Plumbing is one of the most financially rewarding and recession-resistant trade careers available. Every building needs plumbing and when it breaks you need a licensed plumber immediately. Licensed master plumbers routinely earn $40-$60+/hr, and successful plumbing contractors earn six-figure incomes. Here is the complete career path from student to licensed journeyman to master plumber.
Steps to Become a Licensed Plumber
- Step 1: Complete a plumbing training program or enter an apprenticeship: Community college plumbing programs take 1-2 years. UA union apprenticeship programs take 5 years. Both require parallel on-the-job training hours to qualify for licensing.
- Step 2: Accumulate apprentice and OJT hours: Most states require 4,000-8,000 hours of supervised plumbing work to qualify for journeyman examination. Hours are accumulated while working under a licensed journeyman or master plumber.
- Step 3: Pass the journeyman plumber exam: State-administered exam covering plumbing codes, system design, and installation standards. Most states use the NITC or a similar exam platform.
- Step 4: Work as a journeyman plumber: Journeyman plumbers work under master plumbers and can supervise apprentices. Most states require 2-4 years of journeyman experience before taking the master exam.
- Step 5: Become a master plumber: Master plumber exam covers advanced plumbing design, code compliance, and management. Required to pull permits and operate your own business in most states.
Plumber Licensing Requirements
- Three-tier system: Most states have Apprentice, Journeyman, and Master levels. Each requires documented hours and a state exam.
- IPC vs UPC: International Plumbing Code is used by most states. Uniform Plumbing Code is used by California, Arizona, and others.
- Reciprocity: Some states accept licensing from other states. Check your specific state plumbing board for details.
Plumber Salary by State
- California (Bay Area): $44-$62/hr union
- Washington State: $40-$58/hr union
- New York: $44-$60/hr union
- Massachusetts: $44-$60/hr union
- Illinois (Chicago): $38-$54/hr union
- Texas: $24-$40/hr
- Florida: $24-$40/hr
- National median (BLS): Approximately $30/hr
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become a plumber?
The full path from entry-level to licensed journeyman typically takes 4-6 years, combining classroom training and OJT hours. UA union apprenticeships are structured 5-year programs. Reaching master plumber status takes an additional 2-4 years after journeyman licensing.
Is plumbing a good career?
Yes. Plumbing consistently ranks among the most in-demand and financially rewarding trades. It is recession-resistant, cannot be outsourced, and provides the income foundation for a profitable independent business. Licensed master plumbers with their own contracting businesses often earn $100,000-$300,000+/yr.
What is the difference between journeyman and master plumber?
A journeyman plumber has passed the state journeyman exam and can perform plumbing work independently but must work under a master plumber permit in most states. A master plumber has passed the more advanced master exam, can pull their own permits, and can legally operate their own plumbing contracting business.
What is a UA plumbing apprenticeship?
UA (United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipe Fitting Industry) runs 5-year plumbing apprenticeship programs in major cities across the US. These programs are free, pay wages from day one starting at 50-60 percent of journeyman wage, and provide structured classroom and OJT training leading to journeyman certification.
How do I start my own plumbing business?
To operate a plumbing contracting business, you typically need a master plumber license in your state, a contractor license, business insurance and bonding, and a business entity. Many successful plumbing business owners spent 8-12 years as apprentice and journeyman plumbers before launching their own companies.
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