Licensing Guides
Pennsylvania Plumbing License: How to Become a Plumber in Pennsylvania
Plumbing, PA
Table of Contents
Benefits of Getting a Plumbing Contractors License in Pennsylvania
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Plumbing Contractor License in Pennsylvania?
How Long Does it Take to Get a Plumbing Contractors License in Pennsylvania?
Does My Pennsylvania Plumbing Contractors License Work in Any Other State?
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for a Plumbing License in Pennsylvania?
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed Plumbing Work in Pennsylvania?
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 licensure to work in the plumbing trade 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 Pennsylvania employs 13,990 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 Pennsylvania, according to CareerOneStop, the U.S. Department of Labor’s job search website, the projected growth rate is slightly lower at 3% 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 Pennsylvania in July 2025 totaled 260,200, an increase of 500 (0.2%) from July 2024 and a decrease of 6,500 (-2%) from February 2020.” 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 plumbing workers vary widely from state to state and, in Pennsylvania, from municipality to municipality. In most cities, plumbing candidates can pursue an apprentice, journeyman, and master plumbing license. Read on to learn more about becoming a licensed plumber in the state of Pennsylvania.
Plumbing License Requirements for Plumbers in Pennsylvania
Is a license required to perform plumbing work in Pennsylvania?
Yes, Pennsylvania requires a license for apprentices, journeymen, and master plumbers. However, plumbing licenses are issued at the local level, not the state level.
Types of Plumbing Licenses in Pennsylvania
The types of plumbing licenses in Pennsylvania depend on the city.
Types of Plumbing Licenses in Pittsburgh
The Allegheny County Health Department is responsible for issuing plumbing licenses in Pittsburgh and greater Allegheny County. Plumbing candidates can pursue three types of plumbing licenses:
Apprentice — Allows an individual to perform plumbing work as long as a journeyman is present.
Journeyman — Performs a variety of plumbing installs, maintenance, and repairs, and must work under the supervision of a licensed master plumber.
Master — Conducts the most complex plumbing tasks, including designing systems, installing them in commercial and residential buildings, and obtaining permits.
Each license has specific requirements.
LICENSE REQUIREMENTS:
Apprentice
Must be 18 years of age.
Obtain a high school diploma or GED.
Possess a driver’s license.
Register for an accredited apprenticeship program.
Journeyman plumber license
Complete apprenticeship: 576 hours of classroom training at an accredited school and four full years (40 hours per week) of on-the-job-experience.
Apply for and pass the journeyman plumber examination, which incurs a $133 fee.
After passing the exam, pay a $125 license fee.
Master plumber license
Obtain two years of work experience as a journeyman.
Apply for and pass the exam, which incurs a $265 fee.
After passing the exam, pay a $375 license fee.
Types of Plumbing Licenses in Philadelphia
The City of Philadelphia Business Services Department is responsible for issuing plumbing licenses in Philadelphia. Candidates can pursue three types of plumbing licenses:
Apprentice — Allows an individual to perform plumbing work under the direction of a licensed master plumber.
Journeyman — Allows an individual to perform plumbing work, including drainage, water piping, and sprinkler systems, or the construction, alteration and repair of any drainage, cesspools, trap, waste vent, or water piping.
Master — Performs advanced plumbing work, such as installing and repairing plumbing systems in residential and commercial buildings, and oversees apprentice and journeyman plumbers.
LICENSE REQUIREMENTS:
Apprentice
Must be 18 years of age.
Obtain a high school diploma or GED.
Apply online via eCLIPSE or in person at the Philadelphia Municipal Services Building.
Pay a $20 application fee, which is applied to the license fee.
Once the application is approved, pay the remaining $5 for the total $25 license fee.
Journeyman plumbing license
Obtain four years of proven work experience under the supervision of a master plumber.
Apply for a license online via eCLIPSE or in person at the Philadelphia Municipal Services Building, and pay a $25 application fee.
