Plumbing License Requirements By State: Hours, Exams & Fees
Every state in the U.S. regulates plumbing work differently, which means the plumbing license requirements by state vary widely in terms of experience hours, exams, fees, and even license tiers. Whether you’re an apprentice mapping out your career path or a licensed plumber considering a move across state lines, knowing exactly what’s required saves you time, money, and frustration.
That’s why we built this guide. At plumbingjobs, we connect plumbing professionals with employers across all 50 states, and we know firsthand that licensing questions come up constantly. What exam does Texas require? How many hours of experience does California demand? Does your current license transfer to another state? These are real questions that affect real career decisions.
Below, you’ll find a complete state-by-state breakdown covering experience hour requirements, exam details, application fees, and renewal timelines. We’ve organized everything so you can jump straight to your state or browse the full list to compare requirements. Each entry reflects current standards as of early 2026, with direct references to each state’s licensing board so you can verify details and start your application when you’re ready.
1. Use PlumbingJobs.com to find licensed jobs
Understanding plumbing license requirements by state is only half the equation. Once you know what you’re licensed for, you need to find employers who actually need that license level. PlumbingJobs.com gives you a direct path from your credentials to your next job, without wading through irrelevant listings from general job boards.
Match your license level to common job titles
Your license tier directly shapes which job titles you qualify for. An apprentice license typically aligns with roles listed as “plumbing helper,” “apprentice plumber,” or “trainee technician.” A journeyman license opens doors to service technician, drain technician, and residential plumber roles. A master plumber license puts you in line for lead plumber, project foreman, or plumbing supervisor positions.
Knowing this match before you search saves time and keeps you from applying to roles that require more than you currently hold. Use your license tier as your first filter when browsing listings, and pair it with your state to narrow results down to what you can legally accept today.
Filter plumbing jobs by state, city, and role
PlumbingJobs.com lets you search by state, city, and specific job title, so you’re not scrolling through listings in states where your license doesn’t apply. This matters because a journeyman license from Texas doesn’t automatically qualify you to work in California, and employers in those states post with that in mind.
Filtering by your licensed state first keeps your job search grounded in what you can legally accept right now.
When you relocate and complete the licensing process in a new state, update your search filters to reflect your new jurisdiction. The platform’s geographic tools mirror the reality that plumbing work is local and licensing is state-specific.
What employers mean by apprentice, journeyman, and master
Employers use these three terms to communicate legal requirements and on-site responsibilities, not just seniority levels. When a listing says “journeyman required,” they mean the candidate must hold an active journeyman plumber license in that state. It is not a preference. It is a condition tied directly to permits, inspections, and liability.
A master plumber designation often signals that the employer expects you to pull permits, supervise apprentices, and take responsibility for code compliance. If you see “master preferred,” that usually means they will consider a strong journeyman who is actively pursuing master-level credentials in that state.
How licensing affects pay, responsibilities, and hireability
Your license level is one of the strongest factors in your starting pay rate. Journeymen consistently earn more than apprentices, and master plumbers command the highest wages because they carry the most legal responsibility. Employers factor your license tier into their offers before they consider experience or references.
Beyond pay, your license determines what tasks you are legally allowed to perform without direct supervision. Some states prohibit apprentices from working without a licensed journeyman on site. This affects scheduling, productivity, and the contract types an employer can take on, which is why hiring managers screen for license level before anything else.
What to gather before you apply or interview
Before you submit an application or walk into an interview, have your license number and issuing state ready. Most employers will verify this directly with the state licensing board. You should also know your license expiration date and whether you have completed any continuing education required for renewal.
Bring documentation of your apprenticeship hours if you are applying as a journeyman, or your journeyman history if you are pursuing master-level roles. Employers in states with strict licensing structures expect candidates to present clean, verifiable records from day one, so organizing this paperwork before you apply puts you ahead of most applicants.
2. Alabama to Colorado
The six states in this group reflect the full range of how states approach plumbing license requirements by state, from Colorado’s locally controlled system to Louisiana-style apprenticeship structures. Read through the entries for your state, then verify current details with the relevant state licensing board before you submit any application.
State section template for this group
Each state entry below follows the same structure. The first H3 covers experience hour requirements, license tiers, and exam details. The second covers fees, renewal cycles, and any exceptions worth noting. Where a state delegates licensing to local jurisdictions, that is called out directly.
