Pennsylvania Plumbing License: How to Become a Plumber in PA
If you’re looking for a stable source of income in a reliable industry with growth opportunities, getting your plumbing license in Pennsylvania is a great idea. Pennsylvania currently ranks fifth in the U.S. for states with the highest levels of plumbing employment, boasting 14,840 jobs in 2022.
The average annual salary for a plumber in the state is $51,523, and as you gain experience, that number can jump to nearly $63,000. Now is the perfect time to get your foot in the door of this growing industry.
In this licensing guide, we cover common questions you’ll need to know to get licensed as a plumber in Pennsylvania.
If you’re serious about getting your Pennsylvania plumbing license, check out our free plumbing business resources for guides, templates, and advice to set yourself up for success.
Do you need a plumbing license in Pennsylvania?
The state, or commonwealth, of Pennsylvania does not issue plumbing licenses. However, if you work as a master plumber and contract for home improvement jobs totaling $5,000 or more per year, the state requires you to register with the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office as a Home Improvement Contractor (HIC).
The Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act defines a home improvement contractor as any person who operates a home improvement business or performs home improvements, such as repairs, demolition, remodeling, or renovations, valued at $500 or more to existing residential buildings or adjacent structures.
Note that while the work a plumber does is not licensed at the state level, it is licensed at the municipal level. A local plumbing license lets you tackle pipe repairs, modifications, and fixture installations. Seasoned professionals can also handle installing, designing, constructing, and altering pipes and fixtures.
Before starting any projects, check in with your local authority to ensure you know the rules. For example, two of the biggest cities in Pennsylvania—Philadelphia and Pittsburgh—require you to get a license before taking on any projects.
In this guide, we’ll look at the licensing process for plumbers in these cities.
Types of plumbing licenses in Pennsylvania
Both Philadelphia and Pittsburgh offer the same three types of plumbing roles. Plumbers are licensed by the Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I) in Philadelphia and by the Allegheny County Health Department in Pittsburgh. Here is a description of what a person can do in each role:
| License/Registration Type | Description |
| Apprenticeship Plumber | License or registration holder can work on plumbing-related tasks in the presence of a Journeyman Plumber or Master Plumber once enrolled in a certified apprenticeship program, subject to city or county requirements. |
| Journeyman Plumber | License holder can work on any plumbing-related task in the presence of a licensed Master Plumber, subject to city or county requirements. |
| Master Plumber | License holder can work on any plumbing-related task, subject to city or county requirements. |
Pennsylvania plumbing license requirements
Though the license/registration types may be the same or similar across the state, the requirements to obtain each might vary by city and county. Here are the requirements in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh:
Philadelphia
| License Type | Requirements |
| Plumber Apprentice | Applicant must have: • Written certification of current employment status with a licensed Master Plumber |
| Journeyman Plumber | Applicant must have: • Been registered as a Plumber Apprentice for at least four years or have proof of a comparable license or authorization from another state or local jurisdiction • Passed the Journeyman Plumber Examination |
| Master Plumber | Applicant must have: • Been registered as a Journeyman Plumber for at least one year or have proof of a comparable license or authorization from another state or local jurisdiction • Registered for the Business Income & Receipts Tax (BIRT) • Applied for a Commercial Activity License to do business in the city • Passed the Master Plumber Examination • Written certification of current employment status, if not self-employed |
Pittsburgh
| License Type | Requirements |
| Apprentice Plumber Registration | Applicant must have: • Enrolled in an accredited apprenticeship program and been issued an Apprentice Plumbers card to be allowed to perform plumbing under the supervision of a Journeyman Plumber • Registered as an Apprentice Plumber with the Allegheny County Health Department |
| Journeyman Plumber License | Applicant must have: • Completed 576 hours of technical training in a related field at a recognized school • Been employed by a Master Plumber as a full-time registered Apprentice Plumber for four years • Passed the Journeyman Plumbers exam |
| Master Plumber License | Applicant must have: • Been employed by a Master Plumber as a full-time licensed Journeyman Plumber for two years • Submitted an application to the Plumbing Program • Passed the Master Plumber exam |
How do I get a plumbing license in Pennsylvania?
The process and requirements for getting your license or registration will change depending on where you are in Pennsylvania. The following steps walk you through obtaining plumbing licenses in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh:
Philadelphia
In Philadelphia, you can apply for an Apprentice, Journeyman, or Master Plumber license online by using the city’s eCLIPSE portal.
A Plumber Apprentice needs to:
- Fill out the application
- Pay the relevant fees
A Journeyman Plumber needs to:
- Fill out the application
- Sit and pass the exam
- Pay the relevant fees
A Master Plumber needs to:
- Fill out the application
- Provide proof of a certificate of insurance with the following minimum coverage amounts:
- General Liability: $500,000 per occurrence
- Automobile Liability Insurance: $300,000
- Workers’ Compensation:
- $100,000 per accident
- $100,000 for each employee
- $500,000 as the overall policy limit
- Sit for and pass the exam
- Pay the relevant fees
Alternatively, you can apply in person by scheduling an appointment with the Permit and License Center, located at:
1401 John F. Kennedy Blvd.
MSB, Public Service Concourse
Philadelphia, PA 19102
Pittsburgh
In Pittsburgh, the process to apply for a Journeyman or Master Plumber license is the same:
- Complete the application
- Have a Master Plumber notarize a work statement to verify your work experience
- Pay the relevant exam fee
- Sit for and pass the exam
- Pay the relevant licensing fee
Submit all documentation to:
Allegheny County Health Department
Drew Grese, Plumbing Program Manager
Plumbing Office, Clack Health Center
3901 Penn Avenue, Building #5
Pittsburgh, PA 15224-1318
Pennsylvania plumbing license exam
Philadelphia
Philadelphia plumbing exams are administered through the International Code Council (ICC) and are compliant with the current Philadelphia code and associated standards. These computer-based exams can be purchased and scheduled with Pearson VUE online or by phone at 1-877-234-6082.
