Plumber/Pipefitter at Se Mn Plumbers and Steamfitters Jac

Time-BasedRegistered ApprenticeshipUnionPaid Training

at Se Mn Plumbers and Steamfitters Jac in Rochester, MN

About This Program

SE MN PLUMBERS AND STEAMFITTERS JAC offers a union-affiliated plumber/pipefitter apprenticeship program in Rochester, MN. This Joint Apprenticeship Committee program serves the southeastern Minnesota region, providing a structured training path for individuals pursuing careers in plumbing and steamfitting trades.

The five-year, time-based apprenticeship includes 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 576 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices learn the installation and maintenance of plumbing systems, steam and hot water heating systems, pipe fabrication, welding, and code-compliant system design. Classroom instruction addresses plumbing and steamfitting codes, safety procedures, mechanical systems theory, and trade mathematics.

Graduates earn journeyman status recognized in the plumbing and steamfitting trades. The Rochester area offers solid demand for skilled tradespeople, particularly around the healthcare and commercial construction sectors. Union affiliation provides competitive pay progression, benefits, and a professional support network throughout the apprenticeship.

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 Minnesota

Plumber/Pipefitters in Minnesota are required to hold a license. Licensing is issued by Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry.

View full Minnesotalicensing requirements →

Reviews

No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience!

See something wrong? Help us improve this page.