Plumbing apprenticeship programs are a great way for people interested in the trade to learn about the work while getting hands-on experience. Apprentices can expect a generous salary while they learn and a career with job security upon graduation. The Apex Technical School’s Plumbing and Pipefitting program, Humber Polytechnic’s Plumbing Techniques program, and Montana State University’s Plumbing Technology AAS program are among the top apprenticeship programs for the U.S. and Canada.

How long is a plumbing apprenticeship?

Apprenticeships in the trades are paid programs where students earn while they learn. The total education and training time will depend on the program and whether the student went the vocational schooling route or jumped in as an apprentice with a local business. 

On average, plumbing apprenticeships take between two and five years to complete, like any other trade. While it might seem long, it comes with its flexibility, a one-up into a full career in the trades, and raises in salary along the way. Courses and educational programs are typically designed to alternate schedules so the education and the hands-on training portion don’t conflict. 

The average plumber apprenticeship salary 

Like many roles in the trades, apprentice plumbers are compensated for their work. Apprentices are paid well above minimum wage, and once they have progressed to journeyman, the average typically bumps dramatically. As with many industries, more specialization and training typically leads to higher salaries. 

United States (USD annually)

• Apprentice: Average range – $40,500 – 52,600
• Journeyman: Average range – $49,427 – $82,593

Canada (CAD annually)

• Apprentice: Average range – $53,000 – $66,000
• Journeyman: Average range – $60,000 – $83,000

How to get a plumbing apprenticeship and become a plumber

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When looking to land a plumbing apprenticeship, there are generally two routes to take: 

1. Plumbing employers and mentors: Local plumbing businesses often take on new apprentices and teach them on-site and in-the-field training. Once the apprentice has learned the craft and completed the required hours, the company might hire them as an official plumber or assist them with finding a role elsewhere. Either way, the goal is to train the apprentice enough to be employed as a professional plumber or to open their own business.
2. Vocational schools: These educational programs are designed for those learning the trade. They often include both in-class and hands-on training and offer certificates, diplomas, or degrees in the field. 

Top 7 plumbing apprenticeship programs

1. Fanshawe College Plumbing Techniques

• Location: London, Canada
• Duration: 1 Year
• Cost: $3,511

This one-year certificate in plumbing techniques from Fanshawe College provides apprentice students with the foundations of plumbing. They learn safety standards, the basics of plumbing systems, and all the must-know techniques. 

Graduates, upon completion, can pursue a plumbing technician, maintenance plumbing, or service plumbing career. Students could also branch out and advance into a specialized trade like plumbing design or pipefitting. 

2. Apex Technical School Plumbing and Pipefitting

• Location: New York, USA
• Duration: 7 Months
• Cost: Unlisted

Another condensed course, Apex Technical School, offers full-time and part-time education for plumbers and pipefitters. This program requires students to complete six classes, and graduates leave with hands-on experience and textbook knowledge of the basics of plumbing and pipefitting. 

This program meets the standards of the Accrediting Commission of Career Colleges and Schools (ACCSC), and students can enroll online. 

3. Okanagan Certificate of Plumbing and Piping Trades Foundation

• Location: Kelowna, Canada
• Duration: 1 Year
• Cost: $4,111.02

The Okanagan Certificate of Plumbing program gives students essential skills and education for a career in plumbing or piping. Students learn proper techniques, fundamental plumbing concepts, and safety practices, ensuring a breadth of knowledge of the trade’s foundation. 

Once completed, graduates can pursue careers in the plumbing industry, such as pipefitters, plumbing technicians, and maintenance workers. They can also choose to advance into specialty trades. 

4. Atlanta Technical College Architecture and Construction Plumbing 

• Location: Georgia, USA
• Duration: 10 Months
• Cost: Not listed

This Atlanta Technical College program combines lectures and hands-on training to best prepare students for the job market. It combines foundational skills, practical skills, and plumbing theory. This program provides technical skills with actual workplace knowledge so graduates can transition seamlessly to an apprentice program thereafter. 

5. New England Institute of Technology Plumbing and Heating Technology

• Location: Rhode Island, USA
• Duration: 18 Months
• Cost: $700 per credit hour +

This associate degree in plumbing and heating from the New England Institute can quickly jump-start a new plumber’s career. The program combines practical, hands-on education with the theory of heating and plumbing. Program entrants pay $700 USD per credit hour, plus other administration and miscellaneous fees. 

6. Humber Polytechnic Plumbing Techniques

• Location: Etobicoke, Canada
• Duration: 8 Months
• Cost: $2703

The plumbing techniques certificate from Humber Polytechnic is a well-rounded introduction to the trade. Students learn code and blueprints, basic theory, and gain the hands-on experience that they would on a real job site. Once completed, graduates will have the skills needed to pursue an on-the-job apprenticeship. Students can apply online to get started. 

7. Montana State University Plumbing Technology AAS

• Location: Montana, USA
• Duration: 18 Months
• Cost: Not listed

Montana State’s plumbing technology course is the only certification of its kind in the state. This course provides students with more in-depth plumbing-specific coursework than a basic 8-month program would. They learn fixtures, piping, and technical graphics, and the work in class contributes to their total apprenticeship hours. 

Graduates also leave with a strong connection to the plumbing industry and businesses in the state.

Is plumbing a great career? 

An apprenticeship in plumbing is a financially sound route to a long trade career. Apprentices earn an excellent salary as they learn and can expect job security throughout most of their careers. 

Plumbing is always in demand, especially in the current economy, which is experiencing a longstanding labor shortage. Over recent decades, the trades have had a bad reputation for younger generations, but the perception is improving. The work is technical and mentally stimulating and offers many advancement opportunities, keeping new workers excited about the future.

Bottom line

Plumbing is an underrated trade with great pay, in-demand roles, and flexible ways to get started. Canadians and Americans can expect generous salaries when they start, raises and career advancements as they progress. 

Fanshawe College, Atlanta Technical College, and Humber Polytechnic all have great apprenticeship programs. Students can enroll online, get excited to start their education, and jump straight into the field after graduation.

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