Plumbing is an excellent field for competitive pay, job security, and self-employment opportunities.
Most states require plumbers to have a high school diploma to begin an apprenticeship program, so the educational barrier to entry is low.
If you’re interested in joining the growing field of plumbing by starting or growing a business, it’s crucial to understand your state’s plumber license requirements, since they vary.
Most states require contractors and master plumbers to have a license, but the rules can vary widely depending on your location.
Keep reading to learn more!
States Requiring a Plumber License
Alabama
The Alabama Plumbers and Gas Fitters Examining Board ensures plumbers who advertise services or operate a plumbing business are licensed.
Plumbing companies must have one or more master plumbers on staff or as the owner.
Having a master plumber license allows the individual to contract with customers, pull permits, and oversee all work.
Licenses must be renewed annually.
Alaska
The Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development requires plumbing companies to have a Mechanical Administrator License and a contractor license issued by the Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development.
All plumbing companies must have a licensed administrator on staff.
Licenses must be renewed every two years.
Arizona
Arizona plumbers must earn a license through the Registrar of Contractors Department.
This permits plumbers to conduct commercial or residential plumbing work for money.
Individuals cannot contract or advertise plumbing without this specific license.
Arkansas
The Arkansas Department of Health – Plumbing and Natural Gas issues master plumber licenses.
A master plumber is required to be part of the company that’s earning the license.
Also, a contractor license is required for commercial projects over $50,00 and residential jobs over $2,000.
Contractor licenses are issued by the Contractors Licensing Board.
Licenses must be renewed annually.
California
California-based plumbers must hold a C-36 Plumbing Contractor license issued by the Contractors’ State License Board for projects over $1,000.
The license permits business owners to conduct plumbing work, bid on jobs, and advertise their services or commercial and residential properties.
Colorado
The Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies is the governing body that issues licenses for master plumbers registered through the State Plumbing Board.
This license allows the master plumber and related company to oversee journeyman plumbers, pull permits, and operate a business.
Connecticut
Connecticut issues plumber licenses through the Department of Consumer Protection – Occupational and Professional Licensing Division.
The P-1 Unlimited Plumbing Contractor license allows plumbers to supervise, advertise, and contract work on commercial and residential projects.
Licenses are renewed annually.
Delaware
The Delaware Division of Professional Regulation issues master plumber licenses.
To operate a plumbing business, oversee plumber work, and advertise services in the State, a master plumber license is required.
Licenses must be renewed every two years.
Florida
The plumbing governing body in Florida is the Department of Business and Professional Regulation.
Plumbing companies in the State must hold a contractor license to conduct plumbing work for compensation or advertising services.
Licenses are available for specific local jurisdictions (registered) or statewide (certified).
Georgia
The Georgia State Construction Industry Licensing Board issues master plumber licenses, which allow plumbing businesses to contract and advertise services.
The license also allows the holder to operate a plumbing company, supervise journeyman plumbers, and pull permits.
The State has two classifications:
- Class I (restricted) – specific for single- or two-family homes.
- Class 2 (unrestricted) – available for all plumbing systems.
Hawaii
Hawaii has plumber license requirements mandated through the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs.
Plumbing companies must have a C-37 Plumbing Contractor License with a staffed master plumber to contract or advertise plumbing work.
Licenses must be renewed every three years.
Idaho
The Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses issues plumbing contractor licenses.
The State law dictates that all plumbing companies must be owned by or have a licensed plumbing contractor on staff, which allows the individual to supervise apprentice and journeyman plumbers, and the business to contract plumber work and advertise services.
Licenses must be renewed annually.
Illinois
The Illinois Department of Public Health issues plumbing contract licenses, which are required to operate a plumbing business in the State.
The license authorizes holders to conduct, bid on, and advertise plumbing work across the State.
Indiana
The Indiana Plumbing Commission is responsible for issuing plumbing contractor licensure.
Plumbing businesses across the State must have this license, which authorizes them to pull permits, bid on projects, and advertise their services.
