Are you in search of the best plumbing schools in Oregon? Search no more; we’ve got you covered.
This article fully reviews the best plumbing schools in Oregon, including the requirements, cost & how to apply to these schools.
Anyone interested in the skilled trades should consider a career in plumbing. It does require a college degree, and you can earn a living as you work your way up to licensing through an apprenticeship.
Oregon has a high demand for qualified, licensed plumbers, and salaries are above average, making this a great place to start.
You will install, maintain, repair, and inspect plumbing systems as a plumber. Most plumbers work for construction and plumbing contractors, but there are other opportunities, such as starting your own business.
There are numerous opportunities for qualified plumbers throughout Oregon. The majority of jobs, however, are available in Portland, Salem, and Eugene and their surrounding metropolitan areas.
You could begin by working for a contractor and then either stay in that position or start your own business. The majority of plumbers work as contractors or for contracting companies.
To work as a plumber in Oregon, you must first have a high school diploma or equivalent. After an educational program, students can complete an apprenticeship or a combination of the two with plumber training.
So, if studying plumbing and having a promising career in this field of trade has been your dream, this article will serve as a stepping stone for you to learn about the plumbing schools in Oregon where you can enroll.
See Also: 15 Best Plumbing Schools In Ohio |Ranking
Is Plumbing A Good Career Path in Oregon?
Plumbing is an excellent career choice because it combines knowledge and innovation with the ability to create and build with your hands. As a plumber, you will have a high earning potential with an average annual salary of $55,000 and job security because plumbing services are always in demand.
Plumbing careers are also expanding in Oregon. According to Projections Central, growth in the state is nearly 20%, compared to 14% nationally. You can enjoy job security and a high salary in Oregon with the proper training and licensing.
Are there Plumbing Schools in Oregon?
Few plumbing schools in Oregon offer plumbing programs. These schools are:
- Lane Community College
- Chemeketa Community College
- The Plumbing Academy Inc
- Area III Plumbing JATC
- Ashworth College.
- Clackamas Community College
- Southwestern Oregon Community College
- Portland Community College
- NexTech Academy
- Penn Foster Plumbing Training
- Northwest College of Construction
How To Become A Licensed Plumber in Oregon?
Plumbers in Oregon get a license from the Department of Consumer and Business Services. You’ll apply to be a licensed journey plumber after completing an apprenticeship or equivalent program. Students must meet one of the following requirements:
Approval of a certificate of completion or a referral from a four-year plumbing apprenticeship program has.
Five hundred seventy-six classroom hours, 3,850 hours of residential plumbing work experience, and 3,850 hours of economic work experience are required.
You can also obtain a license for one plumbing specialty requiring fewer work hours: water treatment installer, residential hot-water heater installer, or solar heating and cooling installer.
After gaining experience as a journeyman plumber, you’ll pursue a contractor’s or business license in plumbing. If you’re not employing anyone else, you would like to obtain a Construction Contractors Board license and apply for a plumbing business license with proof of your training, licensing, and job experience.
How To Renew Your Plumbing License in Oregon
If you have a plumber’s license in Oregon, chances are you want to keep it active. And that entails taking specific steps at specific times to complete the renewal process mandated by the Oregon Building Codes Division (BCD).
After you have completed your 24 hours of continuing education, you only need to do two things: submit the renewal application and pay the renewal fee. It is all due before your license expiration date, which you can find on the front of your license.
In theory, the state will send you a renewal notice 45 days before your license expires. You can use their online address change form to update the address they have on file for you to receive that notice.
Whether or not you receive a mail reminder, submit your renewal and application fee before your expiration date. Both can be done online via the state’s license management portal.
How Much Do Plumbers Make in Oregon?
The average annual salary for plumbers in the United States, according to the U.S. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average yearly wage is $55,160.
Plumbers in Oregon earn an average of $73,420 per year, with the highest earning of more than $114,000. They have one of the highest salaries in the United States.
How Long is Plumbing School in Oregon?
To qualify for the Water-treatment Installer license (WTI) licensing exam in Oregon, you must complete an approved apprenticeship for at least 18 months. A Journeyman Plumber license will take at least four years to obtain.
Most board-approved apprentice programs take four years to complete. It will take at least 18 months to complete an approved apprenticeship and qualify for the licensing exam for a water-treatment installer license (WTI) in Oregon.
