Plumber & Pipefitter Apprenticeship in Oregon

Wages, programs & career outlook
OR Median Salary
$93,110/yr
+48% vs. national
National Median
$62,970/yr
OR Employment
6,080
Plumber & Pipefitters employed
OR Sponsors
249
Registered programs

Oregon Wage Spread

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

10th %ile
$53,930
25th %ile
$64,550
Median
$93,110
75th %ile
$113,570
90th %ile
$131,420

Plumber & Pipefitter Apprenticeship in Oregon

At $93,110 per year, Oregon Plumber & Pipefitters earn 94% more than the typical American worker ($48,060 national median). The wage premium reflects both the trade's skill requirements and Oregon's labor market.

Oregon Plumber & Pipefitters earn $93,110/yr — a 48% premium over the $62,970 national median for the trade. Strong union presence or high demand likely drives the spread.

Looking ahead to 2034, Plumber & Pipefitter employment should expand by 4.5%. That translates to roughly 44,000 openings annually when you factor in retirements — enough to absorb most apprenticeship completers.

Oregon's 6,080 Plumber & Pipefitters represent just 1.2% 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.

Apprenticeship seekers in Oregon can contact any of 249 registered sponsors. Coverage is solid in metro areas, though rural regions may have fewer options for specific trades.

The 10th-to-90th percentile gap for Plumber & Pipefitters in Oregon ($53,930 to $131,420) covers $77,490. Moving up that curve comes from years on the job, foreman promotions, and contractor relationships.

Registered Apprenticeship Sponsors in Oregon

249 registered apprenticeship sponsors in Oregon. Contact directly for program availability and application details.

Organization City County
AREA II LTD ENERGY ELECTRICAL JATC Albany
MID-VALLEY STEAMFITTERS/PIPEFITTERS JATC Albany
MID-WILLAMETTE INDUSTRIAL TATC Albany
NATIONAL FROZEN FOODS JATC Albany
The Ammonia Refrigeration Consortium c/o RETA Albany Linn County
WorkSource - Albany Albany
Lomakatsi Restoration Project Ashland Jackson County
NORTH COAST PLUMBERS JATC Astoria
COLUMBIA HELICOPTER INC JATC Aurora
BAKER TECHNICAL INSTITUTE JATC Baker City
WorkSource Oregon - Baker City Baker City
CITY OF BANDON & IBEW LOCAL 659 JATC Bandon
LEUPOLD & STEVENS OF BEAVERTON JATC Beaverton
AREA VII LTD RESIDENTIAL ELECTRICAL JATC Bend
BMS Technologies Bend
Bend Vocational Rehabilitation Bend
East Cascades Workforce Investment Board Bend
Pacific Power & LU 125 JATC Bend
Rock Supremacy, LLC Bend
SOUTHERN OR ELECTRICAL UTILITIES JATC Bend
The Oxford Hotel Bend
WorkSource Oregon - Deschutes County - Bend Bend
South Coast Lumber Co. (SOCOMI) Brookings
WorkSource Oregon - Curry County Brookings
WorkSource Oregon - Burns Burns
+ 5 more sponsors in Oregon

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Plumber & Pipefitter salary in Oregon?
The BLS reports a median wage of $93,110/yr for Plumber & Pipefitters in Oregon (May 2024 data). Experience, union membership, and specialization all affect where you fall in the range.
How long is a Plumber & Pipefitter apprenticeship?
A typical Plumber & Pipefitter apprenticeship lasts approximately 4 years (8,000 hours of on-the-job training). The program combines paid work experience with related classroom instruction.
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.
What is the job outlook 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 Oregon?
There are 249 registered apprenticeship sponsors in Oregon. Start with your local IBEW, UA, or trade union office. You can also check apprenticeship.gov for listings and contact sponsors directly.
Do Plumber & Pipefitter apprentices get paid during training?
Yes. Apprentices earn wages from day one, typically starting at 40-60% of the journeyman rate (roughly $46,555/yr in Oregon). Wages increase at regular intervals — usually every 6 months — as you progress through the program.

Plumber & Pipefitter in Other States

Other Apprenticeships in Oregon

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