Licensing Guides
Mississippi Plumbing License: How to Become a Plumber in Mississippi
Plumbing, MS
Table of Contents
Benefits of Getting a Plumbing Contractors License in Mississippi
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Plumbing Contractor License in Mississippi?
How Long Does it Take to Get a Plumbing Contractors License in Mississippi?
Does My Mississippi Plumbing Contractors License Work in Any Other State?
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for a Plumbing License in Mississippi?
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed Plumbing Work in Mississippi?
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 Mississippi employs 3,050 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 Mississippi, according to CareerOneStop, the U.S. Department of Labor’s job search website, the projected growth rate is much higher at 19% 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 Mississippi in July 2025 totaled 51,800, an increase of 1,200 (2.4%) from July 2024 and an increase of 6,700 or 15% 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. Mississippi has state level licensing for projects that exceed certain monetary thresholds and local licensing for less costly projects.
Licensing Requirements for Plumbers in Mississippi
Is a license required for plumbing contractors and plumbers in Mississippi? Yes and no.
The state does require a Mississippi State Board of Contractors (MSBOC) residential license for plumbing, HVAC, or electrical work related to remodels of $10,000 or more. New residential construction or any commercial work requires a MSBOC license once you hit the $50,000 threshold. Anything less than those amounts falls to local jurisdictions.
Types of Plumbing Licenses in Mississippi
The state of Mississippi has major and specialty classifications for commercial contractors. Contractors holding a major classification may perform all the specialty classifications within that category. Applicants who do not choose a major classification may choose an unlimited number of specialty classifications.
The Commercial classifications relevant to plumbing include:
Major Classification: Mechanical — Qualifies an individual to perform all aspects of heating, cooling, refrigeration and associated equipment piping and ductwork, as well as plumbing work.
Specialty Classification: Plumbing — Qualifies an individual to perform installation, maintenance, and repair of commercial and residential plumbing systems.
The Residential classifications relevant to plumbing include:
Residential Mechanical — Qualifies an individual to perform installation, maintenance, and repair of residential HVAC and residential plumbing systems.
Residential Plumbing — Qualifies an individual to perform installation, maintenance, and repair of residential plumbing systems.
Each license has specific requirements.
Major Classification: Mechanical and Specialty Classification: Plumbing
Corporations and LLCs require registration with the Mississippi Secretary of State and proof of good standing.
Obtain a Mississippi sales tax number from the Mississippi Department of Revenue.
Obtain general liability insurance coverage with $300,000 minimum per occurrence and $600,000 aggregate. Workers’ compensation insurance is required if you employ five or more people.
Requires three reference letters, one of which must be from the bank.
Need to provide proof of experience (three jobs in requested classification).
Provide a reviewed or audited financial statement prepared and signed by a certified public accountant completed within the last 12 months. Applicants for a major classification must demonstrate a net worth of at least $50,000. All other applicants must demonstrate a net worth of at least $20,000.
Pass required exams.
Fill out an application and pay the application fee.
Residential Classifications
Corporations and LLCs require registration with the Mississippi Secretary of State and proof of good standing.
Obtain general liability insurance coverage and workers’ compensation if you have five or more employees.
Requires three reference letters, one of which must be from the bank.
Need to provide proof of experience (three jobs in requested classification).
Pass required exams.
Fill out an application and pay the application fee.
Steps to Get a Plumbing Contractor License in Mississippi
Typically you must be at least 18 years of age and have earned a high school diploma or GED equivalent to meet employer requirements, although some employers will hire entry-level workers as young as 16 years old.
You must get the proper training. Either attend community or technical college (usually two years) or trade school (usually six to nine months) to prepare for certification exams and be a good candidate for hire; or
Be accepted into an apprentice program offered through unions, trade organizations, or a company; or
Find entry-level work with a plumbing company and get on-the-job training. Most employers will place you with a licensed plumbing contractor in the local jurisdiction to learn from and may also require classroom instruction until you are capable of passing the examination.
You can earn additional certifications to improve your marketability and pay.
If you want to work on residential projects valued at $10,000 or more or commercial projects valued $50,000 or more, you need a license from MSCOB.
