Licensing Guides
Minnesota Plumbing License: How to Become a Plumber in Minnesota
Plumbing, MN
Table of Contents
Benefits of Getting a Plumbing Contractors License in Minnesota
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Plumbing Contractor License in Minnesota?
How Long Does it Take to Get a Plumbing Contractors License in Minnesota?
Does My Minnesota Plumbing Contractors License Work in Any Other State?
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for a Plumbing License in Minnesota?
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed Plumbing Work in Minnesota?
You can’t rush through the training it takes to become a plumber, but that time and effort can lead to a career that is long-lasting, lucrative, and fulfilling. Almost every state requires plumbers to be licensed, because it’s complicated work that affects the health and safety of our society.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are 504,500 plumbers nationwide, and Minnesota employs 8,520 of them. The national number is projected to grow 5% from 2024 to 2034, adding more than 44,000 plumbers to the ranks across the country. In Minnesota, according to CareerOneStop, the U.S. Department of Labor’s job search website, the projected growth rate is also 6% for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters.
Contractors struggle to find skilled tradesmen like plumbers, electricians, and HVACR or mechanical professionals while the demand for them continues to grow. According to the Associated General Contractors of America, “Construction employment in Minnesota in July 2025 totaled 141,500, an increase of 4,700 (3.4%) from July 2024 and an increase of 13,400 or 10% from February 2020.” So, if you get the training you need, you should have a variety of jobs to choose from when you’re ready.
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Licensing requirements for plumbers vary from state to state and, in some cases, from locality to locality. Minnesota has strict, statewide standards for working in the plumbing business beginning at the apprentice level.
Plumbing License Requirements for Plumbers in Minnesota
Is a license required for plumbers in Minnesota? Yes.
To perform any plumbing work legally in Minnesota, you must be licensed through the state. To begin the process, you must register as an Unlicensed Individual (formerly known as the plumbing apprenticeship program).
After four years of documented work under a licensed authorized Master Plumber, you can apply to get your Journeyworker Plumber license (the term used instead of journeyman plumber in Minnesota). After holding your Journey license for an additional year, you can apply to get your Master Plumber license.
If you want a Plumbing Contractor license, you must at all times employ a licensed master plumber as a responsible individual and maintain compliance with the required bond, general liability insurance, and workers' compensation insurance requirements.
Statewide regulations for plumbers are set by the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI).
Additionally, Minneapolis and St. Paul both require plumbers to be certified at the local level as well as the state level. The Minneapolis Construction Code Service and the St. Paul Department of Safety and Inspection issue certificates of competency, or Comp Cards, at the journey and master level. The two cities have reciprocal agreements, so if you’re certified in one you can get your certification in the other without having to retest.
Types of Plumbing Licenses in Minnesota
What are the types of plumber licenses in Minnesota?
First off, you are required to first register as an Unlicensed Individual (formerly known as an apprentice).
The state of Minnesota issues three types of plumbing licenses, and there are different requirements for each. The license details are listed below.
Journeyworker Plumber: An individual, other than a master plumber, who, as a principal occupation, is engaged as an employee of, or is otherwise working under the direction of, a master plumber in the practical installation of plumbing. This license authorizes the individual to work statewide, for both interior plumbing and exterior water service, sanitary sewer, and storm sewer systems within the property lines.
Master Plumber: An individual who is skilled in the planning, superintending, and the practical installation of plumbing, who is otherwise lawfully qualified to contract for plumbing and installations and to conduct the business of plumbing and who is familiar with the laws and rules governing the same. This license authorizes the individual to perform plumbing statewide, for both interior plumbing and exterior water service, sanitary sewer, and storm sewer systems within the property lines.
Plumbing Contractor: A person who may contract to perform or offer to perform plumbing work in all areas of the state, provided the contractor has at all times a licensed master plumber as a responsible individual and maintains compliance with the required bond, general liability insurance, and workers' compensation insurance requirements (Minnesota Statute 326B.46).
LICENSE REQUIREMENTS:
Unlicensed Individual
Must be at least 18 years of age.
Submit an online license application.
Work for a licensed Master Plumber or join a DLI-approved apprenticeship.
Pay the $14 registration fee.
Journeyworker Plumber
Must be at least 18 years of age.
Must obtain at least four years of recorded practical plumbing experience as a DLI-registered Unlicensed Individual or complete a DLI-registered apprenticeship program.
Submit an online license application.
Apply to take the licensing exam and pay the $50 exam fee.
Pay the $40 license fee.
Master Plumber License
Must be at least 18 years of age.
Must obtain at least one year of recorded practical plumbing experience as a licensed Journeyworker Plumber.
Submit an online license application.
Apply to take the licensing exam and pay the $50 exam fee.
Pay the $80 license fee.
Plumbing Contractor License
Must either hold a master plumber license or employ the holder of a master plumber license as a representative.
Obtain a state-issued business license.
Obtain workers’ compensation insurance if you have employees.
Obtain general liability insurance.
Obtain a $25,000 surety bond.
Submit the license application.
Pay the $188 license fee.
Steps to Get a Plumbing Contractor License in Minnesota
You must be at least 18 years old.
