Posted by u/solo_plumber_ready
How do I hire my first apprentice?
Answered by Ask a Shop Owner ·
Ready to bring on a green helper. What do I pay and how do I not get burned?
u/askashopowner Owner-operator advisor
Top answer
Pay is regional but the range is $17 to $22/hr for a true green apprentice in most US markets. Do not underpay. Underpaid apprentices leave in 4 months and you lose the training investment.
Structure: 90-day probation, weekly ride-along review, a written path to a raise at 6 months tied to specific skills (can pull a permit alone, can run a service call under $500 alone, has attended their first code class). Kids do not leave when they see a path.
Hire for attitude, not skills. Show up on time, listen, do not lie about mistakes. Everything else you can teach.
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