Plumbing LICENSING

Utah plumbing license:
everything you need to know

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

What plumbing work can be done without a license?

Licensing board regulations prohibit individuals from performing any type of professional plumbing job without a Utah license.

What are the different types of plumbing licenses in Utah

The different types of plumbing licenses available in Utah are an apprentice plumber license, a journeyman plumber license, a residential journeyman plumber license, a master plumber license, and a residential master plumber license. Utah plumber licenses are administered by the Utah Department of Commerce Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing.

Apply to work as a plumbing apprentice. You must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or GED. Types of jobs that plumber apprentices perform include plumbing installations, repairs, and water sprinkler services. Apprentice plumbers must always work under the direction of a master plumber.

Journeyman plumbers must complete at least 8,000 hours and four years of apprentice training. Journeyman plumbers work under the supervision of a master plumber.

Residential journeyman plumbers must complete at least 6,000 hours of training. Residential journeyman plumbers work under the direction of a master plumber.

Master plumbers are supervisory plumbers. Applicants must have a journeyman license and 4,000 hours of supervisory experience. Master plumbers perform a variety of commercial and residential plumbing services. Supervision is not required for master plumbers.

Residential master plumbers are supervisory plumbers. Applicants for this license must have a journeyman residential license and 4,000 hours of supervisory experience. Residential master plumbers perform a variety of residential plumbing services, including drainage, gas fittings, repair, and installations without supervision.

The pay rate for Utah plumbers is $23.22 per hour. The general career span for plumbers is 15 years.

How to get a plumbing license in Utah

Apply for a Utah apprentice license and apprenticeship program. After completing the work requirements, apply for your journeyman license or master plumber license. Examinations are required for both licenses.

Criminal Backgrounds: Utah plumbing license applications are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Applicants with a criminal background are encouraged to submit an application for a plumbing license.

Plumbing schools: Reputable plumbing programs in Utah are:

Plumbing school courses: Fundamentals of plumbing and construction, drainage and sanitary systems, blueprints, pipe assembly, and plumbing codes

Tuition costs: Expect to pay up to $350 for tuition at a Utah technical college, plumbing trade, or a community college. Student financial aid is available to pay for the costs of trade school.

Prerequisites for Utah plumbing schools:

  • Be at least 18 years old.
  • Have a high school diploma or GED.
  • Possess a valid Utah driver’s license and/or identification card.
  • Be physically capable of performing plumbing duties.

Plumber examinations: Master and journeyman plumbing examinations have two parts: a written examination and a practical examination. You must score a minimum of 70% to pass the plumber examination. PSI Exams administers these tests.

Plumber examination fees: Utah plumber examination fees range from $100 – $150 per test.

Helpful plumber examination resources:

Plumber license fees: All plumber licenses in Utah are $116 each.

Should I join a union?

Union members receive sick pay, vacation pay, 401K options, union representation, and pension plans. Non-union members do not generally receive these benefits. Utah union plumbers earn as much as 20% more than non-union plumbers. Utah unions protect plumbers from dangerous work conditions, unfair management practices, and harassment.

Insurance for plumbers in Utah

Utah plumbers must be insured to provide professional plumbing services. Minimum plumber insurance requirements are:

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

Get plumber insurance before you take on your first job. General liability insurance costs between $671 and $1,740 each year.

Utah plumbers come in contact with contaminated water and human waste. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends Polio, Hepatitis A, Tetanus, Typhoid Fever, and Hepatitis B vaccinations.

How to get my first plumbing apprenticeship

Utah plumber apprenticeships are available through private employers and formal programs. Here are a couple of plumbing apprenticeships in Utah:

Dress in business casual clothing when you go to your apprenticeship interview. Remember to bring your driver’s license, resume, and education credentials.

Does my license work in any other states?

Utah does not offer plumber license reciprocity with other states.

How do I stay up to date with plumbing codes?

Licensed plumbers in Utah are required to stay up to date with the current plumbing codes. Refer to these resources:

What resources are available in the plumbing industry?

Prepare for your career as a licensed plumber in Utah with the following resources.

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

Utah plumbing licenses expire November 30 of even years. The renewal fee is $69 per license.