Licensing Guides
Oregon Plumbing License: How to Become a Plumber in Oregon
Plumbing, OR
Table of Contents
Benefits of Getting a Plumbing Contractors License in Oregon
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Plumbing Contractor License in Oregon?
How Long Does it Take to Get a Plumbing Contractors License in Oregon?
Does My Oregon Plumbing Contractors License Work in Any Other State?
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for a Plumbing License in Oregon?
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed Plumbing Work in Oregon?
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 impacts the health and safety of our society.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics ,there are 504,500 plumbers nationwide, and Oregon employs 6,080 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 Oregon, according to CareerOneStop, the U.S. Department of Labor’s job search website, the projected growth rate is more than double that at 15% 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 Oregon in July 2025 totaled 116,400, a decrease of 700 (-0.6%) from July 2024 and an increase of 4,100 or 4% from February 2020.”
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Licensing requirements for plumbers vary from state to state and, in some cases, from locality to locality. Oregon has strict, statewide standards for working in the plumbing business beginning at the apprentice level.
Plumbing License Requirements for Plumbers in Oregon
Is a license required for plumbers in Oregon? Yes.
To perform any plumbing work legally in Oregon, you must be licensed through the state. You will begin by registering as an apprentice plumber, either through a union or plumbing company.
After gaining the necessary experience and passing an exam, you can apply for one of four plumbing license classifications, or pursue a contractor license.
The Oregon Building Codes Division Office (BCD) issues non-contracting plumbing licenses, while the Oregon Construction Contractors Board (CCB) issues contractor licenses.
Types of Plumbing Licenses in Oregon
What are the types of plumber licenses in Oregon?
First, you are required to register as an apprentice with a local plumbing company or trade union.
The state of Oregon issues four types of plumbing licenses and a plumbing contractor license. There are different requirements for each:
Journeyman Plumber: Enables the licensee to perform all plumbing installation, alterations, or remodels.
Solar Heating and Cooling Installer: Enables the licensee to install and replace solar heating and cooling systems, including collectors, heat transfer systems, heat storage and associated piping.
Water-Treatment Installer: Enables the licensee to make connections to potable water systems and indirect waste connections to existing drain waste and vent systems.
Residential Water-Heater Installer: Enables the licensee to replace existing water heaters in one- and two-family dwellings.
Plumbing Business Contractor: This registration allows a business to advertise, provide labor and/or materials, and install, modify, or repair plumbing. However, it does not permit the holder to work as a Journeyman Plumber without the proper individual license.
Each license has specific requirements that must be met to qualify for licensure.
LICENSE REQUIREMENTS:
Journeyman Plumber License
Must be at least 18 years of age with a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent.
Must complete a registered four-year apprenticeship program consisting of 576 hours of academic classroom training and 3,850 hours of lawful commercial AND 3,850 hours of lawful residential on-the-job experience as an apprentice.
Submit license application and experience verification form.
Pass the license examination.
Pay $100 license fee.
Solar Heating and Cooling Installer
Must be at least 18 years of age with a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent.
Must demonstrate proof of completion of a division-approved training program that includes 2,288 hours of classroom and on-the-job training OR proof of 2,000 hours of lawful experience and training in required categories.
Submit license application and experience verification form.
Pass the license examination.
Pay $100 license fee.
Water Treatment Installer
Must be at least 18 years of age with a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent.
Must provide a certificate of completion from a registered 18-month apprentice program or a referral letter from either the registered training committee or Oregon Plumbing Board approved training program; or show proof of 210 hours of lawful experience and training in all work categories AND proof of 3,000 hours of training in all of the subject areas.
Submit license application and experience verification form.
Pass the license examination.
Pay $100 license fee.
Residential Water Heater Installer
Must be at least 18 years of age with a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent.
Must be employed by a licensed plumbing or electrical contractor and complete an approved 8-hour training class for Water Heater Installers.
Submit license application and experience verification form.
Pass the license examination.
Pay $100 license fee.
Plumbing Business Contractor
Must be at least 18 years of age with a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent.
Complete at least 16 hours of training on law and business practices throughan approved pre-license educator.
Register your business name with the Secretary of State.
You must hold a Journeyman license or employ a Journeyman plumber.
Submit the license application.
Pass the license examination.
Obtain general liability insurance with a minimum $100,000 per occurrence, workers’ compensation insurance, and a $15,000 bond.
Pay $250 license fee.
Steps to Get a Plumbing Contractor License in Oregon
You must be at least 18 years of age with a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent.
