Plumber in District of Columbia

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

Median annual salary

$81,950

trending_up +30.1% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, District of Columbia.

engineering

640

Jobs (DC)

monitoring Strong

+4.5%

10-yr job growth

payments

$250

Est. total cost

schedule

4 years

Time to complete

route How to become a plumber in District of Columbia

To become a licensed Plumber in the District of Columbia, individuals must obtain a license through the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP) - Board of Industrial Trades. Key steps include completing a registered apprenticeship program or acquiring equivalent experience (8,000 hours over 4 years), passing the DC Journeyman Plumber Examination, and submitting an application with a $65 fee. There are no continuing education requirements for license renewal, which occurs every two years. The District of Columbia now offers reciprocity for Journeyman and Master Plumbers and/or Gasfitters licensed by examination in Maryland.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $48,730

25th percentile $61,760

50th (median) $81,950

75th percentile $102,820

90th (experienced) $107,270

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

checklist District of Columbia requirements

Licensing body	Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP) - Board of Industrial Trades
State license	Required
Education	Completion of a registered apprenticeship program or equivalent experience.
Experience	8,000.0 hours
Exam	DC Journeyman Plumber Examination ($52)
Application fee	$65
Renewal	Every 2.0 years
Notes	Minimum age is typically 18 years old with a high school diploma or GED equivalent. Master Plumber requires holding a Journeyman license for at least 4 years.

Source: Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP) - Board of Industrial Trades

workspace_premium District of Columbia license tiers

District of Columbia offers multiple tiers of plumber licensing:

Tier	Hours required
Apprentice	N/A
Journeyman	8,000
Master	12,000

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

~$250 investment ÷ $81,950 median salary

check_circleDistrict of Columbia license required — clearer credential signal to employers
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.

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Frequently asked questions

How do I become a plumber in District of Columbia? expand_more

In District of Columbia, becoming a plumber requires you to complete the required education (Completion of a registered apprenticeship program or equivalent experience.), gain 8,000.0 hours of supervised experience, pass the DC Journeyman Plumber Examination, and submit your application ($65 fee).

Is a plumber license required in District of Columbia? expand_more

Yes, District of Columbia requires a state license to practice as a plumber. The licensing body is Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP) - Board of Industrial Trades. You must pass the DC Journeyman Plumber Examination.

What is the average plumber salary in District of Columbia? expand_more

plumbers in District of Columbia earn a median of $81,950 annually. This exceeds the $62,970 national median by 30%. Entry-level (10th percentile) starts at $48,730, while experienced professionals (90th percentile) earn $107,270.

How much does it cost to become a plumber in District of Columbia? expand_more

Costs include exam fee ($52) and application fee ($65). The estimated total investment is $250, including education and training.

What's the timeline to become a plumber in District of Columbia? expand_more

Expect to spend 4 years from start to finish in District of Columbia — covering coursework, supervised experience, and examination.