Nebraska requires all plumbers practicing within the state to be licensed. However, the licenses are issued by individual cities, not at the state level. Learn more about how to become a plumber and get a plumbing job in Nebraska.
Types of Plumbing Licenses in Nebraska
In Omaha, apprentice plumber certificates are available to those who intend on working under a licensed plumber to gain on-the-job training and experience.
Journeyman plumber and master plumber licenses are also available through the City of Omaha Planning Department, as are more specialized licenses such as:
- Lawn sprinkler contracting and installation
- Water conditioning contracting and installation
- Sewer pipe laying
- Sewer and drain cleaning
- Fire suppression
Apprentice plumbers must register annually with the City of Omaha Plumbing Board and can only work under licensed plumbers.
Journeyman license holders are allowed to install, repair, alter, and extend plumbing systems as long as they are in the employment of master plumbers.
To get the license, they must be able to provide proof of completion of a city-certified apprentice program, on-the-job experience, instructional hours, and a training program that lasts at least seven consecutive years.
Other cities of equivalent size have similar requirements.
Master plumbers in Omaha are allowed to design, lay out, and supervise the installation and repair of plumbing and drainage systems of all kinds.
They must provide proof of having spent four consecutive years installing plumbing systems with a city-issued journeyman plumbing license to apply to take the master plumbing exam.
Cost to Get a Plumbing License in Nebraska
Plumbing apprentices must pay $20 registration fees and annual $20 renewal fees.
Journeyman plumbers pay $50 test fees, plus $19.50 each year for a licensed journeyman plumber identification badge that must be carried when engaged in their trade.
The test fee to attempt to obtain a master plumbing license is $75. The initial annual license costs $100 with annual $75 renewal fees.
To keep their licenses, master plumbers must also prove that they have met $1 million insurance requirements and $10,000 surety bond requirements.
The situation is slightly different in Lincoln, where apprentices pay $25 annual licensing fees, journeymen pay $50, and master plumbers pay $75. Lincoln also issues plumbing contractor licenses, which require general liability insurance, surety bonds, and other assurances, plus an annual license fee of $250.
Licensing Exams
Journeyman and master plumbers must sit for licensing exams, often given under the direction of the local Examining Board.
Interested plumbers should inquire with the local licensing authorities regarding where to go to take their exams.
Who Issues Plumbing Licenses in Nebraska?
Plumbing licenses are issued by different authorities depending on the jurisdiction.
In Omaha, they’re issued by the City of Omaha Planning Department.
In Lincoln, they’re issued by the City of Lincoln’s Building and Safety Department.
Additional Plumbing Certifications
The state of Nebraska doesn’t issue any plumbing certifications. However, there are both reputable nationwide organizations like the NITC and the ASSE and local organizations that offer certification programs.
Getting certified in different areas of plumbing expertise can help plumbers progress in their careers by offering proof of competence in their chosen fields or specialties.
Can I Transfer a Plumbing License to Nebraska?
Nebraska does not have plumbing license reciprocity at the state level, however local licensing boards may allow out of state plumbers to transfer their licenses or receive exam waivers.