, training, apprenticeship & licensing informationView Missouri Guide MontanaState salary, training, apprenticeship & licensing informationView Montana Guide NebraskaState salary, training, apprenticeship & licensing informationView Nebraska Guide NevadaState salary, training, apprenticeship & licensing informationView Nevada Guide New HampshireState salary, training, apprenticeship & licensing informationView New Hampshire Guide New JerseyState salary, training, apprenticeship & licensing informationView New Jersey Guide New MexicoState salary, training, apprenticeship & licensing informationView New Mexico Guide New YorkState salary, training, apprenticeship & licensing informationView New York Guide North CarolinaState salary, training, apprenticeship & licensing informationView North Carolina Guide North DakotaState salary, training, apprenticeship & licensing informationView North Dakota Guide OhioState salary, training, apprenticeship & licensing informationView Ohio Guide OklahomaState salary, training, apprenticeship & licensing informationView Oklahoma Guide OregonState salary, training, apprenticeship & licensing informationView Oregon Guide PennsylvaniaState salary, training, apprenticeship & licensing informationView Pennsylvania Guide Rhode IslandState salary, training, apprenticeship & licensing informationView Rhode Island Guide South CarolinaState salary, training, apprenticeship & licensing informationView South Carolina Guide South DakotaState salary, training, apprenticeship & licensing informationView South Dakota Guide TennesseeState salary, training, apprenticeship & licensing informationView Tennessee Guide TexasState salary, training, apprenticeship & licensing informationView Texas Guide UtahState salary, training, apprenticeship & licensing informationView Utah Guide VermontState salary, training, apprenticeship & licensing informationView Vermont Guide VirginiaState salary, training, apprenticeship & licensing informationView Virginia Guide WashingtonState salary, training, apprenticeship & licensing informationView Washington Guide West VirginiaState salary, training, apprenticeship & licensing informationView West Virginia Guide WisconsinState salary, training, apprenticeship & licensing informationView Wisconsin Guide WyomingState salary, training, apprenticeship & licensing informationView Wyoming Guide
Plumber Apprenticeship FAQ
Are plumber apprenticeships paid?
Yes. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics states that plumbing apprentices typically receive paid on-the-job training while completing their apprenticeship.
How long does a plumber apprenticeship take?
Most plumber, pipefitter, and steamfitter apprenticeships last about 4 to 5 years, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
How many hours of on-the-job training do plumber apprentices complete?
BLS reports that apprentices typically receive about 2,000 hours of paid on-the-job training each year during a 4- or 5-year apprenticeship.
Do I need trade school before a plumber apprenticeship?
Not necessarily. Most plumbers learn through apprenticeship, although some workers attend vocational or technical school before or during their career preparation.
Does completing a plumber apprenticeship make me licensed?
Not automatically. Most states and some localities require plumbers to be licensed, and licensing rules may include additional experience, examinations, fees, or other requirements.
Where can I find plumber apprenticeship opportunities?
You can search Apprenticeship.gov and check official websites for plumbing contractors, unions, joint apprenticeship committees, trade associations, and other local apprenticeship sponsors.
Sources
- Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters — Occupational Outlook Handbook — U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (Data: 2026 Occupational Outlook Handbook) Supports: Supports apprenticeship duration, paid on-the-job training hours, technical instruction, education requirements, apprenticeship sponsors, vocational-school relationship, journey-level progression, and state or local plumbing licensing.. Accessed September 27, 2026.
- Apprenticeship Occupations — U.S. Department of Labor — Apprenticeship.gov (Data: Current) Supports: Supports recognition of Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters as an approved Registered Apprenticeship occupation and provides the official federal apprenticeship occupation search.. Accessed September 27, 2026.
- Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters — O*NET OnLine — O*NET OnLine (Data: Updated 2026) Supports: Supports SOC/O*NET classification 47-2152.00, occupation scope, training context, and approved apprenticeship titles including Plumber and Pipefitting and/or Plumbing.. Accessed September 27, 2026.