Licensing Guides
Louisiana Plumbing License: How to Become a Plumber in Louisiana
Plumbing, LA
Table of Contents
Benefits of Getting a Plumbing Contractors License in Louisiana
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Plumbing Contractor License in Louisiana?
How Long Does it Take to Get a Plumbing Contractors License in Louisiana?
Does My Louisiana Plumbing Contractors License Work in Any Other State?
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for a Plumbing License in Louisiana?
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed Plumbing Work in Louisiana?
You can’t rush through the training it takes to become a plumber, but that time and effort can lead to a career that is long-lasting, lucrative, and fulfilling. Almost every state requires plumbers to be licensed because it’s complicated work that affects the health and safety of our society.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics , there are 504,500 plumbers nationwide, and Louisiana employs 9,040 of them. The national number is projected to grow 5% from 2024 to 2034, adding 44,000 plumbers to the ranks across the country. In Louisiana, according to CareerOneStop, the U.S. Department of Labor’s job search website, the projected growth rate is higher, at 10% for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters.
Contractors struggle to find skilled tradesmen like plumbers, electricians, and HVACR or mechanical professionals while the demand for them continues to grow. According to the Associated General Contractors of America, “Construction employment in Louisiana in July 2025 totaled 137,400, a decrease of 3,400 (-2.4%) from July 2024 and an increase of 100 or 0.1% from February 2020.” So, if you get the training you need, you should have a variety of jobs to choose from when you’re ready.
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Licensing requirements for plumbers vary from state to state and, in some cases, from locality to locality. Louisiana has strict, statewide standards for working in the plumbing business right from the start.
Plumbing License Requirements for Plumbers in Louisiana
Is licensure required for plumbers in Louisiana? Yes.
And those licensing requirements are in place right from the start.
The State Plumbing Board of Louisiana (SPBLA) is responsible for licensing plumbers in the state. The Board issues three kinds of plumbers licenses—Residential, Journeyman, and Master—and also requires all apprentice plumbers to register with it.
To legally perform plumbing work valuing more than $10,000 in labor and materials in the state of Louisiana, you must also be licensed as a commercial contractor.
Commercial contractor licenses are issued through the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors (LSLBC). That same board also licenses electricians, HVAC/mechanical contractors, general contractors, mold remediation contractors, and many other specialties.
Types of Plumbing Licenses in Louisiana
What are the types of plumber licenses in Louisiana?
Before you apply for a plumber license in Louisiana, you will need to register as an apprentice with the State Plumbing Board and pay the $20 fee. Once the apprenticeship or its equivalent is complete, you may apply for a license.
The state of Louisiana issues three types of plumbing licenses, and there are different requirements for each.
Residential Plumber: Qualifies the plumber to independently perform repairs of existing residential plumbing systems in one- and two-family dwellings under the supervision of a licensed master plumber.
Journeyman Plumber: Qualifies the plumber to perform installation, repairs, and maintenance of new and existing plumbing systems under the direct/indirect supervision of a licensed master plumber.
Master Plumber: Qualifies the plumber to perform installation, repairs, and maintenance of new and existing plumbing systems, and employ registered apprentices and licensed journeyman plumbers.
LICENSE REQUIREMENTS:
Must meet either experience requirement:
Be currently enrolled in an approved apprenticeship program through the Louisiana Workforce Commission and registered as an apprentice through the State Plumbing Board and have 3,000 hours of manual labor plumbing experience under the employment of a licensed master plumber.
Be a currently registered apprentice through the State Plumbing Board of Louisiana and have 4,000 hours of manual labor plumbing experience under the employ of a licensed master plumber.
Apply for and pass the exam, which incurs a $135 fee
Fill out a license application and submit a $40 fee.
Must meet either experience requirement:
Be enrolled in an approved apprenticeship program through the Louisiana Workforce Commission and registered as an apprentice through the State Plumbing Board and have 7,000 hours of manual plumbing labor experience under the supervision of a licensed journeyman or master plumber.
Be a registered apprentice through the State Plumbing Board of Louisiana and have 8,000 hours of manual plumbing labor experience under the direct supervision of a licensed journeyman or master plumber.
Apply for and pass the exam, which incurs a $135 fee
Fill out a license application and submit a $50 fee.
Must hold a journeyman license or hold a current license issued by the Professional Engineering and Land Surveying Board certifying or registering you as a professional engineer.
Apply for and pass the exam, which incurs a $110 fee
Fill out the license application and submit a $190 fee.
If you want to bid on projects valuing more than $10,000, you will need to apply to the State Licensing Board for Contractors for a commercial contractor license as well.
Steps to Get a Plumbing Contractor License in Louisiana
You must be at least 16 years old, although some apprenticeships require you to be 18.