| Exam | Details |
| Journeyman Plumber | 75 questions 70% required to pass 3 hours to write Closed book Topics: Plumbing Fixtures and Terminology Plumbing Fundamentals and Administrative Traps, Interceptors, and Cleanouts Special Requirements Drainage Requirements Venting Requirements Water Distribution Plan Reading and Analysis |
| Master Plumber | 100 questions 70% required to pass 4 hours to write Closed book Topics are the same as in the Journeyman’s exam, just weighted differently by the number of questions pertaining to each specific topic. |
For more information, consult the Candidate Information Bulletin.
Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh plumbing exams are held twice a year in the spring and fall and are administered by the Plumbing Program office. A passing score of 75% is required to gain licensure as a Journeyman or Master Plumber.
Does Pennsylvania reciprocate plumbing licenses?
Reciprocity agreements allow a licensed tradesperson from another state or jurisdiction to use their out-of-state licensure instead of applying for a new license.
Because licensing is not conducted at the state level, you will need to check with your regional authority to determine if reciprocity is possible. Philadelphia and Pittsburgh both review out-of-jurisdiction licenses on a case-by-case basis.
How much is a plumbing license in Pennsylvania?
Fees will vary by license type in each city. Let’s take a look at the different costs associated with each plumbing role in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh:
Philadelphia
In Philadelphia, you can expect to pay around $800 in license and exam fees while building the necessary experience to get a Master Plumber license.
| License Type | Fees |
| Plumber Apprentice | • License: $25 (includes a $20 non-refundable application fee) • Renewal: $25 |
| Journeyman Plumber | • License: $141 (includes a $25 non-refundable application fee) • Renewal: $116 • Late renewal: $116 + 1.5% per month • Exam: $115 |
| Master Plumber | • License: $282 (includes a $50 non-refundable application fee) • Renewal: $232 • Late renewal: $232 + 1.5% per month • Exam fee: $115 |
| Home Improvement Contractor Registration | • Registration: $50 • Renewal: $50 |
Pittsburgh
In Pittsburgh, you can expect to pay close to $1,700 in license and exam fees, plus the cost of training programs, while building the necessary experience to get a Master Plumber license.
| License Type | Fees |
| Apprentice Plumber Registration | • Apprenticeship program: Varies |
| Journeyman Plumber License | • Technical school: Varies • License fee: $125 • Exam fee: $133 • Renewal fee: $125 annually |
| Master Plumber License | •License fee: $375 • Exam fee: $265 • Renewal fee: $375 annually |
| Home Improvement Contractor Registration | • Registration: $50 • Renewal: $50 |
Pennsylvania plumbing license renewal
Plumbing licenses in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh must be renewed annually.
Philadelphia
In Philadelphia, you can renew your license online via eCLIPSE or by visiting the Permit and License Center in person. The following table summarizes renewal requirements by license type:
| License Type | Renewal Requirements |
| Plumber Apprentice | • Renewal fee • Federal tax records to prove ongoing employment • An employment statement that verifies apprenticeship status |
| Journeyman Plumber | • Renewal fee |
| Master Plumber | • Renewal fee • Confirmation of up-to-date status on all city taxes |
Pittsburgh
In Pittsburgh, you can renew your license through the online portal. The following table summarizes the renewal dates by license/registration type:
| License Type | Renewal Requirements |
| Plumber Apprentice Registration | All apprenticeship cards expire annually on September 30th |
| Journeyman Plumber License | The license is renewed annually on the plumber’s date of birth |
| Master Plumber License | The license is renewed annually on the plumber’s date of birth |
What happens if my plumbing license expires?
No matter where you are in Pennsylvania, if you think your plumbing license may have expired, you must stop all work immediately. Otherwise, you open yourself up to fees, penalties, and legal action.
To avoid any issues, make sure you check with your regional authority to renew all necessary licenses and registrations and pay any applicable fees in a timely manner.
How to start a plumbing business in Pennsylvania
Once you have secured your plumbing license and built up some experience in the industry, you are ready to take the next step: starting your own business.
The PA Business One-Stop Shop can help you to get started. It’s a valuable resource that provides information for planning, registering, and permitting a business, hiring employees, receiving funding, obtaining technical assistance, and more. It also offers a customized business checklist tailored to your business needs based on a 5-7-minute questionnaire—saving you time and duplicated efforts.
Some of the steps to get you started include:
- Writing a business plan
- Naming your business
- Choosing a business structure
- Getting business advice
There are other practical steps to starting a plumbing business, too, like figuring out how to price your services, finding the right plumbing apps, and hiring employees. To learn more about getting a business up and running, check out our guide to starting a plumbing business.
Does a plumbing license in Pennsylvania increase your earning potential?
Yes, getting a plumbing license in Pennsylvania allows you to increase your earning potential and legitimizes your prospects for employment or gaining new clients.
As you get started, your annual salary might be around $37,780, but that number can increase to around $62,959 with time and experience. Plus, you stand to earn even more than that if you open your own plumbing business. There’s no better time to get started.