How to Become a Licensed Plumber in Michigan: License Requirements and Guide

Plumbing License, Michigan

If you want to become a licensed plumber in Michigan, you need to meet certain requirements set out by the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), Bureau of Construction Codes (BCC). In order to provide plumbing service; for example installing the plumbing, you must have a plumbing license or be a registered plumbing apprentice.

In Michigan, the plumbing profession is expected to grow at 9.2% with a median hourly wage of $32.24. In Michigan, there are three levels of plumbing license; journeyman plumbing license, and master plumbing license, and plumbing contractor license.

In this article, we cover how to get various types of plumbing license start from apprentice plumber to plumbing contractor. So let’s get started!

How to Get a Plumbing License in Michigan?

As mentioned above, there are three-level of plumbing license, and each of which has different requirements. This includes journeyman plumber, master plumber, and plumbing contractor. In order to get those licenses, the first step is to become an apprentice plumber.

Plumbing Apprenticeship Requirements

This is the pathway to becoming a licensed plumber in Michigan. As an apprentice, you will need to work under the supervision of a licensed plumber to gain knowledge and experience. Below are the requirements as an apprenticeship:

  • You must hold a high school diploma or GED and be at least 18 years old to apply in Michigan.
  • High school math, physics, architectural drawing, welding, car mechanics, and machine shop are all recommended college courses, and a traditional apprentice program lasts five years.
  • Interested person will spend a part of the apprenticeship program working as an individual apprentice under the supervision of a master plumber.
  • You will need to spend from 2 to 6 years as an apprentice before eligible to apply for a journeyman plumber

You must submit the registration form as an apprentice within 30 days upon your employment as an apprentice to the Bureau of Construction Codes of Michigan by mailing the registration form to the address below:

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Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs

Bureau of Construction Codes Licensing Division

P.O. Box 30255

Lansing, MI 48909

You can find the application for registration for Plumbing Apprentice Form by clicking the link below:

Registration for Plumbing Apprentice

Michigan Journeyman Plumber License Requirements

The next step is to become a journeyman plumber. A journeyman plumber is a person who is trained to assist in the realistic construction of plumbing and is certified as a journey plumber. A journeyman plumber may work for a licensed plumbing contractor or on their own, but they cannot start their own company.

Below are the requirements to become a licensed journeyman plumber in Michigan:

  • You must be at least 18 years old;
  • Possess a minimum of 6,000 hours of experience obtained over a minimum period of 3 years as a registered plumbing apprentice;
  • You pay the exam fee and pass the examination;
  • Finally must pay the license fee of $40

If you meet the above requirements and wish to become a journeyman plumber in Michigan, you will need to fill out the application form for the plumbing exam and send to the address below:

Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs

Bureau of Construction Codes/Licensing Division

P.O. Box 30255

Lansing, MI 48909

You can find the application for Plumbing Examination by clicking the link below:

Application for Plumbing Examination

Michigan Master Plumber License Requirements

The next level after becoming a journeyman plumber is a master plumber. A master plumber is described by Michigan law as a person who has the requisite expertise and qualifications to prepare and supervise the construction of plumbing and is licensed as a master plumber. A master plumber is a professionally skilled plumbing professional with the fewest restrictions in the county.

Below are the requirement to obtain a master plumbing license:

  • You must be at 18 years of age to apply.
  • Must have a minimum of 4,000 hours experience as a journey plumber over a minimum period of 2 years immediately preceding the date of the application.
  • Pay the examination fee and pass the examination.
  • Pay the license fee of $300
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Just like the journeyman plumber, if you meet the above requirements and wish to become a master plumber in Michigan, you will need to fill out the application form for the plumbing exam and send it to the address below:

Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs

Bureau of Construction Codes/Licensing Division

P.O. Box 30255

Lansing, MI 48909

You can find the application for Plumbing Examination by clicking the link below:

Application for Plumbing Examination

Michigan Plumbing Contractor License Requirements

After becoming a licensed master plumber, if you wish to become an independent plumber, you can apply for the license as plumbing contractor.

Below are the requirements to obtain a plumbing contractor license:

  • You must hold a master plumber license or employ a holder of master plumber
  • You must be an owner of a company; either a sole proprietorship, partnership, or an officer of a corporation or a limited liability company;
  • Must provide complete business or employment information for the previous 5 years;
  • Pay the examination fee and pass the examination
  • Pay the license fee of $300

Just like the journeyman and master plumber, if you meet the above requirements and wish to become a plumbing contractor in Michigan, you will need to fill out the application form for the plumbing exam and send it to the address below:

Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs

Bureau of Construction Codes/Licensing Division

P.O. Box 30255

Lansing, MI 48909

You can find the application for Plumbing Examination by clicking the link below:

Application for Plumbing Examination

Michigan Plumbing License Renewal

Every year, by the end of April, you must renew your journeyman plumbing license. As a master plumber, you will need to renew the license in April every 3 years.

To renew your Michigan plumbing license, you must complete a coding lesson, request a renewal form, and pay a fee by the deadline.

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Michigan Plumbing License Reciprocity

In Michigan, there is no license reciprocity with other states. Thus, if you hold a journeyman or master plumbing license from other states, you will not be allowed to work in Michigan.

If you wish to perform the work in Michigan as either a journeyman or master plumber, you will need to apply and pass the examination governed by the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs Bureau of Construction Codes.

Examination and License Fees

The examination and license varies among all level of license in Michigan. You can find the associated fee for each license as below:

  • $15 registration fee for an apprentice. This fee is non-refundable
  • Journeyman plumber will need to pay $100 for the application fee and $40 for the license fee
  • Master plumber will need to pay $100 for the application fee and $300 for the license fee
  • For a plumbing contractor, you will need to pay the license fee of $300

Within one year of implementing the most current Michigan Plumbing Code, journeymen and master plumbers must complete an approved five-hour code update course. The plumbing division in Michigan notifies those who have valid licenses when this course is necessary. Licensed course instructors will charge whatever they want for their studies.

A criminal background check is required on all candidates at the apprentice, journeyman, and master plumber levels.

Insurance for Plumbers in Michigan

In Michigan, it is required to have insurance for all the plumber to cover any damage that possibly occurs. This insurance would protect you as a plumber if you accidentally break a water line or your workers forgot to turn off the main valve before doing any plumbing work.

It is recommended to have a minimum of $200,000 coverage for each year. 

Salary of a Plumber in Michigan

The average hourly wage of plumber in Michigan is $24.70; that mean the average annual wage of a plumber is around $57,428.

References

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