Journeyman Plumbing Tech

As per the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters is $64,740 as of May 2026. The lowest 10 percent earn less than $40,520 annually, while the highest 10 percent earn more than $101,190. Full-time plumbers work about 2,080 hours per year at a median hourly rate of $31.13.

As per U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, international workers need an H-2B visa for temporary plumber positions, with a fiscal year 2026 cap of 68,500 visas including supplemental allocations. Employers must file Form I-129 and obtain temporary labor certification from the Department of Labor proving no US workers available. Processing time is 2-4 months with fees of $460 base plus $500 fraud fee.

As per the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Apprenticeship, plumbers need a high school diploma or GED and a 4-year registered apprenticeship with 8,000 hours of on-the-job training plus 576 hours of classroom instruction. No prior experience is required for entry-level apprenticeships starting at age 16. Completion grants journeyman status.

As per the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Apprenticeship, required documents include high school diploma or GED transcript, proof of age 16+, government-issued ID, and a doctor's note confirming physical fitness for the work. Applications go through state apprenticeship agencies with no application fee. Interviews and aptitude tests follow submission.