Embarking on a career in the skilled trades is a smart, strategic move in today's economy, and plumbing is one of the most stable and rewarding paths you can choose. The first step on this journey is an apprenticeship—a unique "earn while you learn" model that pays you to build a valuable, lifelong skill. But what can you actually expect to make?
While the ultimate goal is to become a high-earning licensed plumber, your apprentice salary is the foundation. An apprentice plumber in the United States can expect to earn an average salary ranging from $37,000 to $58,000 per year, with significant potential for growth based on experience, location, and specialization.
This guide will break down everything you need to know about what an apprentice plumber earns and how to maximize your income from day one.
What Does an Apprentice Plumber Do?
An apprentice plumber is a trainee who works directly under the supervision of a licensed journeyman or master plumber. This isn't just a job; it's a formal training program, typically lasting four to five years. During this time, you combine paid, on-the-job training with classroom instruction.
Your daily responsibilities will grow in complexity over time, but they generally include:
- Assisting with the installation, maintenance, and repair of water, gas, and drainage systems.
- Learning to read and interpret blueprints.
- Understanding and applying local, state, and national plumbing codes.
- Handling and preparing tools, equipment, and materials for jobs.
- Performing basic tasks like cutting and soldering pipes, clearing clogs, and installing fixtures under direct supervision.
You are essentially being paid to become an expert, building your skills and knowledge until you are qualified to take the licensure exam and become a journeyman plumber.
Average Apprentice Plumber Salary
An apprentice's pay is structured to increase incrementally throughout the program. You don't start at a journeyman's wage, but you also don't stay at an entry-level wage for long.
According to data from leading salary aggregators:
- Payscale reports that the average hourly wage for an Apprentice Plumber in the U.S. is approximately $19.50 per hour, with a typical range falling between $15 and $27 per hour.
- Salary.com places the average annual salary for a Plumber I (an entry-level position) at around $50,113, with the range typically between $43,458 and $57,006.
- Glassdoor estimates a total pay of $51,659 per year on average for an apprentice plumber.
It's crucial to understand that these figures represent an average across all years of an apprenticeship. A first-year apprentice will be at the lower end of this scale, while a fourth- or fifth-year apprentice will be at the higher end. A common model is starting at 40-50% of a journeyman’s wage and receiving a pay increase of 5-10% each year you successfully complete in the program.
Key Factors That Influence Salary
Your specific salary as an apprentice isn't set in stone. Several key factors will significantly impact how much you can earn during your training.
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Level of Education
While a high school diploma or GED is the standard entry requirement, any prior technical education can give you a competitive edge. Completing a pre-apprenticeship program or earning a certificate from a vocational or trade school demonstrates commitment and foundational knowledge. This can sometimes translate into a slightly higher starting wage or make you a more attractive candidate for competitive, high-paying union apprenticeships.
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Years of Experience
This is the most direct and predictable factor in your salary growth. Your pay is designed to scale with your skill. An apprenticeship is typically structured as follows:
- First-Year Apprentice: You'll focus on safety, basic tool use, and assisting. Your pay will be at the lowest end of the scale, often 40-50% of a journeyman’s rate.
- Second-Year Apprentice: You gain more responsibility, working on basic installations and repairs under supervision. Your pay will increase accordingly.
- Third- & Fourth-Year Apprentice: You are now a highly competent assistant, capable of handling complex tasks with minimal oversight. Your pay reflects this, often reaching 70-90% of a journeyman's wage by the final year.
Each year you pass your training requirements, both on the job and in the classroom, you can expect a scheduled raise.
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Geographic Location
Where you work matters immensely. Demand and cost of living create significant salary variations across the country. While the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) provides data for all plumbers (not just apprentices), these trends directly impact apprentice wages.
According to the May 2023 BLS report, the top-paying states for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters are:
1. Illinois: $104,180 (annual mean wage)
2. Alaska: $91,950
3. Massachusetts: $89,170
4. New Jersey: $87,900
5. Oregon: $86,070
Apprentice wages in these states will be proportionally higher than in states with lower average wages. Similarly, working in a major metropolitan area will almost always command a higher salary than working in a rural community.
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Company Type
The type of employer you work for plays a huge role in your compensation and benefits package. The primary distinction is between union and non-union employers.
- Union Apprenticeship: Apprenticeships through a union, like the United Association (UA), offer highly structured programs. They feature predetermined wage scales that increase regularly, exceptional benefits packages (including health insurance, pensions, and annuities), and world-class training facilities.
- Non-Union (Open Shop): Non-union employers offer more flexibility in pay, which can sometimes be competitive with union rates, especially in high-demand areas. However, benefits packages may be less comprehensive, and wage progression may be less formalized.
Furthermore, working for a large commercial or industrial contractor often pays more than working for a small, residential service company due to the scale and complexity of the projects.
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Area of Specialization
Even as an apprentice, the field you're training in can affect your pay. While most apprentices learn general plumbing, those in programs specializing in high-demand areas may earn more. These specializations, which lead to higher pay upon licensure, include:
- Commercial and Industrial Plumbing: Working on large-scale systems in office buildings, factories, and hospitals.
- Gasfitting: Specializing in the installation and service of natural gas lines and appliances.
- Steamfitting: Working with high-pressure pipe systems for heating, cooling, and industrial processes.
- Medical Gas Piping: A highly specialized and regulated field for installing gas systems in healthcare facilities.
Job Outlook
The future for plumbers is bright and stable. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that employment for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters will grow by 2% from 2022 to 2032.
This steady demand is driven by several factors:
- New Construction: Homes, offices, and factories all require plumbing systems.
- Aging Infrastructure: A significant portion of America's water and sewer infrastructure is old and needs constant repair and replacement.
- Retiring Workforce: Many experienced plumbers are approaching retirement age, creating significant openings for new talent.
This ensures that completing an apprenticeship today puts you on a path to a secure and in-demand career for decades to come.
Conclusion
An apprentice plumber's salary is more than just a wage; it's a paid investment in your future. It allows you to build a financially secure life without accumulating student debt.
Key Takeaways:
- Expect to start at around 40-50% of a journeyman's wage and receive annual raises.
- Your earning potential is directly influenced by your experience, location, employer type (union vs. non-union), and area of specialization.
- With a strong job outlook, plumbing offers long-term career security.
Choosing to become a plumber is choosing a profession with dignity, demand, and a clear path to a six-figure income as a licensed master plumber. Your apprenticeship is the first, most important step on that rewarding journey.