Thinking about starting a career in the skilled trades? You’re not alone—many Texans are turning to plumbing for stable, hands-on work with strong earning potential. But before you sign up for an apprenticeship, you probably want to know: how much does an apprentice plumber make in Texas? The answer isn’t just a single number—it depends on your location, employer, experience level, and more. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about apprentice plumber wages across the Lone Star State.
What Is a Plumbing Apprentice?
A plumbing apprentice is someone who learns the trade through a combination of on-the-job training and classroom instruction. Most apprenticeships last 4 to 5 years, during which you’ll work under a licensed plumber while earning a paycheck. Unlike unpaid internships, plumbing apprentices get paid from day one—a major perk in the skilled trades.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), apprentices typically start at 40–50% of a journeyman plumber’s wage, with regular pay increases as they gain skills and complete training milestones.
Average Apprentice Plumber Salary in Texas (2025 Data)
As of 2025, the average hourly wage for an apprentice plumber in Texas ranges from $14 to $22 per hour, depending on several factors. Here’s a more detailed breakdown:
| Year 1 Apprentice | $14 – $16 | $29,000 – $33,000 |
| Year 2 Apprentice | $16 – $18 | $33,000 – $37,000 |
| Year 3 Apprentice | $18 – $20 | $37,000 – $41,000 |
| Year 4+ Apprentice | $20 – $22+ | $41,000 – $46,000+ |
Note: These figures assume 40 hours/week, 50 weeks/year.
In high-demand metro areas like Houston, Dallas, Austin, and San Antonio, wages tend to be on the higher end due to cost of living and labor shortages. For example, first-year apprentices in Dallas often start at $16/hour, while those in rural West Texas may begin closer to $13/hour.
Factors That Affect Apprentice Plumber Pay in Texas
Several key variables influence how much you’ll earn as a plumbing apprentice:
- Geographic Location: Urban centers offer higher wages but also higher living costs.
- Union vs. Non-Union Programs: Union apprenticeships (e.g., through UA Local 68) often pay more and include better benefits.
- Employer Type: Large plumbing contractors may pay more than small local shops—but not always.
- Overtime Opportunities: Many plumbing jobs include overtime, especially during emergencies or peak seasons, which can significantly boost earnings.
- Certifications & Progress: Completing safety courses (like OSHA 10) or passing skill assessments can trigger pay bumps.
💡 Pro Tip: Some employers offer signing bonuses or tool allowances—always ask during the interview!
How Plumbing Apprenticeships Work in Texas
Texas doesn’t require state licensing for plumbers, but most cities do (e.g., Houston, Austin, San Antonio). This means your apprenticeship must align with local regulations.
Here’s a typical step-by-step path:
- Meet Basic Requirements: Be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma or GED, and pass a drug test.
- Find a Sponsor: Apply through a plumbing company, trade school, or union program. Popular options include:
- Plumbers Local 68 (Dallas/Fort Worth)
- Texas State Technical College (Waco, Harlingen)
- Independent contractors offering in-house training
- Register Your Apprenticeship: While not mandatory statewide, registering with the U.S. Department of Labor ensures your program meets national standards. Learn more about apprenticeship frameworks on Wikipedia .
- Complete Training: Work 1,500–2,000 hours per year on the job + 144+ hours of classroom instruction.
- Advance to Journeyman: After 4–5 years, you can take your local journeyman exam and start earning $25–$40/hour or more.
Apprentice vs. Journeyman vs. Master Plumber Pay in Texas
Understanding the earning trajectory helps set realistic expectations:
| Apprentice | $14 – $22 | Assist, learn, perform basic tasks |
| Journeyman Plumber | $25 – $40 | Work independently, handle complex jobs |
| Master Plumber | $40 – $70+ | Run crews, design systems, own a business |
Many apprentices double their starting wage within 3–4 years—without student loan debt.
Benefits Beyond the Paycheck
While salary matters, plumbing apprenticeships offer other valuable perks:
- No college debt: Most programs are free or low-cost.
- Health insurance & retirement plans: Common in union and large-company programs.
- Job security: Plumbing is recession-resistant—people always need running water!
- Career mobility: Skills transfer across states and even into HVAC or pipefitting.
Real-Life Example: Meet Carlos from San Antonio
Carlos, 22, started as a plumbing apprentice in 2023 with a local contractor. His starting wage was $15/hour. After completing his first year and earning his OSHA 10 certification, his pay rose to $17/hour. By year three, he was making $21/hour and regularly working overtime during summer AC drain emergencies. “I’m earning more than some of my friends with associate degrees—and I didn’t take on any debt,” he says.
FAQ: Apprentice Plumber Salary in Texas
Q1: Do I get paid while training as a plumbing apprentice in Texas?
Yes! Unlike many educational paths, plumbing apprentices earn wages from day one. Pay increases as you gain experience and complete training milestones.
Q2: How long does a plumbing apprenticeship last in Texas?
Most programs take 4 to 5 years to complete, requiring around 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 576+ hours of classroom instruction.
Q3: Can I start an apprenticeship with no experience?
Absolutely. Most programs only require a high school diploma or GED, a valid ID, and willingness to learn. No prior plumbing experience is needed.
Q4: Are there free plumbing apprenticeships in Texas?
Many are tuition-free or low-cost. Union programs (like UA Local 68) typically charge minimal fees. Some community colleges offer subsidized training through state workforce grants.
Q5: What’s the highest-paying city for apprentice plumbers in Texas?
Austin and Dallas currently lead in average apprentice wages, followed closely by Houston and San Antonio—driven by construction demand and skilled labor shortages.
Q6: Can I become a licensed plumber in Texas after my apprenticeship?
Yes—but licensing is handled at the city level, not state. After completing your apprenticeship, you’ll need to pass your city’s journeyman exam (e.g., Houston’s Plumbing Board exam).
Conclusion
So, how much does an apprentice plumber make in Texas? Realistically, you can expect to earn $14–$22 per hour as you train, with strong potential to reach $40+/hour as a licensed journeyman within a few years. Combine that with job stability, low entry barriers, and no student debt, and plumbing becomes one of the smartest career moves you can make in 2025.
If you’re ready to turn wrenches into wages, start researching local apprenticeship programs today. And if you found this guide helpful, share it with someone considering a trade career—they’ll thank you later!
🔧 Your future in plumbing starts with one pipe at a time.
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