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How to become a licensed plumber in New York. Local/municipal licensing. Total initial fees: varies. Verified 2026-03-21. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Plumber
Governing Authority
New York (no state plumbing license - local jurisdictions regulate)
Some information on this page has not been fully verified.
71% of data points are verified against official sources. 11 fields need verification. We recommend confirming details with your state's licensing authority. See sources below · Report incorrect data
No
State Licensed?
N/A
Apprentice Hours
N/A
License Levels
Varies
Total Fees
None
CE Hours
State Plumbing Code (SPC)
Code Version
Regulation Status
VerifiedState Licensed
No
Regulation Level
local
Local Jurisdictions Handle Licensing
Regulated by the New York (no state plumbing license - local jurisdictions regulate)
New York does not issue a statewide plumber license. All licensing is handled by individual cities and counties. Requirements, exams, fees, and renewal rules vary by jurisdiction. Contact your local building department for exact requirements.
Apprenticeship Program
—
Total Hours
—
Duration
—
Classroom Hours
—
OJT Hours
Experience Required
Not specified
No exam required
Experience Required
Not specified
No exam required
Experience Required
Not specified
No exam required
Exam requirements are set by individual municipalities. The information below represents common standards across jurisdictions.
Exam Information
VerifiedJourneyman Exam
Not RequiredMaster Exam
Not RequiredPlumbing Code Version
State Plumbing Code (SPC)
Minimum Age
Education
Background Check
Insurance Required
Bonding Required
Fees vary by local jurisdiction. Ranges shown are typical but not universal.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Typical Total Initial Fees Not a statewide figure — actual total depends on your municipality | Varies |
Renewal & CE Requirements
VerifiedN/A
Renewal Period
—
CE Hours Required
—
Renewal Fee
No CE Requirement
No state-level fee
Out-of-State Reciprocity
VerifiedDoes Not Accept Out-of-State Licenses
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.
New York has no state plumbing license, but NYC has one of the most rigorous local plumbing licensing programs in the country, requiring 10,000+ hours and a city-specific exam.
New York does not have state-level plumbing licensing
Plumbing is regulated by local jurisdictions throughout the state
New York City has one of the most rigorous plumbing licensing programs in the country
NYC master plumber license requires 10,000+ hours of experience and passing a city-specific exam
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in New York.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#10 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
$60,160
25th percentile
Median
$78,460
+25% vs. national avg ($62,970)Experienced
$101,060
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
22,630 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+22% salary growth potential
You are here
Plumber (Journeyman)
$78,460
Apprenticeship (4-5 years) + journeyman exam
You are here
Plumber (Journeyman)
Apprenticeship (4-5 years) + journeyman exam
$78,460
Master plumber license + contractor license
$95,330
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
Estimated total: 212–222 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
2–8 weeks
Estimated processing time
Study guides and code practice tests for the plumber licensing exam.
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Official regulatory agency — added during plumber audit
Accessed 2026-03-22
Accessed 2026-03-06
New York regulates plumbing at the local level. Check local requirements for licensing details. All licensing is managed through the New York (no state plumbing license - local jurisdictions regulate).
Requirements vary by state and locality. Always verify current requirements with your state or local licensing authority.