Plumber/Pipefitter at Rhode Island Master Plumbers Association

Time-BasedRegistered ApprenticeshipPaid Training

at Rhode Island Master Plumbers Association in Cranston, RI

About This Program

The Rhode Island Master Plumbers Association in Cranston, Rhode Island sponsors a five-year Plumber/Pipefitter apprenticeship for individuals seeking a thorough, association-backed path into the plumbing trades. This non-union program is designed to develop well-rounded plumbing professionals who meet Rhode Island's licensing standards.

The program includes 8,000 hours of paid on-the-job training and 576 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices learn water supply systems, drainage and venting, fixture and appliance installation, gas piping, code interpretation, and safety practices — skills essential to working in both residential and commercial environments.

Graduates leave the program with the practical experience and technical knowledge needed to pursue journey-level plumbing work. Association sponsorship connects apprentices with established master plumbers throughout Rhode Island, supporting a strong foundation for a lasting trade career.

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 Rhode Island

Plumber/Pipefitters in Rhode Island are required to hold a license. Licensing is issued by Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training, Board of Examiners of Plumbers.

View full Rhode Islandlicensing requirements →

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