Be a registered apprentice through the State Plumbing Board.
Meet the experience requirements for a residential or journeyman license.
Apply to take the examination, and pay the examination fee.
Upon approval from the Board, you will be scheduled for the next available exam.
After receiving a passing grade, applicants will be notified to complete the appropriate license form and pay the applicable fee.
You may practice indefinitely as a journeyman as long as you keep your license current through continuing education and renewal and work for a licensed master plumber.
If you choose to own your own plumbing company and bid on projects, you will need to apply to take the master examination and pay the application fee.
Pass the master plumber exam.
Apply for a master plumber license, and pay an application fee.
If you want to bid on projects valuing more than $10,000, you will need to apply to the State Licensing Board for Contractors for a commercial contractor license as well.
Benefits of Getting a Plumbers License in Louisiana
There are many benefits to getting your Louisiana plumbing license:
Most importantly, it is required by law in Louisiana to be licensed through the state to legally perform any plumbing work.
A trade license is proof of your experience and skill.
Only licensed master plumbers can: operate a business and advertise services, obtain commercial insurance, pull building permits and pass inspections, bid on public and government projects of up to $10,000. Only licensed commercial plumbing contractors can secure those jobs valuing $10,000 or more.
Having a license protects your company and customers.
A license gives you a competitive advantage in the job market and increases your earning potential as you acquire more experience.
What Is the Mean Wage for a Plumber in Louisiana?
The annual mean wage for a plumber in Louisiana is $62,520, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, that salary can increase as you acquire more experience. A plumbing salary database, shared with ServiceTitan by Payscale.com, projects the median plumber salary will increase nationally in 2025 by 3.65% for entry-level workers, and 3.55% for both intermediate and senior level plumbers. In Louisiana, those salary projections are:
Entry (<2 years): $52,000
Intermediate (2-4 years): $67,500
Senior (4-7 years): $73,100
Salaries can vary widely depending on the parish where you work and other factors like education, certifications, additional skills, and the number of years you have spent in your profession.
What Business Owners Need to Know
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How Much Does It Cost to Get a Plumbing Contractor License in Louisiana?
There are different fees associated with each level of licensing.
Apprentice Registration: $20
Apprentice programs have different tuition costs associated with them. All have some fees for books and tools, but much of the cost is absorbed by your employer or the union.
Residential Plumber
Plumbing exam application fee: $135
Initial license fee: $40
Journeyman Plumber
Exam application fee: $135
Initial license fee: $50
Master Plumber:
Application fee: $110
Initial license fee: $190
Plumbing Contractor:
The Louisiana plumbing contractor license fee is $120 for that single classification. The business and law requirement is another $120. There is a $60 background financial investigation processing fee. There is a fee worksheet available on the website to help you calculate your total cost based on your particular license.
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How to Get a Plumbing License in Louisiana
The State Plumbing Board of Louisiana provides detailed instructions on its website for how to obtain each of the licenses. In Louisiana, licensure takes between two and five years, depending on the license type.
APPRENTICESHIP/WORK EXPERIENCE: No matter what plumbing license you want to obtain, you’ll need to work as an apprentice first. The apprenticeship duration depends on the type of apprenticeship and the desired license.
To become a residential plumber, you need to either be enrolled in an approved apprenticeship program through the Louisiana Workforce Commission and registered as an apprentice through the State Plumbing Board with 3,000 hours of manual labor plumbing experience under the employment of a licensed master plumber, or be a registered apprentice through the State Plumbing Board of Louisiana with 4,000 hours of manual labor plumbing experience under the employ of a licensed master plumber.
To become a journeyman plumber, you need to be enrolled in an approved apprenticeship program through the Louisiana Workforce Commission and registered as an apprentice through the State Plumbing Board with 7,000 hours of manual plumbing labor experience under the supervision of a licensed journeyman or master plumber, or be a registered apprentice through the State Plumbing Board of Louisiana with 8,000 hours of manual plumbing labor experience under the direct supervision of a licensed journeyman or master plumber.
APPLY TO TAKE EXAM: After you’ve met the work experience requirements, you can apply to take the state licensing exam for a residential or journeyman license. The application must be legibly completed in its entirety by the applicant, notarized, have all the necessary documentation attached, and be submitted with a check or money order in the amount of $135 ($125 Exam Fee + $10 Processing Charge).
The State Plumbing Board will mail the results of the examination to you, but it can take up to two weeks to receive scores.
APPLY FOR INITIAL LICENSE: Upon passing the examination, each applicant will be notified to complete the application and return it with an application fee. Once applicants receive their license, they will be responsible for taking continuing education every year through an approved provider and renewing their license every year with the State Plumbing Board before Dec. 31 to avoid delinquent fees. Passing scores are only valid for 90 days. If an applicant fails to send in the appropriate form and payment within 90 days, the applicant will forfeit their scores and will have to retake the entire examination.
