Plumber in Pennsylvania
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for PA. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.
BLS OEWS 2024, Pennsylvania.
Jobs (PA)
10-yr job growth
Time to complete
route How to become a plumber in Pennsylvania
To become a licensed plumber in Pennsylvania, individuals must obtain a license through local jurisdictions, as there is no statewide plumbing license. Aspiring plumbers typically need a high school diploma or GED and must complete a state-approved apprenticeship program, which includes both classroom instruction and on-the-job training. After completing an apprenticeship, individuals can apply for a Journeyman Plumber license by passing an examination, and then pursue a Master Plumber license after gaining additional experience and passing another exam. Reciprocity agreements are handled at the local level and vary by jurisdiction.
bar_chart Salary percentiles
Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Pennsylvania. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.
checklist Pennsylvania requirements
| Licensing body | N/A (Local Jurisdictions - e.g., City of Philadelphia, Allegheny County Health Department) |
| State license | Not required |
| Education | High school diploma or GED; completion of a state-approved apprenticeship program (typically 576 hours of classroom instruction) |
| Exam | Journeyman Plumber Examination, Master Plumber Examination (administered by local jurisdictions, e.g., International Code Council for Philadelphia, Allegheny County Health Department for Allegheny County) |
| Renewal | Every 1.0 year |
| Notes | Pennsylvania does not have a statewide licensing requirement for plumbers; licensing is handled at the city and county level. Examples include Philadelphia and Pittsburgh (Allegheny County). The state does require registration for home improvement contractors if performing work totaling $5,000 or more per year. Minimum age for Journeyman is typically 18, and for Master Plumber is typically 21. Reciprocity agreements vary by local jurisdiction. |
Source: N/A (Local Jurisdictions - e.g., City of Philadelphia, Allegheny County Health Department)
work_outline Job outlook
AI & tech impact
This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.
balance Is it worth it?
- infoNo state license required — lower barrier but weaker signal
- check_circleLow AI disruption risk