Start an apprenticeship to gain the necessary experience for your desired license classification. Each classification requires various levels of experience, with the Journeyman license requiring the most—roughly four years.
After gaining experience, you can apply to take the appropriate licensing exam.
Pass the plumbing exam and pay the application fee.
If you wish to obtain a Contractor Business license, you must also: Register your business with the Secretary of State, complete at least 16 hours of training on law and business practices through an approved pre-license educator, obtain a Journeyman license or employ a licensed Journeyman, pass the contractor exam, and pay the required $250 fee.
Benefits of Getting a Plumbers License in Oregon
There are many benefits to getting your Oregon plumbing license:
Most importantly, it is required by law in Oregon 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 Wage for a Plumber in Oregon?
The annual mean wage for a plumber in Oregon is $92,480, 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 Oregon those salary projections are:
Entry (<2 years): $54,700
Intermediate (2-4 years): $71,100
Senior (4-7 years): $77,000
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.
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Plumbing Contractor License in Oregon?
The cost to get started as an apprentice in Oregon is fairly low. There are no costs associated with becoming an apprentice, and you’ll have the opportunity to earn while you learn. There are license and exam fees for licensure.
Journeyman Plumber: License fee: $100 | Examination Fee: $305
Solar Heating and Cooling Installer: License fee: $100 | Examination Fee: $305
Water-Treatment Installer: License fee: $100 | Examination Fee: $305
Residential Water-Heater Installer: License fee: $100 | Examination Fee: $305
Plumbing Business Contractor: License fee: $250 | Examination Fee: $60
Advanced education is not required in the state, though you may choose to attend a trade school before pursuing an apprenticeship. Community College Review shows tuition at Oregon community colleges on average is $4,172 per year for in-state students and $6,738 for out-of-state students.
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How to Get a Plumbing License in Oregon
Follow these steps to become a licensed plumber in the state of Oregon.
APPRENTICESHIP: Oregon requires anyone doing any kind of plumbing work to register as an apprentice. You may then begin accruing the experience needed to qualify for your desired license classification.
Many employers will sponsor employees in an apprenticeship program that typically lasts four years. Or you can look for formal apprenticeships through union and non-union organizations. Oregon’s Bureau of Labor and Industries (BOLI) maintains a website 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.
APPLY FOR YOUR LICENSE: After you’ve met the work experience requirements, you can apply to take the state licensing exam at your desired level. The Journeyman license has a separate application. The Solar Heating and Cooling Installer, Water Treatment Installer, and Residential Water Heater Installer licenses all use this application. The license fee is $100 for all license types. Print out your application and mail it along with a check to: Department of Consumer and Business Services Building Codes Division, Licensing Program P.O. Box 14610 Salem, OR 97309-0445
TAKE EXAM: The Division will mail approved applicants a Letter of Authorization to take the exam. The exam must be taken within 60 days. This form provides more information about the exam. There are testing locations in Portland, Eugene, Bend, Salem, Klamath Falls, and More. The exam fee is $305.
CONTRACTOR REQUIREMENTS: If you choose to apply to be a Plumbing Business Contractor rather than work for a licensed contractor, you will need to meet additional requirements, including completing at least 16 hours of training on law and business practices, passing an exam, and obtaining general liability insurance with a minimum $100,000 per occurrence, workers’ compensation insurance, and a $15,000 bond.
How Long Does it Take to Get a Plumbing Contractors License in Oregon?
It takes around four years to qualify for a Journeyman license. If you want to be a Plumbing Business Contractor, you must either obtain a Journeyman license or employ a licensed Journeyman. The three other license classifications require less time:
Solar Heating and Cooling Installer: Obtain 2,288 hours of classroom and on-the-job training OR proof of 2,000 hours of lawful experience and training in required categories.
Water Treatment Installer: Complete an 18-month apprentice program or show proof of 210 hours of lawful experience and training in all work categories AND proof of 3,000 hours of training in all of the subject areas.
Residential Water Heater Installer: Must pass an 8-hour training class.
Oregon Plumber Training Programs and Schools
Plumbers are responsible for a lot more than just fixing leaks or clogs. They design, install, and renovate plumbing systems that carry liquids or gasses, so they must know more than just the mechanics. They must know plumbing code.
Since the state of Oregon requires plumbing professionals to begin their career as an apprentice, you most likely will not choose to get a postsecondary degree. However, if you want to build your knowledge base before beginning as an apprentice, there are quite a few colleges in Oregon that offer plumbing programs, as well as many other training programs to get the training you need to become a plumbing professional. You can choose to attend a community or technical college and earn a certificate or degree in plumbing.
