BECOMING A PLUMBER
Hourly wages, contributions and salary increments listed are based on Plumbers Union Local #12
Apprentices:  
1st  year:   $15.85 hourly wages and health/welfare/pension benefits =  $32.83/hr.  
2nd  year:  $18.10 hourly wages and health/welfare/pension benefits =   $35.70/hr
3rd year:   $24.90 hourly wages and health/welfare/pension benefits =   $44.37/hr
4th  year:  $29.40 hourly wages and health/welfare/pension benefits =   $50.12/hr
5th  year:  $33.90 hourly wages and health/welfare/pension benefits =   $55.87/hr

Sample Job Titles:  
Plumber, Pipefitter, Steamfitter, Pipelayer
Apprentice/Licensure Connections:
• Must have received high school diploma or high school equivalency certificate.
• Must be licensed as an apprentice in compliance with MGL Chapter 142, Section 3a.
• Shall possess not less than 5 years of practical experience.
• Shall have not less than 550 hours of theory from a school approved by the Massachusetts State
Department of Education or the Board of Examiners of Plumbers and Gas Fitters.
• Take and pass the Journeyman plumbing examination.

Apprenticeship programs generally provide the most comprehensive training available for these jobs. They are administered either by union locals and their affiliated companies or by nonunion contractor organizations. Organizations that sponsor apprenticeships include: the United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipefitting Industry of the United States and Canada; local employers of either the Mechanical Contractors Association of America or the National Association of Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors; a union associated with a member of the National Fire Sprinkler Association; the Associated Builders and Contractors; the National Association of Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors; the American Fire Sprinkler Association, or the Home Builders Institute of the National Association of Home Builders.

Career Advancement:   Supervisors for mechanical and plumbing contractors, Independent Plumber and Business Owner, Construction Management, Building Inspection

Technical and Higher Education Majors:
Civil Engineering Technology,  Construction Management and Inspection

Plumbing & Pipefitting Job Information

Course Plan