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How to become a licensed plumber in California. State-level licensing required. 8,000 apprenticeship hours required. Total initial fees: $530. Verified 2026-03-21. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Plumber
Governing Authority
California Contractors State License Board (CSLB) - C-36 Plumbing Contractor
Official website →Most information on this page has been verified.
88% of data points are verified against official sources. 5 fields based on preliminary research. We recommend confirming details with your state's licensing authority. See sources below · Report incorrect data
Yes
State Licensed?
8,000
Apprentice Hours
1
License Levels
$530
Total Fees
0 hrs
CE Hours
California Plumbing Code (CPC) / Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC)
Code Version
Regulation Status
VerifiedState Licensed
Yes
Regulation Level
state
License Types Available
State-Level Licensing Required
Regulated by the California Contractors State License Board (CSLB) - C-36 Plumbing Contractor
Apprenticeship Program
8,000
Total Hours
4 yrs
Duration
680
Classroom Hours
7,320
OJT Hours
Registered Apprenticeship Program Required
Experience Required
Registration required; no prior experience
No exam required
Additional Requirements
Experience Required
4 years / 8,000 hours of apprenticeship
Exam required
Additional Requirements
Experience Required
1-2 years as licensed journeyman plumber
Exam required
Additional Requirements
Exam Information
VerifiedJourneyman Exam
RequiredMaster Exam
RequiredExam Provider
PSI
Plumbing Code Version
California Plumbing Code (CPC) / Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC)
Open Book Exam
Passing Score
70%
Minimum Age
Education
Background Check
Insurance Required
Bonding Required
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Renewal Fee CSLB contractor license renewal (biennial, active status) | $450 |
Total Initial Fees Estimated total for CSLB C-36 application ($330) + initial license fee ($200); does not include bond or insurance costs | $530 |
Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified2 years
Renewal Period
0
CE Hours Required
$450
Renewal Fee
No CE Requirement
Regulatory Board
CSLB contractor license renewal fee per 2 years (active status)
Out-of-State Reciprocity
VerifiedAccepts Out-of-State Licenses
Transfer Type
Endorsement
Additional Requirements for Transfer
Most states require plumbers to pass the local exam or apply for endorsement when transferring an out-of-state license. Requirements vary by state.
California licenses plumbing contractors (C-36) through the CSLB, not individual plumbers. There is no state-level journeyman or master plumber license. Individual plumber training is managed through the Division of Apprenticeship Standards.
California does NOT have a state-level individual journeyman or master plumber license
The CSLB C-36 is a plumbing CONTRACTOR license, not an individual tradesperson license
Individual plumber certification is managed through the Division of Apprenticeship Standards and union programs at the local level
Plumbing contractors must pass the CSLB C-36 trade exam and a law/business exam
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in California.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#15 of 51
Cost
#45 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters (SOC 47-2152)
Entry Level
$57,090
25th percentile
Median
$68,390
+9% vs. national avg ($62,970)Experienced
$95,320
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
45,460 employed in this state
Note: BLS category "Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters" includes pipefitters and steamfitters in addition to plumbers. Wages for plumbers specifically may differ.
Source: BLS OEWS – Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters (May 2024)
National employment projections for 2024-2034
Projected Growth
+5.4%
Average GrowthNew Jobs
+27,500
over 10 years
Annual Openings
39,200
per year (avg.)
510,500 currently employed nationwide (2024)
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034 (September 2025)
Plumbing Career Ladder+42% salary growth potential
You are here
Plumber (Journeyman)
$68,390
Apprenticeship (4-5 years) + journeyman exam
You are here
Plumber (Journeyman)
Apprenticeship (4-5 years) + journeyman exam
$68,390
Master plumber license + contractor license
$97,080
Salary data from BLS OEWS May 2024 for this state. Career paths represent common advancement routes — actual progression may vary. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Occupational Outlook Handbook
Government fees and exam costs to obtain your initial license
Note: These are government licensing fees only. Education/training program costs (tuition, books, etc.) are not included as they vary widely by institution.
Estimated total: 212–222 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
Source: California Contractors State License Board - C-36 Plumbing
2–8 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: California Contractors State License Board - C-36 Plumbing
Study guides and code practice tests for the plumber licensing exam.
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Accessed 2026-03-06
Accessed 2026-03-06
California requires state-level licensing. Complete 8,000 hours of apprenticeship to qualify. All licensing is managed through the California Contractors State License Board (CSLB) - C-36 Plumbing Contractor.
Requirements vary by state and locality. Always verify current requirements with your state or local licensing authority.