Plumbing LICENSING

New York plumbing license:
Everything you need to know

The New York plumbing industry is growing. Learn an in-demand skill and get your New York plumbing license. This guide contains information about licensing requirements, apprenticeships, and job resources.

What plumbing work can be done without a license?

In New York, you must have a license to be employed as a professional plumber. Plumbing industry regulations in New York are strictly enforced.

What are the different types of plumbing licenses in New York

The different types of plumbing licenses available in New York are journeyman plumber license and master plumber license. As a New York plumber, you must register with the Secretary of State in New York. However, licensing for plumbers is regulated locally.

Before you’re granted your journeyman license, you must possess at least 2 years experience as an apprentice under a licensed master plumber. As an apprentice, you will assist the master plumber on a variety of plumbing jobs, including pipe installation, plumbing repairs, and fixture installation.

To become a journeyman plumber in New York, you must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or a GED. You must be able to speak, write, and read English fluently. You must have your own tools to work as a plumber.

Additional New York journeyman plumbing license requirements include:

  • Provide a copy of your work history to your local plumber licensing board.
  • Submit a completed affidavit from your sponsor (master plumber). This document must be notarized.
  • Pay an application fee of $50 – $100. The journeyman application fee varies depending on your licensing board.

As a journeyman plumber, you will continue to work under the direction of a master plumber.  To become a New York master plumber, you must meet the following eligibility requirements:

  • You must be at least 18 years old with a high school diploma or GED.
  • You must be fluent in speaking and writing English.
  • You are required to have a minimum of 7 years of experience working with a master plumber within the past 10 years.
  • You must work at least two years as a journeyman plumber.
  • You must pass the master plumber test.

As a master plumber in New York, you can perform unlimited plumber services. You will not be required to work under the supervision of another plumber.

New York plumbers are in demand. The average pay rate for New York plumbers: apprentice plumber ($16 per hour), journeyman plumber ($26.19 per hour), and master plumber ($43.68 per hour). The average career span for plumbers is 15 years.

How to get a plumbing license in New York

The first step to getting your plumbing license is to become an apprentice under a licensed master plumber. After you have worked as an apprentice, you can apply for a journeyman license. Once you successfully complete the requirements, you can take the test to become a licensed New York master plumber.

UA Local 1 in Queens has a training center. Courses include test preparation (master plumber), OSHA requirements, safety laws, apprenticeship training, plumbing codes, and gas laws. Online classes are not available. There is no cost to apply for the courses.

LaGuardia Community College offers a training program for plumbers. The Plumbing 1 course is $2,239. You will learn about water distribution systems, pipe/fittings, plumber drawings, and construction safety.

To enroll in this three-month program, you must be 18 years old with a high school diploma/GED and authorized to work in the United States. Financial aid is available. Online classes are not available for this program.

If you have been convicted of a crime, you may be eligible to receive your New York plumbing license. Applications are assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Should I join a union?

You will have the opportunity to join a union. Throughout New York, there are thousands of union employees. 

You can earn more money when you join a union. Union plumbers earn a yearly salary that is 20% more than non-union plumbers. Union members have access to a variety of job benefits, including pension plans, annual raises, sick pay, personal time off, and paid vacation.

Insurance for plumbers in New York

Unless you work for a company that pays for your plumbing insurance, you will be required to have plumber insurance. Here are the minimum insurance requirements for New York plumbers:

  • $300,000 for property damage insurance (per occurrence)
  • $100,000 for general liability insurance (per occurrence)

How to get my first plumbing apprenticeship

You can apply for a plumbing apprentice on a job website or apply for an apprenticeship program. These programs are offered at different centers throughout New York including:

  • Boilermakers Northeastern JAC
  • Finishing Trades Institute of New York at Albany
  • Eastern Millwright Regional Council Apprenticeship

For a listing of current apprenticeship opportunities, visit the New York Department of Labor website.

When you interview for a New York plumber apprenticeship, wear business casual attire. Bring copies of your resume and proof of education.

Does my license work in any other states?

Your New York plumbing license is only valid within the state. 

How do I stay up to date with plumbing codes?

Updated New York plumbing codes can be found on the following websites:

What resources are available in the plumbing industry?

The following information will help you prepare for a career as a plumber in New York:

How often do I need to renew my plumbing license in Minnesota?

The New York plumbing license renewal process varies from city to city. For information about plumber licensing renewal, contact your local licensing board.