Licensing Guides
Alaska Plumbing License: How to Become a Plumber in Alaska
Plumbing, AK
Table of Contents
Benefits of Getting a Plumbing Contractors License in Alaska
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Plumbing Contractor License in Alaska?
How Long Does it Take to Get a Plumbing Contractors License in Alaska?
Does My Alaska Plumbing Contractors License Work in Any Other State?
What Are The Reciprocity Requirements for a Plumbing License in Alaska?
What Are The Penalties for Unlicensed Plumbing Work in Alaska?
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 Alaska employs 870 of them. The national number is projected to grow 5% from 2024 to 2034, adding 44,000 to the ranks across the country. In Alaska, according to CareerOneStop, the U.S. Department of Labor’s job search website, the projected growth rate is higher at 13% for Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters.
Contractors are struggling 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 Alaska in July 2025 totaled 19,600, an increase of 1,400 (7.7%) from July 2024 and an increase of 2,800 or 17% 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. Alaska has strict, statewide standards for working in the plumbing business beginning at the trainee level.
Plumbing License Requirements for Plumbers in Alaska
Is a license required for plumbers in Alaska? Yes.
It is mandated from the very beginning.
To perform plumbing work legally in the state of Alaska you must be licensed. The state licenses every level of this workforce from trainees to journeymen. The Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development Mechanical Inspection Section of the Labor Standards and Safety Division is responsible for the licensing and regulation of plumbers, mechanical administrators, and contractors and issues all licenses.
Types of Plumbing Licenses in Alaska
What are the types of plumber licenses in Alaska?
There are four main plumber licenses at the state level in Alaska, and they are referred to as Certificates of Fitness. There are also additional licensing requirements in Anchorage and Fairbanks.
Plumber Trainee — A trainee means an individual who is legally performing work to learn a skilled trade on the job under the training and direct supervision of an experienced craft journeyman plumber or electrician and who, during the training, is given opportunities to develop progressive skills in that trade.
Plumber Journeyman — A journeyman is a person who performs plumbing work in the installation, removal, alteration, or repair of plumbing and drainage systems, within the property lines of the premises. Plumbing and drainage systems include building supply and distribution piping for potable water; water treating or utilization equipment; plumbing fixtures and traps; drainage and vent pipes; building drains and building sewers; medical gas and medical vacuum systems; liquid and fuel gas piping; and swimming pool, spa, and hot tub piping.
Plumber Gas (restricted) — A restricted gas plumber can install fuel and gas piping within property lines of the premises. The license holder is authorized to install water service piping from the street, right-of-way main, water well, or storage tank to the first stop valve of the serviced structure or other point of use or distribution on the serviced property; building sewer piping from within two feet of a serviced structure to a public sewer, private sewer, private sewage disposal system, or other point of disposal; and building storm drains that receive the discharge of roof drains, leaders, downspouts, or conductors, if the storm drains are installed from within two feet of a commercial structure, or from within two feet of a residential structure of four or more dwelling units, to the street, the right-of-way main line, or a point of disposal approved by the federal, state, or local agency having jurisdiction.
Plumber Utility (restricted) — This licensee is permitted to install water mains, sewer mains, and storm drains, but only outside the building, up to the property line. The certificate specifically covers utility piping up to, but not inside, the building structure.
Each license has specific requirements that must be met to qualify for licensure.
Additionally, some municipalities have additional license classifications. For example, Fairbanks offers a Master Plumber license.
LICENSE REQUIREMENTS:
Must be at least 16 years old.
Must provide documented proof of participation in an apprentice program accredited by the U.S. Department of Labor.
Must also include a letter from the employer on company letterhead.
Must work under the direct supervision of a licensed Journeyman Plumber.
Must pay the $50 application fee and $200 certificate fee.
Must be 18 years old.
Must obtain a minimum of 8,000 hours of legally obtained work in the installation of commercial/residential plumbing. A maximum of 1,000 hours of trade-related classroom training may be used toward the work experience requirement of 8,000 hours.
Must pass the Plumber Journeyman exam administered by the Alaska Department of Labor’s Mechanical Inspection Section.
Must submit notarized proof from employers or union affidavits specifying hours worked, dates, and job details, verifying at least 8,000 hours.
Must pay the $50 application fee and a $200 licensing fee.
Must be 18 years old.
Must submit notarized documentation (on state-provided forms or letterhead) proving at least 2,000 hours of experience installing fuel and gas piping within property lines or at least 4,000 hours of general plumbing experience. Up to 500 hours of classroom hours from an accredited apprenticeship or education program may be substituted toward experience under the general plumbing category.
