Journey Plumber

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the median annual wage for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters at $61,550 ($29.59 per hour) as of May 2023 data guiding 2026 employment. The lowest 10 percent earned $39,020 annually, while the highest 10 percent earned $99,410. Overtime pay at 1.5 times the rate for hours over 40 per week boosts total earnings by $10,000-$20,000 yearly for many.

USCIS requires an H-2B visa for temporary non-agricultural plumber jobs when U.S. workers are unavailable, with employers obtaining DOL temporary labor certification first. The FY2026 H-2B cap is 66,000 visas (33,000 per half-year), plus up to 64,716 supplemental for returning workers. Prevailing wage minimum is $30.50 per hour nationally for Level II plumbers.

A high school diploma or equivalent is required to enter a plumber apprenticeship program registered with DOL. Programs last 4 years, including 8,000 hours of paid on-the-job training and 576 hours of classroom instruction. No prior experience is needed for entry-level positions.

Apply through DOL-registered sponsors listed on apprenticeship.gov by submitting a high school diploma or GED, government-issued ID, Social Security number, and proof of age 18 or older. The process includes an aptitude test, math assessment, and interview within 30 days of application. Selected apprentices start at 40-50% of journeyman wage, increasing annually.