How to Become a Plumber: Licensing Rules for Every State

If a career in plumbing is in your future, then it is important to know your state’s local plumbing licensing requirements. It isn’t uncommon for most states to share similar licensure requirements. For example, common requirements include:

Applying for/providing proof of completion of an accredited plumbing program;
Ensuring you have liability insurance;
Having access to all necessary certificates (including a certificate of insurance), and paying any fees associated with the license;
Having proof of workers’ compensation;
Acquiring surety bonds;
Preparing for a state-mandated plumbing license exam.

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While most states offer different licensing types i.e. journeyman, master plumber, and apprenticeships — some do not. If the applicant has obtained a plumbing license in another state and wishes to transfer, they must abide by all license transfer rules and regulations of the state they are moving to. This may require them to retake exams and pay transfer fees. However, some states don’t have any transfer requirements — if the applicant meets all of the criteria, then they are able to transfer at no cost.

Alabama Plumbing License: There are two plumbing licensure levels in Alabama: a journeyman (which requires two years’ experience as an apprentice to attain), and a master plumber (which requires at least one year of experience as a journeyman).

Alaska Plumbing License: In Alaska, applicants must obtain a plumbing gas license and/or a plumbing utility license. Alaska is also known as the highest paying state for construction and extraction occupations, including plumbing.

Arizona Plumbing License: There are two possible plumbing licenses one can obtain in Arizona: a commercial plumbing license (L-37), or a residential plumbing license (C-37R).

Arkansas Plumbing License: Current plumbers relocating to Arkansas will want to keep in mind that the state does not offer reciprocal license agreements on a state-by-state basis. Instead, those from other states seeking licensure in Arkansas will need to apply with the State Committee of Plumbing Examiners.

California Plumbing License: In California, applicants can bid and work as a journeyman, but only on projects that are valued at $500 or less. Any project worth more will require a C-36 plumbing license.

Colorado Plumbing License: Colorado state requires plumbing applicants to obtain their licenses at the local or municipal level. Despite this, prospecting plumbers must still meet the statewide regulations before working.

Connecticut Plumbing License: In Connecticut, prospective plumbers can apply as an apprentice, journeyman, or master plumber. It is only at the master plumber level where an individual will be able to work as an independent plumbing contractor.

Delaware Plumbing License: Delaware breaks down the classification of licensing into two different contracting types: a non-resident contractor license, and a resident contractor license.

Florida Plumbing License: Plumbers in Florida have two options — they can either work as a general contractor throughout the entire state or an individual plumber in their local jurisdiction.

Georgia Plumbing License: All plumbers in the state of Georgia must be licensed, even when working under a plumbing contractor or master plumber.

Hawaii Plumbing License: Currently, Hawaii has no plumbing license reciprocity agreement with any other state. All prospecting plumbers moving from another state must meet the same licensing and examination requirements as current Hawaii residents.

Idaho Plumbing License: In Idaho, the highest level of licensure a plumber can obtain is that of a contractor. To get to this level, applicants must complete the contractor application, possess two and a half years of plumbing experience as a journeyman plumber, and pass the contractor’s exam.

Illinois Plumbing License: Plumbing licenses in Illinois are administered at the state level, unlike the Illinois general contractor license.

Indiana Plumbing License: There are no master plumbers in the state of Indiana. Instead, they have plumbing contractors. At this level, individuals are able to submit bids, work independently, observe journeymen plumbers, and are held responsible for the entire project.

Iowa Plumbing License: Those who move to Iowa from Minnesota, Nebraska, and South Dakota are able to reciprocate their plumbing license. But only if they are licensed as a journeyman or master plumber in their current state.

Kansas Plumbing License: In Kansas, a license is not required to work as a plumber. Check with your local government to see if there are any local requirements needed to become a plumber in your area.

Kentucky Plumbing License: Apprentice, journeyman, and contractor licenses available via application in Kentucky.

Louisiana Plumbing License: If applicants in Louisiana do not wish to become a journeyman or master plumber, then they can become a plumbing tradesman instead. Meaning they are only able to perform maintenance on existing plumbing.

Maine Plumbing License: Maine does not have any reciprocity agreements with any other state. However, reciprocity shall be granted if the state in which an applicant received their license holds at least equal standards and requirements as Main.

Maryland Plumbing License: Performing any type of plumbing work in the state of Maryland could result in fines, legal penalties, and jail time. To prevent this, applicants should ensure they meet all state-mandated plumbing license requirements.

