Plumbing Schools in Oregon: The Ultimate Guide

Accredited Plumber Training Programs

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), “Most plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters learn on the job through an apprenticeship. Some attend a vocational-technical school before receiving on-the-job training. Most states require plumbers to be licensed.” All of that is true in Oregon. Also, some craft workers enter apprenticeship programs after working as a helper. The Home Builders Institute offers a pre-apprenticeship certificate training (PACT) program for eight construction trades, including plumbing.

Most people entering the plumbing industry in Oregon learn on the job as a plumbing apprentice either in a formal union or non-union apprenticeship or an apprenticeship created by working for a plumbing contractor and taking classes at a community college. 

Oregon licenses every level of this workforce at the state level — journeyman plumbers, master plumbers and plumbing contractors. Even apprentices must be registered with the state. To get started you must complete a board-approved plumbing apprenticeship program or get classroom training and get verified work experience meeting all experience and classroom instruction requirements.

The Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) has accredited several institutions in Oregon with plumbing programs. All of them provide the educational element of apprenticeships registered through the state. Some have pre-apprenticeship programs to help students learn the basics before getting started in the plumbing field. The following are Oregon community colleges that offer plumbing classes and have been accredited by NWCCU:

• Blue Mountain Community College in Pendleton

• Central Oregon Community College in Bend

• Chemeketa Community College in Salem

• Clackamas Community College in Oregon City, Milwaukie, Wilsonville

• Clatsop Community College in Astoria

• Klamath Community College in Klamath Falls

• Lane Community College in Eugene

• Rogue Community College in Grants Pass

Plumbing Degrees & Certificates

As you weigh the benefit of getting some formal training at a technical or community college or online, you may want to speak with people in the field in the state where you plan to work. The licensing requirements vary from state to state, and some insist on a minimum amount of education. Other states have no educational requirements to get started, and it may make more sense to simply get an entry-level position and get on-the-job training rather than attending one of the plumber schools. 

In Oregon, classroom instruction is required for a plumber license in conjunction with work experience. Sometimes getting a little technical education before you find work can help you compete for apprenticeship opportunities or make you a more attractive hire. Some apprenticeships are very competitive, and you will need to find ways to move up the ranking list to be selected. Chemeketa Community College suggests on its Plumber Apprentice program webpage that there are classes applicants can take in high school and college to help them prepare and perhaps be ranked higher on the candidate list. They include trade classes like blueprint reading and construction classes and math classes like Algebra I & II, Calculus, Geometry, and Trigonometry.

Very few plumbers choose to get a four-year bachelor’s degree unless they’re seeking a related engineering or building construction degree. If this is a path that interests you, you may want to explore the Mechanical Engineering Bachelor of Science degree at one of the four-year universities in Oregon like:

• Oregon State University

• Portland State University

• University of Portland

• Oregon Institute of Technology

As stated earlier, in many cases but not always, formal education pays off in the form of higher wages, but if your interest lies in being a journeyman plumber or getting a plumbing contractor license, a degree is not necessary.

Typical Courses in Technical College Programs

Plumbing programs at technical colleges are all intended to prepare students for careers in plumbing, pipefitting, and related fields. All combine theory and the practical skills. Most develop academic, technical, and professional knowledge and skills required for job acquisition, retention, and advancement.

Among the classes you’ll take are:

• Introduction to Plumbing Technology

• Plumbing Blueprints and Codes

• Drain, Waste and Venting Systems

• Water Supply and Distribution Systems

• Plumbing Fixtures and Appliance Installation

Further along will be intermediate and advanced plumbing concepts, pipe fabrication, and welding technology fundamentals among other courses and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) certification too.

School Selection Criteria  

There are a lot of things to consider when picking the apprenticeship or school and program that are right for you.

Cost

Cost is, of course, at the top of the list. According to Community College Review, tuition at Oregon community colleges on average is $4,694 per year for in-state students and $7,748 for out-of-state students. However, many of the accredited plumbing programs listed here are part of apprenticeship programs where tuition may be reimbursed by or paid for outright by the student’s employer. There will be some variations in fees at each school, too, so be sure to review all of the costs involved. 

There are also always costs for books and tools, but those tools are yours to keep as you enter your chosen occupational field. All students who are interested in receiving federal (Pell Grant) and any state grants apply by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form online.

