Plumber in Louisiana

Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for LA. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.

Median annual salary
$64,720
trending_up +2.8% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Louisiana.

engineering
9,040

Jobs (LA)

monitoring Strong
+4.5%

10-yr job growth

payments
$200

Est. total cost

schedule
4-5 years

Time to complete

route How to become a plumber in Louisiana

To become a Journeyman Plumber in Louisiana, individuals must first register as an apprentice with the State Plumbing Board of Louisiana. Apprentices need to complete either 7,000 hours of manual plumbing labor if in an approved apprenticeship program, or 8,000 hours if unindentured, under the supervision of a licensed plumber. After meeting the experience requirements, applicants must pass the Louisiana Journeyman Plumber Examination, which includes both a written and practical component. Louisiana offers reciprocity for Journeyman Plumbers licensed in Arkansas and Texas.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $38,190
25th percentile $50,780
50th (median) $64,720
75th percentile $74,800
90th (experienced) $77,610

Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Louisiana. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.

checklist Louisiana requirements

Licensing bodyState Plumbing Board of Louisiana
State license Required
EducationHigh school diploma or GED recommended, or demonstrate suitable capability through a math entrance exam.
Experience7,000.0 hours
ExamLouisiana Journeyman Plumber Examination ($125)
Application fee$50
RenewalEvery 1.0 year
Continuing education3.5 hours per cycle
NotesMinimum age of 16 for apprenticeship. Master Plumber requires holding a Journeyman license and passing the Master exam. Indentured apprentices (in an approved program) require 7,000 hours of experience, while unindentured apprentices require 8,000 hours. The Journeyman exam consists of a written and practical portion. Passing scores for parts of the exam are valid for one year.

Source: State Plumbing Board of Louisiana

workspace_premium Louisiana license tiers

Louisiana offers multiple tiers of plumber licensing:

Tier Hours required
Apprentice N/A
Journeyman 8,000
Master 8,000

work_outline Job outlook

10-year growth
+4.5%
Faster than average
Annual openings
44,000
Nationwide per year
Total employment
504,500
Nationwide
neurology

AI & tech impact

verified Low exposure -1.12/1.00

This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.

hub

balance Is it worth it?

Rough payback period
0 months
~$200 investment รท $64,720 median salary
  • check_circleLouisiana license required โ€” clearer credential signal to employers
  • check_circleLow AI disruption risk
psychology
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Frequently asked questions

How do you get certified as a plumber in Louisiana? expand_more
To become a plumber in Louisiana, you need to complete the required education (High school diploma or GED recommended, or demonstrate suitable capability through a math entrance exam.), gain 7,000.0 hours of supervised experience, pass the Louisiana Journeyman Plumber Examination, and submit your application ($50 fee).
Does Louisiana require plumber licensure? expand_more
Louisiana mandates state licensure for plumbers. State Plumbing Board of Louisiana oversees the process, which includes passing the Louisiana Journeyman Plumber Examination.
What is the average plumber salary in Louisiana? expand_more
Louisiana plumbers bring home a median salary of $64,720. This is close to the national median of $62,970. Wages range from $38,190 (10th percentile) up to $77,610 (90th percentile).
What are the fees to become a plumber in Louisiana? expand_more
The full cost to enter the field runs about $200, factoring in exam fee ($125) and application fee ($50) and required training.
How many months or years does plumber certification take in Louisiana? expand_more
In Louisiana, becoming a plumber generally takes 4-5 years, accounting for education requirements, hands-on training, and the exam process.
What's required to renew a plumber license in Louisiana? expand_more
Yes โ€” plumbers in Louisiana must complete 3.5 CE hours every 1.0 year to stay licensed.

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