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How to become a licensed plumber in Pennsylvania. Local/municipal licensing. Total initial fees: varies. Verified 2026-03-21. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Plumber
Governing Authority
Pennsylvania (no state plumber 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
International Plumbing Code (IPC)
Code Version
Regulation Status
VerifiedState Licensed
No
Regulation Level
local
Local Jurisdictions Handle Licensing
Regulated by the Pennsylvania (no state plumber license - local jurisdictions regulate)
Pennsylvania 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
International Plumbing Code (IPC)
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.
Pennsylvania has no state plumbing license. Philadelphia and Pittsburgh have among the most well-established local plumbing licensing programs in the state.
Pennsylvania does not have state-level plumbing licensing
Plumbing is regulated at the local and municipal level
Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and other major cities have their own licensing programs
Home improvement contractor registration is required statewide
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Pennsylvania.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#16 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
$51,990
25th percentile
Median
$66,650
+6% vs. national avg ($62,970)Experienced
$82,700
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
13,990 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+20% salary growth potential
You are here
Plumber (Journeyman)
$66,650
Apprenticeship (4-5 years) + journeyman exam
You are here
Plumber (Journeyman)
Apprenticeship (4-5 years) + journeyman exam
$66,650
Master plumber license + contractor license
$80,290
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
Pennsylvania regulates plumbing at the local level. Check local requirements for licensing details. All licensing is managed through the Pennsylvania (no state plumber license - local jurisdictions regulate).
Requirements vary by state and locality. Always verify current requirements with your state or local licensing authority.