Pennsylvania Plumbing License

Do you want to learn about Pennsylvania plumbing licenses? Let’s see what is there to know about it and what steps you should take to pursue your dream career.

Remember, that in the state you will be able to work as a plumber only after obtaining a license. It will enable you to have access to a variety of jobs, including repairing pipes, installing, and modifying pipes. There are two main types of it:

• Journeyman
• Master

Generally, your journey in the field starts with an apprenticeship. Undoubtedly, being an apprentice gives you an abundance of opportunities to obtain skills and experience for stepping further on the career ladder.

After completing 2,000 hours of on-sight-job and 220 hours of classroom instructions, you become eligible for applying for a journeyman permit.

Main requirements

Furthermore, to be able to apply for the journeyman license, the residents should meet the following requirements:

• The residents should be at least 18 years old

It is important to have the following:

• A diploma (high school)
• Experience as an apprentice
• A driving license
• Good moral character

Working as a Journeyman for four years, with 576 hours of the on-sight job brings you closer to another opportunity. It will make you eligible for working as a Master Plumber.

Of course, there are yet other conditions to meet, if your new goal is getting the Master’s permit. Check out our Pennsylvania Contractor License page for more details on general contractor licenses.

Here are the main requirements to meet, if you want to apply for the permit:

• Be 21 years old or more
• Have an apprentice and journeyman experience
• Pass the examination

What to know about the exams

The applicants are often worried about the examination and the questions that it includes. Generally, it covers multiple topics. Some of the most common are:

• Administrative Procedures
• Vents & Venting
• Drainage Systems
• Fixtures

No matter in what county you live (be it Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, or Harrisburg), the conditions are still the same. There are approximately 100 questions included in the mentioned topics. Moreover, there are also questions on laws and regulations for Master applicants. The process is either test-based or computer-based. Normally, exams are available several times annually.

Normally, applicants are required to apply for them at least 45 days beforehand. Also, there is a compulsory payment to make. Usually, it varies for each city and ranges from $65 to $85. The exam fee is $250.

However, one of the drawbacks of the permit is that the state’s plumber’s permit is valid only within its borders.
Moreover, renewal conditions and fees also differ for each city.

Schools to consider

If you are interested in courses and vocational programs that will help you to advance in your career, here are a few for you to consider:

• PA College of Technology
• Orleans Technical Institute
• Community College of Allegheny County
• PennCo Tech, Bristol Campus

Salary

Of course, it is natural that income opportunities also interest you. In fact, there are several criteria that may determine your salary amount. Some of them are skills and the number of working years. However, salary also varies from city to city. Some of the highest paying cities are: Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Harrisburg and Media.

The average salary per hour is $25.70. The highest per hour is $37.78.