If you’re applying as a corporation or LLC, you must be registered with the Mississippi Secretary of State and provide proof of good standing.
Furnish a Mississippi sales tax number or a Mississippi use tax number and a Mississippi Income Tax ID Number or Federal Income Tax ID number.
You must obtain general liability insurance with a minimum of $300,000 coverage for each incident and $600,000 in total.
You must provide a certificate of insurance showing current workers’ compensation coverage if you have five or more employees.
You must provide three reference letters. One must be from the bank; the other two can be from anyone you’ve worked with or for on construction-related projects.
You must show experience in the classification(s) of work requested. List at least three jobs completed in the requested classification.
Commercial applicants must provide a reviewed or audited financial statement prepared and signed by a certified public accountant completed within the last 12 months. Applicants for a major classification must demonstrate a net worth of at least $50,000. All other applicants must demonstrate a net worth of at least $20,000.
Commercial contractors: Pay the application fee of $400, which includes one classification. Add $100 for each additional classification requested. Residential contractors: Pay the application fee of $50, which includes one classification. Add $100 for each additional classification requested.
Apply for your contractor license by submitting a completed and notarized application.
Once approved, take and pass the required exams.
Benefits of Getting a Plumbing Contractors License in Mississippi
There are many benefits to getting your Mississippi plumbing license:
Most importantly, Mississippi requires contractors to be licensed to perform residential jobs valued $10,000+ and commercial jobs valued $50,000+.
A trade license is proof of your experience and skill.
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 Mississippi?
The annual mean wage for a plumber in Mississippi is $57,490, 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 Mississippi, those salary projections are:
Entry (<2 years): $49,300
Intermediate (2-4 years): $64,100
Senior (4-7 years): $69,400
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
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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.
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How Much Does It Cost to Get a Plumbing Contractor License in Mississippi?
The cost associated with the training to be a plumber or plumbing contractor varies widely. If you start as an entry-level employee, you can earn while you learn and have no upfront costs, but you will likely make a lower wage. You could also choose to enroll in an apprenticeship program where you will be earning a percentage of a journeyman wage while you train. Or you can attend classes at a community or technical college to prepare for eventual licensing, which of course means paying tuition.
There are also application and testing fees. The application fee for a commercial contractor license is $400. For a residential contractor, it’s $50. Holding a major classification entitles the commercial license holder to perform the specialty classifications noted beneath each major classification category. Applicants who do not want a major classification may choose an unlimited number of specialty classifications. One selection is included with the application fee, but each additional selection requires an additional $100.
All license applicants must take the business and law examination and a trade exam. Each exam incurs a $120 fee.
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How to Get a Plumbing License in Mississippi
Plumbers in Mississippi begin as either an entry-level worker, an apprentice, or a student. Most employers expect job candidates to be at least 18 years old and have earned either a high school diploma or GED.
EDUCATION/ WORK EXPERIENCE: Either attend community college and earn an associate degree or complete a shorter certificate program at a technical college to get the foundational knowledge you need to get started. Employers often state a preference for job candidates who have graduated from a relevant trade school or technical college because they have been educated in key skills needed for the job. Alternatively, you can opt for on-the-job training.
The other way to get the training you need is through a formal apprenticeship, which is sometimes referred to as “The Other Four-Year Degree,” because it’s like college for the trades. The United Association Union of Plumbers, Fitters, Welders & Service Techs operates in three Mississippi locations, including Local 568 in Gulfport, Local 436 in Pascagoula, and Local 619 in Vicksburg. Apprenticeships through UA nationally are highly competitive programs that typically last about five years. Apprentices get on-the-job training and must attend classes.
APPLY FOR LICENSE: If you want the freedom to work on commercial projects valued $50,000+ or residential projects valued $10,000+, you will need a commercial or residential license.
There is a helpful video on the state website that outlines how to apply for a contractor license. There’s also a Frequently Asked Questions page that may help with the application process.
You will need to submit the completed, notarized application, fee, and required documentation to:
MSBOC P.O. Box 320279 Jackson, MS 39232-0279
PAY FEES: For a commercial license, you will need to pay the fee of $400, which includes one classification. Add $100 for each additional classification requested. A residential license application fee is $50 for one classification, and $100 for additional classifications.