Always confirm fee amounts with the official state board before applying, as these figures are updated more frequently than experience or exam requirements.
Alabama: License requirements and exams
Alabama requires four years of documented work experience to qualify for a journeyman plumber license. The state uses a written examination administered by the Alabama Plumbers and Gas Fitters Examining Board. Master plumber candidates must hold a journeyman license for at least one year before sitting for the master exam.
Alabama: Fees, renewal, and special notes
Initial application fees run approximately $50 to $150 depending on license tier. Licenses renew annually, and continuing education is required for renewal. Alabama does not have statewide reciprocity agreements, so out-of-state applicants must meet all local requirements from scratch.
Alaska: License requirements and exams
Alaska issues journeyman and master plumber licenses through the Department of Labor and Workforce Development. Journeyman applicants need 8,000 hours of experience under a licensed master, and both tiers require a written trade exam.
Alaska: Fees, renewal, and special notes
License fees range from $50 to $100, with biennial renewal required. Alaska has no formal reciprocity program, though the board reviews out-of-state credentials on a case-by-case basis.
Arizona: License requirements and exams
Arizona licenses plumbing contractors through the Registrar of Contractors, not individual plumbers. Individual journeyman certifications exist but are locally managed by city or county jurisdictions such as Phoenix and Tucson.
Arizona: Fees, renewal, and special notes
Contractor license fees start at $270, with annual renewal. Individual journeyman requirements and fees vary by municipality, so contact your local building department directly.
Arkansas: License requirements and exams
Arkansas requires four years of apprenticeship experience for journeyman candidates. The State Plumbing Board administers written exams for both journeyman and master tiers.
Arkansas: Fees, renewal, and special notes
Application fees run $40 to $75, and licenses renew annually. Arkansas has limited reciprocity and evaluates out-of-state applicants individually.
California: License requirements and exams
California licenses plumbing contractors through the Contractors State License Board (CSLB). Individual plumber licensing is handled at the local level, meaning city and county jurisdictions set their own journeyman and apprenticeship requirements.
California: Fees, renewal, and special notes
CSLB contractor license fees start at $450, with biennial renewal. Local journeyman card fees and renewal terms vary widely, so check with your specific municipality.
Colorado: License requirements and exams
Colorado does not issue a statewide plumbing license. Licensing is entirely managed at the local jurisdiction level. Denver, Colorado Springs, and other municipalities each set their own experience, exam, and application requirements.
Colorado: Fees, renewal, and special notes
Fees and renewal cycles depend entirely on your specific city or county. Contact your local building department to confirm current requirements before applying.
3. Connecticut to Florida
This group covers four jurisdictions with notably different approaches to plumbing license requirements by state. Connecticut runs a centralized state licensing program, while Florida operates one of the more structured contractor licensing systems in the country. Read each entry carefully, especially if you are planning to relocate or apply in a new jurisdiction.
State section template for this group
Each entry below covers experience hours, license tiers, and exam requirements in the first H3, followed by fees, renewal cycles, and notable exceptions in the second. Where a jurisdiction uses a unique structure, that is flagged directly.
Verify all fee amounts with the official licensing board before submitting your application, as costs update more frequently than experience or exam requirements.
Connecticut: License requirements and exams
Connecticut licenses plumbers through the Department of Consumer Protection. Journeyman candidates need 8,000 hours of supervised experience, and both journeyman and master tiers require a written exam. The state uses a tiered structure that separates plumbing from gas piping work.
Connecticut: Fees, renewal, and special notes
Application fees run $80 to $160 depending on license tier. Licenses renew annually, and Connecticut does not offer reciprocity, so out-of-state plumbers must meet all state requirements from the start.
Delaware: License requirements and exams
Delaware requires four years of verified field experience for journeyman applicants, administered through the Delaware Board of Plumbing Examiners. Both journeyman and master exams are written and must be passed before a license is issued.
Delaware: Fees, renewal, and special notes
Initial fees range from $50 to $100, with biennial renewal required. Delaware evaluates out-of-state credentials individually and does not participate in a formal reciprocity agreement.
District of Columbia: License requirements and exams
DC licenses plumbers through the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA). Journeyman applicants need 8,000 documented hours of supervised work, and a written examination is required for both journeyman and master classifications.
