It's a well-known fact that plumbers are always in demand, and their overall job prospects are expected to be good through 2029 (and most likely beyond!), according to a report by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Getting started in this field is a smart business endeavor. You can work as a plumber without a license under the guidance of a master plumber, but a plumbing license will open new doors for your professional development and success.
So how do you get your plumbing license? Read on to find out how to do that, and to become a working plumber.
The Plumber’s Job
Plumbing contractors handle different types of plumbing work for residential and commercial buildings. Plumbers work on the design, installation, modification, and repair of pipes and fixtures. You can consider specializing in certain areas of plumbing systems to stand out from the competition.
Salaries in Plumbing
How much you earn as a plumber depends on several factors, such as your education and training, experience in the field, and any areas you specialize in.
Yearly plumber salaries in the United States can range from $43,461 to $73,786. The median salary in the industry is $57,862, which is about $26 per hour.
The Training and Licensing Process
The time it takes to get the necessary training, certification, and licensing varies from state to state.
The usual timeline can look like this:
- Four years of high school or GED to start a plumbing training program
- Four to five years of an apprenticeship to get a license as a journeyman plumber (during and/or after completing the training program)
- Two to four years of journeyman experience to become a master plumber
#1. Get the Required Education
To become a licensed plumber, you’ll have to meet some basic education requirements. The minimum you’ll need for a plumber license is a high school diploma or GED. The subjects that will help you the most in your plumbing work are Algebra, Geometry, and Physics.
The next step is to get a specialized education in plumbing. This is how you can learn the technical and theoretical aspects of the job. The most common options include a technical college or a trade school with approved courses. Vocational training is essential because it prepares you for handling the day-to-day tasks and business aspects of your profession.
#2. Get Training and Hands-On Experience
In addition to studying at a technical college or a trade school, you’ll have to get practical experience as well. You’ll need to complete an apprenticeship to fulfill the requirements of your study program.
In some cases, your educational institution may arrange your apprenticeship program. Often, though, you’ll have to find such an opportunity yourself. The length of an apprenticeship program is around four years. You can start while still taking classes, and you’ll get paid for your work too.
As a plumbing apprentice, you’ll work under a licensed contractor. This is how you learn all the practical aspects of the plumbing job. It’s important to choose a master plumber with whom you have a good relationship because you’ll be spending a couple of years under their guidance. The apprenticeship hours you’ll need for a journeyman license vary between 4,000 and 12,000, depending on where you live.
#3. Pass your State Licensing Exam
In most states, completing a licensing exam is one of the main requirements for a plumbing license. The content varies, but typically covers the basics on the plumbing trade, plumbing codes, business, and law.
It’s a good idea to prepare for the test, even if you are just out of plumbing trade school. The Plumbers Training Institute, for example, offers plumbing exam preparation. Be sure to get to know the type of questions and the areas of knowledge that the exam focuses on.
There is a license exam fee that you need to pay. Every state has a different exam schedule, but you can expect the exam to take place once or twice per month.
#4. Complete the Licensing Application Requirements
In most states, you’ll need a plumbing license to open your own company and operate independently. The license types vary, but typically include a journeyman and a master license. Usually, there is a specific state board that handles the professional licensing of plumbers.
You don’t need a plumber license on the state level in Missouri, Kansas, Pennsylvania, Nebraska, and Wyoming. You may need city or municipal licenses in these states.
While the criteria vary across the U.S., some of the common license requirements include:
- State registration of your business entity
- Names and addresses of company owners
- Proof of an apprenticeship period
- Professional recommendations
- Surety bond
- Insurance: general liability insurance, property damage insurance, and workers’ compensation insurance (if you’re hiring staff)
You can find more information on state plumbing boards and requirements via the USA Plumbing portal.
Here are the licensing details about a few of the states:
California
You need a C36 Plumbing Contractor license from the California Contractors State Licensing Board (CSLB).
Illinois
The Illinois Department of Public Health regulates the work of plumbers in the state. You have to pass an exam for your Illinois plumbing license.
Michigan
You need licensure from the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. You have to demonstrate at least 6,000 hours as an apprentice plumber.
#5. Apply for Your Plumbing License
Once you have completed all the requirements, you can apply for your journeyman plumber license. You’ll have to complete the license application form and pay an application or yearly license fee as well. Your plumbing license will be active for a period of one or two years. If you want to continue your work without interruption, you’ll have to renew it before it expires.
After you’ve worked for some time as a journeyman, you can make the next step and get a master plumber license. As a licensed master plumber, you’ll be able to teach aspiring plumbers and earn a prominent place in the plumbing industry. You can expect a significant pay increase too. The hourly rates for master plumbers are above $40, or around twice the rates of journeyman plumbers, and yearly earnings can get up to $100,000.
To become a master plumber, you’ll need to pass another exam. You’ll also have to demonstrate between 2,000 and 6,000 hours of journeyman work.