Pass the journeyman examination, administered by ICC, which incurs a $125 fee.
Upon passing the exam, pay a $100 license fee.
Master license
Obtain one year of work experience as a licensed journeyman.
Apply for a license online via eCLIPSE or in person at the Permit and License Center, and pay a $50 application fee, which is applied to the license fee.
After passing the exam, pay the remaining balance of $253 to make up for the total $303 license fee.
Obtain general liability insurance with a $500,000 limit per occurrence, automobile liability insurance of $300,000, and a workers’ compensation policy with a $500,000 policy limit that includes $100,000 per accident and $100,000 per employee.
Steps to Get a Plumbing Contractor License in Pennsylvania
The steps to get a plumbing license in Pennsylvania depend on the jurisdiction, but they generally follow this pattern.
Obtain a high school diploma or General Equivalency Diploma (GED).
Register as an apprentice and pay a fee.
Complete apprenticeship.
Apply for a journeyman exam.
Pass the exam and pay a license fee.
Gain experience as a journeyman.
Apply for a master exam.
Pass the exam and pay a license fee.
Benefits of Getting a Plumbing Contractors License in Pennsylvania
There are many benefits to getting a local plumbing license in Pennsylvania:
Most importantly, it is required by law to be licensed to legally perform any plumbing work in most cities.
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 Pennsylvania?
The annual mean wage for a plumber in Pennsylvania is $73,950, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, that salary increases, as you might expect, 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 Pennsylvania, those salary projections are:
Entry (<2 years): $53,700
Intermediate (2-4 years): $69,700
Senior (4-7 years): $75,500
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 License in Pennsylvania?
The cost to get licensed depends on the city and its requirements. In Philadelphia, you’ll pay $25 total for the application and license fee to become an apprentice. The journeyman license incurs a $25 application fee, $125 exam fee, and a $100 license fee. Then, to become a master plumber, you’ll pay $303 for the application and license fee.
For licensing in Pittsburgh, it costs $133 for the exam and $125 for the license to become a journeyman. Master fees include a $250 application fee and a $375 license fee.
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How to Get a Plumbing License in Pennsylvania
To recap, Pennsylvania state law mandates plumbing licenses are issued at the local level, so licensing requirements vary across the state.
APPRENTICESHIP/WORK EXPERIENCE: Most cities in Pennsylvania require anyone doing any kind of plumbing work to begin as an apprentice. In both Pittsburgh and Philadelphia, you must complete a four-year apprenticeship before qualifying for a journeyman license exam.
Many Pennsylvania employers will sponsor employees in an apprenticeship program that typically lasts four to five years, depending on the locality. Or you can look for formal apprenticeships through union and non-union organizations. Apprenticeships through the Department of Labor are recognized nationwide, so your credentials will move with you.
TAKE LICENSING EXAM: After you’ve met the work apprenticeship requirements, you can apply to take the plumber exam at your desired level. In Pittsburgh and Philadelphia, you must submit the application for examination and pay a fee.
APPLY FOR LICENSE: After passing your exams, you can pay a fee and receive your license.
How Long Does it Take to Get a Plumbing License in Pennsylvania?
Since Pennsylvania favors local licensing instead of state licensing, there’s no statewide uniformity on license types or how long it takes to complete training. In general, apprentice programs take about four years to complete.
In Pittsburgh, you need to complete a four-year apprenticeship to become a journeyman, then work for two years as a journeyman to earn a master license. In Philadelphia, you need to complete a four-year apprenticeship, then work for one year as a journeyman to earn a master license.
Pennsylvania 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 also protect public health and know plumbing code.
Educational requirements vary from municipality to municipality. In Allegheny County, which licenses Pittsburgh and the surrounding area, classroom education is required as part of an apprenticeship, while Philadelphia just requires apprentices to work under the direction of a master plumber for four years before being allowed to test for a journeyman license.
