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2026 Reference Guide

Plumbing License Requirements
by State 2026: All 50 States

Updated 17 April 2026

Every state's plumbing licensing requirements in one place. Hours, fees, reciprocity, and what each license lets you do.

States with State License

47 / 50

States: Local Only

3 (KS, NE, WY)

Typical Journeyman Path

4-5 years

Typical Master Path

6-10 years total

The Three License Tiers

Most states recognise three tiers of plumbing licensure. Each tier grants specific rights and responsibilities.

Apprentice

In training

Can:

+ Work on job sites under supervision

+ Attend classroom instruction

+ Log OJT hours toward journeyman

Cannot:

- Work independently

- Pull permits

- Supervise other workers

Journeyman

Fully licensed tradesperson

Can:

+ Work independently on most projects

+ Pull permits in own name

+ Supervise apprentices

+ Bid on some jobs

Cannot:

- Run own plumbing business (most states)

- Hire other licensed plumbers

- Be license-of-record for a company

Master Plumber

Top license tier

Can:

+ All journeyman rights

+ Run a plumbing business

+ Hire other licensed plumbers

+ Be license-of-record for company permits

Cannot:

- Work without maintaining license and insurance

- Cross state lines without checking reciprocity

All 50 States: Licensing Matrix

Requirements sourced from state licensing boards. Always verify current requirements before applying; fees and hour requirements can change with annual legislation.

StateJourneyman RequirementMaster RequirementReciprocityExam Fee
Alabama4 years OJT2 yrs as journeymanYes (some states)$50-$100
Alaska4 years2 yrs as journeymanLimited$100-$200
Arizona4 years2 yrs as journeymanYes$120
Arkansas4 years1 yr as journeymanYes (some)$50
California4 years4 yrs as journeymanNo$150
Colorado4 years OJTVaries by jurisdictionLimited$50-$200
Connecticut4 years3 yrs as journeymanYes (some)$150
Delaware4 years2 yrs as journeymanYes$100
FloridaJourneyman not required for master4 yrs OJT totalYes (select)$249
Georgia4 years OJT2 yrs as journeymanYes (some)$100
Hawaii4 years2 yrs as journeymanLimited$100
Idaho4 years2 yrs as journeymanYes$75
IllinoisVaries by Local/cityVaries by citySome cities$100-$200
Indiana4 years2 yrs as journeymanYes (some)$100
Iowa4 years2 yrs as journeymanYes$75
KansasNo state license requiredNo state license requiredN/A (local licensing)Varies by city
Kentucky4 years2 yrs as journeymanYes (some)$100
Louisiana4 years2 yrs as journeymanYes (some)$100-$200
Maine4 years3 yrs as journeymanLimited$125
Maryland4 years2 yrs as journeymanYes (some)$100
Massachusetts4 years3 yrs as journeymanNo$200
Michigan4 years3 yrs as journeymanYes (some)$150
Minnesota4 years2 yrs as journeymanYes$80
Mississippi4 years2 yrs as journeymanYes (some)$75
Missouri4 yearsVaries by cityLimited$50-$150
Montana4 years2 yrs as journeymanYes$75
NebraskaNo state licenseNo state licenseN/A (local)Varies by city
Nevada4 years2 yrs as journeymanYes$150
New Hampshire4 years3 yrs as journeymanLimited$125
New Jersey4 years2 yrs as journeymanLimited$300
New Mexico4 years2 yrs as journeymanYes$100
New York4 years (statewide)2 yrs (7 yrs NYC)NYC: No$100-$150 ($150 NYC)
North Carolina4 years3 yrs as journeymanYes (some)$125
North Dakota4 years2 yrs as journeymanYes$75
Ohio4 years (local varies)3 yrs as journeymanVaries by city$75-$150
Oklahoma3 years OJT2 yrs as journeymanYes$75
Oregon4 years4 yrs as journeymanLimited$150
Pennsylvania4 years (local varies)Varies by cityLimited$50-$200
Rhode Island4 years3 yrs as journeymanLimited$100
South Carolina4 years2 yrs as journeymanYes (some)$100
South Dakota4 years2 yrs as journeymanYes$75
Tennessee4 years2 yrs as journeymanYes (some)$100
Texas4 years (8,000 hrs)4 yrs as journeymanLimited$150
Utah4 years2 yrs as journeymanYes$100
Vermont4 years3 yrs as journeymanLimited$100
Virginia4 years2 yrs as journeymanYes (some)$120
Washington4 years2 yrs as journeymanYes$125
West Virginia4 years2 yrs as journeymanYes (some)$75
Wisconsin4 years2 yrs as journeymanYes$100
WyomingNo state licenseNo state licenseN/A (local)Varies by city