A Journeyman Plumber license will take at least four years to obtain. Most board-approved apprentice programs last four years.
11 Best Plumbing Schools in Oregon
After thorough research, rankings, reviews, and value offers, we have curated a list of the best plumbing schools in Oregon, including the requirements, cost & how to apply.
Below is the list of the best plumbing schools in Oregon.
#1. Lane Community College
Over four years, the apprenticeship agreement combines on-the-job experience with classroom-based training instruction. At Lane Community College, we recommend a minimum of 144 hours of related training per year and at least 8,000 hours of on-the-job training. Apprentices are referred to the Oregon Building Codes Division for the licensing exam upon completion of the program.
Students will learn how to build, install, and repair pipes, fittings, medical gas systems, and fixtures of heating, water, and drainage systems such as sinks, toilets, bathtubs, water heaters, hot water tanks, garbage disposal units, dishwashers, and water heaters according to plumbing codes.
#2. Chemeketa Community College
Plumbing apprenticeships are available at Chemeketa Community College in Salem, Oregon. This apprenticeship is a four-year program with 7,700 hours of hands-on training and credit courses. Apprentices can earn up to 13 credits per year by attending spring, fall, and winter classes.
Plumbing students learn how to install and maintain domestic water pumps, plumbing fixtures, drainage and vent lines, and potable water lines. Instructors will thoroughly discuss the state plumbing code of Oregon. The student will be qualified to take the Journeyman exam for Oregon Plumbers and, if successful, will be issued a Journeyman in Training License.
Read More: 15 Best Plumbing Schools In Colorado|Requirements
#3. The Plumbing Academy Inc
The Plumbing Academy provides a wide range of courses, including basic plumbing skills (RPL), recognition of prior learning, part-time courses, and solar installation courses, all delivered by SAQA standards (South African Qualifications Authority).
Practical on-the-job experience is an essential component of the skills development environment. The Plumbing Academy provides this as part of their training and places students within a company based on the course chosen.
#4. Area III Plumbers JATC
Area III Plumbers JATC is a four-year program that includes on-the-job training and classroom instruction. The completion of this program results in the acquisition of a plumber journey worker license.
Area III Plumbers JATC provides a four-year plumbing training program that includes on-the-job training and classroom instruction. After completing the program and passing the state exam, you will be enticed and awarded a state journey worker license. Students can take credit classes that students can apply toward an Associate’s Degree in Construction Trades General Apprenticeship.
Read More: Best Plumbing Schools In Arizona|Ranking
#5. Ashworth College
Students in Ashworth College’s Career Diploma in Plumbing program can learn the fundamentals of plumbing and other aspects of the profession, such as math skills and building code knowledge. Installation procedures for various plumbing fixtures, drains, sinks, tubs, toilets, water heaters, swimming pools, and sprinkler systems are among the topics covered in the program’s 15 lessons.
Plumbing lessons will cover the types and uses of valves and fittings, water drainage, supply, and treatment systems, blueprint reading, basic math skills, repair procedures, plumbing codes, and how to use various plumbing tools. Students at Ashworth College will get the required lesson book, study guides, career and time management guides, and a toolset that includes a level and a variety of wrenches.
Graduates of Ashworth College’s Career Diploma in Plumbing program may be able to start working as plumbing apprentices or helpers. You might be able to work in either a residential or commercial setting. Construction companies, private contractors, and plumbing supply manufacturers may hire you.
#6. Clackamas Community College
Clackamas Community College has an associate apprentice plumbing program. They allow students to attend evening classes while working with a company during the day. After acceptance, classes will begin in the fall, and programs range from two to four years.
The theory and application of fundamental principles relevant to the installation and maintenance of various plumbing systems. Learning the identity and application of multiple fittings, valves, and fixtures utilizing technical reference manuals; diagnosing problems; overhauling, repairing, and adjusting valves and parts in pumps, pipes, tubing, valves, springs, and connections; repairing electric-controlled fixtures and valves and plumbing.
Read More: 15 Best Plumbing Schools In Missouri|Requirements
#7. Northwest College of Construction
The Plumbing Apprenticeship Program at NWC CTD is a four-year program that will teach you everything you need to know to be ready to take the Journeyman’s test. You will learn from industry experts in the classroom while also working in plumbing to gain on-the-job experience. This course covers the fundamentals of plumbing, including tools, refrigeration, heating, electrical basics, Hydronics, code requirements, safety, and much more!