District of Columbia: Fees, renewal, and special notes
License fees run $70 to $120, and licenses renew every two years. DC does not have reciprocity with surrounding states, so Maryland or Virginia plumbers must apply through the standard process.
Florida: License requirements and exams
Florida licenses plumbing contractors through the Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB). You must pass a written business and finance exam plus a trade exam, and demonstrate four years of experience to qualify as a certified plumbing contractor.
Florida: Fees, renewal, and special notes
Initial application fees are approximately $249, with biennial renewal at a similar cost. Florida offers limited reciprocity through endorsement, and continuing education is required at each renewal cycle.
4. Georgia to Indiana
This group of five states covers a range of licensing structures, from Hawaii’s centralized statewide system to Illinois, where local jurisdictions carry significant authority. Use this section to confirm what your specific state requires before you apply.
State section template for this group
Each entry below follows the same format. The first H3 addresses experience hours, license tiers, and exam details. The second covers fees, renewal timelines, and any exceptions. Where local jurisdictions control licensing, that is noted explicitly.
Always verify current fee amounts directly with your state licensing board before submitting an application.
Georgia: License requirements and exams
Georgia licenses plumbers through the Georgia State Construction Industry Licensing Board. Journeyman applicants need four years of documented field experience, and both journeyman and master candidates must pass a written trade exam administered by the board.
Georgia: Fees, renewal, and special notes
Application fees range from $75 to $150 depending on license tier. Licenses renew every two years, and Georgia evaluates out-of-state credentials on a case-by-case basis without a formal reciprocity agreement.
Hawaii: License requirements and exams
Hawaii issues plumber licenses through the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs. Journeyman candidates must complete 8,000 hours of supervised work experience, and both journeyman and master tiers require a written examination before a license is issued.
Hawaii: Fees, renewal, and special notes
Initial fees run $30 to $80, with biennial renewal required. Hawaii does not have a reciprocity program, so out-of-state applicants must satisfy all state requirements from scratch.
Idaho: License requirements and exams
Idaho manages plumbing license requirements by state through the Division of Building Safety. Journeyman applicants need four years of apprenticeship-level experience, and the written exam covers Idaho’s plumbing code directly.
Idaho: Fees, renewal, and special notes
Fees range from $40 to $90, and licenses renew annually. Idaho offers limited reciprocity and reviews each out-of-state application individually.
Illinois: License requirements and exams
Illinois does not issue a statewide plumber license. Licensing is controlled at the local jurisdiction level, meaning Chicago, Springfield, and other municipalities each set their own experience, exam, and application requirements.
Illinois: Fees, renewal, and special notes
Fees and renewal cycles vary by city or county. Contact your local building department to confirm current requirements before you start the application process.
Indiana: License requirements and exams
Indiana licenses plumbers through the Indiana Plumbing Commission. Journeyman applicants must document four years of field experience under a licensed master plumber, and both tiers require a written exam.
Indiana: Fees, renewal, and special notes
Application fees run $50 to $100, with biennial renewal required. Indiana does not maintain a formal reciprocity agreement, and out-of-state plumbers must meet all commission requirements independently.
5. Iowa to Louisiana
These four states represent a solid cross-section of how plumbing license requirements by state work in the central and southern U.S. Iowa and Kansas lean on statewide administrative boards, while Louisiana adds a contractor licensing layer on top of individual trade credentials.
State section template for this group
Each entry follows the same structure. The first H3 covers experience hours, license tiers, and exam requirements. The second covers fees, renewal cycles, and notable exceptions. Where a state has unusual rules or local carve-outs, those are flagged directly.
Confirm all current fee amounts with your state licensing board before submitting any application, as cost schedules change more often than experience or exam requirements.
Iowa: License requirements and exams
Iowa licenses plumbers through the Iowa Plumbing and Mechanical Systems Board. Journeyman applicants must document 8,000 hours of supervised work experience, and both journeyman and master tiers require a written exam covering Iowa’s adopted plumbing code.
Iowa: Fees, renewal, and special notes
Application fees range from $50 to $100 depending on license tier. Licenses renew every two years, and Iowa evaluates out-of-state credentials on a case-by-case basis without a standing reciprocity agreement.
Kansas: License requirements and exams
Kansas manages plumber licensing through the Kansas Plumbing Board. Journeyman candidates need four years of documented apprenticeship experience, and both journeyman and master applicants must pass a written trade exam before a license is issued.
