Plumber / Pipefitter Apprenticeships in Texas
Texas has 136 registered apprenticeship sponsors training plumber / pipefitters — 11 of them union or joint labor-management programs. Apprentices earn a wage from day one and finish without tuition debt.
Registered sponsors
136
Union / joint programs
11
Median plumber / pipefitter wage
$58,560
Texas, all experience levels
Job growth 2022–2032
+13.3%
4,340 openings/yr
Largest Registered Sponsors
Union and joint labor-management programs are listed first — they typically pay the best apprentice rates and charge no tuition.
| Sponsor | City | Program type |
|---|---|---|
| BMT AREA PIPEFITTERS SCHOOL Union / joint | NEDERLAND | Multiple Employer |
| Fort Worth Pipe Trades Training Center Trust (JATC) Union / joint | FORT WORTH | Multiple Employer |
| General Motors Arlington Plant Union / joint | ARLINGTON | Single Employer |
| HOUSTON AREA PLUMBING JAC Union / joint | HOUSTON | Multiple Employer |
| HOUSTON PIPEFITTERS JATC Union / joint | Deer Park | Multiple Employer |
| Pantex Union / joint | Amarillo | Single Employer |
| PLUMBERS & Pipefitters Local 404 JATC Union / joint | LUBBOCK | Multiple Employer |
| PLUMBERS & PIPEFITTERS LOCAL UNION 412 Union / joint | EL PASO | Multiple Employer |
| SA AREA PLUMBERS & PIPE FITTERS JATC Union / joint | SAN ANTONIO | Multiple Employer |
| UNITED ASSOC. DALLAS #100 PLUMBERS & PIPEFITTERS Union / joint | GARLAND | Multiple Employer |
Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Registered Apprenticeship sponsors (apprenticeship.gov).
What Plumber / Pipefitters Earn in Texas
Wages
- Median annual wage: $58,560
- Average annual wage: $59,500
- Plumber / Pipefitters employed statewide: 42,290
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2024. Apprentices typically start at 40–50% of the journeyman rate and get scheduled raises.
10-year outlook
- Projected growth 2022–2032: +13.3%
- Average openings per year: 4,340
- Employment: 41,660 → 47,190
Source: Projections Central / state workforce agencies.
Prefer the school route? Compare Plumber / Pipefitter programs
Texas Licensing for Plumber / Pipefitters
BACKFLOW PREVENTION ASSEMBLY TESTER
- Education: Specific course required
- Experience: Experience
- Exam: State exam required
- Continuing education: Continuing education required
Issuing agency: Texas Commission on Environmental Quality · agency website
FIRE SPRINKLER RESPONSIBLE MANAGING EMPLOYEE
- Education: No education required
- Experience: No experience
- Exam: Both state and third-party exams required
- Continuing education: No continuing education requirement
Issuing agency: Texas Department of Insurance · agency website
PLUMBER
- Education: No education required
- Experience: Experience
- Exam: State exam required
- Continuing education: Continuing education required
Issuing agency: Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners · agency website
UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANK SUPERVISOR
- Education: Specific course required
- Experience: Affidavit or referral
- Exam: State exam required
- Continuing education: Continuing education required
Issuing agency: Texas Commission on Environmental Quality · agency website
WATER WELL DRILLER/PUMP INSTALLER
- Education: No education required
- Experience: Experience
- Exam: State exam required
- Continuing education: Continuing education required
Issuing agency: Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation · agency website
Source: CareerOneStop License Finder (U.S. Department of Labor). Time spent in a registered apprenticeship generally counts toward license experience requirements.