Program Length

Plumbing apprenticeships in Oregon are four to five years long and require classroom instruction. Some apprentices choose to apply that instruction toward a certificate or a broader diploma or associate’s degree. Associate’s degree programs typically require students to add general education classes to the plumbing classes to fulfill the broader degree requirements.

Benefits

There are many benefits to formal education if you want to join the plumbing profession. As stated above, formal education is required in Oregon typically in conjunction with an apprenticeship, but many employers will choose an applicant with a certificate or pre-apprenticeship over one without. Those credentials can also give you an edge in the selection process for an apprenticeship. Having some basic knowledge helps you to hit the ground running and secure your place in a shop full of professionals.

Online vs in-person

You may choose to get that jump on plumbing training through an online certificate program. Only you know if this type of independent curriculum will work for you. 

Penn Foster and Ashworth College are two of the most recognizable online plumbing programs. Bob Vila’s website and the CPA Accounting Institute for Success each list them at the top of their posts about the Best Online Courses for Plumbing.

If you know your learning style relies on personal instruction, more traditional in-person classes and the accredited programs listed above are pretty accessible throughout the state.

Level of difficulty

Plumbing programs are designed to prepare graduates for entry-level positions in the plumbing trade in commercial, industrial, or residential sectors. Curriculum includes an understanding of mathematics and physics. Plumbers have to learn to do a lot of different things to be successful, including how to follow blueprints or other design specifications to install or repair plumbing systems including water heaters; troubleshoot issues at residences or commercial properties; execute remodels, new installations that involve running all water, gas and sewage lines; how and when to use different material pipes and how to fit them together properly; plumbing code; and record keeping of work performed. And, of course, especially in residential work, customer service is key.

School Comparison: At a Glance

The accredited training schools listed above are part of the Oregon Community College system. They offer students financial aid in the form of grants and loans and have a 100% acceptance rate. Apprenticeships, however, have limited openings for candidates; and many of the programs below are available only to students enrolled in a registered apprenticeship. Central Oregon Community College (COCC), for instance, says on its website that prospective apprentice students should choose a program via Oregon Apprenticeship, NW Apprenticeship Services, or by contacting another apprenticeship program; once an individual is accepted as an apprentice the Apprentice Committee will provide the COCC course information. It also says that the plumber apprenticeship is coming soon. 

Blue Mountain Community College

• Construction Trades General Apprenticeship      

  • Associate’s Degree (SAAS)

  • 60 credits

• Construction Trades General Apprenticeship       

  • Statewide Career Pathways

  • 60 credits

  • Certificate of Completion (SCPC)

Chemeketa Community College

• Plumber Apprenticeship Program                          

  • Applicable to Certificate or AAS

  • 4 years

  • w/ Area II Plumbers JATC

Clackamas Community College

• Plumbing Apprenticeship                                       

  • Apprenticeship classes       

  • 4 years

• Construction Trades, General Apprenticeship       

  • AAS

• Construction Trades, General Apprenticeship       

  • Certificate

Clatsop Community College

• Apprenticeship, Plumbing

  • Apprenticeship classes   

  • 4 years

• Apprenticeship, Construction Trades

  • AAS

  • 92 credits   

Klamath Community College

• Plumbing Apprenticeship                        

  • In partnership with local businesses

  • 4 years

Lane Community College

• Apprenticeship Program – Plumbers

  • Applicable to AAS              

  • 4 years

• Pre-apprenticeship

  • Individual classes – earn points toward entry into apprenticeships  

• Entry-level Trades Worker                                     

  • Certificate                            

  • 17-21 credits

Rogue Community College

• Apprenticeship, Plumbing                                      

  • Apprenticeship classes       

  • 4 years

• Construction Trades General Apprenticeship       

  • AAS                                     

  • 4 years

Steps for Enrollment in Oregon

Every college has its own way of doing things, but in general the process begins with visiting the school’s website and applying for admission online. You also have the option of visiting the school’s admission office or mailing a paper application there. Some require that you pay an application fee and provide several documents. In general, the application process has the following steps:

1. Complete your application.

2. Pay the application fee (if applicable).

3. Provide proof of residency to qualify for in-state tuition.

4. Have sealed official high school transcript or GED scores sent.

5. Submit placement test scores.

6. If applicable, apply for on-campus housing.

However, if you are hoping to attend one of the apprenticeship programs listed above, you must apply directly to an employer or JATC. Once you have a position as an apprentice, then you can apply for classes. While waiting for an opening, you can compile a portfolio of documentation required for program entry.