PASS MASTER EXAM: One can work indefinitely as a residential or journeyman plumber, To qualify for the master plumber examination, an applicant must have a journeyman plumbing license or hold a license issued by the Professional Engineering and Land Surveying Board certifying or registering you as a professional engineer. The application must be legibly completed in its entirety, notarized, have all the necessary documentation attached, and be submitted with a check or money order in the amount of $110 ($100 Exam Fee + $10 Processing Charge).
APPLY FOR MASTER PLUMBER LICENSE: Upon passing the examination, each applicant will be notified to complete the initial master plumber license form and return it with a $190 active license fee. Once applicants receive their license, they will be responsible for taking continuing education every year through an approved provider and renewing their license every year with the State Plumbing Board before Dec. 31 to avoid delinquent fees.
How Long Does it Take to Get a Plumbing Contractors License in Louisiana?
It takes about two years to become a residential plumber and four years to become a journeyman plumber. While you have to become a journeyman plumber before qualifying for the master plumber exam, there’s no experience requirement.
Louisiana Plumber Training Programs and Schools
Plumbers are responsible for a lot more than just fixing leaks or clogs. They design, install, and renovate systems that carry liquids or gasses, so they must know more than just the mechanics. They must know plumbing code. There are a handful of community and technical colleges in Louisiana that offer plumbing programs as well as many other training programs to get the training you need to become a plumbing professional.
Here are two great lists of the best plumbing colleges and universities in Louisiana:
Niche: 2025 Best Colleges with Plumbing Degrees in Louisiana
Universities.com: Best Plumbing Colleges in Louisiana
Program Prerequisites: Be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or a GED (General Educational Development) degree. Many require you to pass a physical and a drug test.
But the path most often taken is a plumbing apprenticeship. As stated earlier, many employers hiring entry-level plumbers helpers follow an apprentice model—pairing new employees with others who are licensed to begin hands-on training while requiring the beginner to attend classes. Employers will often pay for the instruction if you maintain a certain grade point average. The State Plumbing Board website explains apprenticeship programs are regulated by the Louisiana Workforce Commission. Applicants will contact Louisiana Workforce Commission to enroll in an approved apprenticeship program and will apply for their apprentice registration card through the State Plumbing Board of Louisiana.
There are approved apprenticeships offered through local unions or local trade associations, including:
The Plumbing Heating Cooling Contractors of Louisiana has an approved apprenticeship program that lasts 3.5 years. The tuition is $1,800 per year. All the details are laid out on their website.
Any program should cover OSHA safety training, detailed instruction in chemistry, mathematics, physics, blueprint reading and drafting, in-depth examination of state codes, and advanced training about water treatment systems, drainage systems, water heaters, plumbing appliances, and plumbing fixtures.
Tuition: Apprenticeships usually have some upfront costs of tuition and book fees, but the apprentice will be paid a percentage of the journeyman wage rate and will receive periodic wage increases as they meet program requirements. The cost of tuition at a vocational school or college depends on the program you choose but can range from $2,000 at a community college to $40,000 at a state or private school for a degree in engineering.
On-the-Job Experience: While on the job, you will need to have good customer service skills, be detail-oriented, have some mechanical capability, and be physically fit because the job can include some heavy lifting and hours of walking, standing, and working in tight spaces.
For more detailed information about plumbing school options in Louisiana, check out our Ultimate Guide to Plumbing Schools in Louisiana.
Louisiana Plumbing Contractor Licensing Exam Details
The State Plumbing Board of Louisiana administers the examinations for residential, journeyman, and master plumbers.
The residential plumber exam is a three-hour written exam with 80 questions and a 30-minute practical (hands-on) portion. The written exam is based on the 2021 International Residential Code (IRC) and the practical portion includes the following projects:
Floor plan
Screw pipe
Copper
The journeyman plumber exam consists of two parts. One part is an 80-question, three-hour written exam. The other part is a one-hour practical exam (hands-on).
The written exam is based on the following reference material:
2015 International Plumbing Code (IPC)
2015 International Residential Code (IRC)
Louisiana Title 17, Construction (Last amended December 2019)
The practical portion of the exam includes the following projects:
Floor plan
Screw pipe
Copper
The Master Plumber exam consists of a three-part written exam.
Part I of the examination is three hours and 80 questions and is based on the following materials:
2015 International Plumbing Code
2015 International Residential Code
Louisiana Title 17: Construction (December 2019)
Part II of the examination is two hours and 25 questions and is based on the following material:
Title 51 Public Health Sanitary Code (Part 13)
Part III of the examination is two hours and 40 questions and is based on the following material:
NASCLA Louisiana Master Plumbers and Master Natural Gasfitters Guide to Business, Law, and Project Management, 2nd Edition
Applicants must submit applications no less than 30 days prior to the date of the examination. Applicants are scheduled in the order in which they are approved. Processing may take up to two weeks from the date applications are received. Applicants will be mailed a notice that provides the date, time, and location of their exam.
