Plumber License Requirements: Apprentice, Journeyman & Master (2026 Guide)
To work as a plumber in the US, you need a license — and getting one means working your way through three distinct levels: apprentice, journeyman, and master. Each level has its own hour requirements, written exams, and fees. The specific numbers vary by state, but the structure is the same everywhere.
This guide breaks down exactly what’s required at each license level, how long it takes, what the exams cover, and what you can earn at each stage. Whether you’re just starting out or preparing to sit for your master’s exam, here’s what you need to know.
Table of Contents
Quick facts: Plumber licensing
- License levels: Apprentice → Journeyman → Master (most states)
- Time to journeyman: 4–5 years (includes apprenticeship hours + exam)
- Time to master: 2–4 years after journeyman (varies by state)
- Journeyman median salary: $62,970/yr (BLS, May 2024)
- Master plumber salary: $75,000–$95,000+/yr (union, senior roles)
- License required to work independently: Yes — in all 50 states
- Who issues the license: State licensing board or local municipality
The three levels of plumbing licensure
Plumbing licenses in the US follow a three-tier structure that mirrors most other skilled trades. You start as a registered apprentice — you’re allowed to work, but only under direct supervision. After completing your apprenticeship hours and passing a written exam, you become a journeyman plumber and can work independently on most jobs. After additional experience hours and a more rigorous exam, you can earn your master plumber license, which allows you to pull permits, run your own plumbing business, and supervise others.
The confusing part is that each state controls its own licensing requirements. Oregon requires 8,000 hours for a journeyman license. Texas requires 8,000 hours and a separate exam administered by the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners. Louisiana requires 4 years of experience and a passing score on the state exam. The hour thresholds, exam formats, and continuing education requirements all differ.
What doesn’t differ: you cannot skip levels. You have to be a journeyman before you can become a master. And you have to complete the work hours before you can sit for any exam. There are no shortcuts.
Good to know
Some states — including California, Oregon, and Washington — have a more complex license structure with additional tiers like “plumber’s trainee” or “residential plumber” categories. Always check with your state’s licensing board directly, since the level names vary even if the progression is similar.
Apprentice plumber requirements
An apprentice plumber is a registered trainee. You’re employed by a licensed plumbing contractor, working under the direct supervision of a journeyman or master plumber. You’re earning while you learn — no tuition, no student debt — but you cannot work on a job site independently.
To become a registered apprentice, you typically need to:
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Meet the minimum age and education requirements Most states require you to be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or GED. A few states allow 16- or 17-year-olds to register as apprentices with a work permit. Some apprenticeship programs also require a basic math aptitude test — nothing advanced, but you’ll want to be comfortable with fractions, measurements, and basic algebra.
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Apply through a union apprenticeship program or non-union training program The two main paths are the United Association (UA) — the union representing plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters — or a non-union apprenticeship sponsored by your employer or the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC). Both paths lead to the same journeyman license. UA programs are available at ua.org/locate-training. Non-union programs vary by contractor and region.
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Register your apprenticeship with your state licensing board Once hired, your employer registers you as a plumbing apprentice with the state. This creates the official record of your hours. In some states (like Texas and Florida), you must register within 30 days of starting work. Failing to register means your hours may not count toward your journeyman license. Your employer should handle the paperwork, but follow up to confirm it’s been done.
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Complete apprenticeship classroom hours alongside your field work UA and most formal apprenticeships require 246–612 hours of classroom instruction spread across 4–5 years. Topics include plumbing codes (primarily the International Plumbing Code or Uniform Plumbing Code), pipe fitting, blueprint reading, water supply systems, drain-waste-vent (DWV) systems, gas piping, and safety. Classes are typically held in the evenings or on weekends so they don’t conflict with your paid work hours.
What apprentice plumbers earn: Starting wages for apprentices range from $16–$22/hour in most markets, depending on whether you’re in a union program and which year of the apprenticeship you’re in. UA apprenticeships typically start you at 45–50% of journeyman scale wages and increase by 5% each year. In high-cost markets like New York City, San Francisco, or Chicago, first-year apprentice wages can be $20–$25/hour. See the full plumber salary breakdown for detailed figures by state.
Journeyman plumber license requirements
A journeyman plumber license is the primary working credential in the industry. With a journeyman license, you can work independently on residential and most commercial jobs without direct supervision. You can be hired as a lead plumber on a project. What you can’t do at this level is pull permits in your own name (in most states) or start your own plumbing business — those require a master license.
