Plumber/Pipefitter at NJ Council of Master Plumbers

Time-BasedRegistered ApprenticeshipPaid Training

at NJ Council of Master Plumbers in Elmer, NJ

About This Program

The NJ Council of Master Plumbers sponsors this registered Plumber/Pipefitter apprenticeship in Elmer, NJ. This non-union program is administered by an industry council representing professional master plumbers across New Jersey, providing apprentices with training grounded in real-world trade standards. Apprentices earn wages throughout the program, combining income with career development.

The apprenticeship lasts five years and includes 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 576 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices gain experience in plumbing system installation and repair, including supply and drainage piping, fixture setting, water heater installation, and gas piping. Classroom instruction is aligned with New Jersey plumbing codes, safety requirements, and the technical knowledge needed for licensure.

Upon completing the program, graduates are prepared for journey-level plumbing work and are well-positioned to pursue New Jersey plumber licensure. Training under an established industry council provides apprentices with professional credibility and a strong foundation in the standards upheld across the state's plumbing trade.

Wage & Training

Journeyman Wage

$30

BLS 2023

OJT Hours

8,000

Apprenticeship.gov 2025

RTI Hours

576

Apprenticeship.gov 2025

Duration

5 years

Apprenticeship.gov 2025

Wage data is the national median for this occupation (BLS, May 2023), not specific to this program.

Plumber Career Outlook

National Median

$30.46/hr

~$63,356.8/yr

Apprentice Start

$15/hr

Earn while you learn

Job Outlook

Plumber employment is projected to grow steadily, driven by new construction, building renovation, and the need to replace aging water infrastructure. Water efficiency regulations and green building standards are creating additional demand for skilled plumbers. The trade consistently ranks among the hardest positions for employers to fill, indicating strong job security.

What to Expect as a Plumber/Pipefitter Apprentice

Duration

5 years of combined on-the-job training and classroom instruction

On-the-Job Training

~32 hours/week of hands-on work under journeyman supervision (8,000 total hours)

Classroom Instruction

576 hours of related technical instruction (~115 hours/year)

Paid Training

You earn a wage from day one, starting at a percentage of the journeyman rate and increasing as you progress

Time-based program: You'll progress through the program based on completing a set number of hours in both on-the-job training and classroom instruction.

Trade School vs. Apprenticeship for Plumber

Apprenticeship

Cost$0 (earn while you learn)
Duration5 years
Starting wage$15.00/hr
Journeyman wage$30.46/hr
CredentialJourneyman card

Trade School

Cost$5,000–$20,000+
Duration6–24 months
Starting wageEntry-level
ExperienceHands-on labs
CredentialCertificate / diploma

Licensing in New Jersey

Plumber/Pipefitters in New Jersey are required to hold a license. Licensing is issued by New Jersey State Board of Examiners of Master Plumbers.

View full New Jerseylicensing requirements →

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