Massachusetts Plumbing License: Prior to obtaining a license in Massachusetts, it is suggested that prospecting plumbers first decide whether they want to work for a plumbing company or start their own business. From here, it will then determine which type of licensure level they should aim for.

Michigan Plumbing License: As of May 2018, the median hourly wage of a plumber in Michigan is $32.24.

Minnesota Plumbing License: In Minnesota, plumbers have the option to work under several distinct classifications, each requiring its own license.

Mississippi Plumbing License: Plumbing is considered to be a construction trade in the state of Mississippi. Because of this, applicants that are seeking a plumbing trade must also meet the requirements specific to the construction trade.

Missouri Plumbing License: In Missouri, a license is not required to work as a plumber. Here, a plumbing license is sought after at the local or county levels.

Montana Plumbing License: Montana state law requires that individuals must get five years of practical, hands-on experience before becoming a journeyman plumber, and then obtain another four years of experience to achieve the status of a master plumber.

Nebraska Plumbing License: In Nebraska, a license is not required to work as a plumber. Instead, the state will aid applicants in becoming an apprentice through the registered apprenticeship portal. The licensing process of becoming a journeyman or master plumber varies on a city-by-city basis.

Nevada Plumbing License: Nevada issues three different types of contractor classifications: Class A (general engineering contractor), Class B (general building contractor), and Class C (specialty contractor).

New Hampshire Plumbing License: The state of New Hampshire has a classification system that accounts for apprentice, journeyman, and master plumbers. This is also one of the few states that do not have any occurring reciprocity agreements with other states.

New Jersey Plumbing License: In order to become a plumber in New Jersey, prospective plumbers must have a combination of training, in-field experience, and must have acquired the proper licenses.

New Mexico Plumbing License: Prospective plumbers in New Mexico must first enter an apprenticeship program, and then become a journeyman before being eligible to work as a plumbing contractor.

New York Plumbing License: In New York, a license is not required to work as a plumber.

North Carolina Plumbing License: In North Carolina, there are three classes of contractors licenses available: limited license, intermediate license, and an unlimited license.

North Dakota Plumbing License: There are four types of general contracting licenses in North Dakota: Class A, Class B, Class C, and Class D.

Ohio Plumbing License: In Ohio, a license is not required to work as a plumber. Instead, all licensure occurs at the local level.

Oklahoma Plumbing License: If you have a current plumbing license in any of the following states, then you are able to transfer your credentials and work as a plumber in Oklahoma: Alaska, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Iowa, Montana, Nebraska, South Dakota, Texas, and Wyoming.

Oregon Plumbing License: Plumbers and other contractors in the state of Oregon are required to have either a trade school education or a certain number of completed apprenticeship hours. These requirements must be fulfilled prior to applying for a license.

Pennsylvania Plumbing License: A plumbing license is not required to work in the state of Pennsylvania.

Rhode Island Plumbing License: In Rhode Island, applicants can apply for three plumbing licensure levels: apprentice, journeyman, and contractor plumber — each of which has their own set of requirements.

South Carolina Plumbing License: In South Carolina, a license is required to work as a plumber.

South Dakota Plumbing License: Plumbing licenses in South Dakota are delegated at the state level, unlike South Dakota general contractors licenses.

Tennessee Plumbing License: It is possible that in the state of Tennessee, plumbers may be required to obtain a variety of licenses. This is determined by the scope of work they do and the type of projects they wish to complete.

Texas Plumbing License: In the state of Texas, plumbing licenses must be renewed every three years.

Utah Plumbing License: In Utah, prospecting plumbers must meet requirements set by the Utah Department of Commerce Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing and the Plumber Licensing Act in the Utah Administrative Code.

Vermont Plumbing License: The state of Vermont will recognize anyone with a current journeyman, master, or specialist plumbing license previously issued in another state.

Virginia Plumbing License: To renew a master plumber’s license in Virginia, individuals must complete continuing education courses.

Washington Plumbing License: The general course progression goes from trade school trainee to journeyman in the state of Washington.

Washington D.C. Plumbing License: To become a licensed plumber in Washington D.C., applicants must successfully complete the requirements, followed by applying through the D.C. Board of Industrial Trades.

West Virginia Plumbing License: There are three plumbing licensure levels in West Virginia: plumbers in training, journeyman, and a master plumber.

Wisconsin Plumbing License: Plumbers in Wisconsin who wish to perform work on dwellings, structures, or sites must also receive DSPS Dwelling Contractor certification.

Wyoming Plumbing License: In Wyoming, a license is not required to work as a plumber.

Since each state has its own licensing rules and regulations, it is important to check with local and state governments for additional requirements prior to obtaining your license.