To qualify for a journeyman plumber license, you’ll generally need:
Work hours: 4,000–8,000 documented hours of apprenticeship work under a licensed journeyman or master plumber. The exact requirement varies significantly by state:
| State | Hours Required | Exam Required | Licensing Body |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texas | 8,000 hrs (4 years) | Yes — TSBPE exam | Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (tsbpe.texas.gov) |
| Florida | 4,000 hrs (2 years under licensed plumber) | Yes — state exam | Florida DBPR (myfloridalicense.com) |
| California | 4-year apprenticeship (state-registered program) | Journeyman certificate — no separate state exam at this level | California CSLB for contractors; DIR for journeyman cert (dir.ca.gov) |
| New York | Varies by city/county — no statewide journeyman license | Varies by locality | Local municipality (NYC: NYC DOB) |
| Illinois | 5-year apprenticeship | Yes — city/county exam (no statewide license) | Local municipality |
| Georgia | 4,000 hrs (2 years) for residential; 8,000 hrs (4 years) for unrestricted | Yes — state exam | Georgia Construction Industry Licensing Board (sos.ga.gov) |
| Washington | 8,000 hrs (4-year state-approved apprenticeship) | Yes — L&I exam | WA Dept. of Labor & Industries (lni.wa.gov) |
| Colorado | 8,000 hrs (4 years) | Yes — state exam | Colorado DORA (dora.colorado.gov) |
| Arizona | 4,000 hrs (2 years) for journeyman | Yes — state exam | Arizona ROC (roc.az.gov) |
| Ohio | Varies by municipality — no statewide journeyman license | Varies by city | Local municipality |
The journeyman exam: Most states use an exam based on the current plumbing code — either the International Plumbing Code (IPC) or the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC), depending on which code your state has adopted. The exam is typically 70–100 multiple-choice questions covering code requirements, pipe sizing, fixture units, venting, water supply, and drainage systems. It’s an open-book exam in most states, but only the approved code book is permitted — not your notes. Passing scores are usually 70–75%.
Pro tip
The journeyman exam is open-book, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy. Most test-takers who fail do so because they’re not fast enough at navigating the code book under time pressure — not because they don’t know the material. Before exam day, practice using the code index until you can find any topic in under 60 seconds. Trades prep courses specifically focused on code navigation are worth every dollar.
Exam fees and license costs: Application and exam fees vary by state, typically ranging from $40–$200. After passing, the journeyman license itself costs $25–$150/year depending on the state. Budget $300–$500 total for the exam, application fees, and first year of licensure.
Reciprocity: Some states recognize journeyman licenses from other states — meaning you don’t have to retake the exam if you relocate. States with reciprocity agreements include some combinations of Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, and others, but this changes frequently. Always check with the licensing board of your destination state before assuming your license transfers.
Watch out
New York, Illinois, Ohio, and several other states do not issue statewide plumbing licenses — licensing is handled at the city or county level. If you work in Chicago, you need a City of Chicago plumber’s license, not an Illinois state license. If you later move to another Illinois city, you may need to apply again. Always verify with your specific municipality, not just the state.
Master plumber license requirements
A master plumber license is the highest credential in the plumbing trade. It’s what you need to pull permits under your own name, supervise other plumbers as a contractor of record, and operate your own plumbing business legally. In most states, every plumbing business must have at least one licensed master plumber on staff or as its owner.
Getting there takes time. Most states require 2–4 additional years of experience as a journeyman before you’re eligible to sit for the master exam — on top of the 4–5 years it took to become a journeyman. Total time from zero to master plumber: 7–9 years in most states.
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Accumulate the required journeyman experience hours Most states require 2–4 years of documented work as a licensed journeyman plumber before you can apply for the master exam. Texas requires 4 years (8,000+ hours) as a licensed journeyman. Florida requires 1 year of experience as a certified journeyman. Colorado requires 2 years post-journeyman. These hours must be documented and certified by your employer or the licensing board.
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Submit your application to the state licensing board Applications typically require: proof of journeyman license (valid and in good standing), documented work history with employer verification, government-issued ID, and the application fee ($50–$300 depending on state). Some states, including Washington, also require proof of a certain number of continuing education hours completed during your journeyman period. Allow 2–6 weeks for application review before your exam date is set.
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Pass the master plumber exam The master plumber exam is more comprehensive than the journeyman exam. It covers everything in the journeyman exam plus business law, contractor licensing regulations, plan reading and estimating, gas piping systems, backflow prevention, medical gas systems (in some states), and supervisory responsibilities. It’s still open-book in most states, but the questions are harder and require deeper code knowledge. Expect 80–120 questions with a 3–4 hour time limit. Pass rate varies by state — Texas TSBPE historically sees 50–60% first-time pass rates.
