How to Get a Plumbing Apprentice Job
Want to start a plumbing career without spending years in college? Landing plumbing apprentice jobs offers the perfect entry point—you’ll earn money from day one while learning a skilled trade with serious earning potential.
To get a plumbing apprentice job, you need a high school diploma or GED, apply directly to plumbing contractors or apprenticeship programs, pass basic math and reading tests, and demonstrate physical fitness. Most plumbing apprentice jobs start immediately at $35,000-$45,000 annually while you train for 4-5 years toward journeyman licensing earning $60,000-$80,000.
Meet Basic Requirements
Every plumbing apprentice position requires a high school diploma or GED with solid math skills, a valid driver’s license to travel between job sites, physical ability to lift 50+ pounds and work in tight spaces, and you must be at least 18 years old. Consider completing a pre-apprenticeship plumbing program at a vocational school (6-12 months)—while not required, these programs make you more competitive when applying for these jobs.
Where to Apply for Plumbing Apprentice Jobs
Work and Learn Apprenticeships: Contact NCW to learn more about our apprenticeship program. We can help connect you with employers who will let you work while earning valuable skills. This program allows you to earn while you learn, enabling you to keep doing what you love most.
Direct to Contractors: Apply to plumbing companies, local contractors, commercial firms, and construction companies. Many actively seek plumbing apprentice candidates and provide on-the-job training. Check company websites, job boards, and walk into shops to apply.
Trade Schools: Some vocational schools partner with companies to help graduates secure plumbing apprentice jobs after completion.
Pass Tests and Ace Interviews
Many programs require aptitude tests covering basic math, reading comprehension, and mechanical reasoning. During interviews, emphasize your reliability, willingness to learn, physical fitness, and understanding that plumbing apprentice jobs involve hard work.
What You’ll Earn
First-year plumbing apprentice jobs pay $15-20/hour ($35,000-$42,000 annually). Second-year apprentices earn $20-24/hour ($42,000-$50,000). Third and fourth-year positions make $24-28/hour ($50,000-$58,000). Upon completing your apprenticeship, journeyman plumbers earn $60,000-$80,000, with master plumbers making $80,000-$100,000+.
The Timeline
Most plumbing apprentice jobs require 4-5 years (8,000-10,000 hours) of supervised work plus 144-200 hours of annual classroom instruction. You work full-time installing pipes and learning systems while attending evening or weekend classes covering codes, blueprints, and safety.
Ready to launch your plumbing career? Contact NCW. We connect aspiring plumbers with contractors offering jobs providing immediate placement, competitive pay, and pathways to journeyman licensing nationwide.