Pennsylvania offers a wide variety of training opportunities across the state, including trade schools and even universities that offer plumbing programs.
Some of the top training schools include:
Apprenticeship: The path most often taken is a plumbing apprenticeship. Apprenticeships available in the state include:
United Association Local 524, Scranton
United Association Local 520, Harrisburg
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 Pennsylvania, check out our Ultimate Guide to Plumbing Schools in Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania Plumbing Contractor Licensing Exam Details
Exams are given at the local level. In Philadelphia, there’s a journeyman and master exam, which you must apply for. The journeyman plumber exam consists of 75 multiple-choice questions and has a three-hour time limit. The master exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions and has a four-hour time limit. Test question topics for each exam cover:
Plumbing fixtures and terminology
Plumbing fundamentals
Traps, interceptors, and cleanouts
Special requirements
Drainage requirements
Venting requirements
Water distribution
Plan reading and analysis
Pittsburgh also requires exams for journeyman and master plumbers. The exams are issued by the Allegheny County Health Department twice a year to qualified applicants. Exams are administered over two days. Applications must be turned in on time to sit for the exam.
Who Issues Plumbing Contractors Licenses in Pennsylvania?
Plumbing licenses are issued locally. The Allegheny County Health Department is responsible for issuing plumbing licenses in Pittsburgh and greater Allegheny County. Plumbing licenses in Philadelphia are issued by the City of Philadelphia Business Services Department.
Does My Pennsylvania Plumbing Contractors License Work in Any Other State?
No. Since every city or local jurisdiction has its own process for licensing, there are no blanket reciprocal agreements between Pennsylvania and any other state.
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for a Plumbing License in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania doesn’t offer plumbing license reciprocity with any other states. However, many cities in Pennsylvania allow reciprocation if a plumber from another Pennsylvania city completes training equal to or greater than its own licensing requirements. Make sure to check local regulations.
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 Pennsylvania
Licensing periods vary from place to place. In Philadelphia, apprentice licenses require annual renewal for a fee of $25. Journeyman plumbers must renew their licenses every year for a fee of $100. Master licensees must renew their licenses every year for a fee of $207.
In Pittsburgh, apprentice plumber cards require annual renewal. Journeyman plumbers must renew their licenses annually and pay a $125 fee. Master plumbers must renew their licenses annually and pay a $375 fee.
Are There Plumbing Scholarships in Pennsylvania?
Yes, there are plumbing scholarships available in Pennsylvania. They include:
Andreas Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning 5-Star Scholarship: Awards $500 to high school seniors who attend the Lehighton Area High School, Palmerton Area High School, Jim Thorpe Area High School, Carbon Career and Technical Institute (CCTI), or the Lehigh Career and Technical Institute (LCTI), and plan to attend an accredited college, university, or technical college and major in HVAC or plumbing. Those participating in an apprenticeship program are also eligible to receive scholarship money to offset the cost of their tools.
Pittsburgh Plumbers 27: Offers multiple scholarship opportunities to union members and their families, including the Wright Thing to Do scholarship and an essay contest.
In addition to this scholarship, plumbing students in Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania?
Licenses should be verified with each city. Philadelphia offers a license lookup tool on its website, and users can search by licensee name, company, or license number.
When Can a Plumbing License Be Suspended in Pennsylvania?
A suspended plumber’s license means that the plumber is temporarily prohibited from practicing their trade legally. Each city or town has different laws, but some of the common reasons that a Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania plumbing license regulations, you can refer to each jurisdiction.
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed Plumbing Work in Pennsylvania?
Penalties are determined by the local jurisdictions, but include fines, stop work orders, and denial of future building permits. The severity of penalties often depends on factors such as the type of building involved, whether the work poses safety risks, and whether it's a repeat violation within a specified time period.
Continuing Education
Continuing education requirements vary by jurisdiction. Neither Philadelphia or Pittsburgh requires continuing education for renewal.
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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