CertOutlook

Plumber in Missouri

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

Median annual salary
$62,090
trending_down -1.4% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Missouri.

engineering
7,900

Jobs (MO)

monitoring Strong
+4.5%

10-yr job growth

schedule
Varies by jurisdiction

Time to complete

route How to become a plumber in Missouri

To become a plumber in Missouri, individuals must obtain a license through their local city or county, as there is no statewide licensing body. Requirements vary by jurisdiction, but generally involve completing an apprenticeship (e.g., 2-5 years depending on the city), passing a local plumbing exam, and submitting an application with applicable fees. For example, St. Louis County requires Journeyman and Master Plumbers to complete continuing education units for renewal. While there is no statewide reciprocity with other states, a bill is in progress to allow reciprocity between different local jurisdictions within Missouri.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $43,140
25th percentile $49,340
50th (median) $62,090
75th percentile $91,760
90th (experienced) $107,400

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

checklist Missouri requirements

Licensing bodyN/A (Local Jurisdictions)
State license Not required
NotesMissouri does not have a statewide licensing requirement for plumbers; instead, licensing is handled at the city and county level. Requirements vary significantly by jurisdiction. For example, in St. Louis, a Journeyman Plumber must be at least 21 years old, have a high school diploma, and complete a five-year apprenticeship. In Kansas City, a Journeyman Plumber needs a minimum of two years of apprenticeship experience. Master Plumbers typically need additional experience as a Journeyman. Some local jurisdictions may also have age requirements (e.g., 21 for Journeyman in Kansas City and St. Louis, 25 for Master Plumber in some areas). Many cities and counties require general liability insurance and a surety bond.

Source: N/A (Local Jurisdictions)

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?

  • infoNo state license required — lower barrier but weaker signal
  • check_circleLow AI disruption risk
psychology
Wondering if a plumber career is the right fit?
See what the day actually looks like, who the role suits, and who should skip it — grounded in real practitioner sources.
arrow_forward

Frequently asked questions

How do you get certified as a plumber in Missouri? expand_more
To become a plumber in Missouri, contact the state licensing board for requirements.
Do I need a license to work as a plumber in Missouri? expand_more
Missouri does not require a state license for plumbers. Note: Missouri does not have a statewide licensing requirement for plumbers; instead, licensing is handled at the city and county level. Requirements vary significantly by jurisdiction. For example, in St. Louis, a Journeyman Plumber must be at least 21 years old, have a high school diploma, and complete a five-year apprenticeship. In Kansas City, a Journeyman Plumber needs a minimum of two years of apprenticeship experience. Master Plumbers typically need additional experience as a Journeyman. Some local jurisdictions may also have age requirements (e.g., 21 for Journeyman in Kansas City and St. Louis, 25 for Master Plumber in some areas). Many cities and counties require general liability insurance and a surety bond.
What is the average plumber salary in Missouri? expand_more
The median plumber salary in Missouri is $62,090 per year. — within a few percent of the $62,970 national figure. New plumbers start around $43,140; seasoned professionals can reach $107,400.
How many months or years does plumber certification take in Missouri? expand_more
The typical timeline in Missouri is Varies by jurisdiction. This includes completing education, gaining any required experience, and passing the licensing exam.

Explore more

Plumber overview
Requirements & salary in all 50 states
arrow_forward
All careers in Missouri
Compare certifications in MO
arrow_forward
CDL Truck Driver in Missouri
Requirements & salary comparison
arrow_forward
Electrician in Missouri
Requirements & salary comparison
arrow_forward
HVAC Technician in Missouri
Requirements & salary comparison
arrow_forward