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Plumbing Trainee Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

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Plumbing Trainee information

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$38

How much do plumbing trainee jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for plumbing trainee in Oregon is $22.36, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.25 and $25.67 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a plumbing trainee?

Plumbing trainees are individuals who are in the early stages of learning the plumbing trade, typically through an apprenticeship or entry-level position. They work under the supervision of experienced plumbers to gain hands-on experience with installing, repairing, and maintaining plumbing systems. Plumbing trainees often assist with basic tasks such as assembling pipes, cleaning work areas, and learning to use plumbing tools and equipment. Over time, they acquire the skills and knowledge needed to become fully qualified plumbers.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a plumbing trainee, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Plumbing Trainee, you need basic mechanical aptitude, problem-solving skills, and a high school diploma or equivalent, often coupled with enrollment in an apprenticeship program. Familiarity with hand and power tools, as well as safety certifications like OSHA, are typically necessary for daily tasks. Strong communication, attention to detail, and a willingness to learn help trainees excel within teams and adapt to new challenges. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring safe, effective plumbing work and building a foundation for career advancement.

What are some common challenges a plumbing trainee might face during their apprenticeship?

Plumbing Trainees often encounter challenges such as adapting to physically demanding work, learning to troubleshoot issues under supervision, and mastering a wide variety of tools and materials. Time management can also be tricky, as trainees must balance hands-on tasks with studying for certification exams. However, working closely with experienced plumbers provides valuable support and guidance, making it easier to develop practical skills and build confidence over time.

What is the difference between Plumbing Trainee vs Plumbing Apprentice?

AspectPlumbing TraineePlumbing Apprentice
CredentialsOften no formal certification required initiallyRequires enrollment in an apprenticeship program
Work EnvironmentAssists experienced plumbers on job sitesWorks under supervision, gaining hands-on experience
Industry UsageEntry-level role for those starting in plumbingFormal training pathway for becoming a licensed plumber

Both Plumbing Trainee and Plumbing Apprentice are entry-level positions in the plumbing industry. A Plumbing Trainee typically assists experienced plumbers and may not require formal certification initially, while a Plumbing Apprentice is enrolled in a structured apprenticeship program, combining on-the-job training with classroom learning. The apprentice role is a more formalized pathway toward becoming a licensed plumber, whereas a trainee may be in the early stages of learning the trade.

How do you get into plumbing trainee with no experience?

To become a plumbing trainee with no experience, you can start by completing a high school diploma or equivalent, then enroll in a technical school or apprenticeship program that provides hands-on training and classroom instruction. Gaining basic knowledge of tools and safety procedures is helpful, and some employers may accept entry-level applicants willing to learn on the job and obtain necessary certifications such as OSHA safety training.

What are the most commonly searched types of Plumbing jobs in Oregon?

The most popular types of Plumbing jobs in Oregon are:

What are popular job titles related to Plumbing Trainee jobs in Oregon?

For Plumbing Trainee jobs in Oregon, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Plumbing Trainee jobs in Oregon look for?

The top searched job categories for Plumbing Trainee jobs in Oregon are:

What cities in Oregon are hiring for Plumbing Trainee jobs?

Cities in Oregon with the most Plumbing Trainee job openings:

Infographic showing various Plumbing Trainee job openings in Oregon as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,510 per year, or $22.4 per hour.

Water System Service Technician / Plumbing Trainee

Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Portland & Seattle

Gladstone, OR โ€ข On-site

$80K/yr

Other

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 29 days ago


Job description

Mr. Rooter Plumbing turns "no industry experience" into a noble, long-term career


Performance pay with full benefits. $80,000 a year and up is a reasonable expectation. See more at the bottom of the listing. 


Would you prefer a career where you go home each night knowing that your work restored another person’s quality of life? 

If we asked your old coach to describe you would they say, “most hustle on the team?” Would you like to be paid for that work ethic and the measurable results that you control instead of your number of years on the job or who you know?

Are you a courteous professional who would relish partnering with your colleagues in the office and in the field to add another customer comment like this to the team’s collection of 3,000 five-star reviews?


 Mr. Jim & Mr. Cody were very prompt, professional, and very knowledgeable. They were patient and listened to my needs. They inspected the problem and then went on to solve my problem. They also offered suggestions as to solve issues that are causing this problem. They were very neat and kind with their time. I was very impressed and comfortable having them in my home. (Google Review)

At Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Portland & Vancouver we protect the health of our community through the most professional resolution of water and wastewater system problems. Every team member plays an expert role. And 80% of our team had no plumbing industry experience before they joined us. If you bring high character and ambition we will welcome you into a noble, long-term career and coach you to become an industry expert.