Kansas: Fees, renewal, and special notes
Initial fees run $30 to $80, with annual renewal required. Kansas does not maintain a formal reciprocity program, so out-of-state plumbers must satisfy all board requirements independently.
Kentucky: License requirements and exams
Kentucky issues plumber licenses through the Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction. Journeyman applicants must complete 8,000 hours of field experience under a licensed master, and a written exam is required for both journeyman and master classifications.
Kentucky: Fees, renewal, and special notes
Fees range from $40 to $100, and licenses renew annually. Kentucky offers limited reciprocity and reviews each out-of-state application on its own merits.
Louisiana: License requirements and exams
Louisiana licenses individual plumbers through the State Plumbing Board of Louisiana. Journeyman candidates need four years of verified work experience, and both tiers require a written exam administered by the board.
Louisiana: Fees, renewal, and special notes
Application fees run $50 to $120 depending on license tier. Licenses renew every two years, and Louisiana does not participate in a formal reciprocity agreement with other states.
6. Maine to Michigan
These four states all run centralized statewide licensing programs, which makes them easier to research than states that delegate control to local jurisdictions. That said, the specific hour requirements, exam formats, and fee structures still differ enough that you need to read each entry closely before you apply or plan a move.
State section template for this group
Each entry below follows the same structure. The first H3 covers experience hours, license tiers, and exam requirements. The second covers fees, renewal cycles, and notable exceptions. Where a state has specific reciprocity conditions or unusual renewal rules, those are flagged directly.
Confirm all current fee amounts with your state licensing board before submitting any application, as cost schedules change more often than experience or exam requirements.
Maine: License requirements and exams
Maine licenses plumbers through the Department of Professional and Financial Regulation. Journeyman applicants must document four years of supervised field experience, and both journeyman and master candidates are required to pass a written trade exam before a license is issued.
Maine: Fees, renewal, and special notes
Application fees range from $50 to $100 depending on license tier. Licenses renew every two years, and Maine evaluates out-of-state credentials individually without a standing reciprocity agreement.
Maryland: License requirements and exams
Maryland issues plumber licenses through the Maryland Home Improvement Commission, with some additional oversight at the local level. Journeyman applicants need four years of documented apprenticeship experience, and written exams are required at both journeyman and master tiers.
Maryland: Fees, renewal, and special notes
Fees run $50 to $120 depending on tier and jurisdiction. Licenses renew every two years, and Maryland does not maintain a formal statewide reciprocity program for out-of-state plumbers.
Massachusetts: License requirements and exams
Massachusetts licenses plumbers through the Board of State Examiners of Plumbers and Gas Fitters. Journeyman candidates must complete 8,000 hours of supervised work experience, and both journeyman and master applicants must pass written trade exams administered directly by the board.
Massachusetts: Fees, renewal, and special notes
Initial application fees run $60 to $130, with biennial renewal required. Massachusetts offers no reciprocity, so out-of-state plumbers must satisfy all board requirements from scratch regardless of their current credentials.
Michigan: License requirements and exams
Michigan issues plumber licenses through the Bureau of Construction Codes. Journeyman applicants need four years of verified field experience under a licensed master plumber, and both tiers require a written examination before a license is granted.
Michigan: Fees, renewal, and special notes
Application fees range from $50 to $100, and licenses renew on a three-year cycle, which is longer than most states in this group. Michigan evaluates out-of-state credentials individually and does not participate in a formal reciprocity agreement.
7. Minnesota to New Jersey
This group spans eight states and includes some of the most structured statewide licensing systems in the country, particularly Minnesota and New Jersey. Each state below maintains its own exam and renewal schedule, so read each entry for your state before you start any application tied to plumbing license requirements by state.
State section template for this group
Each entry follows the same structure. The first H3 covers experience hours, license tiers, and exam requirements. The second covers fees, renewal cycles, and notable exceptions. Local carve-outs are flagged where they apply.
Always confirm current fee amounts directly with your state licensing board before submitting an application.
Minnesota: License requirements and exams
Minnesota licenses plumbers through the Department of Labor and Industry. Journeyman applicants must complete 8,000 hours of supervised experience, and both journeyman and master tiers require a written exam.
Minnesota: Fees, renewal, and special notes
Fees run $30 to $100 depending on tier. Licenses renew every two years, and Minnesota does not maintain a formal reciprocity agreement with other states.