• Diploma or GED certificate

• Transcripts from high school and college

• Placement test scores

• Work experience documented on letterhead with the tasks listed and years of service (construction related)

• Trades and safety certificates

• For veterans, a copy of the DD224 long form

Plumbing Career Requirements in Oregon

As mentioned earlier, Oregon requires education and on-the-job training to legally perform plumbing work. You must complete a board-approved plumbing apprenticeship program like through one of Oregon’s Joint Apprenticeship Training Committees or attend classes and get verified job experience before being allowed to take the licensing exam. Licensing exams are open book and based on the Oregon Plumbing Specialty Code (OPSC). After licensing, plumbers in Oregon must complete continuing education every three years to keep their license active. The Oregon Building Codes Division Office (BCD) issues non-contracting plumbing licenses, while the Oregon Construction Contractors Board issues contracting plumbing licenses. Oregon has reciprocal agreements for journeyman plumber licenses with Montana and Idaho. For a detailed explanation of Oregon’s Plumber licensing requirements and how to fulfill them, check out our essential guide to getting your Oregon Plumbing License. 

Salaries for Plumbers in Oregon

Before paying for technical education and getting started in the plumbing field you’ll want some idea of what you can expect in terms of the return on your investment of time, effort, energy, and money. In other words, what can you expect to make as a plumbing professional in Oregon? Payscale.com data provides an answer based on your experience. The median plumber salary in Oregon for 2023 is:

• Entry level <2 years: $49,800

• Intermediate 2-4 years: $60,200

• Senior 4-6 years: $64,900

For more information about plumber salaries, visit this state-by-state guide.

Industry Apprenticeships   

The most common way in Oregon to get the training you need to become a plumber is through a formal apprenticeship. Most plumbing apprenticeships are four to five years long. You must also be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma or a GED, a valid driver’s license and have passed high school algebra or an equivalent post-high school algebra class with a “C” or better. 

The Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries (BOLI) maintains a list of apprenticeships registered with the Apprenticeship & Training Division. There are both union and non-union apprenticeships.

The local chapter of the United Association of Plumbers and Steamfitters that serves Southeast Washington and Northern Oregon is based in Tualatin south of Portland. The UA Local 290 Apprentice & Journeyman Training Institute offers five-year apprenticeships for Plumbers, Steamfitters and HVAC/R Service Technicians.

Area I Plumbers JATC

Area II Plumbers JATC

Area III Plumbers JATC

All three JATC apprenticeships are registered with the State of Oregon and are non-union.

Apprentices work for member contractors with an opportunity for increased wages each year until reaching journeyman status.

If you are waiting for an opening at one of the JATCs, there are things you can do to improve your chances. Everything submitted with your application generates points, the more points you have, the higher you place on the Ranked Pool of Eligibles. The higher you place on the Ranked pool of Eligibles, the more likely you are to be selected by a training agent and be registered into the apprenticeship after open enrollment.

What can you do to increase your points? Consider taking college courses in blueprint reading, algebra, geometry, industrial arts, drafting, and/or graphic design/art. Get/renew (as needed) your First Aid Certification. Work for a plumber or construction company as a laborer, or any position for which you legally qualify. You may also consider volunteer work in the construction/plumbing industry.

Lastly, some plumbing companies will hire applicants with no previous training and provide the training themselves — creating an in-house apprenticeship. A pretty typical model of that is pairing a new employee with an experienced one for the hands-on part of training and then requiring new hires to attend classes at night at a community college or sometimes taught through the company itself.

Other School Options

We’ve highlighted many trade schools, community colleges and apprenticeships thus far. There are so many programs throughout the state to get the training you need to be a plumber in Oregon. In addition to all those already mentioned, each of the schools or JATCs below has a plumbing program or classes that can help get you started.

• North Coast Plumbers JATC in Warrenton

• Oregon Association of Plumbing Heating Cooling Contractors(PHCC) Mid-Valley Steamfitter/Pipefitter Apprenticeship in Salem

• Ontario JATC in Fruitland

Oregon has plumber apprenticeships and classes all across the state. You can find the training you need to excel in a career in plumbing in Oregon. The opportunities are all around you.