What Mr. Rooter Plumbing expects of the Service Professional

The role of the Service Professional is to diagnose and correct plumbing, drain, and sewer problems and to deliver an outstanding customer experience. Service Professionals use their Mr. Rooter vehicle to independently visit several customers daily throughout the greater Portland and Vancouver metropolitan area as assigned by the Dispatcher. Primary responsibilities include:

  • Follow the Mr. Rooter system to earn trust, diagnose residential plumbing and drain problems, and present multiple options with up-front pricing for customer approval before starting any work.
  • Perform the repair work with excellence using hand tools, fiber optic inspection cameras, electric drain cleaning machines, high-pressure drain cleaning machines, and occasionally a jack hammer as taught during on-the-job training.
  • Collaborate with Mr. Rooter Journeyman Plumbers and assist them when a diagnosis of a customer’s water system problem reveals the need for a licensed plumber. Remain current on plumbing code through in-house continuing education.
  • Embrace a technology-based, data-rich way of work. The one tool used on every job is a networked iPad for customer presentations and for data collection to support self-evaluation and performance coaching.
  • Achieve or exceed productivity targets while delivering outstanding customer service

 The ideal candidate brings these attributes and experiences:


  • Exemplifies the courteous, professional attributes of the Mr. Rooter brand in every personal interaction.  People trust Mr. Rooter Plumbing to help them in their homes during a time of vulnerability and need. We respect and serve all customers with an aim to restore their quality of life, whether their home is a new mansion or an aging trailer. Every job is followed by a customer satisfaction survey, linked to the Service Professional.
  • Knows how to be polished and is willing to get dirty. During a single customer visit the Service Professional may deliver an iPad presentation to a couple in their living room, crawl under the house to inspect pipes, and open a sewer cleanout as an access point for a 4,000 psi drain cleaning machine.
  • Possesses the confidence to work alone and the humility to win as a team. Service Professionals tackle most jobs solo and self-manage their pace of work. They also stay in constant communication with the Dispatchers, fellow Service Professionals, and Field Supervisor via text and phone, adjusting together as the day unfolds to ensure all customers are served.

How Mr. Rooter Plumbing supports the Service Professional 

The Service Professional will join a supportive team with a Field Supervisor who has served at Mr. Rooter for 6 years and an Operations Manager with 18 years at our company. Both are accessible instantly with a phone or video call from the jobsite. In addition to supportive management Mr. Rooter provides the tools and equipment required to succeed:

  • Vast potential market and a service that is non-discretionary. Every home is a possible customer and when there is a problem with the water or wastewater system it must be repaired. This is recession-proof work.
  • Proven history of generating consistent work for Service Professionals. Mr. Rooter Plumbing has served Portland & Vancouver since 1996. Our local team is in the top 5% of all plumbing companies in the nation by size. Today we are turning down work because demand exceeds the capacity of our team. 
  • Documented procedures and a full-time trainer. Mr. Rooter Plumber has written procedures that quickly guide new Service Professionals to high performance. These are refined and proven over time. We are also fortunate to have long-serving trainers who have a history of developing successful technicians. New Service Professionals who are willing to learn can be in their own truck running jobs in 90 days. 
  • Sophisticated tools for customer consultations. Networked iPad with presentation and quote building tools. Fiber optic video cameras to diagnose sewer line problems and show the customer exactly what their issue is and why the recommended, long-term solution is the best choice for resolution. Each van is fully equipped with parts and the heavy equipment required to complete work.
  • Opportunity for advancement. The top managers at Mr. Rooter have all grown their plumbing careers here, starting in entry-level positions. Many opportunities exist for those who commit to learning and have the ambition to grow. Within a short period of time, those who excel can earn a Water Heater Technician license or become a trainer – both positions come with a higher pay structure. Over time Supervisor and Manager positions are options.

Total compensation and benefits include:

  • Performance pay based on the value of completed jobs with no pay limit. In the last two months our Service Professionals averaged 40-hours a week and earned $4,800 to $8,300 / month.


  • 89% of our Service Professionals earned more than five thousand a month
  • 56% of our Service Professionals earned more than sixty five hundred a month
  • 22% of our Service Professionals earned more than eight thousand a month


  • Company van/truck that you drive home, fuel card, uniforms and laundry service, phone and iPad
  • 401K with employer generous match and immediate vesting. 100% match on the first 3%, 50% match on the next 2%.
  • 3 weeks of paid time off
  • 6 paid holidays
  • Excellent medical insurance with $6,180 per year paid toward your premium by Mr. Rooter


 Apply today to learn more and explore whether Mr. Rooter Plumbing is the right place for your new start.


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