Mississippi: License requirements and exams
Mississippi issues licenses through the State Board of Contractors. Journeyman candidates need four years of documented field experience, and a written trade exam is required for both journeyman and master classifications.
Mississippi: Fees, renewal, and special notes
Application fees range from $50 to $100. Licenses renew annually, and out-of-state credentials are reviewed individually without a standing reciprocity program.
Missouri: License requirements and exams
Missouri does not issue a statewide plumber license. Licensing is handled entirely at the local jurisdiction level, with cities like St. Louis and Kansas City each setting their own requirements.
Missouri: Fees, renewal, and special notes
Fees and renewal cycles vary by municipality. Contact your local building department directly to confirm current requirements before you apply.
Montana: License requirements and exams
Montana licenses plumbers through the Department of Labor and Industry. Journeyman applicants need four years of verified field experience, and both tiers require a written exam before a license is issued.
Montana: Fees, renewal, and special notes
Fees range from $40 to $80, with biennial renewal required. Montana reviews out-of-state credentials case by case.
Nebraska: License requirements and exams
Nebraska manages licensing through the State Plumbing Board. Journeyman candidates must document four years of supervised experience, and written exams are required at both journeyman and master levels.
Nebraska: Fees, renewal, and special notes
Application fees run $30 to $75, and licenses renew annually. Nebraska does not participate in a formal reciprocity program.
Nevada: License requirements and exams
Nevada licenses plumbing contractors through the State Contractors Board. Individual journeyman licensing exists but is managed at the local jurisdiction level in cities like Las Vegas and Reno.
Nevada: Fees, renewal, and special notes
Contractor license fees start at $400, with biennial renewal. Local journeyman fees vary by municipality, so check with your city’s building department directly.
New Hampshire: License requirements and exams
New Hampshire issues licenses through the Office of Licensed Tradesperson. Journeyman applicants must complete 8,000 hours of field experience, and a written exam is required for both journeyman and master tiers.
New Hampshire: Fees, renewal, and special notes
Fees run $50 to $100 depending on license tier. Licenses renew every two years, and New Hampshire evaluates out-of-state applications individually.
New Jersey: License requirements and exams
New Jersey licenses plumbers through the State Board of Examiners of Master Plumbers. Candidates must hold five years of verified work experience and pass a written master plumber exam to receive a license, as New Jersey issues master-level credentials only at the state level.
New Jersey: Fees, renewal, and special notes
Initial application fees are approximately $110 to $180. Licenses renew every two years, and continuing education is required at each renewal cycle. New Jersey does not offer reciprocity, so out-of-state plumbers must satisfy all board requirements from scratch.
8. New Mexico to Oregon
This group of seven states covers a wide range of approaches to plumbing license requirements by state, from New Mexico’s contractor-focused model to Oregon’s well-structured statewide system. Each entry below gives you the core details you need before you apply or plan a move into any of these states.
State section template for this group
Each entry follows the same structure. The first H3 covers experience hours, license tiers, and exam requirements. The second covers fees, renewal cycles, and notable exceptions. Where a state delegates authority to local jurisdictions, that is called out directly.
Always confirm current fee amounts with your state licensing board before submitting an application, as cost schedules change more often than experience or exam requirements.
New Mexico: License requirements and exams
New Mexico licenses plumbers through the Construction Industries Division. Journeyman applicants must document four years of verified field experience, and both journeyman and contractor tiers require a written trade exam before a license is issued.
New Mexico: Fees, renewal, and special notes
Application fees range from $75 to $150 depending on license tier. Licenses renew every two years, and New Mexico reviews out-of-state credentials individually without a standing reciprocity agreement.
New York: License requirements and exams
New York manages plumber licensing at the local jurisdiction level. New York City operates its own licensing system through the Department of Buildings, and other municipalities set their own requirements independently. There is no single statewide plumber license.
New York: Fees, renewal, and special notes
Fees and renewal cycles vary significantly by city or county. Contact your local building department directly to confirm current experience, exam, and fee requirements before you apply.
North Carolina: License requirements and exams
North Carolina licenses plumbing contractors through the State Board of Examiners of Plumbing, Heating and Fire Sprinkler Contractors. Candidates must pass a written trade exam and demonstrate four years of verified work experience to qualify.