PASS EXAMS: All applicants are required to take a Law and Business Management exam, and all plumbing licenses also require a trade exam. Exams are administered by PSI Testing Services.
The State Licensing Board will notify PSI of your eligibility after receiving your completed application, and PSI will email you a confirmation notice. The Candidate Information Bulletin explains how to schedule the PSI exams. Once you pass, your license will be approved and will be mailed to you.
How Long Does it Take to Get a Plumbing Contractors License in Mississippi?
There’s no years of experience or education requirement to become a plumber in Mississippi. The application simply requires you show proof of three completed jobs in the classification requested and submit three reference letters. You’ll also need to pass a trade exam.
The time it takes ultimately depends on the path you choose: advanced education, apprenticeship, or an entry-level job. As an apprentice you begin earning a wage from the very beginning, and that compensation goes up each year as you acquire more training and knowledge until you are fully licensed. As a licensed contractor you can be your own boss and grow your business as much as you want.
Mississippi 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 Mississippi doesn’t require advanced education for licensure, you most likely will not choose to get a postsecondary degree. However, if you want to build your knowledge before getting hands-on experience, there are options.
Hinds Community College in Rankin offers 70 career or technical programs, including a Plumbing and Construction program that prepares students to be residential plumbers, among other options. Tuition is $1,850 for full-time in-state students.
Mississippi State University Extension Center for Continuing Education offers a Foundations in Plumbing program. It is 12 months long and costs $2,550.
You’ll learn about plumbing systems including:
Underground water supply systems
Storm water
Sewer drainage
Fixture installation
Waste and vent piping both inside and outside of buildings
Residential and service plumbing
Any program should also 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, water heaters, plumbing appliances, and plumbing fixtures.
Here's a great list to plumbing colleges in Mississippi:
Niche: 2026 Best Colleges with Plumbing Degrees in Mississippi
Apprenticeship: The alternative to a formal education program is to look for a plumbing apprenticeship. The Mississippi Apprenticeship Program maintains a list of registered apprenticeships that meet national standards for registration with the U.S. Department of Labor. Apprenticeships through the Department of Labor are recognized nationwide, so your credentials will move with you. The Building Trades Alliance is another place where you can learn more about apprenticeships in Alabama and Mississippi. There’s also the Mississippi Construction Education Foundation (MCEF) — a nonprofit organization whose mission is to promote careers, recruit capable individuals, and train a quality workforce for the construction industry in Mississippi.
Or, you can simply look for an entry-level position on a job board like Indeed or ZipRecruiter.
Tuition: Apprenticeships usually have some upfront costs of tuition and book fees, but are often paid by the employer or contractors paying into the sponsoring organization. Also apprentices 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 $3,000 at a community college to $40,000 at a state or private school for an associate degree or bachelor degree in engineering.
Program Prerequisites: You must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or a GED for many formal apprenticeships or college programs.
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 Mississippi, check out our Ultimate Guide to Plumbing Schools in Mississippi.
Mississippi Plumbing Contractor Licensing Exam Details
Examinations are administered by PSI. To prepare, PSI suggests that you start with a current copy of the Candidate Information Bulletin and use the examination content outline as the basis of your study. Read/study materials that cover all the topics in the content outline and take practice tests.
Each of the exams is described in detail in the bulletin, including the number of questions and the time limit to complete it, as well as which reference materials you may use and what items are not allowed in the testing center in Jackson.
