Even though most of their duties remain extremely underappreciated, plumbers play critical roles in our daily existence. With plumbers, we have a functional waste system and running water to turn in at our convenience.
To carry out their jobs efficiently, plumbers in Oregon and other states nationwide must fulfill several requirements, including acquiring appropriate training and education, going through an apprenticeship program, and obtaining licenses and certifications.
For those who would like to learn more about how to become a plumber in Oregon, the resource below provides crucial information concerning everything you need to know to begin your journey.
How to Become a Plumber in Oregon
To become a plumber in Oregon, you must follow a handful of general steps and some state-mandated ones. Below is a quick outline of the most popular paths employed by plumbers in states.
Enrolling in a Training Program
There is no one way to become a plumber, but a structured way is to enroll in a plumbing school and obtain a formal certificate. There are many benefits to this approach.
It provides a solid technical foundation and helps you prepare for the licensing exam, which often requires a significant amount of structured studying.
While formal classroom training is optional for most plumbers, anyone looking to become a medical gas piping installer is required by law to obtain formal education from an accredited program.
Plumbing Training Schools in Oregon
Oregon boasts of some impressive training schools for aspiring plumbers in the state. These include:
- Lane Community College
- Chemeketa Community College
- Clackamas Community College
- Portland Community College
These programs require candidates to be at least 18 and possess a GED or high school diploma. They must also have passed an algebra class with a C or higher.
Completing an Apprenticeship
It is famous for people to become plumbers by simply walking onto a site or an office and requesting an apprenticeship opportunity. One of the key benefits of this approach is that it provides much-needed experience on the job. Another is that earning on the job as an apprentice is possible.
Those who obtain their training from a formal classroom environment may also choose to complete apprenticeship programs.
Apprenticeship Requirements in Oregon
Most apprenticeship programs require applicants to be 18 or older and have completed high school or a GED. Ensuring that apprenticeship training is obtained from an approved and licensed plumber is also crucial.
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Licensing For Plumbers In Oregon
Any aspiring plumber in Oregon must comply with a handful of specifications laid down by the Oregon Construction Contractors Board (CCB). One such specification exists to determine who qualifies for a journeyman license.
The requirements differ depending on the channel through which you obtained your training. Those who got trained through an apprenticeship program must provide the following:
- A certificate to show completion of 4 years of apprenticeship training. A referral from a registered activity committed can also suffice.
Those who obtained their training from a classroom must provide the following:
- Verified proof of 576 hours of classroom training and 3,850 hours of activity on the job.
Licensing Exam in Oregon
Fulfilling the above requirements qualifies a budding plumber to sit for the journeyman licensing exam. Applicants must pay $100 to apply.
The CCB offers a handful of locations to make the exam more convenient. These include Bend, Hermiston, Ontario, Pendleton, Portland, Roseburg, Eugene, Klamath Falls, Salem, Lincoln City, and White City.
Continuing Education
One of the best parts of obtaining a license is that it must also be maintained and renewed. In Oregon and most states, continuing education is a crucial part of license renewal.
Continuing education helps professionals keep up with the changing landscape of their jobs, including technological advances, conventions, safety guides, and ethics.
Top Plumbing Schools in Oregon
Candidates looking for prominent plumbing schools in Oregon with high educational metrics may consider any of the options below.
Lane Community College
Lane Community College offers a plumbing apprenticeship program teaching individuals how to assemble, install, and repair various plumbing system components. Students will also learn about specifications and plumbing codes.
To qualify, candidates must possess a high school diploma or GED, an Oregon driver’s license, and be at least 18 years old. Combining classroom instructions and on-the-job training, participants must receive 144 hours of training annually and 8,000 hours of hands-on training to graduate.
Chemeketa Community College
Chemeketa Community College is another college in Oregon offering a plumber apprenticeship program. This program is open to plumbing apprentices and is organized with the Area II Plumbers JATC.
To enroll, candidates must be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma, and provide transcripts proving proficiency in algebra. The program combines both classroom instructions and on-the-job training.
Notable Mentions
The Oregon Tradeswomen group offers plumbing training for aspiring female plumbers in the state. The Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries also organizes plumbing training programs for interested candidates in the area.
Other notable college programs include Blue Mountain Community College, Clackamas Community College, and Rogue Community College.
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Salary & Career Outlook in Oregon
Plumbers in Oregon earn significant salaries for their effort. On average, it is estimated that an Oregon plumber earns about $57,251 every year. The exact amount tends to vary based on specific city, experience, employer, and industry.
Those who fall into the top ten percent of earners in the field - with advanced licenses and experience - may take home as high as $65,499 every year.
Plumbing License Reciprocity in Oregon
Oregon has a license reciprocity arrangement with other states - Idaho and Montana. This means that anyone who already has a contractor license in these states may be qualified to use it in Oregon, provided they also fulfill the following criteria:
- Possess an active, equivalent permit or higher.
- No violations in the last three years.
- Meet the specified work experience requirement in Oregon.
- Must have passed the licensing exam with a score of at least 75%.
- Must have accrued six months or 1,000 hours of work experience with their current license.
- Must pass the Oregon licensing exam if reciprocation is being done within two years.
Once the criteria above are fulfilled, the contractor must also pay a $100 non-refundable fee and provide a passport, employment information, verification form, and a copy of their active license.
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