Texas licenses plumbers through TSBPE, the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners. You register as an apprentice first; your hours only count from then.
Facts from the official pages, checked October 26, 2026. Rules change: confirm on the linked page before you apply.
An apprenticeship is a paid job with training, and your pay goes up as you learn.
Takes applications all year
Plumber · 5 years
UA Local 142 · UA Local 142 apprenticeship program
You'll need: 18+, birth certificate, diploma and transcript or GED, TSBPE apprentice card ($15) and fingerprints ($38); HVAC needs TDLR registration; apply in person
Takes applications all year
Plumber · 5 years
UA Local 146 · UA Local 146 Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee (JATC)
Check their site for when applications open
Plumber · 5 years, classes Aug–May
UA Local 100 · UA Local 100 JATC (Plumbers and Pipefitters of Dallas Apprenticeship Training Fund)
You'll need: 18+, diploma or GED, Texas driver's license, reliable transportation, live in Local 100's area. Classes 2 nights a week; $15 a week from your paycheck covers tuition and books
Takes applications all year
Plumber · 5 years (10,000 work hours)
UA Local 286 · Austin Plumbers and Pipefitters Training Trust (MCA of Austin and UA Local 286)
You'll need: 18+, HS diploma or GED; bring driver's license or ID, Social Security card, birth certificate, diploma and final transcript or GED scores, DD-214 if applicable; interview notice by certified mail
What plumbers do all day, the training and the pay nationwide, in about 90 seconds.
Video from CareerOneStop, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor. Tap CC on the player for captions. On CareerOneStop ↗
Issued by TSBPE
Register before you start: hours worked before you register don't count. $15.
| Where | Middle half (25th–75th) | Median |
|---|---|---|
| Houston | $23.68 – $36.39 | $29.47 |
| Dallas–Fort Worth | $23.04 – $36.20 | $29.45 |
| San Antonio | $22.23 – $32.94 | $27.97 |
| Austin | $23.44 – $38.32 | $30.20 |
| All of Texas | $22.78 – $35.63 | $28.77 |
An hour, for all workers in the occupation, not by license level. BLS: “Someone new to the field may expect wages near the 10th or 25th percentile, whereas those with more experience and education could expect wages near the 75th or 90th percentile.” BLS
Pay: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 (Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters). bls.gov/oes
U.S. Department of Labor and the Texas Workforce Commission
An apprenticeship is a paid job with classes. Texas helps pay for the classes, but programs may still charge an application fee, tuition or books.
Texas Workforce Commission
If you qualify, your local Workforce Solutions board can pay a school for an approved training program. Each board sets its own limit, and money depends on its budget.
the mikeroweWORKS Foundation
A scholarship for trade school programs of two years or less. You'll need a tuition bill from your school, a short video and references.
We're not connected with the mikeroweWORKS Foundation. Apply on their site.
Training money in Austin, Houston, DFW and San Antonio →Veteran or still serving? →
Checked Oct 2026 from each program's own site. Amounts and rules can change; their page has the final word.
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Other options at this stage
Issued by TSBPE
8,000 hours and a 48-hour course (or a Department of Labor apprenticeship), then an exam.
Get ready for the exam
Apply and register on TSBPE's site ↗35 free practice questions, with official sources →Issued by TSBPE
Two years as a journeyman (or one year plus a completed Department of Labor apprenticeship), then an exam.
Other options at this stage
Nationally recognized certifications that can help you get hired or move up. Optional unless an employer asks for one.
National Center for Construction Education and Research
National Center for Construction Education and Research
National Inspection, Testing and Certification Corporation
International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials
From CareerOneStop, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development. Listed by schools and certifying organizations; we don't check them.
Schools and programs within 25 miles, nearest first. Ask each one about cost, start dates and help paying.
PLUMBING LEVEL 2
IMPACT INSTITUTE · Dallas · 15.2 mi
Certificate, less than 12 weeks · In-person · Prepares for: PLUMBING LEVEL 2
PIPEFITTING
CONSTRUCTION EDUCATION FOUNDATION · Dallas · 15.3 mi
Certificate, less than 12 weeks · In-person · Prepares for: CERTIFICATE
PLUMBING
CONSTRUCTION EDUCATION FOUNDATION · Dallas · 15.3 mi
Certificate, less than 12 weeks · In-person · Prepares for: CERTIFICATE
INTRODUCTION TO BASIC PLUMBING
RBOC (REBUILDING OUR COMMUNITY) · Dallas · 15.3 mi
Certificate, less than 12 weeks · In-person
FOUNDATIONS OF PLUMBING
TRANSCEND STEM EDUCATION · Dallas · 16.6 mi
Certificate, less than 12 weeks · Online · Prepares for: CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION
PIPEFITTING COMBINED PROGRAM
DALLAS COLLEGE · Dallas · 24.8 mi
Certificate, less than 12 weeks · In-person · Prepares for: NCCER
From CareerOneStop, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development. Listed by schools and certifying organizations; we don't check them.