North Carolina: Fees, renewal, and special notes
Initial fees run $75 to $150, with annual renewal required. North Carolina does not maintain a formal reciprocity agreement with other states.
North Dakota: License requirements and exams
North Dakota issues licenses through the State Plumbing Board. Journeyman applicants need four years of documented field experience, and both tiers require a written exam.
North Dakota: Fees, renewal, and special notes
Fees range from $30 to $80, with biennial renewal required. Out-of-state credentials are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
Ohio: License requirements and exams
Ohio manages plumber licensing at the local jurisdiction level. Cities like Columbus and Cincinnati each set their own experience, exam, and application requirements independently from the state.
Ohio: Fees, renewal, and special notes
Fees and renewal cycles vary by municipality. Contact your local building department to confirm what applies in your specific city before you begin the process.
Oklahoma: License requirements and exams
Oklahoma licenses plumbers through the Construction Industries Board. Journeyman applicants must complete four years of supervised work experience, and a written exam is required for both journeyman and master classifications.
Oklahoma: Fees, renewal, and special notes
Application fees run $40 to $100 depending on tier. Licenses renew annually, and Oklahoma evaluates out-of-state applications individually.
Oregon: License requirements and exams
Oregon issues plumber licenses through the Building Codes Division. Journeyman candidates must complete 8,000 hours of supervised field experience, and both journeyman and supervising plumber tiers require a written exam administered by the state.
Oregon: Fees, renewal, and special notes
Initial fees range from $50 to $130 depending on license tier. Licenses renew every two years, and Oregon does not participate in a formal reciprocity program, so out-of-state plumbers must satisfy all state requirements from scratch.
9. Pennsylvania to Tennessee
This group of five states illustrates how differently plumbing license requirements by state can be structured even within the same region. Pennsylvania places authority at the local level, while Rhode Island and Tennessee run centralized statewide systems. Read each entry for your state before you begin any application process.
State section template for this group
Each entry below follows the same format. The first H3 covers experience hours, license tiers, and exam requirements. The second covers fees, renewal cycles, and notable exceptions. Where a state relies on local jurisdictions, that is flagged directly.
Always confirm current fee amounts with your state licensing board before submitting an application, as cost schedules update more frequently than experience or exam requirements.
Pennsylvania: License requirements and exams
Pennsylvania manages plumber licensing at the local jurisdiction level. Cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh each set their own experience, exam, and application requirements independently, and there is no single statewide plumber license covering all jurisdictions.
Pennsylvania: Fees, renewal, and special notes
Fees and renewal cycles vary by municipality. Contact your local building department to confirm current requirements before you start your application.
Rhode Island: License requirements and exams
Rhode Island licenses plumbers through the Division of Commercial Licensing. Journeyman applicants must document four years of supervised field experience, and both journeyman and master tiers require a written trade exam before a license is issued.
Rhode Island: Fees, renewal, and special notes
Application fees range from $50 to $120 depending on license tier. Licenses renew every two years, and Rhode Island does not maintain a formal reciprocity agreement with other states.
South Carolina: License requirements and exams
South Carolina issues licenses through the Contractors Licensing Board. Candidates must demonstrate four years of verified work experience and pass a written trade exam to qualify at either the journeyman or master tier.
South Carolina: Fees, renewal, and special notes
Fees run $75 to $150 depending on classification. Licenses renew every two years, and South Carolina reviews out-of-state credentials on a case-by-case basis.
South Dakota: License requirements and exams
South Dakota licenses plumbers through the State Plumbing Commission. Journeyman candidates need four years of documented apprenticeship experience, and both tiers require a written examination before a license is granted.
South Dakota: Fees, renewal, and special notes
Application fees range from $30 to $75, with biennial renewal required. South Dakota evaluates out-of-state applications individually without a standing reciprocity program.
Tennessee: License requirements and exams
Tennessee licenses plumbers through the Board for Licensing Contractors. Journeyman applicants must complete four years of verified field experience, and both journeyman and master candidates must pass a written trade exam administered by the board.
Tennessee: Fees, renewal, and special notes
Fees run $50 to $120 depending on license tier. Licenses renew every two years, and Tennessee does not participate in a formal reciprocity agreement, so out-of-state plumbers must satisfy all board requirements from scratch.