The Mississippi law and business management exam has 50 questions and a two-hour time limit. It covers:
Licensing
Estimating and bidding
Lien law
Financial management
Tax laws
Labor laws
Project management
Contracts
Business organization
Risk management
Environmental and safety
The commercial plumbing exam is made up of 70 questions, and you are given three hours to complete it. It's based on the International Plumbing Code and the following subject areas are covered:
General plumbing regulations
Safety
Cleanouts
Fixtures and equipment
Water heaters
Piping, valves, controls
Water supply
Hangers and supports
Drain, waste, and vent
Backflow
Traps and interceptors
Developed length
Isometric analysis
Joints and connections
The commercial mechanical contractor exam, which is the major classification over the plumbing specialty, is made up of 100 questions, and you are given four hours to complete it. The following subject areas are covered:
Boilers and hydronics
Gas systems
Cleanouts
Plumbing fixtures and equipment
Water heaters
Piping, valves, controls
Sheet metal and ducts
Water supply
Hangers and supports
Drain, waste, and vent
Backflow
Traps and interceptors
Developed length
Isometric analysis
Safety
Joints and connections
General plumbing regulations
Fire sprinklers
Refrigerants and refrigeration
Heating and cooling principles
Load calculations
Testing, adjusting, and balancing
HVAC Equipment
The residential plumbing exam consists of 80 questions, and has a time limit of four hours. The following subject areas are covered:
General plumbing knowledge and regulations
Piping, valves, and controls
Fixtures and equipment
Water supply
Drain, waste, and vent
Sewers
Isometric analysis
Safety
Specialty applications
Fuel gas
LP gas
Fuel oil
Piping
The exams are open book, and a 70% is required to pass.
Who Issues Plumbers Licenses in Mississippi?
The Mississippi State Board of Contractors (MSBOC) oversees Mississippi contractor licensing, including mechanical contractor and plumbing licenses. Local jurisdictions may have their own requirements as well.
Does My Mississippi Plumbers License Work in Any Other State?
Mississippi has license reciprocity agreements with a number of states, including Georgia, Florida, and Louisiana. But plumbing license reciprocity agreements are only in place with Ohio, Tennessee, and South Carolina. The South Carolina reciprocity agreement is only for residential plumbing. While reciprocity agreements streamline the path to licensure, you still need to follow application requirements in each state.
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for a Plumbing License in Mississippi?
As stated above, the state has plumbing license reciprocity agreements with Ohio, Tennessee, and South Carolina. This reciprocity allows licensed plumbing contractors from those states to waive the trade exam. They still need to submit an application, meet application requirements, and pass the Mississippi Business and Law 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 Mississippi
Since statewide plumbing licenses are only required once you reach $10,000 for residential projects and $50,000 for commercial projects, many local jurisdictions step in to regulate the industry. For example, the city of Gulfport issues a Master Plumber license through its Building Code Services office.
Are There Plumbing Scholarships in Mississippi?
Yes, there are plumbing scholarship programs available in Mississippi. Options include:
Building Officials Association of Mississippi (BOAM) Scholarship: $1,000 available to Mississippi students in a building-related course of study, including plumbing and pipefitting.
Building Construction Science Scholarship: Awarded to Mississippi State University students studying building construction.
In addition to these scholarships, plumbing students in Mississippi 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 Mississippi 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 Mississippi?
Your plumbing license can be verified by potential clients or employees in Mississippi through the MSBOC online search. Users can search by company name, qualifying party name, DBA name, or license number.
When Can a Plumbing License Be Suspended in Mississippi?
A suspended plumber’s license means that the plumber is temporarily prohibited from practicing their trade legally. Some of the common reasons that a Mississippi plumbing licenses can be suspended are:
Fraud
Professional incompetence
Misleading or deceptive practices
Gross negligence or misconduct
Aiding unlicensed individuals
Failure to comply with regulations
Practicing on a lapsed license
Failure to maintain required insurance
Failure to pay for goods or services for which the builder is contractually bound
Note: The information above should not be considered legal advice. For detailed and specific information about Mississippi plumbing license regulations, refer to the Mississippi State Board of Contractors Residential Builders Law and the Rules and Regulations of the State Board of Contractors.
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed Plumbing Work in Mississippi?
Performing plumbing work in Mississippi without a license is illegal. It is considered a misdemeanor, and incurs a fine between $100 to $5,000 dollars, jail time of 30 to 60 days, or both.
Note: The information above should not be considered legal advice. For detailed and specific information about Mississippi plumbing license regulations, refer to the Mississippi State Board of Contractors Residential Builders Law and the Rules and Regulations of the State Board of Contractors.
Continuing Education
The qualifying party on a residential license must complete two hours of continuing education each year. The MSBOC maintains a list of approved educators. There’s no continuing education requirement for commercial licenses.
Licenses must be renewed annually. Residential license renewal costs $100, and commercial license renewal costs $400.
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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