Licenses must be renewed every two years.
Iowa
The Iowa Plumbing and Mechanical Systems Board requires all plumbing businesses to have a staffed licensed master plumber who is registered with the Plumbing and Mechanical Systems Board.
Licensed master plumbers are the only individuals in a plumbing company who can supervise apprentice and journeyman plumbers, pull permits, and contract plumbing services.
Kentucky
The Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings, and Construction ensures all plumbing businesses in the State have a licensed master plumber employed on the staff.
Only master plumbers are authorized to contract and advertise plumbing services and must be registered to run a business.
Licenses must be renewed annually.
Louisiana
The Louisiana State Plumbing Board issues licenses to master plumbers, who are the only individuals within a plumbing business who can pull permits, bid on jobs, and advertise services.
Maine
The Maine Department of Professional and Financial Regulation – Plumbers’ Examining Board regulates master plumber licenses within the State.
To operate a business, acquire permits, contract work, and advertise services, a plumbing company must be owned by or employ a licensed master plumber.
Licenses are renewed every two years.
Maryland
The Maryland Board of Plumbing issues master plumber licenses to those with at least two years of journeyman experience, who have passed the master plumber exam, and have the required insurance and financial responsibility.
Only master plumbers can contract work, acquire permits, and advertise services in Maryland.
Licenses must be renewed every two years.
Massachusetts
Plumbing companies in Massachusetts must have a staffed licensed master plumber with the Board of State Examiners of Plumbers and Gas Fitters to operate.
Master plumbers can contract work, pull permits, and advertise services.
License renewal is every two years.
Michigan
The Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs issues master plumber licenses via the Bureau of Construction Codes.
Master plumbers are permitted to contract and advertise work and pull permits across the State.
Licenses must be renewed every three years.
Minnesota
All plumbing companies must have a plumbing contract license issued by the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry.
This license allows owners to conduct residential and commercial plumbing work, bid on jobs, and advertise services.
Licenses are renewed every two years.
Mississippi
The Mississippi State Board of Contractors requires all plumbing businesses to have a plumbing contractor license to conduct or advertise work of over $50,000 for commercial projects and $10,000 for residential work.
Licenses are required to be renewed annually.
Montana
The State of Montana issues master plumber licenses through the Department of Labor and Industry – Board of Plumbers.
Only these licensed professionals can contract work, acquire permits, and advertise services.
Licenses must be renewed every year.
Nevada
The Nevada State Contractors Board issues C1 Plumbing and Heating Contractor licenses to plumbing businesses.
This allows them to conduct plumbing work for money and advertise their services.
The license permits contractors to maintain, repair, and install plumbing systems within commercial and residential buildings.
Licenses must be renewed every two years.
New Hampshire
The New Hampshire Mechanical Safety and Licensing Board issues licenses to master plumbers who own or are employed by a plumbing company.
These licensed professionals can pull permits, advertise services, and contract work.
The Board requires licenses to be renewed every two years.
New Jersey
The New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs issues master plumber licenses so plumbing companies can contract work, obtain permits, and advertise their services.
This license must be renewed every two years.
New Mexico
The governing body in New Mexico is the Regulation and Licensing Department.
All plumbing businesses must have a plumbing contractor license to conduct work for money, bid on jobs, and advertise services statewide.
North Carolina
The North Carolina State Board of Examiners of Plumbing, Heating, and Fire Sprinkler Contractors issues contractor licenses to plumbing companies.
Licenses are available in Class I and II, which are determined based on building systems and types, and Restricted Limited, which cover more specific work.
North Dakota
The North Dakota State Plumbing Board requires all plumbing companies to be owned by or employ a licensed master plumber.
This allows the business to contract work, obtain permits, and advertise services.
Licenses are required to be renewed annually, with continuing education credits required for renewal.
Ohio
Plumbing companies in Ohio must acquire a plumbing contractor license via the Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board.
This permits businesses to advertise, perform work for money, and bid on new jobs.