Time Tracking and Payroll for Your Plumbing Business
Among the myriad of tasks you’ll need to tackle as a plumbing contractor, one of the most important ones is admin.
With Hourly, a large chunk of your administrative work gets easier. It helps you with employee time tracking and payroll management to make sure that your staff’s time is properly logged and paid for. Hourly connects your payroll system to workers’ comp as well. You can also manage your employee costs and payroll deductions with ease.
Ready to get started with Hourly? Just download the payroll app on your mobile device.
1. Introducing Yourself
Your introductory email needs to pack a lot of information into a small package. Try something like this:
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Hello Jane,
My name is John Doe and I work for ABC Agency, where we provide business insurance policies to many of Dallas' rockstar small businesses.
Congratulations on your new business, Jane's Bakery. Are you wondering if you have all the insurance you need? Or if your policies will really cover you in a pinch?
At ABC Agency, we pride ourselves on providing robust, comprehensive coverage options to companies like yours with flexible, pay-as-you-go plans.
Are you available this week to talk more about how we can help? I can help you find the most affordable rates and the best policies out there.
I look forward to speaking with you soon.
Cheers,
John Doe
2. Presenting a Quote
Once you've met with your potential client, a quick reply with their quote will get the ball rolling.
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Hi Jane,
Thanks so much for meeting with me this morning. I loved touring Jane's Bakery–I can still smell those delicious chocolate chip cookies baking! You have a great location, and I'm sure you're going to do great on Front St.
After reviewing my notes, I've pulled together an insurance quote for you (attached). I recommend a business owner's policy. A BOP includes several insurance products in one: liability, property insurance, and business interruption insurance. It offers robust coverage at a competitive price.
I'll call you in a few days to see what you think about this insurance plan. In the meantime, if you have any questions, don't hesitate to email me or call me at [phone number].
Again, thank you for your time today. I look forward to working with you in the future.
Cheers,
John Doe
3. Thanks for Purchasing a Policy
Gratitude is important! It's never a bad idea to thank your clients for their business.
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Hi Jane,
Thank you for choosing a business owner's policy with ABC Agency. We know it's so important to get the right coverage for your business, and we are honoured you've placed your trust in us.
We're excited to work closely with you, and our no. 1 goal is to make sure you're business is always protected.
Do you have any questions? We are here to help. Reach out whenever something comes to mind.
Thank you again for choosing ABC Agency to insure Jane's Bakery.
Cheers,
John Doe
4. Welcome Email
A welcome email helps clients feel like you're there to help–and can softly pitch other insurance products you offer.
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Dear Jane,
Welcome to the ABC family! We are thrilled to have you as a new customer and can't wait to meet all of your insurance needs.
As an independent insurance agency, we work with multiple insurance providers to find the best coverage options for all our customers. If you need any other type of insurance–like [include additional offerings unique to your agency, like life insurance, health insurance, home insurance or anything else]–we can help you too.
Do you want to discuss any of these policies?
Cheers,
John Doe
5. Introducing a New Product
A happy client may want to expand their business with you.
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Hello Jane,
I hope all is well with you and Jane's Bakery. I stopped in yesterday for a blueberry muffin and coffee, and they were delicious. I loved the hint of cinnamon in the muffin! Was that your idea?
I wanted you to be the first to know we are now offering commercial vehicle insurance to our policyholders. Auto insurance for your catering vans is super important since your personal car insurance won't cover them.
We're offering this insurance coverage solely to our current business clients at the moment and have some very competitive rates.
Would you like me to work up a quote for you?
As always, thanks so much for being a part of the ABC family.
Cheers,
John Doe
6. Asking For Referrals
Once your relationship is established and comfortable, let your clients help you grow.
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Hi Jane,
You've been a valuable member of the ABC family for two years now, and we so appreciate your business–not to mention the muffins you supply for our monthly meetings!
Because you are a valued policyholder, I wanted to ask a quick favour. I know you are active in the local Chamber of Commerce, and I'm hoping you might know some colleagues who would benefit from working with our insurance company.
Referrals are one of the most effective ways to connect with our community since people really trust their friends, family and colleagues. Is there anyone you'd recommend I speak with?
Remember that in addition to business insurance products, we offer everything from life insurance policies to pet insurance.
As a thank you for your help, we will send you an Amazon gift card of $100 when your referrals buy insurance from us.
Thanks so much for your help!
Cheers,
John Doe
7. Policy Renewal
If your client needs to renew their policy with you, send an email like this:
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Hi Jane,
I hope you're doing well! What a year it's been—from being listed as one of the top 5 bakeries in Dallas to being an official vendor for the city—you have so much to be proud of.
Just a heads up that your business owner's policy is up for renewal soon and will expire on June 15, 2023.
If you're still happy with the coverage, we can easily renew it for you.
Do you have some time to chat this week?
Looking forward to serving you again!
Cheers,
John Doe