How Much Does a First-Year Apprentice Plumber Make?

Thinking about becoming a plumber—but worried about making ends meet during your first year? You’re not alone. Many aspiring tradespeople wonder: how much does a first-year apprentice plumber make while learning the ropes? The good news? Plumbing apprenticeships pay you to learn, and even entry-level wages can support a modest lifestyle—especially when you factor in long-term earning potential. Let’s break down the numbers, regional differences, and what you can realistically expect in Year 1.

What Is a Plumbing Apprentice?

Before diving into salary figures, it helps to understand what a plumbing apprentice actually does. An apprentice plumber works under the supervision of a licensed journeyman or master plumber while completing classroom instruction—usually through a union program (like UA Plumbers & Pipefitters) or a vocational school.

Apprenticeships typically last 4 to 5 years, combining 2,000 hours of on-the-job training with 144+ hours of technical instruction annually. During this time, you earn a wage that increases with each completed year.

Average First-Year Apprentice Plumber Salary (2025 Data)

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and industry reports from 2025, the average hourly wage for a first-year plumbing apprentice in the United States ranges from $15 to $20 per hour.

That translates to:

• $31,200–$41,600 annually (based on 40 hours/week, 52 weeks/year)
• Biweekly paycheck: $1,200–$1,600 before taxes

💡 Real-World Example: In Chicago, a first-year apprentice with the United Association (UA) Local 130 starts at $18.50/hour, with scheduled raises every 6 months. In contrast, a non-union apprentice in rural Texas might begin at $14/hour but with fewer benefits.

Keep in mind: union apprenticeships often pay more and include health insurance, retirement contributions, and paid training—but they’re also more competitive to enter.

How Location Affects Your Pay

Geography plays a huge role in your starting wage. Here’s a snapshot of 2025 first-year apprentice pay by state:

📌 Pro Tip: Use the U.S. Department of Labor’s Apprenticeship Finder to compare registered programs near you—many list starting wages upfront.

Union vs. Non-Union Apprenticeships: Pay Comparison

Not all plumbing apprenticeships are created equal. Here’s how union and non-union paths stack up in Year 1:

While union programs offer better pay and stability, they often require passing a math/aptitude test and attending an interview. Non-union routes may get you working faster—but with less support.

How Your Pay Increases Over Time

One of the best parts of a plumbing apprenticeship? Your paycheck grows every year. Most programs follow a tiered wage scale:

• Year 1: 50–60% of journeyman wage
• Year 2: 65–70%
• Year 3: 75–80%
• Year 4: 85–90%
• Year 5 (if applicable): 95–100%

For example, if a journeyman plumber in your area earns $35/hour, your first-year pay would be around $17.50–$21/hour—and you’d reach $33+/hour by graduation.

🔗 For more on career progression, see the Wikipedia entry on plumbing , which outlines global trade standards and licensing paths.

Additional Income Opportunities

Don’t overlook overtime and bonuses. Many plumbing companies—especially in emergency or commercial sectors—offer:

• Time-and-a-half for weekend/holiday work
• Performance bonuses for completing certifications
• Tool allowances (some employers provide starter kits)

In high-demand seasons (e.g., winter pipe repairs or summer construction), apprentices often log 50+ hours/week, significantly boosting take-home pay.

Is a Plumbing Apprenticeship Worth It Financially?

Let’s do the math:

• Total cost of apprenticeship: Often $0 (many programs are free or employer-sponsored)
• Earnings in Year 1: ~$35,000
• Earnings by Year 5: $55,000–$70,000+
• Median journeyman salary (BLS 2025): $63,000/year
• Top 10% earners: Over $100,000/year (especially in commercial or master plumber roles)

Compare that to a 4-year college degree (avg. debt: $37,000) with uncertain ROI—and the financial case for plumbing becomes compelling.

FAQ: First-Year Apprentice Plumber Salary

Q1: Do plumbing apprentices get paid weekly?
Yes. Most apprentices are paid hourly and receive paychecks weekly or biweekly, just like full-time employees.

Q2: Are taxes taken out of apprentice wages?
Absolutely. Your employer withholds federal/state income tax, Social Security, and Medicare—just like any W-2 job.

Q3: Can I support a family as a first-year apprentice?
It’s tight but possible—especially with a partner’s income or in low-cost areas. Many apprentices live with family or roommates during Year 1 to save money.

Q4: Do I have to pay for my training?
In registered apprenticeships (especially union), training is free. Some non-union programs may charge tuition, but many employers reimburse costs after a probation period.

Q5: How soon do I get a raise?
Most programs give raises every 6–12 months upon successful completion of coursework and work hours. Always ask about the wage progression schedule before accepting an offer.

Q6: What’s the lowest starting wage for an apprentice plumber?
In some rural or non-union areas, wages can start as low as $12–$13/hour—but these are outliers. The national floor is typically $14–$15/hour in 2025.

Conclusion

So, how much does a first-year apprentice plumber make? Realistically, between $15 and $20 per hour—with strong potential for growth, benefits, and zero student debt. Plumbing isn’t just a job; it’s a career with upward mobility, job security, and hands-on satisfaction.

If you’re ready to build a future with your hands (and your brain!), a plumbing apprenticeship offers one of the best ROI paths in today’s economy.

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