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In Oregon, you can easily become a plumber if you follow some advice.
The first step in getting started with your career is developing your skills.
So, read on to learn more about where you can train and how to get licensed.
Article Table of Contents
Plumber Job Description and Requirements
If you want to know which are the daily job duties you must fulfill, read below:
- Reading or drafting blueprints
- Installing the piping system
- Maintaining the water system
- Repairing the system whenever needed
- Ensuring the safety standards
- Meeting building regulations
- Using the appropriate devices to measure or solder
In Oregon, plumbers can get the following 3 licenses, based on experience level:
- Apprentice plumber
- Journeyman
- Contractor plumber
How to become an Apprentice in Oregon
In order to get licensed in Oregon, you have to join a training program.
The program should be accredited by the Oregon Construction Contractors Board (CCB).
Most of the plumbing training programs have a duration of 4 or 5 years.
You can choose to complete a program through a vocational college or attend a university for an associate’s degree.
The training programs offered through trade schools have theory classes that include:
- Drafting,
- Mathematics,
- Science,
- Sprinkler installation,
- Pipefitting
- Reading blueprints
You will also get to attend practice classes that will help you get some hands-on experience.
Some trade schools in Oregon also offer online programs, not only in person.
When you start a program, you will need to register your apprenticeship with the Oregon Construction Contractors Board.
The requirements are:
- Be at least 18 years old
- High-school diploma or GED
- Driver’s license
- Birth certificate copy
- Proof of being a citizen of the US
- A processing fee
- Pass a drug test
- Understand written and spoken English
- One year of algebra
In Oregon, apprentices can work under the supervision of a licensed plumber.
Your salary will be about half of what licensed plumbers earn.
How to get a Journeyman License in Oregon
If you apply for a journeyman license, you will be able to work on any plumbing project.
You will be allowed to install, maintain, and repair plumbing in residences as well as office buildings.
The requirements for a journeyman license in Oregon are:
- Be 18 years old
- Comply with the required training
- Social security number
- Proof of experience
- Training program certificate
- 576 hours of theory
- 3,850 hours of practice
You will also have to pay a $75 license fee, mailed to the Board.
To get the journeyman certification, you will also have to pass an exam.
The exam includes the next subjects:
- Plumbing fundamentals and safety;
- Materials used, and specifications;
- Traps, interceptors, and backwater valves;
- Plumbing fixtures, fixture fittings, and plumbing appliances;
- Water supply systems;
- Backflow preventions;
- Gas appliances and piping;
- Plumbing mathematics.
The journeyman plumber exam lasts for 4 hours and requires a fee of $100.
How to Get a Contractor Plumber License in Oregon
To become a contractor in Oregon, you have to:
- Pay the $250 application fee
- Be at least 18 years old
- Social security number
- Proof of experience
- Training program certificate
Future contractors need to pass an exam that requires a 75% score.
The contractor exam includes topics like:
- Plumbing fundamentals and safety;
- Materials used, and specifications;
- Traps, interceptors, and backwater valves;
- Plumbing fixtures, fixture fittings, and plumbing appliances;
- Water supply systems;
- Backflow preventions;
- Gas appliances and piping;
- Plumbing mathematics.
You will also have to submit a liability insurance bond.
Plumber Employment and Salary Information
In Oregon, licensed plumbers have numerous career opportunities.
This will vary according to the area you live in and your experience.
If you live in regions like Portland or Salem, there are better chances to get a higher salary.
Some plumbers choose to have their own business, which also brings better earnings.
Another option is to join a union for increased job opportunities and work safety.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Portland | $59,762 |
| Salem | $56,682 |
| Eugene | $56,136 |
| Gresham | $59,685 |
| Hillsboro | $59,570 |
| Beaverton | $59,762 |
| Bend | $55,498 |
| Medford | $54,927 |
| Springfield | $56,010 |
| Corvallis | $55,866 |
Regional Salary in Oregon
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Albany, OR | 120 | $76,440 | $36.75 | $92,030 | $51,960 |
| Bend-Redmond, OR | 260 | $74,140 | $35.65 | $95,820 | $51,240 |
| Corvallis, OR | 40 | $74,380 | $35.76 | $104,680 | $50,720 |
| Eugene, OR | 350 | $72,690 | $34.95 | $103,340 | $45,860 |
| Medford, OR | 170 | $76,570 | $36.81 | $111,290 | $47,060 |
| Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA | 3,800 | $88,400 | $42.5 | $130,430 | $48,950 |
| Salem, OR | 380 | $76,250 | $36.66 | $95,200 | $48,450 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
License Reciprocity Agreement
If you already have a license in Idaho or Montana, you can perform work in Oregon through the license reciprocity agreement.
In order to be licensed by reciprocity, you need to submit the following paperwork:
- Current license and proof you worked within the past 3 years
- A 75% score in the licensing exam
- 1,000 hours and 6 months of work in the state you are coming from
- A one-time fee of $100
- Passport and photo
- Fill in the application form
- Employment information
As you can see, the most important aspect of becoming a plumber is training.
Once you choose a suitable training program, you will develop your skills and build a successful career.
Schools Offering Plumbing Programs in Oregon
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries | 800 NE Oregon St, Suite 1045 Portland, OR 97232 |
| Lane Community College | 4000 East 30th Ave., Eugene, Oregon 97405 |
| CHEMEKETA COMMUNITY COLLEGE | 4000 Lancaster Drive NE Salem, Oregon 97305 |
| THE PLUMBING ACADEMY INC. | 18 LONERGAN RD MIDDLETON, MA 01949 |
| Area III Plumbing JATC | 3071 Dalewood St Eugene, Oregon 97404 |
| Ashworth College. | 5051 Peachtree Corners Circle, Suite 200 Norcross, Georgia 30092 |
| AREA II PLUMBERS JATC | 2475 Lancaster Dr. Bldg. B, Ste. 9 Salem, OR 97305 |
| Area I Plumbers Joint Apprenticeship & Training Committee (JATC) | 15800 Boones Ferry Rd. Suite B-3 Lake Oswego, OR 97035 |
| Clackamas Community College | 19600 Molalla Avenue Oregon City, Oregon 97045 |
| Rogue Community College | 3345 Redwood Highway • Grants Pass, OR 97527 |
| Southwestern Oregon Community College | 1988 Newmark Coos Bay, OR 97420 |
Read the full guide: How to Become a Plumber
Plumbing License by City
Plumbing License by State
Oregon offers excellent plumbing apprenticeship programs and vocational schools that provide comprehensive training. These programs ensure you have the knowledge and skills needed for success.