Who Issues Plumbing Licenses in Louisiana?
The State Plumbing Board of Louisiana issues residential, journeyman, and master plumber licenses in the state and requires all plumbing apprentices to register with them.
Plumbing projects of more than $10,000 in labor and materials require a commercial contractor license issued through the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors (LSLBC).
Be sure to check with local governments where you intend to work to make sure you meet any additional licensing or permitting requirements.
Does My Louisiana Plumbing Contractors License Work in Any Other State?
Louisiana has a reciprocity agreement with Arkansas for the journeyman plumber license. Those with a Louisiana license would still need to apply for the Arkansas equivalent, but can waive exam requirements.
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for a Plumbing License in Louisiana?
If you have a valid plumbing license in another state, you may use it to qualify to take the residential or journeyman plumber exam. Applicants will be required to submit a copy of their out-of-state plumbing license with the application for approval. After earning your Louisiana journeyman license, you can apply for a master license if you wish to own your own business.
Journeyman plumbers from Arkansas still need to apply, but can waive the exam requirement, due to a reciprocity agreement.
Plumbing Certifications
Other certifications can help you demonstrate your proficiency to potential employers and clients. National Inspection Testing and Certification (NITC), International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (ASSE Certifications) and other professional certifications are not required but may make you a more attractive hire to prospective employers or can increase your marketability to customers.
Other Requirements Unique to Louisiana
According to the State Licensing Board for Contractors (LSLBC), a commercial license is required for commercial projects of $50,000 or more; $1 or more for hazardous materials; or in excess of $10,000 for plumbing, electrical or mechanical. The total value of the project includes the cost of all labor and materials.
So, to legally perform plumbing work valuing more than $10,000 in labor and materials, you must hold a master plumber license and also be licensed as a commercial contractor.
Louisiana plumbers can also obtain a water supply protection specialist endorsement.
Are There Plumbing Scholarships in Louisiana
Yes. The Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance (LOSFA), a program of the Louisiana Board of Regents, administers a number of scholarship and grant programs to help students access and afford postsecondary education. Those include:
TOPS Tech: An award that may be used for up to two years of occupational training at an approved school, college, or university to pursue a vocational or technical education certificate, diploma or non-academic degree program.
MJ Foster Promise Program: Provides financial support for students ages 20+ to earn credentials in high-demand, high-income program areas.
In addition to these scholarships, plumbing students in Louisiana can explore financial aid opportunities by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Submitting the FAFSA gives you access to federal grants like the Pell Grant, subsidized student loans, and work-study programs—all of which can help cover tuition, tools, and other training costs. Many Louisana community colleges and trade programs also use FAFSA data to award institutional aid or state-based grants.
How Can Someone Verify My Plumbing License in Louisiana?
Your plumbing license can be verified by potential clients or employees in Louisiana through the State Plumbing Board of Louisiana’s online rosters. Users can search by plumber name, company name, or license number.
When Can a Plumbing License Be Suspended in Louisiana?
A suspended plumber’s license means that the plumber is temporarily prohibited from practicing their trade legally. Some of the common reasons that a Louisiana plumbing license can be suspended are:
Fraud
Professional incompetence
Misleading or deceptive practices
Criminal convictions
Aiding unlicensed individuals
Failure to comply with regulations
Practicing on a lapsed license
Willful or repeated violations of regulations governing plumbing professionals
Note: The information above should not be considered legal advice. For detailed and specific information about Louisiana plumbing license regulations you can refer to the official Louisiana laws.
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed Plumbing Work in Louisiana?
Operating without a license in Louisiana is illegal and punishable by fine of at least $500 and up to $5,000, imprisonment for up to 90 days, or both.
Note: The information above should not be considered legal advice. For detailed and specific information about Louisiana plumbing license regulations you can refer to the official Louisiana laws.
Continuing Education
To make sure plumbing professionals in Louisiana stay current on all laws, codes, and regulations and that they are up to date on emerging technology in the field, Louisiana requires continuing education for license renewal. The requirements are:
Residential license: 3.5 hours per year
Journeyman license: 4 hours
Master plumber license: 5 hours
Approved continuing education providers are listed on the Board’s website.
Resources
You can stay up to date on all Plumbing industry news in several ways:
Check top plumbing blogs, including ServiceTitan’s blog.
Read about the latest industry trends.
Listen to top plumbing podcasts like ServiceTitan’s “Toolbox for the Trades” podcast.
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