Must pass a state-administered exam for Plumber Restricted with a minimum score of 70%. Exams are available in Juneau, Anchorage, Fairbanks, or arranged proctoring facilities.
Must pay the $50 application fee and a $200 license fee.
Must submit notarized documentation (via state forms or employer letterhead) showing at least 1,000 hours of experience installing water, sewer, or storm utility lines according to plumbing standards. You may substitute up to 125 hours of trade‑related classroom training (from an accredited apprenticeship or educational program) toward the 1,000‑hour experience requirement.
Must pass the Plumber Utility exam, which is administered by the Alaska Department of Labor’s Mechanical Inspection Section, with a minimum passing score of 70%.
Must pay the $50 application fee and a $200 license fee.
Steps to Get a Plumbing Contractor License in Alaska
Be at least 16 years of age and hold a high school diploma or GED equivalent.
Enroll in a pre-apprenticeship program (like through a local vocational school) to prepare for enrollment in an apprenticeship program or enroll directly in an apprentice program registered with the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Apprenticeship.
Apply for a trainee Certificate of Fitness, meet all requirements, and pay a fee.
Complete apprenticeship working under the supervision of a certified plumber in the category you intend to be certified and gain the necessary education and experience.
Pass the appropriate plumbing exam given by the Department to obtain a Certificate of Fitness.
Meet any additional local licensing requirements where you intend to work.
Work as a certified journeyman plumber for a licensed contractor or become a licensed contractor yourself by registering your corporation/entity with the State of Alaska Division of Corporations to receive an Alaska Entity Number and applying to the State of Alaska Business License Section to obtain a business license. You will also need a surety bond, general liability insurance, property damage insurance, and workers’ compensation insurance if you have employees.
Keep your Certificate of Fitness current by completing continuing education and renewing it every two years.
Benefits of Getting a Plumbing Contractors License in Alaska
There are many benefits you’ll see from getting your Alaska plumbing license:
Most importantly, it is required by law in Alaska to be licensed through the state to legally perform any plumbing work.
A trade license is proof of your experience and skill.
Only licensed plumbing contractors can: operate a business and advertise services, obtain commercial insurance, pull building permits and pass inspections, bid on public and government projects.
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 Salary for a Plumber in Alaska?
The annual mean wage for a plumber in Alaska is $84,160, 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 Alaska those salary projections are:
Entry (<2 years): $55,400
Intermediate (2-4 years): $72,000
Senior (4-7 years): $78,000
Salaries can vary widely depending on the city 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
Getting the most out of a plumbing technician, no matter where they are in their licensing journey, takes work. ServiceTitan’s cloud-based, all-in-one plumbing software gives technicians and business owners the technology they need to do the work efficiently, and the data they need to do it smartly.
SMS communications that keep customers informed about the technician’s visit.
Location-specific service history, including recorded calls, accessible from the mobile app.
Required forms that ensure every job is done right, driving consistency.
The ability to build multi-option proposals with photos, on-site, in minutes.
Sales presentations that make conversations with customers easier and drive up the average ticket.
Mobile payment acceptance, eliminating lost checks and increasing cash flow.
To learn more, schedule a demo with a product expert today.
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How Much Does It Cost to Get a Plumbing Contractor License in Alaska?
The cost to get started as an apprentice in Alaska is fairly low. The application fee is $50 and the license fee is $200.
Apprentice programs have different tuition costs. All have some fees for books and tools, but much of the cost is absorbed by your employer or the union.
Some union apprenticeships, like the one with Plumbers & Steamfitters Local 367 in Anchorage, pay for all apprenticeship training expenses.
Each of the other three license classes incur a $50 application/exam fee and $200 license fee.
How to Get a Plumbing License in Alaska
Becoming a plumbing professional in Alaska isn’t fast, but it’s very straightforward.
APPRENTICESHIP/WORK EXPERIENCE: You will need to be at least 16 years old to qualify for a plumber trainee program and have graduated from high school or earned a GED equivalent. The state requires everyone who wants to join this profession to become an apprentice and complete an apprenticeship that is recognized by the U.S. Department of Labor.
Trainee apprenticeships for Alaska plumbers typically last four to five years. Once you are enrolled in either a union or non-union apprenticeship, you must apply to the Mechanical Inspection Section of the Labor Standards and Safety Division for a trainee license and pay the $250 fee. Print out the application and mail it to: Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development, Mechanical Inspection Section, 1251 Muldoon Rd., Suite 113, Anchorage, Alaska, 99504.
To qualify for a Journeyman Plumber license, you must obtain a minimum of 8,000 hours of legally obtained work in the installation of commercial/residential plumbing. A maximum of 1,000 hours of trade-related classroom training may be used toward the work experience requirement of 8,000 hours.