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Obtain your master plumber license and meet insurance requirements After passing, you’ll receive your master plumber license — typically valid for 1–2 years before renewal. If you plan to operate your own business, you’ll also need general liability insurance (usually $300,000–$1,000,000 minimum coverage depending on state) and may need to register a business entity separately. The master license and contractor license are often two different things — holding a master license doesn’t automatically make you a licensed contractor in every state.
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Maintain your license with continuing education Most states require continuing education (CE) to renew your master license — typically 6–16 hours per renewal cycle. Required CE topics often include plumbing code updates, water efficiency, backflow prevention, and business practices. CE providers include state plumbing associations, community colleges, and online platforms. Letting your master license lapse can mean reapplying from scratch in some states, so set a renewal reminder well in advance.
Good to know: Master license vs. contractor license
In many states, a master plumber license and a plumbing contractor license are separate. The master license certifies your technical skills. The contractor license authorizes you to operate a plumbing business, pull permits, and enter contracts. Florida, for example, issues both a “Certified Plumbing Contractor” license and a “Journeyman Plumber” license as distinct credentials. When you’re ready to start your own company, check whether your state requires a separate contractor registration on top of your master license.
State-by-state license requirements at a glance
| State | Statewide License? | Journeyman Hours | Master Hours (post-JM) | Exam Basis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Texas | Yes | 8,000 hrs | 8,000 hrs as journeyman | IPC / state-specific code |
| Florida | Yes | 4,000 hrs | 1 yr as certified journeyman | FPC (Florida Plumbing Code) |
| California | No statewide JM license; contractor license via CSLB | 4-yr apprenticeship | 4 yrs experience + CSLB exam | UPC (Uniform Plumbing Code) |
| New York | No — municipal | Varies by city | Varies by city | IPC or local amendments |
| Washington | Yes | 8,000 hrs | 4,000 hrs as journeyman | UPC |
| Georgia | Yes | 4,000–8,000 hrs (by type) | 2 yrs as journeyman | IPC |
| Colorado | Yes | 8,000 hrs | 2 yrs as journeyman | IPC |
| Tennessee | Yes | 4,000 hrs | 2 yrs as journeyman | IPC |
| Michigan | Yes | 7,500 hrs (approx. 5 yrs) | 3 yrs as journeyman | Michigan Plumbing Code (IPC-based) |
| Minnesota | Yes | 7,500 hrs (MN State Apprenticeship) | 4 yrs as journeyman | MN State Plumbing Code |
Salary at each license level
Your license level directly determines your earning ceiling. Apprentices are the lowest-paid tier; master plumbers — especially those who operate their own contracting businesses — are the highest.
The median annual wage for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters is $62,970 (BLS, May 2024). That figure captures the full range from apprentice to master. Here’s a more granular breakdown by level:
| License Level | Typical Hourly Range | Annual Estimate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apprentice (Year 1) | $16–$22/hr | $33,000–$46,000 | UA programs start at ~45% of journeyman scale |
| Apprentice (Year 4–5) | $22–$32/hr | $46,000–$67,000 | Wages step up annually in union programs |
| Journeyman Plumber | $28–$45/hr | $58,000–$94,000 | BLS national median: $62,970 (May 2024). Union journeymen in high-cost cities earn $40–$55/hr. |
| Master Plumber (employee) | $35–$55/hr | $73,000–$115,000 | As a lead or supervisor at a larger contractor; varies widely by region |
| Master Plumber (business owner) | N/A — revenue-based | $80,000–$200,000+ | Highly dependent on business size, market, and number of crews |
The biggest salary jump in plumbing isn’t from journeyman to master — it’s from employed master to self-employed contractor. If running your own business is your goal, the master license is the door.
Use our skilled trade salary calculator to compare salaries for each trade by state and level of experience.
To know which trades earn the most in the United States, read: Highest Paying Trade Jobs in the US (2026 Rankings)
Pro tip
Union journeyman plumbers in cities like San Francisco, New York, Chicago, and Boston routinely earn $45–$60/hour including benefits — significantly above the national median. If you’re near a strong UA local, the union path is worth comparing against non-union wages in your area before you commit. See our full breakdown of union vs. non-union trades to run the numbers.
What happens if you work without a license?