Licenses are renewed every year.
Oklahoma
The Oklahoma Construction Industries Board issues plumbing contractor licenses that allow companies to conduct plumbing work for a fee, bid on jobs, and advertise their services.
Licenses must be renewed every year.
Oregon
The Oregon Construction Contractors Board and the Oregon Building Codes Division issue contractor licenses to plumbing businesses across the State.
This allows companies to conduct work, advertise, and bid on jobs.
Licenses must be renewed every two years to continue working in the State.
Rhode Island
The Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training manages plumbing licensure across the State.
Only master plumbers are permitted to advertise, acquire permits, and contract work.
Licenses must be renewed every year.
South Carolina
The South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation requires plumbing businesses to hold a mechanical contractor license with plumbing subclassification to advertise and conduct plumbing work of over $10,000.
The Department requires license holders to renew every two years.
South Dakota
South Dakota requires statewide plumbing contractor licenses through the Department of Labor and Regulation.
The license allows businesses to advertise, work for money, and pull permits.
Tennessee
The Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance issues plumbing contractor licenses for companies working on projects over $25,000.
The license permits advertising, bidding, and performing plumbing work.
Plumbers working on smaller projects must follow local city and county rules.
Texas
Texas plumbing businesses must have a Responsible Master Plumber license on staff.
This license is issued by the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners, which allows the company to conduct work, pull permits, and advertise services.
Licenses must be renewed annually.
Utah
Utah requires companies to obtain a plumbing contractor license through the Utah Department of Commerce.
This allows businesses to conduct plumbing work, bid on jobs, and advertise their services.
Licenses must be renewed every two years.
Vermont
Vermont plumbing businesses must have a licensed master plumber on the staff.
The Vermont Department of Public Safety issues licensure for master plumbers.
This permits the company to advertise services, acquire permits, and contract work.
Virginia
The Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation manages plumbing licensure across the state.
Plumbing businesses must have a contractor license to work and advertise their services.
For those working in only residential settings, the Residential Tradesman License is also required.
Washington
The Washington State Department of Labor and Industries issues plumbing contractor licenses that allow companies to bid, advertise, and conduct work statewide.
West Virginia
West Virginia requires all plumbing businesses to hold a contractor license issued by the West Virginia Division of Labor.
This license allows plumbing businesses to conduct work of $5,000 or more, bid on new jobs, and advertise their services statewide.
Licenses are renewed every year.
Wisconsin
The Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services issues master plumber licenses.
All plumbing companies must have a master plumber on staff to advertise, bid on jobs, pull permits, and conduct plumbing work.
States With No Licensure Requirement, but Have Jurisdictional Licensure Requirements
Kansas
Kansas is one of the few states that does not require statewide licensure.
Instead, licenses are issued at the local level via county or city building departments.
Therefore, to operate a plumbing business, owners need a plumbing contractor license and have a master plumber employed, who can also be the owner.
Missouri
Like Kansas, Missouri does not have a statewide license requirement.
Instead, licenses are issued within the local jurisdiction by county or city building departments.
Those operating a plumbing business in Missouri must have a local plumbing contractor license and employ a master plumber.
Nebraska
Nebraska also doesn’t have a statewide licensing board, so plumbing businesses must meet local licensure requirements through the county or city board to pull permits, perform work, and advertise services.
New York
New York does not have a state plumbing license.
Instead, plumbing companies must be licensed by local city and county governing bodies to pull permits and conduct plumbing work.
Each jurisdiction sets licensing requirements, which typically require businesses to be owned by or employ a master plumber.
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania does not have a statewide plumber licensing requirement.
Instead, all licensing is conducted at the local level, which allows plumbing companies to pull permits, bid on jobs, advertise, and conduct work or money.
Most jurisdictions require contractors to have a licensed master plumber on staff.
Wyoming
Wyoming does not have a statewide plumbing licensure.
Plumbing businesses must follow local permitting and licensing requirements through county and city building departments to pull permits and conduct plumbing work.