To qualify for a Plumber Gas license, you must obtain at least 2,000 hours of experience installing fuel and gas piping within property lines or at least 4,000 hours of general plumbing experience. Up to 500 hours of classroom hours from an accredited apprenticeship or education program may be substituted toward experience under the general plumbing category.
To qualify for a Plumber Utility license, you must obtain 1,000 hours of experience installing water, sewer, or storm utility lines according to plumbing standards. You may substitute up to 125 hours of trade‑related classroom training (from an accredited apprenticeship or educational program) toward the 1,000‑hour experience requirement.
TAKE LICENSING EXAM: The Journeyman Plumbing, Plumber Gas, and Plumber Utility licenses all require the candidate to pass an exam. The exam covers the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) and Fuel Gas Code (FGC). The exam is open book and requires a minimum passing score of 70%. The exam fee is $50.
APPLY FOR LICENSE: After successfully passing an examination, you will need to fill out the license application and mail it to the Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development, Mechanical Inspection Section.
BACKGROUND CHECK: Every license requires the applicant to pass a background check with the Mechanical Inspection Section. Certain criminal convictions may make an applicant ineligible for a plumber license in Alaska, based on how the offense relates to the responsibilities of the trade.
CONTRACTOR REQUIREMENTS: If you wish to own your own business, you will not only need to be licensed but also registered as a Contractor. You’ll need to register your corporation/entity with the State of Alaska Division of Corporations to receive an Alaska Entity Number, and apply to the State of Alaska Business License Section to obtain a business license. Business license fees are $50 per year and may be purchased for 1 year ($50) or 2 years ($100).
You’ll need a $10,000 surety bond, general liability insurance, and workers’ compensation insurance, unless you’re a sole proprietor, then you wouldn’t need the workers’ comp. You can find more information on the Business and Professional Licensing page at Alaska.gov.
How Long Does it Take to Get a Plumbing Contractors License in Alaska?
It will take a minimum of 8,000 hours (4 years) of apprentice training to qualify for a Journeyman license in Alaska. Apprenticeship programs typically provide that amount of training.
For a Plumber Gas license, you need a minimum of 2,000 hours (1 year) of experience installing fuel and gas piping within property lines or at least 4,000 hours (2 years) of general plumbing experience.
For a Plumber Utility license, you need a minimum of 1,000 hours (1 year) of experience installing water, sewer, or storm utility lines according to plumbing standards. You may substitute up to 125 hours of trade‑related classroom training (from an accredited apprenticeship or educational program) toward the 1,000‑hour experience requirement.
Alaska 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. Since the state of Alaska requires plumbing professionals to begin their career journey as a plumbing trainee, you most likely will not choose to get a post-secondary degree.
However, if you want to build your knowledge base before beginning as an apprentice, there are a couple of programs intended to prepare you for an apprenticeship in plumbing.
Local United Association union chapters are a great place to start your search, because they are considered the gold standard in apprenticeships in the trades. You will want to apply to the local chapter where you live. Local 367 in Anchorage offers Plumbing, Pipefitting, Welding, and Heating Apprenticeships. Each is a five-year program consisting of 10,000 hours. The apprentice is paid while working, with raises of 10% given upon satisfactory completion of 12 months and 2,000 hours of work.
The Associated Builders and Contractors of Alaska offers apprenticeship programs in Carpentry, Electrical, HVAC, Insulating, Laborer, Pipefitting, Plumbing, Gasfitting, Sheet Metal and Sprinkler Fitting. You can get more information on the ABC Alaska website.
The Alaska Workforce Investment board website has information for job seekers as well as employers and veterans to help apprentices find openings and help employers find apprentices. The site includes a list of current registered apprenticeship programs specifically for the construction trades through the Alaska Apprenticeship Training Coordinators Association, which offers training programs for boilermakers, plumbers/fitters, sheetmetal workers, and more.
Apprenticeship: There are many other kinds of apprenticeships that will satisfy the licensing requirement in Alaska, too. You can apply for a union training program like the ones offered through Plumbers and Steamfitters UA Local 367 in Anchorage or UA Local 375 in Fairbanks. Or you could choose a non-union training program through a trade organization like the Associated Builders and Contractors of Alaska. Or you could simply apply for one of the apprentice positions listed on ZipRecruiter or Indeed to see if an employer will sponsor you instead. Just remember that your apprenticeship needs to be recognized by the U.S. Department of Labor.
Program Prerequisites: For any of these paths, you need to be at least 16 years old and have a high school diploma or a GED (General Educational Development) degree.
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 Alaska, check out our Ultimate Guide to Plumbing Schools in Alaska.