Source: Individual state plumbing licensing boards, getlicensemap.com, PHCC state resource database (2025-2026). Verify before applying.

States With No State-Level Licensing

Kansas, Nebraska, and Wyoming do not have a state-level plumbing license. However, local licensing is common and sometimes required within municipalities in these states. Working in Omaha, Wichita, or Cheyenne without the appropriate local license can still result in fines and work stoppages.

Important note on local licensing

Even in states with no state license requirement, individual cities and counties often have their own plumbing permit and licensing requirements. New York State itself has a relatively simple state license, but New York City has one of the most stringent local licensing systems in the country (7 years experience for master). Always check both state and local requirements for your specific market.

License Renewal and Continuing Education

Most plumbing licenses require renewal every 1 to 3 years. Many states require continuing education for renewal to keep plumbers current on code updates.

Renewal Frequency

1-3 years

Varies by state

CEU Requirement

4-16 hours

Per renewal cycle

Renewal Fee

$50-$250

Per renewal

Frequently Asked Questions

Which state has the easiest plumbing license to get?
Florida, Georgia, and Washington are commonly cited as more accessible. Kansas, Nebraska, and Wyoming have no state-level license at all. Florida requires only 4 total years of OJT (no separate journeyman tier) before applying for the master license.
Which state has the hardest plumbing license requirements?
New York City requires 7 years of master plumber experience within the city. Texas requires 8,000 journeyman hours (roughly 4 years) before the master exam. Oregon requires 4 years of journeyman experience before master eligibility.
Can I work as a plumber without a license?
In most states, no. Working as a plumber without an appropriate license can result in fines, stop-work orders, and personal liability. Kansas, Nebraska, and Wyoming have no state license, but local requirements still apply in many municipalities.
Does a plumbing license transfer between states?
Plumbing licenses do not automatically transfer. Reciprocity agreements exist between some states (Florida, Washington, Georgia have broader reciprocity). States like California and New York have minimal or no reciprocity. Always verify with the target state's board.
How much does a plumbing license cost?
Journeyman exam fees range from $50 to $300. Master exam fees range from $75 to $500. Annual renewal fees are $50 to $250. Total first-year cost for a master license and business registration is typically $500 to $2,000.
Can a felon get a plumbing license?
Many states allow people with felony records to obtain plumbing licenses on a case-by-case basis. Most states conduct background checks but evaluate each applicant individually based on offense type, elapsed time, and rehabilitation. Texas and Florida have explicit review policies for applicants with records.
How often do plumbing licenses need to be renewed?
Most licenses require renewal every 1 to 3 years, often with 4 to 16 hours of continuing education credits (CEUs) covering code updates and safety. Renewal fees range from $50 to $250.
What is the difference between journeyman and master plumber license?
A journeyman license allows independent work and permit pulling. A master license allows all of the above plus running a plumbing business, hiring other licensed plumbers, and being the license-of-record for company permits. The master license is required to own a plumbing company in most states.
How to Become a PlumberThe full step-by-step path from apprenticeship to master license.Master Plumber SalaryWhat you earn once you have the master license: employee vs business owner.Self-Employed Plumber IncomeThe master license is required in most states to run your own business.Plumber Salary by StateHigher licensing barriers often correlate with higher plumber wages.