Plumber & Pipefitter Apprenticeship in Delaware

Wages, programs & career outlook
DE Median Salary
$64,300/yr
+2% vs. national
National Median
$62,970/yr
DE Employment
1,570
Plumber & Pipefitters employed
DE Sponsors
518
Registered programs

Delaware Wage Spread

Annual wages for Plumber & Pipefitters in Delaware across all experience levels.

10th %ile
$40,630
25th %ile
$48,360
Median
$64,300
75th %ile
$77,010
90th %ile
$86,900

Plumber & Pipefitter Apprenticeship in Delaware

At $64,300/yr, Delaware Plumber & Pipefitters earn a meaningful premium over the $48,060 national average — 34% more without requiring a bachelor's degree.

At $64,300 per year, Delaware pays roughly the national average for Plumber & Pipefitters. Neither a wage premium nor a discount — average market conditions.

The employment outlook is solid if unspectacular: 4.5% growth projected through 2034 for Plumber & Pipefitters. What matters more than the growth rate is the 44,000 annual openings — mostly from retirements — that keep demand steady.

Delaware's 1,570 Plumber & Pipefitters represent just 0.3% of the national workforce. A thinner market means fewer apprenticeship sponsors and potentially longer waits for program openings.

The Plumber & Pipefitter apprenticeship path spans 4 years in a time-based format. During those 8,000 hours, apprentices rotate between jobsite work under a journeyman and formal instruction in mechanical systems, refrigerant handling, and equipment diagnostics.

Prospective Plumber & Pipefitter apprentices in Delaware have 518 registered sponsors to explore — from union locals to employer-sponsored programs. That depth of options means most regions of the state have accessible entry points.

The 10th-to-90th percentile gap for Plumber & Pipefitters in Delaware ($40,630 to $86,900) covers $46,270. Moving up that curve comes from years on the job, foreman promotions, and contractor relationships.

Registered Apprenticeship Sponsors in Delaware

518 registered apprenticeship sponsors in Delaware. Contact directly for program availability and application details.

Organization City County
D & T Heating & Cooling Bear New Castle County
Flowrite Plumbing Bear New Castle County
HNS Plumbing Services LLC Bear New Castle County
Highfield Electric, LLC Bear New Castle County
JJID, Inc. Bear New Castle County
Pace Services LLC Bear New Castle County
Pinnacle Fabricators Bear New Castle County
Reybold Construction Group, LLC Bear New Castle County
Suppi Construction Inc Beat New Castle County
Custom Mechanical, Inc. Bethany Beach Sussex County
Amp Electric, LLC Bridgeville Kent County
Arctec Air Heating & Cooling Bridgeville Kent County
Bridgeville Public Library Bridgeville
J & S Plumbing, Inc. Bridgeville Sussex County
Town of Bridgeville Bridgeville
Alpha Omega DPC Camden
Eastern Shore Energy, Inc. Camden Kent County
Maffia Electric Camden Wyoming Kent County
Power Plus Electrical Contracting, Inc. Cheswold Kent County
Charles Moon Plumbing & Heating Claymont New Castle County
Four Seasons Plumbing Company Claymont New Castle County
Independent Electrical Service Claymont New Castle County
Parker Construction Claymont New Castle County
Bright Electrical Solutions LLC Clayton Kent County
Brothers, Inc. Clayton New Castle County
+ 5 more sponsors in Delaware

Frequently Asked Questions

What do Plumber & Pipefitters earn in Delaware?
The BLS reports a median wage of $64,300/yr for Plumber & Pipefitters in Delaware (May 2024 data). Experience, union membership, and specialization all affect where you fall in the range.
How many years does it take to become a Plumber & Pipefitter through apprenticeship?
The standard Plumber & Pipefitter apprenticeship is 4 years of combined on-the-job training and classroom education. Some programs offer accelerated paths for candidates with prior experience.
What's the difference between a Plumber & Pipefitter apprenticeship and trade school?
An apprenticeship lets you earn while you learn over 4 years with no tuition cost. Trade school is faster (6-24 months) but costs money upfront. Both can lead to the same journeyman credential.
Is there demand for Plumber & Pipefitters?
Demand for Plumber & Pipefitters is steady, with 4.5% projected growth through 2034. An aging workforce creates replacement openings even in slower-growth scenarios.
Where can I apply for a Plumber & Pipefitter apprenticeship in Delaware?
There are 518 registered apprenticeship sponsors in Delaware. Start with your local IBEW, UA, or trade union office. You can also check apprenticeship.gov for listings and contact sponsors directly.
How much do Plumber & Pipefitter apprentices earn?
Apprentices are paid employees from the start. In Delaware, a first-year Plumber & Pipefitter apprentice might earn around $32,150/yr (roughly half the $64,300 journeyman median), with scheduled raises throughout the 4-year program.

Plumber & Pipefitter in Other States

Other Apprenticeships in Delaware

Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS May 2024, DOL RAPIDS Registered Apprenticeship database, ApprenticeshipUSA Sponsor Directory.