Alaska Plumbing Contractor Licensing Exam Details
All of the plumber exams required by the state of Alaska are given by appointment only. You’ll need to call the Mechanical Inspection office to schedule testing in Anchorage, Fairbanks or Juneau.
A government-issued picture ID must be presented at the time of testing. There is a four-hour maximum time limit on all exams. A score of at least 70 percent is required for passing. If a passing score is not obtained, you must wait 30 days from the date of your last exam before retesting. Exams are graded in Anchorage.
All exams are open book and based on the 2018 Edition of the Uniform Plumbing Code. The application/test fee is $50. The licensing fee is $200 for the two-year certificate.
The cities of Anchorage and Fairbanks have additional licensing, and each requires local examinations. In Anchorage, to obtain a qualification (fitness) card you will have to take an exam given by the municipality. These exams are given bimonthly for contractors and journeymen (Plumbers, Gasfitters and Sheetmetal). To be eligible you must show the required proof of hours:
Plumbing & Sheetmetal Contractor: 12,000 hours
Gas Piping Contractor: 8,000 hours
Plumbing & Sheetmetal Journeyman: 8,000 hours
Gas Piping Journeyman: 4,000 hours
Who Issues Plumbing Contractors Licenses in Alaska?
All Plumbing, Gas Piping, HVAC/ Mechanical, and related specialty licenses are issued through the Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development. Specifically, the Mechanical Inspection Section of the Labor Standards and Safety Division.
Does My Alaska Plumbing Contractors License Work in Any Other State?
Alaska does not have any reciprocal agreements for plumbers with any other states. If you are licensed in another state, you will still need to meet the educational and experience requirements in Alaska. If you’ve completed a U.S. Department of Labor Apprenticeship elsewhere, that should be no problem, but you will still need to pass the Alaska exam to get your Certificate of Fitness.
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for a Plumbing License in Alaska?
Alaska doesn’t maintain reciprocal agreements with any other states. However, if you completed a United States Department of Labor Apprenticeship in another state, you will only need to take the licensing exam.
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 Alaska
Unlike most other states, Alaska doesn’t offer a Master Plumber license at the state level. Some cities, including Fairbanks, do offer a Master Plumber license with specific licensing requirements. Make sure to check local regulations where you intend to work.
Are There Plumbing Scholarships in Alaska?
Yes, there are plumbing scholarships in Alaska.
Each of the three plumbing unions in Alaska offer scholarships that cover all of the required training costs, so long as the candidate follows the rules of the program.
Local 367 in Anchorage offers Plumbing, Pipefitting, Welding, and Heating Apprenticeships. Each is a five-year program consisting of 10,000 hours. The apprentice is paid while working, with raises of 10% given upon satisfactory completion of 12 months and 2,000 hours of work. Classroom and shop training is a mandatory six weeks each year.
The minimum requirements are:
Must be 18 years of age or older
Must have either a high school diploma, GED or a two-year minimum secondary/college Degree
Valid Alaska Driver’s License
NO DUI or DWI on your driving record in the past three years from application closing date
I-9 Employment Verification Documentation
WorkKeys tests (ACT Assessment tests)
How Can Someone Verify My Plumbing License in Alaska?
To verify a plumbing license in Alaska, use the Alaska Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development's Professional License Search Tool. You can also search all disciplinary actions from 2017 to date for all professional licenses regulated by the Division.
Once you navigate to the Search Tool, you can search by a plumber’s name or license number.
When Can a Plumbing License Be Suspended in Alaska?
A suspension means you are temporarily prohibited from practicing the trade legally. Some of the common reasons that an Alaska plumbing licenses 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
Licensees can also face disciplinary action if they fail to report changes in business or personal information to the board or fail to respond to an investigation or complaint.
Note: The information above should not be considered legal advice. For detailed and specific information about Alaska plumbing license regulations you can refer to the Mechanical Administrators Statutes and Regulations.
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed Plumbing Work in Alaska?
Performing plumbing work in Alaska without a license is illegal. In fact, unlicensed plumbers face fines up to $5,000 on the first offense. The penalty amount considers factors such as the gravity of the violation, economic benefit, and prior violations. In some cases, misdemeanor or felony charges may be issued, depending on the severity of the violation. The Mechanical Inspection Section of the Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development oversees enforcement, investigating violations, issuing fines and referrals to the licensing division for further disciplinary action.
Continuing Education
Alaska law requires licensed Journeyman plumbers to obtain continuing education as a condition of license renewal. All Journeyman plumbers must obtain 16 hours of continuing education every 2 years. A minimum of 8 hours must include a multi-chapter review of the UPC. Several companies offer online courses that fulfill continuing education requirements for Alaska plumbers. Topics include plumbing safety, drainage systems, industry updates, and more.
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