This is worth addressing directly, because the consequences are serious. Working as a plumber without the required license is illegal in every state that has a statewide licensing law. Penalties vary, but can include:
- Fines ranging from $500 to $10,000+ per violation
- Criminal misdemeanor charges in some states
- Civil liability for any damage or injury caused by unlicensed work
- Inability to collect payment for work performed (in some states, contracts with unlicensed contractors are unenforceable)
For the homeowner or property owner, unpermitted plumbing work can void insurance coverage, create problems when selling the property, and in the case of gas line or sewer work, pose genuine safety risks.
If you’re employed by a licensed contractor as an apprentice, you’re covered under their license — you don’t need your own. The legal requirement for a personal license kicks in when you start working independently or bidding your own jobs.
Watch out
Doing side work as an unlicensed plumber — even small jobs for neighbors or family — puts you at legal and financial risk. If an unlicensed job causes water damage, a burst pipe, or a gas leak, you are personally liable with no contractor insurance to cover it. Get your license before you take on independent work.
Here’s a broader overview of requirements across the most populous states. For the full step-by-step path to becoming a plumber in your state, see our complete guide to becoming a plumber.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get a plumber’s license?
Getting a journeyman plumber’s license takes 4–5 years in most states — this includes completing a registered apprenticeship (4,000–8,000 hours of paid on-the-job training) plus passing your state’s written exam. A master plumber’s license requires an additional 2–4 years of experience as a journeyman before you’re eligible to test. Total time from starting your apprenticeship to holding a master license: 7–9 years in most states.
Do plumber’s licenses transfer between states?
Some states have reciprocity agreements that allow you to transfer your plumbing license without retaking the full exam — but this varies and is not guaranteed. States with reciprocity arrangements include some combinations in the Mountain West region, but coverage is limited. Before relocating, contact the licensing board in your destination state and ask specifically about reciprocity for your license level and issuing state. Never assume your license transfers automatically.
What’s the difference between a journeyman and master plumber license?
A journeyman plumber can work independently on most residential and commercial jobs without supervision. A master plumber can do everything a journeyman can, plus pull permits under their own name, act as the contractor of record on jobs, and operate their own plumbing business. In most states, every licensed plumbing company must have at least one master plumber as the responsible party. The master license requires additional years of journeyman experience and a more advanced exam.
Is the plumber’s license exam difficult?
The journeyman exam is challenging but passable with solid preparation. Most states administer an open-book exam based on the IPC or UPC code, so you need to know how to navigate the code quickly rather than memorize it. The master exam is harder — first-time pass rates in some states are 50–60%. Investing in a structured exam prep course significantly improves your chances. Plan for 4–8 weeks of focused study before your exam date.
Can you become a plumber without a formal apprenticeship?
In most states, you can qualify for a journeyman exam through documented work experience under a licensed plumber even if it wasn’t part of a formal registered apprenticeship — but you still need to accumulate the required hours. A formal apprenticeship (through the UA or a registered employer program) is the cleanest and most common path because it tracks your hours officially from day one. If you have informal experience, contact your state licensing board to find out exactly what documentation they’ll accept.
Do all states require a plumber’s license?
All states require some form of licensing for plumbers, but not all states issue statewide licenses. States like New York, Illinois, and Ohio regulate plumbing at the municipal or county level — meaning your license from Chicago may not be valid in another Illinois city. A handful of states, including Idaho and Kansas, have historically had limited statewide licensing infrastructure, though requirements have been tightening. Always verify with your specific city or county as well as the state.
How much does it cost to get a plumber’s license?
The out-of-pocket costs for the exam and license itself are relatively modest — typically $200–$500 for application fees, exam fees, and first-year license renewal combined. The bigger cost is the exam prep course, which ranges from $150–$600 depending on the provider and format. The real “cost” of getting a plumber’s license is the 4–5 years of apprenticeship time it takes to qualify — but since you’re earning a wage the entire time, it’s an investment that pays for itself from day one.
Next steps
If you’re ready to start, the first move is finding an apprenticeship program in your area. The United Association (UA) maintains a training center locator at ua.org/locate-training — enter your zip code to find the nearest UA local with open apprenticeship slots.
If you want to compare union and non-union options before committing, our union vs. non-union guide breaks down the pay, benefits, and trade-offs of both paths.
For the full picture on salary at every experience level and in every state, see our plumber salary guide. And if you’re already thinking ahead to running your own business, read our how to start a plumbing business guide — it covers everything from getting your contractor license to setting your rates.
See other trades’ licenses and certifications requirement guides:
