How to Become a Pipefitter in Oregon (2026)
Oregon employs about 5,370 pipefitters earning a median $97,050 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Most pipefitters train through a trade school program or a registered apprenticeship before entering the field in Oregon.
Compare Pipefitter Schools in Oregon
| # | School | BOC Score (0–100) | Tuition | Median grad earnings (all majors) | Graduation rate | Online | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | College of San Mateo | 75.8 | Contact school for pricing | $69,861 | 59% | Yes* | 520 mi |
| 2 | Diablo Valley College | 69.3 | Contact school for pricing | $50,569 | 47% | Yes* | 490 mi |
| 3 | College of Eastern Idaho | 66.6 | Contact school for pricing | $55,123 | 37% | Yes* | 529 mi |
| 4 | Perry Technical Institute | 65.3 | Contact school for pricing | $63,923 | 78% | — | 139 mi |
| 5 | Peninsula College | 58.8 | Contact school for pricing | $44,056 | 39% | Yes* | 215 mi |
| 6 | Western Nevada College | 56.1 | Contact school for pricing | $50,403 | 39% | Yes* | 428 mi |
| 7 | Mission College | 52.6 | Contact school for pricing | $55,281 | 46% | — | 530 mi |
| 8 | American River College | 51.4 | Contact school for pricing | $74,069 | 35% | Yes* | 447 mi |
| 9 | North Idaho College | 46.4 | Contact school for pricing | $50,312 | 37% | Yes* | 324 mi |
| 10 | City College of San Francisco | 44.5 | Contact school for pricing | $60,859 | 40% | — | 507 mi |
Schools closest to the page's primary location are gathered first, then ranked by BOC Score; distance from the page's primary location is shown for reference. The BOC Score is an independent measure of school outcomes (graduation, earnings, net price, retention) expressed as a 0–100 percentile within each school's peer group; higher is better and advertising never affects it. *Online availability refers to coursework; hands-on trade training is completed in person. Read the full methodology.
Oregon employs approximately 5,370 pipefitters according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with a median annual wage of $97,050 1. Nationally, pipefitter employment is projected to grow 4.5% from 2024 to 2034, with about 44,000 openings per year 2. This page covers how to become a Pipefitter in Oregon, including requirements, training programs, and salary data.
At a Glance
- Training paths: trade school, community college, or apprenticeship
- Typical timeline: 1 to 5 years depending on the path
- Median wage (Oregon): $97,050 per year 1
Quick Answers About How to Become a Pipefitter in Oregon
How to become a Pipefitter in Oregon? Complete a training program or apprenticeship, gain work experience, and meet any state or employer requirements for pipefitters in Oregon.
How long does it take? Most paths into the pipefitter field take 1 to 5 years, depending on whether you complete a trade school program, a registered apprenticeship, or a combination of both.
What do pipefitters earn in Oregon? The median annual wage for pipefitters in Oregon is $97,050 according to BLS data. Entry-level wages start around $58,230 and experienced professionals can earn $147,100 or more 1.
How to Become a Pipefitter in Oregon
- Finish high school or earn a GED. Most Oregon training programs and registered apprenticeships require a high school diploma or GED to enroll.
- Complete a training program or apprenticeship. Enroll in an approved trade school program or a registered apprenticeship in Oregon that combines classroom instruction with supervised hands-on hours.
- Gain supervised work experience. Build documented on-the-job hours under a qualified supervisor as part of a registered apprenticeship or employer program in Oregon.
- Earn your journey card or employer qualification. Complete the registered apprenticeship or approved program, earn the journey card or employer qualification used in Oregon, and confirm contractor versus worker rules with the state before working unsupervised.
Steps and hour totals vary by credential level; confirm current requirements with the state board before you apply.
Pipefitter Apprenticeship Information in Oregon
Apprenticeships combine paid on-the-job training with classroom instruction and typically last 3 to 5 years. Oregon’s apprenticeship program is administered by the Oregon Apprenticeship and Training Division 3.
Contact Information:
- Office: Apprenticeship and Training Division, Oregon State Bureau of Labor and Industries
- Address: 1800 SW 1st Ave, Portland, OR 97201
- Phone: (971) 245-3844
- Email: [email protected]
Pipefitter Wages by Metro Area in Oregon
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters Wages by Metro Area in Oregon
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics ( OES data), plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters wages in Oregon vary by metro area.
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage | Avg. Annual Wage | Entry Level (10th pctile) | Experienced (90th pctile) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro | 4,600 | $101,010 | $100,710 | $57,640 | $147,100 |
| Salem | 440 | $80,610 | $79,510 | $48,330 | $97,700 |
| Bend | 240 | $92,330 | $86,420 | $59,370 | $113,030 |
| Eugene-Springfield | 210 | $84,910 | $80,800 | $47,520 | $102,500 |
| Medford | 200 | $78,440 | $78,000 | $45,880 | $105,110 |
| Albany | 130 | $84,620 | $80,820 | $46,790 | $103,730 |
| Corvallis | 80 | $80,400 | $78,480 | $58,110 | $94,530 |
Wages reflect survey data and vary based on experience, credentials, employer, and local market conditions. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May .
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the job outlook for pipefitters in Oregon? Oregon currently employs approximately 5,370 pipefitters 1. Nationally, pipefitter employment is projected to grow 4.5% from 2024 to 2034 2.
What training programs are available in Oregon? Options include trade schools, community colleges, and apprenticeship programs. Use the school finder above to search for programs in Oregon. You can also contact the Oregon Apprenticeship and Training Division for apprenticeship opportunities.
How much do pipefitters earn in Oregon compared to the national average? The median annual wage for pipefitters in Oregon is $97,050, which is $34,080 above the national median of $62,970 according to BLS data 1.
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Citations
About this guide: Researched and written by the TradeCareerPath Editorial Team. Our editorial team researches and sources every trade school and career guide using federal labor and education data, including BLS OEWS and Employment Projections, DOL apprenticeship records, IPEDS, College Scorecard, and state licensing boards. We follow the editorial standards documented at /editorial-policy/.
References
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/oes/ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Employment Projections: https://www.bls.gov/emp/ ↩︎ ↩︎
Oregon Apprenticeship and Training Division: https://www.oregon.gov/boli/apprenticeship/pages/apprenticeship-opportunities.aspx ↩︎
Data sources
Figures on this page are sourced from the federal and state datasets below. Methodology: how we rank and source data.
| Data | Provider | Vintage |
|---|---|---|
| Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | May 2025 |
| Employment Projections | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | 2024-2034 |
| Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System | National Center for Education Statistics (IPEDS) | 2024 |
| College Scorecard (school-level outcomes) | U.S. Department of Education | latest release |
| College Scorecard (field-of-study earnings) | U.S. Department of Education | latest release (updated 2026-06-12) |
| Occupational licensing requirements | CareerOneStop (U.S. Department of Labor) | latest release (updated 2026-02-22) |
| Registered apprenticeship programs | CareerOneStop / Apprenticeship.gov (U.S. Department of Labor) | latest release (updated 2025-10-25) |
| O*NET occupation profiles (skills, tasks, tools, job zones) | U.S. Department of Labor (O*NET / Employment & Training Admin.) | O*NET 29.1 (updated 2026-06-13) |