Plumber License Cost by State (2026): Journeyman & Master Fees
Plumber licensing fees range from $175 to $530 across the 51 states we track. These are the official government fees for the application, exam, and license issuance — they do not include the substantial costs of apprenticeship training, which is the primary investment most plumbers make to enter the profession. For states without state-level licensing, local jurisdictions set their own fees independently.
Of the 51 states we track, 45 have state-level plumber licensing with published fee schedules. The remaining 6 states regulate plumbing at the local level — costs in those states depend entirely on your city or county.
$175
Lowest State Fees
$530
Highest State Fees
$247
Average (states w/ fees)
5 Cheapest States for Plumber Licensing
5 Most Expensive States for Plumber Licensing
Beyond Licensing Fees: The True Cost of Becoming a Plumber
Government licensing fees are a small fraction of the total investment in becoming a plumber. Consider all cost categories:
Apprenticeship
The primary pathway. Most apprenticeships are earn-while-you-learn programs — you receive wages starting at about 40-50% of the journeyman rate. Union apprenticeships through the UA have no tuition cost; non-union programs may charge modest fees.
Exam Preparation
Journeyman and master plumber exams are comprehensive, covering the IPC or UPC plumbing code, safety, and trade practices. Study materials, practice exams, and prep courses cost from a few dollars for books to several hundred for structured courses.
Insurance and Bonding
Of the states we track, 25 require insurance for licensed plumbers. Annual premiums vary by coverage level, state, and business size. Surety bonds are also commonly required, particularly for master plumbers and contractors.
Tools and Equipment
Plumbers need a substantial toolkit: pipe cutters, wrenches, drain snakes, soldering equipment, test gauges, and more. Entry-level tool costs can run from several hundred to several thousand dollars.
Cost-Saving Tips for Aspiring Plumbers
- Pursue a union apprenticeship. UA (United Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters) apprenticeships typically offer no-cost training, earn-while-you-learn wages, health benefits, and pension contributions — making them the lowest out-of-pocket cost path into the profession.
- Study seriously for the journeyman exam. Exam fees can be significant, and retakes mean paying again. Most candidates pass on the first attempt with 2-4 months of focused preparation using a code book and practice exams.
- Check state workforce development grants. Many states offer workforce development funding for skilled trades apprenticeships through workforce agencies, community college partnerships, or American Job Centers.
- Buy tools gradually. Start with essential hand tools and add specialty equipment as job types demand. Many employers provide or loan specialty equipment to employees.
- Compare insurance quotes annually. Insurance premiums can vary significantly between providers. Shopping your policy at each renewal can save hundreds of dollars per year.
Plumber Licensing Fees by State (Cheapest First)
All 51 states sorted from lowest to highest total initial fees. States without parseable fee data appear at the bottom.
| Rank | State | State Licensed | Master Available | Initial Fees | Renewal Period |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arkansas | Yes | Yes | $175 | 1 year |
| 2 | Kentucky | Yes | Yes | $185 | 1 year |
| 3 | Mississippi | Yes | Yes | $185 | 1 year |
| 4 | South Dakota | Yes | Yes | $185 | 1 year |
| 5 | South Carolina | Yes | Yes | $190 | 2 years |
| 6 | West Virginia | Yes | Yes | $190 | 1 year |
| 7 | Idaho | Yes | Yes | $195 | 1 year |
| 8 | Montana | Yes | Yes | $200 | 1 year |
| 9 | North Dakota | Yes | Yes | $200 | 1 year |
| 10 | Vermont | Yes | Yes | $205 | 2 years |
| 11 | Iowa | Yes | Yes | $210 | 2 years |
| 12 | Maine | Yes | Yes | $210 | 1 year |
| 13 | New Mexico | Yes | Yes | $210 | 1 year |
| 14 | Delaware | Yes | Yes | $215 | 2 years |
| 15 | Utah | Yes | Yes | $215 | 2 years |
| 16 | Oklahoma | Yes | Yes | $220 | 1 year |
| 17 | Indiana | Yes | Yes | $225 | 1 year |
| 18 | Michigan | Yes | Yes | $225 | 3 years |
| 19 | New Hampshire | Yes | Yes | $225 | 2 years |
| 20 | Tennessee | Yes | Yes | $225 | 1 year |
| 21 | Rhode Island | Yes | Yes | $230 | 1 year |
| 22 | Alabama | Yes | Yes | $235 | 1 year |
| 23 | Louisiana | Yes | Yes | $235 | 1 year |
| 24 | Colorado | Yes | Yes | $240 | 2 years |
| 25 | Maryland | Yes | Yes | $240 | 2 years |
| 26 | North Carolina | Yes | Yes | $240 | 1 year |
| 27 | Virginia | Yes | Yes | $245 | 2 years |
| 28 | Wisconsin | Yes | Yes | $245 | 2 years |
| 29 | Georgia | Yes | Yes | $250 | 2 years |
| 30 | Minnesota | Yes | Yes | $250 | 1 year |
| 31 | Ohio | Yes | Yes | $255 | 1 year |
| 32 | Arizona | Yes | Yes | $265 | 2 years |
| 33 | Connecticut | Yes | Yes | $265 | 1 year |
| 34 | Illinois | Yes | Yes | $265 | 2 years |
| 35 | Oregon | Yes | Yes | $265 | 1 year |
| 36 | Texas | Yes | Yes | $274 | 1 year |
| 37 | Washington | Yes | Yes | $280 | 1 year |
| 38 | Nevada | Yes | Yes | $290 | 2 years |
| 39 | Alaska | Yes | Yes | $300 | 2 years |
| 40 | District of Columbia | Yes | Yes | $305 | 2 years |
| 41 | New Jersey | Yes | Yes | $305 | 2 years |
| 42 | Massachusetts | Yes | Yes | $320 | 1 year |
| 43 | Hawaii | Yes | Yes | $330 | 2 years |
| 44 | Florida | Yes | Yes | $388 | 2 years |
| 45 | California | Yes | Yes | $530 | 2 years |
| 46 | Kansas | Local Only | No | — | N/A |
| 47 | Missouri | Local Only | No | — | N/A |
| 48 | Nebraska | Local Only | Yes | — | 1 year |
| 49 | New York | Local Only | No | — | N/A |
| 50 | Pennsylvania | Local Only | No | — | N/A |
| 51 | Wyoming | Local Only | Yes | — | 1 year |
Next Steps
- How to Become a Plumber — Full step-by-step guide to plumber licensing
- Easiest States to Get a Plumber License — Which states have the most accessible requirements
Data last verified March 2026. Fee amounts reflect total estimated initial government fees and do not include apprenticeship costs, insurance, bonding, tools, or exam preparation. Always confirm current fees with your state licensing board.
Plumber Exam Prep Books
Study guides and code practice tests for the plumber licensing exam.
Browse Study Guides on Amazon →As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Professional Equipment & Supplies
Shop essential tools and supplies to get started in your career.
Ready to Become a Licensed Plumber?
Check your state's plumber licensing requirements, apprenticeship hours, and exam details.