The licensing process for professional plumbers is structured to take about six years to complete, from the beginning of the apprenticeship to achieving master plumber status.
The licensing process for professional plumbers is structured to take about six years to complete, from the beginning of the apprenticeship to achieving master plumber status. Each state in the U.S. has different requirements and exams. This article will get into the details of this journey for those who are curious about getting started in Maryland.
Professional Plumber Apprenticeships
By law, all plumbing Apprentices in Maryland must be at least 16 years old. Some licensed plumbers take on younger apprentices so long as they provide proof of parental consent. Most apprenticeships require applicants to be 18 years of age or older and have their high school diploma and/or GED paperwork.
Apprentice licenses cost $15. Once acquired, you must complete at least four years and 7500 hours of training under a master plumber. Apprenticeships are a paid job; every step in the licensing process comes with a higher wage than the last. Plumbing Apprentices are paid, on average, $17/hr.
Journeyman
After completing 32 hours of official training in backflow prevention device testing, and passing a written exam, you can apply for a Journeyman license. This license, on its own, costs $35. The associated testing fee is $65.
A Journeyman license has no expiration in Maryland, but you must always work under a licensed Master plumber. To gain Master status yourself, you have to complete 3750 hours, gain two more years’ experience, then pass another written test. A professional plumber with a Journeyman license will earn around $28/hr (these averages do not factor in overtime pay, which you will be eligible for).
Master
The Master Plumber licensing fee is $70, and the exam costs another $65. The minimum passing grade for each exam along the way is a 70%. To legally work as a Master Plumber in MD, you must obtain at least $400,000 in insurance coverage through an approved insurance company. $300,000 of that must be for General Liability and the rest for Property Damage.
Those with a Master Plumbing License must disclose any criminal history recorded in any State or Federal court. They must disclose if their license has ever been revoked, suspended, or denied. The State Board will evaluate any felonies or misdemeanors on a case-by-case basis, so these will not disqualify you!
Professional Plumbers make anywhere from $40k-$90k a year, and salary varies depending on your licensing, experience level, clientele, and location.
Get in Touch With B&D Today!
Dealing with any plumbing concerns that require a professional to step in? Struggling with an absolute plumbing emergency that can’t wait? Let B&D Plumbing know. B&D Plumbing Inc. services the greater Washington D.C. metropolitan area, including Maryland and Northern Virginia. Get in touch with us by calling (301) 595-1141 or follow us on social media, including Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Pinterest. As a small, family-owned business, we understand how important your home is—and we offer exceptional service that matches!