10. Texas to Wyoming
This final group of eight states rounds out the complete picture of plumbing license requirements by state across the U.S. Texas runs one of the more active statewide licensing boards in the country, while Wyoming operates a leaner program. Read through the entry for your state before you begin any application.
State section template for this group
Each entry below covers experience hours, license tiers, and exam requirements in the first H3, followed by fees, renewal cycles, and notable exceptions in the second. Where a state has specific conditions for out-of-state applicants, those are flagged directly.
Always verify current fee amounts with your official state licensing board before submitting an application, as cost schedules change more frequently than experience or exam requirements.
Texas: License requirements and exams
Texas licenses plumbers through the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners. Journeyman applicants must complete 8,000 hours of supervised field experience, and both journeyman and master tiers require a written trade exam before a license is issued.
Texas: Fees, renewal, and special notes
Initial fees range from $45 to $100 depending on license tier. Licenses renew annually, and Texas does not maintain a formal reciprocity agreement with other states.
Utah: License requirements and exams
Utah licenses plumbers through the Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing. Journeyman candidates need four years of verified apprenticeship experience, and written exams are required at both journeyman and master levels.
Utah: Fees, renewal, and special notes
Application fees run $70 to $140, with biennial renewal required. Utah reviews out-of-state credentials individually without a standing reciprocity program.
Vermont: License requirements and exams
Vermont issues licenses through the Office of Professional Regulation. Journeyman applicants must document four years of supervised field experience, and both tiers require a written trade exam before a license is granted.
Vermont: Fees, renewal, and special notes
Fees range from $50 to $100, and licenses renew every two years. Vermont evaluates out-of-state credentials on a case-by-case basis.
Virginia: License requirements and exams
Virginia licenses plumbers through the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation. Journeyman candidates must complete four years of verified work experience, and a written exam is required at both journeyman and master tiers.
Virginia: Fees, renewal, and special notes
Initial fees run $70 to $130, with biennial renewal required. Virginia does not maintain a formal reciprocity agreement, so out-of-state applicants must satisfy all board requirements independently.
Washington: License requirements and exams
Washington licenses plumbers through the Department of Labor and Industries. Journeyman applicants must document 8,000 hours of supervised experience, and both journeyman and specialty plumber tiers require a written exam administered by the state.
Washington: Fees, renewal, and special notes
Fees range from $40 to $100 depending on license tier. Licenses renew annually, and Washington does not participate in a formal reciprocity program.
West Virginia: License requirements and exams
West Virginia issues licenses through the State Plumbing Board. Journeyman candidates need four years of documented field experience under a licensed master, and written exams are required for both journeyman and master classifications.
West Virginia: Fees, renewal, and special notes
Application fees run $40 to $80, with annual renewal required. West Virginia reviews out-of-state credentials individually without a standing reciprocity agreement.
Wisconsin: License requirements and exams
Wisconsin licenses plumbers through the Department of Safety and Professional Services. Journeyman applicants must complete four years of verified apprenticeship experience, and both tiers require a written trade exam before a license is issued.
Wisconsin: Fees, renewal, and special notes
Initial fees range from $30 to $75, and licenses renew every two years. Wisconsin evaluates out-of-state applications on a case-by-case basis.
Wyoming: License requirements and exams
Wyoming licenses plumbers through the Department of Fire Prevention and Electrical Safety. Journeyman candidates need four years of supervised field experience, and both journeyman and master tiers require a written exam before a license is granted.
Wyoming: Fees, renewal, and special notes
Application fees run $30 to $70 depending on license tier. Licenses renew annually, and Wyoming reviews out-of-state credentials individually without a formal reciprocity program.
Your next move
You now have a working reference for plumbing license requirements by state across all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Each entry gives you the experience hours, exam format, and fee range you need to plan your next step, whether that means applying for your first license, upgrading your credentials, or preparing to work in a new state. Always verify the current details with your state’s licensing board before you submit anything, since fee schedules and renewal cycles update regularly.
Your license is the foundation, but it only pays off when you put it to work in the right role. PlumbingJobs.com lists positions across every state, organized by license level and location so you can filter down to what you actually qualify for today. If you are ready to find your next opportunity, search plumbing jobs by state and license level and connect with employers who are actively hiring right now.
Want plumbing jobs delivered to your inbox?
Want plumbing jobs delivered to your inbox?
Partner Site
