New York is the 4th most populous in the United States of America, and it has a more than 20.4 million population. Surprisingly, it’s the best place to start your plumbing career because the state has 62 cities and 13 metropolitan areas.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, plumbing is in high demand in NY, and approximately 29,630 people are working in the plumbing industry. Similarly, if you want to become a licensed plumber in New York, you must register yourself with the Secretary of State.
In New York, local government agencies regulate plumbing trades in this state. So, on a bigger level, New York doesn’t provide a state-wide license to professionals and general contractors. Instead, you have to meet certain local requirements you wish to work as a plumber.
As you know, 40% of the state’s population is based in NY, so we’ll cover how to become a licensed plumber in New York – requirements and other major city-specific requirements. Find detailed rules in your area by contacting your local city or county office or reviewing our list of other locations at the bottom of this page.
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Is It Necessary To Get A License In New York?
Plumbing work requires a license in New York City since the rules are strictly enforced. Plumbers, like electrical contractors, must first gain experience as apprentices, then become journeymen, and finally, if they wish, take an exam to become master plumbers.
General Requirements For A New York Licensed Plumber
New York plumbers must meet the following minimum requirements:
- 18+ years old.
- Have a good command of English (read, write, speak).
- Physically fit because plumbing requires heavy lifting, sometimes.
- No criminal background and moral character.
- At least two years of experience as an apprentice plumber.
Types Of License Available For Plumber In New York
There are three types of license available for plumbers, including
- Apprentice
- Journeyman Plumber
- Master Plumber
- An apprentice is a beginner who’s just started out fixing and learning plumbing curves.
- You will become a certified, licensed Journeyman plumber after completing apprenticeship program requirements and passing the exam.
- After several years of experience and working under a licensed plumber, you will become a licensed Master Plumber and a General Contractor as well.
How to Become an Apprentice Plumber in New York?
You need to enroll in a university or trade school if you want to become an apprentice plumber in New York. Typically, the program at a trade school lasts around 4-5 years, which includes theoretical and practical instruction.
You will learn subjects like;
- Math,
- Science,
- Drafting,
- Reading blueprints,
- Pipe fitting,
- Sprinkler installation.
There are in-person and online programs available. The apprenticeship must also be registered in order to be valid. If you are interested in becoming a plumber apprentice, you must have:
- High School Diploma or a GED
- Driver’s License
- You must be good at driving
- Pass drug test
- Pass criminal test and moral test
- U.S. citizenship
- Birth Certificate
All in all, as an apprentice, you will be paid less, but it’s your opportunity to learn instead of focusing on earning. Also, you will work under a licensed master plumber, who will then provide proof of experience and an affidavit that proves you’ve worked under them.
Furthermore, you can apply to a plumbing apprenticeship program or find an apprenticeship job through a job listing site.
How to Get Your First Plumbing Apprenticeship?
You can apply for a plumbing apprentice position on a job site or via an apprenticeship program. The following programs are available throughout the city:
- Eastern Millwright Regional Council Apprenticeship
- Boilermakers Northeastern JAC
- Finishing Trades Institute of New York at Albany
You can also visit the New York Department of Labor website to notice the most recent job listings.
Pro Tip: Wear a business casual outfit when you interview for a plumbing apprenticeship in New York. You should bring a resume and proof of your education.
How to Become a Licensed Journeyman Plumber in New York?
To get your journeyman license, you can submit an application form through the Department of Buildings Licensing platform. There are various requirements you must complete and upload along with your application, including;
- Driving license, passport, or ID card
- Social Security Card
- DPL1 Form;
- Approved apprenticeship certificate by Department of Labor
- Typed affidavit of worked experience from master plumber and employers you have worked with
- Statement of Earnings
- Child Support Form;
- $50 Application and registration fee
In order to ensure that your affidavit matches your online application, you must provide the following information:
- Job Title
- Name of Employer’s company
- A detailed description of your work experience
- Employment dates for each licensee
- Submit your work status – full time or half time
- Statement by the licensee.
Journeyman Plumber Exam
Luckily, you don’t require to take an exam to become a journeyman plumber in New York.
How to Become a Licensed Master Plumber In New York?
Licensed Master Plumber is the highest rank in the plumbing industry. After becoming one, you can work on all plumbing jobs, and there’s no need for the supervision of another plumber – you can partner up, but that’s a different business scenario. In contrast, journeyman plumbers must, however, continue to work under the master plumber.
To become a licensed Master Plumber in New York, you must meet one of the experience criteria listed below:
- Seven years of overall working experience under a master plumber – including 2 years as a licensed journeyman.
- Possess a BS Degree in relevant Engineering technology with 5 years working experience in 7 years – including 2 years as a plumber.
- Must be a professional of (architecture or engineering) with a New Yorker License – including 3 years work experience within 5 years and 1 year in New York.
- A minimum of 2 years of experience working under a master plumber is required with a minimum of 7 years of experience, at least within 10 years before your application.
- A previous member or employee of a private inspection company or government agency that is accepted by the Buildings Commissioner of New York and relies on the Plumbing Code. Also, you must have 7 years of working experience within 10 years.+
You must meet one of the experience criteria listed above in order to complete the registration process and pay a license fee of $200. After you have registered, passed the exam, and cleared the background check, you can become a master plumber.
To get eligible for a plumbing license, you must partner or become an officer in a business or a sole proprietor, and you should also comply with all zoning codes stipulated by New York City.
Master Plumber Exam
Written and practical exams are required in order to obtain your license. The written section of the test, and the practical section of the test, must be completed in advance, and a $525 and a $350 application fee.
The administrator will send you directions for scheduling the exam after you have submitted your application and paid your fees. To take your practical exam, you will need to score at least 70% on the written section. You will receive a license letter three to four weeks after successful completion of exams.
Average Salary of a Licensed New York Plumber
Now you know how to become a licensed plumber in New York – NY, it’s time to reveal the average salary of the average plumber in NY.
Surprisingly, the average mean salary of New York plumbers is $61,667. While an apprentice earns $16/hour – the rate for a journeyman plumber is $26.19/hour, and a Master Plumber could earn $43.68/hour.
Other than New York City, the average salary in other major cities are;
- New York: $69,552
- Buffalo: $54,970
- Utica: $55,044
- Albany: $58,418
- Syracuse: $56,656
- Rochester: $56,664
- New Rochelle: $65,848