Thinking about becoming a plumber? It’s a smart move. Skilled trades like plumbing are in high demand, pay well, and offer rock-solid job security.
But how long does it actually take to get licensed?
The answer depends on where you live. Some states let you start working sooner through apprenticeships. Others require years of training, classroom hours, and exams before you can legally work on your own.
This guide breaks it down state by state, so you’ll know exactly what steps you need to take, and how long it’ll realistically take to start your plumbing career.
Alabama
- Apprenticeship: 2 years
- Journeyman License: After 2 years of work
- Master Plumber: After 1 year as a journeyman
- Testing: Yes, state exam required
In Alabama, you’ll need to complete an apprenticeship and pass an exam to become a journeyman. Master plumber status comes after a year of additional experience.
Alaska
- Apprenticeship: 4 years (8,000 hours)
- Journeyman License: After completing apprenticeship and 576 classroom hours
- Testing: Must pass a state journeyman exam
Alaska requires a longer apprenticeship and classroom commitment, culminating in a comprehensive journeyman licensing exam.
Arizona
- Apprenticeship: ~4 years
- Journeyman Level: Not mandatory, but experience is critical
- Contractor License: Must pass trade and business exams
Arizona does not mandate a journeyman license, but experience is essential for obtaining a contractor license.
Arkansas
- Apprenticeship: 4 years
- Journeyman License: After 4 years + exam
- Master Plumber: After 1 year as journeyman
Arkansas requires a full apprenticeship followed by testing, with advancement to master plumber after additional experience.
California
- Apprenticeship: 4–5 years
- Journeyman: Experience-based
- C-36 Contractor License: Required to work independently
- Testing: Trade and law exam
In California, journeyman status is informal, but you’ll need to pass exams to get your C-36 license to operate solo.
Colorado
- Apprenticeship: 4 years (6,800 hours)
- Journeyman: After passing exam
- Master Plumber: After 5 years of journeyman experience
Colorado follows a structured licensing process with experience and exams at each level of licensure.
Connecticut
- Apprenticeship: 4 years
- Journeyman License: After program + exam
- Master Plumber: After 2 years as journeyman + exam
Connecticut requires passing exams at both the journeyman and master plumber levels after experience.
Delaware
- Apprenticeship: 4 years (8,000 hours)
- Journeyman License: Requires experience + exam
- Master Plumber: After 2 years journeyman
Delaware has a clear path from apprentice to master plumber, all requiring passing exams.
Florida
- No Journeyman Level Required
- Registered/Certified Contractor License: Required
- Experience: 4 years or more
- Testing: Yes
Florida skips the journeyman step, allowing those with experience to apply directly for a contractor license.
Georgia
- Apprenticeship: 3–4 years
- Journeyman License: After 3 years experience + exam
- Master Plumber: After 5 years
Georgia requires testing and several years of experience for both journeyman and master levels.
Hawaii
- Apprenticeship: 5 years (10,000 hours)
- Journeyman License: After completion + exam
Hawaii requires one of the most extended apprenticeships, plus a licensing exam to become a journeyman.
Idaho
- Apprenticeship: 4 years (8,000 hours + 576 classroom hours)
- Journeyman License: After apprenticeship + exam
- Contractor License: After 2.5 years as journeyman + bond + exam
Idaho’s process includes hands-on experience, schooling, and step-by-step progression to become a contractor.
Illinois
- Apprenticeship: 4–5 years
- Journeyman: Not officially licensed
- Plumber License: Must pass state exam
Illinois doesn’t license journeymen but requires a full apprenticeship and exam for state plumber licensure.
Indiana
- Apprenticeship: 4 years
- Journeyman License: Varies by county
- Contractor License: Required in many counties
Licensing in Indiana depends on local rules, though a typical four-year apprenticeship is expected.
Iowa
- Apprenticeship: 4 years
- Journeyman License: After experience + exam
- Master License: After 2 years journeyman + exam
Iowa has clearly defined levels of licensure, each requiring exams and documented experience.
Kansas
- No state license required
- Local licenses apply (check city/county)
Kansas does not require a state license, but most cities or counties do. Requirements vary widely.
Kentucky
- Apprenticeship: 2 years
- Journeyman License: After experience + exam
- Master Plumber: After 2 years journeyman + exam
Kentucky offers a quicker pathway with only 2 years required to reach journeyman, then further to master.
Louisiana
- Apprenticeship: 5 years
- Journeyman License: After apprenticeship + exam
- Master Plumber: After 1 year journeyman
Louisiana requires a long apprenticeship, followed by testing for journeyman and additional time before becoming a master plumber.
Maine
- Apprenticeship: 4 years (8,000 hours)
- Journeyman License: After program + exam
- Master Plumber: After 2 years journeyman
Maine requires solid field experience and testing to move through the licensing tiers.
