How to Become a Licensed Plumber: Apprenticeship, Exams & Salary by State
Plumbing is one of the highest-paying trades in America, with a clear path from apprentice to master plumber — and no college degree required. Here’s everything you need to know about getting your plumber’s license.
Plumber License Levels
Most states have a tiered licensing system:
| Level | Requirements | What You Can Do |
|---|---|---|
| Apprentice | Enroll in program | Work under supervision of journeyman/master |
| Journeyman | 4 – 5 years apprenticeship + exam | Work independently, install/repair plumbing |
| Master | 2 – 4 additional years + exam | Run your own business, pull permits, supervise |
Step-by-Step Path
1. Meet Basic Requirements
- Age: 18+ (16 to 17 in some apprenticeship programs)
- Education: High school diploma or GED
- Physical: Ability to do physical labor, work in confined spaces
- Driver’s license: Required by most employers
2. Complete an Apprenticeship (4 – 5 Years)
The apprenticeship is the core of plumber training:
- On-the-job training: 8,000 to 10,000 hours (4 to 5 years)
- Classroom instruction: 144 to 250 hours per year
- Pay during apprenticeship: Starting at $15 to $20/hour, increasing annually
- By year 4: Earning $25 to $35/hour in most markets
Finding an apprenticeship:
- United Association (UA) union programs — the most structured path
- Non-union contractor programs
- State-approved apprenticeship programs through Department of Labor
- Community college programs combined with work experience
3. Pass the Journeyman Exam
After completing your apprenticeship:
- Register for the journeyman plumber exam
- Exam covers: plumbing codes, installation, repair, safety, blueprint reading
- Most states use the International Plumbing Code (IPC) or Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC)
- Pass rate: varies by state (60% to 80% typical)
- Fee: $50 to $300
4. Get Experience as a Journeyman (2 – 4 Years)
Most states require 2 to 4 years of journeyman experience before you can apply for a master license.
5. Pass the Master Plumber Exam (Optional but Valuable)
The master plumber license lets you:
- Run your own plumbing business
- Pull permits directly
- Supervise apprentices and journeymen
- Bid on larger commercial projects
State Requirements Vary
Plumbing licensing is one of the most varied professions state by state:
States Without State-Level Licensing
These states license plumbers at the local/county level instead:
- California — Licensed through local jurisdictions
- Nevada — County-level licensing
- New York — City/county licensing (NYC has its own system)
- Pennsylvania — Local licensing only
- Wyoming — No state plumber license
States With the Most Requirements
- Texas: 8,000 hours apprenticeship + exam
- Ohio: 5 years experience + exam
- Illinois: 5 years experience + exam
- Michigan: 6,000 hours + exam
Check your specific state at LicenseCompass.
Costs
| Expense | Range |
|---|---|
| Apprenticeship tuition | $0 – $2,000/year (union programs often free) |
| Tools | $500 – $2,000 (accumulated over apprenticeship) |
| Exam fee | $50 – $300 |
| License application | $50 – $200 |
| Insurance/bonding (for master) | $500 – $2,000/year |
| Total to journeyman | $1,000 – $5,000 |
The key advantage: you earn $30,000 to $50,000/year during your apprenticeship, so the net cost is actually negative — you make money while training.
Salary
| Level | Median Salary | Top 10% |
|---|---|---|
| Apprentice (Year 1) | $31,000 – $38,000 | — |
| Apprentice (Year 4) | $48,000 – $58,000 | — |
| Journeyman | $61,550 | $98,000+ |
| Master Plumber | $70,000 – $90,000 | $120,000+ |
| Business Owner | $80,000 – $150,000+ | $200,000+ |
Highest-paying states: California, New York, Illinois, Massachusetts, Washington
Highest-paying specialties: Medical gas installation, commercial fire sprinkler systems, green/sustainable plumbing
Plumber vs. Other Trades
| Factor | Plumber | Electrician | HVAC Tech |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apprenticeship | 4 – 5 years | 4 – 5 years | 3 – 5 years |
| Median salary | $61,550 | $61,590 | $51,390 |
| Physical demand | High | Moderate | Moderate-High |
| Emergency calls | Yes (more often) | Sometimes | Seasonal peaks |
| Business ownership | Common | Common | Common |
| Job growth | 2% (average) | 6% (faster than avg) | 6% (faster than avg) |
Specializations
Licensed plumbers can specialize in:
- Commercial plumbing — Larger projects, higher pay, more complex systems
- Medical gas systems — Hospitals and healthcare (requires additional certification)
- Fire sprinkler systems — Growing demand, specialized licensing in some states
- Pipefitting/steamfitting — Industrial systems, power plants
- Green plumbing — Water conservation, solar water heating, rainwater harvesting
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become a licensed plumber? 4 to 5 years for a journeyman license (apprenticeship), then 2 to 4 more years for a master plumber license. Total: 6 to 9 years from start to master.
Can I become a plumber without an apprenticeship? Some states accept equivalent work experience instead of a formal apprenticeship, but this is becoming less common. The apprenticeship model is the standard path.
Is plumbing a good career? Yes. The median salary ($61,550) exceeds many jobs requiring a bachelor’s degree, the work is in constant demand, and there’s a clear path to business ownership. The aging workforce means strong demand for new plumbers.
What’s the hardest part of becoming a plumber? The physical demands and the length of the apprenticeship. Plumbing involves working in tight spaces, lifting heavy materials, and occasional emergency calls. The 4 to 5 year apprenticeship requires patience, but you’re earning throughout.
Do plumbers need continuing education? Most states require CE for license renewal (typically 4 to 16 hours per renewal cycle). Topics usually cover code updates, safety, and new technologies.
Salary data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Requirements vary by state and locality — verify at LicenseCompass.