Plumbing, TXTable of Contents
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Plumbing Contractor License in Texas?
How Long Does it Take to Get a Plumbing Contractors License in Texas?
Does My Texas Plumbing Contractors License Work in Any Other State?
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for a Plumbing License in Texas?
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed Plumbing Work in Texas?
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 Texas employs 42,290 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 Texas, according to CareerOneStop, the U.S. Department of Labor’s job search website, the projected growth rate is 13% 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 Texas in July 2025 totaled 876,700, an increase of 27,000 (3.2%) from July 2024 and an increase of 95,600 or 12% 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. Texas has strict, statewide standards for working in the plumbing business, beginning at the apprentice level.
Plumbing License Requirements for Plumbers in Texas
Is a license required for plumbers in Texas? Yes.
The Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE) is the state agency responsible for licensing plumbers in Texas.
Texas offers four types of plumbing licenses, and each specifies that you first register as an apprentice plumber. Texas requires candidates to complete an application, obtain work experience, complete a state-approved training program, pass a plumbing exam, and pay exam and application fees.
Types of Plumbing Licenses in Texas
What are the types of plumber licenses in Texas?
First, you are required to register as an apprentice after gaining employment as a plumbing apprentice. The apprentice registration fee is $15.
The state of Texas issues four types of plumbing licenses, and there are different requirements for each:
Tradesman Plumber-Limited: May construct, install, repair, service, or renovate plumbing for one- and two-family dwellings under the supervision of a Responsible Master Plumber. May also directly supervise a Plumbers Apprentice on job sites of one- or two-family dwellings.
Journeyman Plumber: May install, change, repair, service, or renovate plumbing under the supervision of a Responsible Master Plumber (RMP). May also directly supervise a Plumbers Apprentice on all job sites or a Tradesman Plumber-Limited on job sites for structures other than one- or two-family dwellings.
Master Plumber: May install, change, repair, service, or renovate plumbing under the supervision of a Responsible Master Plumber. May also directly supervise a Plumbers Apprentice on all job sites or a Tradesman Plumber-Limited on job sites for structures other than one- or two-family dwellings.
Plumbing Inspector: May inspect plumbing work performed within the jurisdiction of any political subdivision with which the inspector is affiliated.
Note: A Responsible Master Plumber is a designation licensed Master Plumbers can obtain if they are currently licensed as a Master in Texas, are “in good standing with the TSBPE,” and carry a minimum of $300,000 of commercial liability insurance coverage. The designation allows them to own and operate a plumbing company, legally supervise other plumbers, obtain permits, and manage job sites.
Additionally, Texas offers three types of endorsements: Medical Gas Piping Installation, Multipurpose Residential Fire Protection Sprinkler Specialist, and Water Supply Protection Specialist. An endorsement is a certification that you can add to a Journeyman, Master, or Plumbing Inspector License.
LICENSE REQUIREMENTS:
Tradesman Plumber Limited
Must be at least 16 years of age (some programs prefer 18).
Must obtain at least 4,000 hours of documented plumbing work experience as an apprentice.
Must complete an approved 24-hour training course.
Submit completed Tradesman Plumber-Limited examination application with all documentation.
Pass exam.
Submit Employer Certification Form.
Pay $36 fee.
Journeyman Plumber
Must obtain at least 8,000 hours of documented plumbing work experience as an apprentice or Tradesman Plumber Limited.
Must complete an approved 48-hour training course.
Submit completed Journeyman exam application with all documentation.
Pass exam.
Submit Employer Certification Form.
Pay $40 fee.
Master Plumber
Must obtain four years of work experience as a licensed Journeyman Plumber OR hold a Journeyman license for one year AND pass an approved training program.
Submit completed Master Plumber examination application with all documentation.
Pass exam.
Submit Employer Certification Form.
Pay $175 fee.
Plumbing Inspector
Must obtain 500 hours of training and experience in the plumbing industry OR be a licensed Master Plumber, Journeyman Plumber, architect, or professional engineer.
Submit completed Plumbing Inspector examination application with all documentation.
Pass exam.
Pay a $55 fee.
Steps to Get a Plumbing Contractor License in Texas
You must be 16 years old and have a high school diploma or GED.
Register as a Plumbers Apprentice and begin working under the direct supervision of a licensed plumber.
Obtain the necessary hours of experience for your license classification.
Submit completed Employer Certification Form. The TSBPE must be signed by your employer.
Take the licensing exam and pay the exam fee.
Pass a criminal history check. If you have been convicted of a felony, you must also submit a Supplemental Criminal History Information Form (SCHIF).
Submit the license application and pay the licensing fee.
Benefits of Getting a Plumbers License in Texas
There are many benefits to getting your Texas plumbing license:
Most importantly, it is required by law in Texas 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 Texas?
The annual mean wage for a plumber in Texas is $59,500, 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 Texas those salary projections are:
Entry (<2 years): $53,600
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 Contractor License in Texas?
The cost to get started as an apprentice in Texas is fairly low. The fee for the apprentice registration is just $15. There’s no other cost associated with becoming an apprentice, and you’ll have the opportunity to earn while you learn. There are application and exam fees for licensing.
Tradesman Plumber Limited License: Application fee: $35 | Examination Fee: $36
Journeyman Plumber License: Application fee: $40 | Examination Fee: $40
Master Plumber License: Application fee: $75 | Examination Fee: $128.50
Plumbing Inspector License: Application fee: $55 | Examination Fee: $55
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 Texas community colleges on average is $3,764 per year for in-state students and $6,054 for out-of-state students.
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How to Get a Plumbing License in Texas
The state provides a detailed explanation on the Board of Plumbing Examiners website of how to get licensed. The licensing process includes:
APPRENTICESHIP: Texas requires anyone joining the plumbing trades to join an apprenticeship program and register with the Office of Apprenticeship. The fee is $15. You must also submit a criminal history form and undergo fingerprinting.
