In short
A plumbing apprenticeship usually lasts four or five years and combines paid work under a licensed plumber with classes in code, math, blueprint reading and safety. The United Association runs union programs, and contractor groups such as PHCC and ABC run merit shop ones. Most states then require a journeyman license exam. Plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters earned a median $63,800 in May 2025.
| Middle pay | $63,800 a year, roughly $30.67 an hour (May 2025) |
|---|---|
| How most people start | High school or GED to start, then apprenticeship |
| People in the trade | About 510,600 nationwide (2025) |
| Growth to 2035 | BLS expects 6.8% growth |
| Openings a year | Around 42,000, counting retirements |
| Typical length | 4 to 5 years |
| Main sponsors | UA locals, PHCC chapters, ABC chapters, single contractors |
From the BLS Employment Projections table (2025 to 2035) and May 2025 wage survey. These are U.S. numbers. Local shops may pay above or below them, and apprentices start well under the middle figure.
Plumbing, pipefitting or both?
Union programs often train several pipe trades. A UA local may offer separate plumbing, pipefitting, steamfitting, HVAC service and sprinkler fitter programs. Plumbers mostly work on water supply, drains and gas lines in homes and commercial buildings. Pipefitters work on high-pressure and process piping in plants and large buildings. If you are not sure, see our pipefitter page.
What you will learn
- Reading plans and drawing isometric layouts
- Cutting, threading, soldering and joining copper, steel, cast iron and plastic pipe
- Drain, waste and vent sizing and the plumbing code used in your area
- Water heaters, backflow prevention and fixture installation
- Trench safety, confined spaces and working around gas
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Getting accepted
Expect to need a diploma or GED, a driver's license and passing scores on a math and reading aptitude test. Union applicants are interviewed and ranked. Merit shop programs usually expect you to be hired by a plumbing company first. Our guide to getting an apprenticeship walks through each step.
The license at the end
Plumbing is licensed in most states, often at the city or county level too. A typical ladder is apprentice, then journeyman after a set number of years and an exam, then master after more experience. Your state board sets the hours, so confirm them before you start counting.
Straight answers
How long is a plumbing apprenticeship?
Usually four or five years of paid work with yearly classes.
How much do plumbing apprentices make?
Pay starts at a share of the journeyman rate and rises on a schedule. See the plumber pay page for the full range of plumber wages.
Do I need to be good at math for plumbing?
You need solid arithmetic, fractions, basic algebra and some geometry for offsets and grade. Programs teach the trade math as you go.
Is plumbing a good trade to learn?
Plumbing has steady demand because buildings always need water and drains, and it pays near the top of the construction trades.