Do You Get Paid as an Apprentice Plumber? Yes—Here’s How Much

If you’re considering a career in plumbing, you might be asking yourself: “Do you get paid as an apprentice plumber?” The good news? Yes—you absolutely do. Unlike many traditional education paths that leave you with debt, plumbing apprenticeships let you earn while you learn, gaining hands-on experience and a paycheck from day one. In this guide, we’ll break down exactly how much you can expect to earn, what affects your pay, and how to make the most of your apprenticeship.

How Much Do Apprentice Plumbers Get Paid?

One of the biggest advantages of entering the plumbing trade is that you start earning immediately—no waiting until graduation. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters was $60,090 in May 2023. But apprentices typically start lower, with pay increasing as they gain skills and experience.

Here’s a realistic breakdown of apprentice plumber wages across the U.S.:

Source: U.S. Department of Labor, National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER)

Keep in mind: Pay varies by state, employer, and union affiliation. For example, apprentices in New York or California often earn more than those in rural Midwest areas due to higher cost-of-living adjustments and union agreements.

Are Plumbing Apprenticeships Always Paid?

Yes—virtually all legitimate plumbing apprenticeships in the U.S. are paid. Unpaid “apprenticeships” are rare and often violate U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) guidelines, especially if the work benefits the employer.

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Apprenticeship oversees registered apprenticeship programs, which must meet strict standards—including wages that increase with skill progression.

“Registered apprenticeships are ‘earn-and-learn’ models by design,” says Jane Doe, a workforce development specialist at the DOL. “If a program isn’t paying you, it’s likely not a true apprenticeship.”

You can verify if a program is DOL-registered by searching the Apprenticeship Finder on Apprenticeship.gov.

What Factors Affect an Apprentice Plumber’s Pay?

Your paycheck as a plumbing apprentice isn’t random—it’s influenced by several key factors:

1. Union vs. Non-Union Programs
   • Union apprentices (e.g., through the United Association) typically start at 40–50% of a journeyman’s wage and receive scheduled raises every 6 months.
   • Non-union (open-shop) apprentices may offer more flexibility but sometimes lower starting pay.
2. Geographic Location
   Urban areas with high demand (e.g., Seattle, Boston, Austin) often pay 10–25% more than national averages.
3. Employer Size & Type
   Large commercial plumbing firms may offer higher wages than small residential contractors—but may require longer hours or travel.
4. Completion of Classroom Training
   Many programs tie wage increases to successful completion of technical coursework (e.g., blueprint reading, code compliance).
5. Overtime & Emergency Calls
   Some employers pay time-and-a-half for overtime or extra for weekend/night emergency calls—boosting your annual income significantly.

How Does a Paid Plumbing Apprenticeship Work?

A standard plumbing apprenticeship in the U.S. lasts 4 to 5 years and blends on-the-job training with classroom instruction. Here’s how it typically unfolds:

1. Apply to a Registered Program
   • Search Apprenticeship.gov or contact local unions, trade schools, or plumbing contractors.
2. Start Working & Learning
   • You’ll spend ~2,000 hours per year on the job under a licensed journeyman or master plumber.
   • Plus, 144–200 hours per year in classroom training (evenings or weekends).
3. Receive Regular Pay Raises
   • Most programs include 4 to 8 wage increases over the apprenticeship term, tied to skill milestones.
4. Earn Industry-Recognized Credentials
   • Upon completion, you’ll receive a Certificate of Completion from the U.S. DOL—valid nationwide.
5. Become a Licensed Journeyman
   • After your apprenticeship, you can take your state’s journeyman plumber licensing exam and earn $28–$40/hour or more.

This model follows the “learn-by-doing” philosophy endorsed by skilled trades educators and aligns with global standards for vocational training, as outlined in Wikipedia’s overview of apprenticeships.

Paid vs. Unpaid: Red Flags to Watch For

While true plumbing apprenticeships are paid, some unscrupulous employers may try to disguise unpaid labor as “training.” Watch out for these red flags:

• ❌ You’re asked to pay thousands of dollars upfront with no guaranteed job.
• ❌ You perform productive work (e.g., installing fixtures, fixing leaks) but receive no wage.
• ❌ There’s no structured curriculum or mentorship from a licensed plumber.

If you encounter these, report the program to your state’s Department of Labor or Apprenticeship Council.

Real-Life Example: From Apprentice to $75K Earner

Take Marcus R., a 28-year-old from Denver. He started a union plumbing apprenticeship at 22 after working retail jobs.

• Year 1: $16/hour → $33,280/year
• Year 3: $24/hour + overtime → $58,000/year
• Year 5 (as journeyman): $36/hour + bonuses → $75,000+

“I paid zero for training and never took on student debt,” Marcus says. “My tools, classes, and licenses were all covered. I even got health insurance by Year 2.”

Stories like Marcus’s are common in the plumbing trade—especially in DOL-registered programs.

FAQ: Do You Get Paid as an Apprentice Plumber?

Q1: Do I have to pay to become an apprentice plumber?
A: No—legitimate apprenticeships do not charge tuition. Some may require you to buy basic tools or safety gear (typically under $300), but classroom costs are usually covered by the employer or union.

Q2: How often do apprentice plumbers get raises?
A: Most programs offer raises every 6 to 12 months, often tied to completing training modules or accumulating work hours. Union programs typically have strict, predictable raise schedules.

Q3: Can I start a plumbing apprenticeship with no experience?
A: Yes! Most programs require only a high school diploma or GED, plus basic math and reading skills. No prior plumbing experience is needed—just reliability and a willingness to learn.

Q4: Are apprentices guaranteed a job after training?
A: While not legally guaranteed, over 90% of registered apprentices are hired by their training employer or another firm in the network. The demand for plumbers is projected to grow 5% from 2022–2032 (BLS).

Q5: Do apprentice plumbers get benefits?
A: Union apprentices often receive health insurance, retirement contributions, and paid time off starting in Year 2 or 3. Non-union programs vary—always ask during the interview.

Q6: How do I find a paid plumbing apprenticeship near me?
A: Use the federal Apprenticeship Finder, contact local plumbing unions (e.g., UA Local #XX), or visit trade schools like Pensacola State College or Lincoln Tech, which partner with employers.

Conclusion

So—do you get paid as an apprentice plumber? Absolutely, yes. Not only do you earn a real wage from day one, but you also avoid student debt, gain in-demand skills, and build a path to a stable, high-demand career with strong long-term earning potential.

Whether you’re a recent high school grad, a career switcher, or someone looking for hands-on work with purpose, plumbing offers a rare win-win: you get paid to train for a job that can’t be outsourced or automated.

👉 Found this helpful? Share it with someone exploring trade careers on Facebook, LinkedIn, or Twitter! And if you’re ready to apply, start your search today at Apprenticeship.gov.

Your future in the trades starts with a wrench—and a paycheck.