Many employers will sponsor employees in an apprenticeship program that typically lasts four to five years. Or you can look for formal apprenticeships through union and non-union organizations. The Texas Workforce Commission 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.
OBTAIN WORK EXPERIENCE: Tradesman Plumber Limited must acquire a minimum of two years of hands-on experience and 24 hours of approved classroom training. Journeyman Plumbers need to demonstrate four years of work experience and 48 hours of classroom training. Master Plumbers need four years of work experience as a licensed Journeyman Plumber OR must hold a Journeyman license for one year AND pass an approved training program. Plumbing Inspectors must obtain 500 hours of training and experience in the plumbing industry OR be a licensed Master Plumber, Journeyman Plumber, architect, or professional engineer.
SUBMIT EXAM APPLICATION: In Texas, the exam application doubles as the license application. You must include the employer certification form, criminal history form, and all fees along with the application.
After receiving approval from the Board of Plumbing Examiners, you will receive an “Authorization to Test” email that includes instructions on how to schedule the exam with Pearson VUE. You must pay the exam fee directly to Pearson VUE, which operates over 40 testing locations across the state of Texas. The exams include both a written and practical section and are graded on a pass/fail basis. Find more information about the exam here.
How Long Does it Take to Get a Plumbing Contractors License in Texas?
It takes a minimum of two years to qualify for a Tradesman Plumber Limited license, and four years of experience to qualify for a Journeyman license. To obtain a Master license, you must acquire eight years of experience or obtain one year of experience after receiving a Journeyman license.
Texas 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 Texas requires plumbing professionals to begin their career as a registered apprentice, you most likely will not choose to get a postsecondary degree. However, if you want to build your knowledge before beginning as an apprentice, there are quite a few colleges in Texas 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.
Texas State Technical College: Offers a Plumbing and Pipefitting program at campuses in Waco, Abilene, and Harlingen.
Dallas College: Offers a Plumbing Technology certificate and AAS degree at campuses in Cedar Valley, Eastfield, and North Lake.
Plumbing School of Houston: Offers several prep courses and plumbing apprenticeships in Houston.
Apprenticeship: The path most often taken is a plumbing apprenticeship with a local plumbing company. The Texas Workforce Commission 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 100, serving southwest Texas, and UA Local 286 in Austin 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 Texas, check out our Ultimate Guide to Plumbing Schools in Texas.
Texas Plumbing Contractor Licensing Exam Details
The TSBPE has contracted with Pearson VUE to conduct the examinations for licensing. Once you have the required years of experience, you may apply to the plumbing board to receive permission to test. If your eligibility is confirmed and your application is accepted, you will be notified how to schedule and pay for your state exam. You must schedule the exam within 30 days, and you have five attempts to pass.
Texas plumber license fees include:
Tradesman Plumber Limited License: Examination Fee: $36
Journeyman Plumber License: Examination Fee: $40
Master Plumber License: Examination Fee: $128.50
Plumbing Inspector License: Examination Fee: $55
For complete examination details, consult the Texas Plumbing Examiners Candidate Handbook.
Who Issues Plumbers Licenses in Texas?
All plumbing licenses are issued by the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners.
Does My Texas Plumbing Contractors License Work in Any Other State?
Yes. Some states accept Texas plumbing licenses so long as the training is equal to or greater than training requirements in the state.
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for a Plumbing License in Texas?
The Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners reviews reciprocity requests on an individual basis. If you hold a plumbing license in another state, you must submit a letter on official letterhead from that state’s licensing authority to TSBPE. The letter must confirm that you hold a valid journeyman or master plumber license, specify how long you have held the license, state whether it is renewable, and disclose any complaints or disciplinary actions against you.
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 Texas
Texas plumbing licenses require renewal annually. If more than two years pass after the expiration date, you must reapply for licensure.
Renewal fees include:
Tradesman Plumber Limited License: $35
Journeyman Plumber License: $40
Master Plumber License: $75
Plumbing Inspector License: $55
Click here to renew your license online.
Are There Plumbing Scholarships in Texas?
Yes, there are plumbing scholarships available in Texas. Options include:
PHCC Educational Foundation Scholarships: For students in plumbing or HVAC apprenticeship programs, trade schools, or pursuing related degrees.
Rick Shelton Legacy Scholarship: Offers financial support for family members of PHCC members.
In addition to this scholarship, plumbing students in Texas 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 Texas 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 Texas?
Your plumbing license can be verified by potential clients or employees in Texas through the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation’s online hub. Users can search by name or license number.
When Can a Plumbing License Be Suspended in Texas?
A suspended plumber’s license means that the plumber is temporarily prohibited from practicing their trade legally. Some of the common reasons that a Texas 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 Texas plumbing license regulations you can refer to the official Texas Occupations Code.
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed Plumbing Work in Texas?
Performing plumbing work in Texas without a license is illegal. Unlicensed plumbers can be fined between $50 and $1,000 for each act of violation and for each day the violation continues after notice is provided. The Board also has authority to issue cease and desist orders to stop unlicensed or otherwise unlawful plumbing work.
Note: The information above should not be considered legal advice. For detailed and specific information about Texas plumbing license regulations you can refer to the official Texas Occupations Code.
Continuing Education
All licensees must complete six hours of continuing education every year before renewing their licenses. Click here to find TSBPE-approved continuing education courses.
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.
ServiceTitan is a comprehensive plumbing business software solution built specifically to help service companies streamline their operations, boost revenue, and achieve growth. Our award-winning, cloud-based platform is trusted by more than 100,000 contractors across the country.
Ready to learn more about what ServiceTitan can do for your business? Contact our team to schedule a demo today.
