Licensing Guides
Nevada Plumbing License: How to Become a Plumber in Nevada
Plumbing, NE
Table of Contents
As with other skilled trades, most states require training and licensure before you can legally install, repair, and maintain plumbing systems. While the plumbing trade has been around since the 1800s, today’s plumbers need a wide range of skills to work in residential and commercial settings. Depending on the nature of the job, plumbers often work alongside electricians, HVAC techs, general contractors and other professionals in the construction industry.
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Learning the art of plumbing takes years, but once you complete the necessary training, your skills will be in high demand across Nevada and beyond.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS), there are roughly 482,700 plumbers and pipe fitters nationwide, and 5,170 work in Nevada. The BLS predicts employment to grow 2% from 2022 to 2032 nationwide. That growth rate is expected to be much higher in Nevada — projected at 22% for plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters, according to CareerOneStop, the U.S. Department of Labor’s job search website.
Many contractors nationwide are trying to find skilled tradesmen. According to the Associated General Contractors of America, 2022 AGC-Autodesk Workforce Survey, 93% of firms in the U.S. had unfilled hourly craft positions like plumbers, electricians, and HVAC technicians. So, if you get the training you need you will have a lot of jobs to choose from when you’re ready.
Licensing requirements for plumbers vary by state and, in some instances, by municipality. In Nevada, plumbing candidates can pursue Journeyman Plumber and Master Plumber licenses, as well as a Plumbing Contractor License. Read on to learn more about becoming a licensed plumber in the Silver State.
Nevada Plumbing License Types and Requirements
Is a license required for plumbing professionals in Nevada? Yes.
Nevada requires a state license for Journeyman and Master Plumbers. Additionally, plumbing professionals who pull permits or own their own businesses need to hold a Contractor License. Nevada requires the successful completion of a plumbing apprenticeship program before candidates become eligible to take the journeyman licensing exam, but the state doesn't license apprentices.
Who Issues Plumbing Licenses in Nevada?
The Nevada Board of Plumbing Examiners (NBOPE) is responsible for issuing journeyman and master plumbing licenses across the state, while the Nevada State Contractors Board licenses contractors.
Becoming an Apprentice Plumber in Nevada
A plumbing apprenticeship is the first step to starting a career in the plumbing industry. Candidates typically need a high school diploma or GED, photo ID, Social Security card, and a valid driver’s license to be eligible. An apprenticeship program allows an individual to perform plumbing work under the direction of a licensed journeyman or Master Plumber to gain work experience.
To start the process, candidates need to apply directly to a company or sponsor that offers plumbing apprentice programs.
Apprentice Plumbers in Nevada must complete at least four years or 8,000 hours of documented work experience to qualify for a Journeyman Plumber License. There is no registration fee or required testing to become an Apprentice Plumber.
Nevada Journeyman Plumber License
After successfully completing a plumbing training program, candidates become eligible to apply for a Journeyman License through the Nevada Board of Plumbing Examiners. In addition to the application, candidates need to submit a signed affidavit detailing all relevant work experience and photo ID, and also pass the journeyman exam through PSI or NITC. There is a $125 fee to take the exam in person (requires a minimum of eight candidates) or $250 to take the test online. The exam includes both open-book and closed-book sections, and candidates must score at least 75% to pass. After passing the exam, candidates need to pay a $300 license application fee, and pay an additional $600 every two years to keep the license active.
Nevada Master Plumber License
After working at the journeyman level for at least one year or 2,000 hours and remaining in good standing with the NBOPE, candidates become eligible to apply for a Master plumber license. In addition to the application, candidates need to submit a signed affidavit detailing all relevant work experience, and also pass the master exam through PSI or NITC. There is a $125 fee to take the exam in person (requires a minimum of eight candidates) or $250 to take the test online. The exam includes both open-book and closed-book sections, and candidates must score at least 75% to pass. After passing the exam, candidates need to pay a $300 license application fee, and pay an additional $600 every two years to keep the license active.
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Nevada Plumbing Contractor License
In the state of Nevada, any plumber who bids on jobs over $500 or employs subcontractors needs to obtain a Contractor License through the Nevada State Contractors Board. Take note: Working without a Contractor License comes with steep financial penalties.
The Nevada licensing board offers several classifications of Contractor Licenses, including the Class-C Specialty Contractor License, which covers plumbing and HVAC.
Nevada requires each applicant to pass a general business and law examination, as well as a trade examination specific to the license classification. Contractor candidates can take both tests through PSI for a fee of $140.
Additionally, to work as a licensed contractor, candidates must:
Complete the contractor license application and mail it to the Nevada State Contractors Board at 2310 Corporate Circle, Suite 200, Henderson, Nevada, 89074.
Pay a $300 application fee.
Provide a background disclosure statement, financial statement, and resume.
Register a Nevada business ID.
Provide documentation showing no less than four years of related work experience as a licensed Journeyman Plumber.
Click here to view the complete Nevada plumbing contractor license requirements.
National Plumbing Certifications
Other certifications can help demonstrate your proficiency to potential employers and clients. The National Inspection Testing and Certification (NITC), International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (American Society of Sanitary Engineers, or ASSE, Certifications) and other professional certifications can add to your marketability and increase your opportunity to make more money.
How Long Does it Take to Get a Plumbing License in Nevada?
In Nevada, it takes at least four years or 8,000 hours on-the-job experience to earn a Journeyman Plumber License. After working for one full year as a journeyman, candidates can apply to take the master plumber examination.
Benefits of Getting a Plumbers License in Nevada
There are many benefits you’ll see from getting your Nevada plumbing license:
Most importantly, it is required by law in Nevada to be licensed through the state to legally perform any plumbing work.
You will earn as you learn with a guarantee of pay increases as you develop new skills.
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.
You can own your own business and be your own boss.
What Is the Mean Salary for a Plumber in Nevada?
The annual mean salary for plumbers, steamfitters, and pipefitting pros in Nevada is $67,410, according to the BLS. And, according to Indeed.com, the average salaries for plumbing professionals in Nevada increase with experience and training.
Apprentice: The average salary for an apprentice plumber is $17.48 per hour in Nevada and $5,500 overtime per year.
Journeyman: The average salary for a journeyman plumber is $27.91 per hour in Nevada and $6,750 overtime per year.
Plumber salaries can vary widely depending on the city and many other important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, and years of experience.
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.
ServiceTitan features:
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 average ticket.
Mobile payment acceptance, eliminating lost checks and increasing cash flow.
To learn more, schedule a demo with a product expert today.
Does My Nevada Plumbing License Work in Any Other States?
Yes, Nevada maintains reciprocity agreements for trade exams with Arizona, California, and Utah.
Nevada Plumbing Training Programs and Trade Schools
Nevada offers an abundance of training opportunities across the state — from Las Vegas to Reno — including trade schools, community colleges, unions, and private companies that offer training and apprenticeship programs.
Some of the top training schools include:
National Technical Institute of Las Vegas
Additional Resources for Nevada Plumbers
You can stay up to date on all plumbing industry news 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.”
