Plumber/Pipefitter at Plumbers & Pipefitters JATC

Time-BasedRegistered ApprenticeshipUnionPaid Training

at Plumbers & Pipefitters JATC in Oklahoma City, OK

About This Program

The Plumbers & Pipefitters JATC in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma offers a comprehensive union apprenticeship for those looking to enter the plumbing and pipefitting trade. This JATC-sponsored program provides a direct path to journeyman status through a rigorous blend of field experience and technical education.

Over five years, apprentices complete 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 576 hours of related technical instruction. On the job, apprentices work with experienced journeymen to install and service piping systems used in heating, cooling, water distribution, and industrial processes. Technical coursework addresses pipe fitting, welding, code requirements, blueprint interpretation, and occupational safety.

Completing this apprenticeship earns graduates journeyman credentials recognized across the plumbing and pipefitting industry. As union members, graduates benefit from established wage progressions and access to health and retirement benefits, making this an excellent foundation for a long and stable career in the trades in the Oklahoma City area.

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.

How to Apply

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.

This is a union-affiliated program. Union apprenticeships typically offer strong benefits packages, pension contributions, and structured career advancement through the local hall.

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 Oklahoma

Plumber/Pipefitters in Oklahoma are required to hold a license. Licensing is issued by Oklahoma Construction Industries Board.

View full Oklahomalicensing requirements →

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