Plumbing technicians receive training to work on plumbing systems in residential and commercial settings.
#8. Southwestern Oregon Community College
This training covers a variety of plumbing techniques for beginners looking to enter the plumbing workforce or who need continuing education training that is not union-sponsored.
Topics may include laying out, assembling, installing, and maintaining piping fixtures and systems for steam, natural gas, oil, hot water, heating, cooling, drainage, lubricating, sprinkling, and industrial processing systems in residential and commercial environments.
Fundamental physics, technical mathematics, blueprint reading, pipe installation, pumps, welding and soldering, plumbing inspection, and applicable codes and standards are all covered. The program is in collaboration with Southwestern.
Read More: 15 Best Plumbing Schools In Louisiana|Requirements
#9. Portland Community College
The Portland Community College Plumbing course will teach you the fundamental, job-ready skills needed in the plumbing and piping industries. In this self-paced course, you will learn how to work on modern plumbing systems using detailed course material created by industry experts and employers. After completing this course, you will have the specialized skills and technical knowledge required to begin a career in plumbing.
Plumbing courses include the following: Study guides and plumbing textbooks are described in detail, as are job hunting and time management strategies.
Invitations to live events with professionals in their fields
Unlimited tutoring and supervision by an instructor
Open-book exams are online
#10. NexTech Academy
Students pursuing a plumbing career through NexTech Academy begin by learning the fundamentals of plumbing and safety, then progress to training in drain systems, vents, water lines, and fixture installation. Advanced coursework covers troubleshooting hydronic and solar water heating systems, private wells and septic systems, and plumbing system design and structure.
Each subject will be divided into modules: reading, interactive exercises, quizzes, videos, and skill demonstrations. The Nexstar Service System is woven throughout the curriculum, preparing students to communicate trust and technical expertise to homeowners.
#11. Penn Foster Plumbing Training
Penn Foster’s online Plumber Career Diploma Program will prepare you to take the first steps toward an entry-level career. You’ll practice your plumbing skills using interactive simulations, animations, and how-to videos.
Penn Foster offers comprehensive and up-to-date training to students interested in pursuing a career in plumbing. Students learn how to read blueprints, choose and install piping and plumbing fixtures, and understand the basic codes, regulations, and standards of plumbers.
After completing the program, students will be able to recognize the fundamentals of the construction industry, including the trades that comprise it, tasks performed, skills required, and safe work practices. Consider your plumbing tool skills and the legal requirements for passing inspections, and examine the tools and skills needed for plumbing and heating system installation, maintenance, and repair. Plumbing responsibilities will be divided into stages for optimal workflow and practical design, installation, and maintenance.
Read More: 15 Best Plumbing Schools In Maine|Requirements
How Much Do Plumbing Schools Cost in Oregon?
Many Oregon community colleges charge $4,000 to $5,000 per year or more in tuition. After passing the required exam, licensees must also pay fees to obtain their license. License application fees differ depending on the type of license.
JP (journeyman plumber): $100
Installer of solar heating and cooling (STL): $100
WTI (Water Treatment Installer): $100
Installer of residential water heaters (WHI): $100
There will be $250 for a Plumbing Business Contractor (PB).
Plumbing Schools in Oregon FAQs
In Oregon, how long does it take to become a plumber?
To qualify for the licensing exam for a water-treatment installer license (WTI) in Oregon, you must complete an approved apprenticeship for at least 18 months. It will take at least four years to obtain a journeyman plumber’s license. The majority of board-approved apprentice programs last four years.
What do union plumbers earn in Oregon?
The 25th percentile salary is $49,436. Salaries below this are considered outliers. The 75th percentile is $84,537.
In Oregon, how much does a plumber’s apprentice make?
In Oregon, the average hourly wage for an apprentice plumber is $23.51, and the annual overtime pay is $5,500.
Conclusion
Plumbing programs frequently include instruction in pipe fitting, welding, water supply, and state codes. In addition, students learn about fixtures and appliances. It’s important to remember that most aspiring plumbers receive their training and apprenticeships through local unions or trade schools.
I hope you found this guide helpful in learning everything you needed to know about plumbing schools in Oregon and becoming a licensed plumber in Oregon.
References
Our Recommendation