Maryland
- Apprenticeship: 4 years
- Journeyman License: After apprenticeship + exam
- Master Plumber: After 2 years journeyman + exam
Maryland’s system closely mirrors national averages with standard timelines and testing.
Massachusetts
- Apprenticeship: 5 years (8,500 hours)
- Journeyman License: After apprenticeship + exam
- Master Plumber: After 1 year journeyman
Massachusetts has one of the most intensive training programs in the U.S., requiring substantial work experience.
Michigan
- Apprenticeship: 4 years (6,000+ hours)
- Journeyman License: After apprenticeship + exam
- Master Plumber: After 2 years journeyman + exam
Michigan balances hands-on work with regulatory testing at both licensing levels.
Minnesota
- Apprenticeship: 4 years (7,000+ hours)
- Journeyman License: After program + exam
- Master Plumber: After 1 year journeyman + exam
Minnesota ensures thorough preparation through experience and testing to reach each level.
Mississippi
- No state license for journeyman
- Contractor License: Required over $10,000 jobs
- Experience: 2 years recommended
Mississippi doesn’t license journeymen but does require a contractor license for large jobs.
Missouri
- No state license required
- Local regulations apply
Missouri licensing is handled at the city/county level, so requirements vary depending on location.
Montana
- Apprenticeship: 5 years (7,500 hours)
- Journeyman License: After apprenticeship + exam
- Master Plumber: After 3 years as journeyman + exam
Montana requires a substantial apprenticeship and years of additional experience before qualifying as a master plumber.
Pennsylvania
- No state license required
- Local regulations apply
Pennsylvania leaves plumbing licensure to local governments, with varying requirements by city or county.
Rhode Island
- Apprenticeship: 4 years (8,000 hours)
- Journeyman License: After apprenticeship + exam
- Master Plumber: After 1 year journeyman + exam
Rhode Island uses a traditional path with standardized timelines and licensing exams.
South Carolina
- Apprenticeship: 2 years minimum
- Journeyman License: After experience + exam
- Master Plumber: Additional experience + exam
South Carolina provides a relatively quick entry point, but requires formal licensing and proof of experience.
South Dakota
- Apprenticeship: 4 years (6,800 hours)
- Journeyman License: After apprenticeship + exam
- Master Plumber: After 2 years journeyman + exam
South Dakota has firm licensing rules with clearly defined timelines and a strong emphasis on apprenticeship.
Tennessee
- Apprenticeship: 4 years recommended
- Journeyman License: Optional, varies locally
- Contractor License: Required for jobs $25,000+
Tennessee emphasizes contractor licensure, with journeyman status handled at the local level.
Texas
- Apprenticeship: 4 years
- Journeyman License: After apprenticeship + exam
- Master Plumber: After 4 years journeyman + exam
Texas has one of the longest master plumber timelines, with heavy focus on experience and state exams.
Utah
- Apprenticeship: 4 years (8,000 hours)
- Journeyman License: After apprenticeship + exam
- Master Plumber: After 2 years journeyman + exam
Utah has a standard process for all licensing levels, emphasizing hands-on training and testing.
Vermont
- Apprenticeship: 4 years (8,000 hours)
- Journeyman License: After apprenticeship + exam
- Master Plumber: After 1 year journeyman + exam
Vermont’s pathway is straightforward, requiring experience and state-approved testing at each level.
Virginia
- Apprenticeship: 4 years (8,000 hours)
- Journeyman License: After apprenticeship + exam
- Master Plumber: After 1 year journeyman + exam
Virginia maintains traditional requirements, with regulated experience and exams for licensing.
Washington
- Apprenticeship: 4 years (8,000 hours)
- Journeyman License: After apprenticeship + exam
- Master Plumber: Not issued; contractor license required
Washington does not issue a master plumber license, but contractor status requires meeting separate qualifications.
West Virginia
- Apprenticeship: 4 years (8,000 hours)
- Journeyman License: After apprenticeship + exam
- Master Plumber: After 2 years journeyman + exam
West Virginia offers a traditional licensing route, with clearly defined stages and exam requirements.
Wisconsin
- Apprenticeship: 5 years (8,000 hours)
- Journeyman License: After apprenticeship + exam
- Master Plumber: After 3 years journeyman + exam
Wisconsin’s requirements are some of the most comprehensive, emphasizing a strong foundation of experience.
Wyoming
- No state license required
- Local regulations apply
Wyoming does not regulate plumbers at the state level, but cities like Cheyenne and Casper may have local licensing.
Your Next Step Toward Becoming a Plumber
Becoming a licensed plumber takes time, dedication, and hands-on training, and the process varies widely depending on the state you live in. Whether you’re starting from scratch or already gaining hours as an apprentice, understanding your state’s requirements is a smart first step toward building a reliable and rewarding career in plumbing.
This guide is just the beginning. Want more insights into growing your contracting or home services business? Check out more blog posts from Hook Agency to stay ahead of the curve and level up your career.