Niche provides a list of the best trade schools with plumbing degree programs in Oregon.
Apprenticeship: The path most often taken is a plumbing apprenticeship. Oregon’s Bureau of Labor and Industries maintains a website of registered apprenticeships.
Some apprenticeships are sponsored by local employers, while others are offered through unions or local trade associations. UA Local 290 in Tualatin and Area 1 Plumbers JATC in Portland are just two examples.
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 may 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 an associate degree or bachelor 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 Oregon, check out our Ultimate Guide to Plumbing Schools in Oregon.
Oregon Plumbing Contractor Licensing Exam Details
If seeking a Journeyman, Solar Heating and Cooling Installer, Residential Water Heater Installer, or Water Treatment Installer, the Oregon Building Codes Division (BCD) will mail a letter of authorization with exam instructions. Oregon offers testing locations throughout the state, and you'll receive your exam results in the mail within two weeks of taking the exam. You must score at least 75% to pass. Licensing exams are open book and based on the Oregon Plumbing Specialty Code (OPSC).
The Plumbing Business Contractor exam contains 80 multiple-choice questions on business practices and law. The test is administered by PSI Services. Study guides are available, although the exam is open book. A passing score is at least 70%. According to the CCB, the test is based on the Oregon version of the NASCLA Contractors Guide to Business, Law and Project Management.
Who Issues Plumbers Licenses in Oregon?
The Oregon Building Codes Division Office issues Journeyman, Solar Heating and Cooling Installer, Residential Water-Heater Installer, and Water-Treatment Installer licenses. The Oregon Construction Contractors Board (CCB) issues the Plumbing Business Contractor license.
Does My Oregon Plumbing Contractors License Work in Any Other State?
Yes, Oregon holds reciprocal agreements with Idaho and Montana for the Journeyman Plumbing license.
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for a Plumbing License in Oregon?
The Oregon Journeyman Plumber license reciprocates with the states of Idaho and Montana. To qualify for reciprocal licensing, you must have an equivalent or higher license from a reciprocal state that is current and active with no violations or conditions attached within the past three years.
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 Oregon
In Oregon, Journeyman, Solar Heating and Cooling Installer, Residential Water Heater Installer, Water Treatment Installer, and Plumbing Business Contractor licenses require renewal every three years. You will receive a renewal notice roughly 60 days before your license expires.
The renewal fees include:
Journeyman: $180
Solar Heating and Cooling Installer: $150
Residential Water Heater Installer: $150
Water Treatment Installer: $150
Plumbing Business Contractor: $450
Are There Plumbing Scholarships in Oregon?
Yes, there are plumbing scholarships available in Oregon. Options include:
Bill Harvey – C.J. Hansen Scholarship (ORPHCC): Offered by the Oregon PHCC (Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association), this scholarship supports apprentices in plumbing, heating, and cooling programs.
Ponderosa Heating, Cooling, Plumbing, Electrical & Drain Services Scholarship: Administered locally through the Sisters Graduate Resource Organization, this scholarship provides a $2,500 scholarship to female high school graduates who enter the plumbing field.
In addition, plumbing students in Oregon 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 Oregon 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 Oregon?
Your plumbing license can be verified by potential clients or employees in Oregon via the Building Codes Division license search or the Construction Contractors Board license search.
When Can a Plumbing License Be Suspended in Oregon?
Suspending a plumber’s license means that the plumber is temporarily prohibited from practicing their trade legally. Some of the common reasons that a Oregon 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 Oregon plumbing license regulations you can refer to the official Oregon Plumbing Specialty Code.
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed Plumbing Work in Oregon?
Performing plumbing work in Oregon without a license can incur stiff financial penalties.
For example, advertising or bidding on a job without a license incurs a $600 penalty, and $700 for the second offense. If you perform unlicensed work, you face a $1,000 penalty for the first offense, and $5,000 if the work causes damage. Hiring an unlicensed subcontractor incurs a $1,000 penalty. View more information about penalties on the Oregon Secretary of State website.
Note: The information above should not be considered legal advice. For detailed and specific information about Oregon plumbing license regulations you can refer to the official Oregon Plumbing Specialty Code.
Continuing Education
To keep your state-issued Oregon Journeyman Plumber or Solar Heating and Cooling System Installer license current, you must complete approved continuing education before renewal every three years. The amount of continuing education varies depending on the license. Water Treatment Installers and Water Heater Installers are exempt from continuing education requirements. The Plumbing Business Contractor license also doesn’t require continuing education.
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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