Register as an Unlicensed Individual with the Department of Labor and Industry.
After accumulating four years of experience as an Unlicensed Individual, working for a Master Plumber or as part of a DLI-sponsored apprenticeship, you may apply to become a licensed Journeyworker Plumber, which incurs a $40 license fee.
Once approved, you will be notified that you may register for the state-mandated examination, which incurs a $50 exam fee.
If you pass the exam, you will be issued your Journeyworker Plumber license.
After accumulating one year of experience as a Journeyworker Plumber, you may apply for a Master Plumber license, which incurs an $80 license fee.
Once approved you will be notified that you may register for the state-mandated examination, which incurs a $50 exam fee.
After passing the exam, you will be issued a Master Plumber license.
If you want to be a Plumbing Contractor, you must either hold a Master Plumber license or employ the holder of a Master Plumber license as your representative. You also must also obtain a business license, workers’ compensation insurance, general liability insurance, and a $25,000 surety bond.
You must pay the $188 license fee and submit the Contractor application.
Benefits of Getting a Plumbers License in Minnesota
There are many benefits to getting your Minnesota plumbing license:
Most importantly, it is required by law in Minnesota to be licensed through the state to legally perform any plumbing work.
A trade license is proof of your experience and skill.
Only licensed plumbing contractors can: operate a business and advertise services, obtain commercial insurance, pull building permits and pass inspections, bid on public and government projects.
Having a license protects your company and customers.
A license gives you a competitive advantage in the job market and increases your earning potential as you acquire more experience.
What Is the Mean Wage for a Plumber in Minnesota?
The annual mean wage for a plumber in Minnesota is $83,470 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, that salary can increase as you acquire more experience. A plumbing salary database, shared with ServiceTitan by Payscale.com, projects the median plumber salary will increase nationally in 2025 by 3.65% for entry-level workers, and 3.55% for both intermediate and senior level plumbers. In Minnesota those salary projections are:
Entry (<2 years): $54,200
Intermediate (2-4 years): $70,400
Senior (4-7 years): $76,300
Salaries can vary widely depending on the city where you work and other factors like education, certifications, additional skills, and the number of years you have spent in your profession.
What Business Owners Need to Know
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How Much Does It Cost to Get a Plumbing Contractor License in Minnesota?
The cost to get started as an apprentice in Minnesota is fairly low. The fee to register as an Unlicensed Individual is just $14, and you’ll have the opportunity to earn while you learn. There are application and exam fees for plumbing licensure.
Journeyworker Plumber: License fee: $40 | Examination fee: $50
Master Plumber: License fee: $80 | Examination fee: $50
Plumbing Contractor: Application fee: $188
Advanced education is not required in the state, though you may choose to attend a trade school before pursuing an apprenticeship. Community College Review shows tuition at Minnesota community colleges on average is $5,489 per year for in-state students and $6,145 for out-of-state students.
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How to Get a Plumbing License in Minnesota
The state provides a detailed explanation on the DLI website of how to get licensed. The licensing process includes:
APPRENTICESHIP: Minnesota requires anyone doing any kind of plumbing work to register as an Unlicensed Individual and pay a $14 registration fee, or register for a DLI-approved apprenticeship with a local plumbing company.
Many employers will sponsor employees in an apprenticeship program that typically lasts four to five years. Or you can look for formal apprenticeships through union and non-union organizations.
You need to obtain a minimum of four years of experience in the plumbing trades to qualify for a Journeyworker license.
APPLY FOR YOUR LICENSE: After you’ve met the work experience requirements, you can apply for licensure at your desired level. The same online application is used for Journey and Master licenses. Contractors must use this form. The license fee is $40 for a Journey license, $80 for a Master license, and $188 for a Contractor license.
TAKE EXAM: The Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry’s Construction Codes and Licensing Division allows qualified applicants to schedule the exam online. Only applicants who received a notice informing them they are qualified to take the required plumbing exam may schedule an exam date. The exam for either the Journeyworker or Master level costs $50. The plumbing examinations are based on the 2020 Minnesota Plumbing Code, and you must score 70% or higher to pass.
How Long Does it Take to Get a Plumbing Contractors License in Minnesota?
It takes four years to qualify to take the Journeyworker Plumber license exam and another one year as a Journeyworker Plumber to qualify to take the Master Plumber license exam in Minnesota.
Minnesota Plumber Training Programs and Schools
Plumbers are responsible for a lot more than just fixing leaks or clogs. They design, install, and renovate plumbing systems that carry liquids or gasses, so they must know more than just the mechanics. They must know plumbing code.
Since the state of Minnesota requires plumbing professionals to begin their career as a registered Unlicensed Individual, you most likely will not choose to get a postsecondary degree. However, if you want to build your knowledge before beginning as an apprentice, there are quite a few colleges in Minnesota that offer plumbing programs to get the training you need to become a plumbing professional. You can choose to attend a community or technical college and earn a certificate or degree in plumbing.
Here's a great list of the best plumbing colleges and universities in Minnesota:
Niche: 2025 Best Colleges with Plumbing Degrees in Minnesota
Many of the same colleges or programs appear on both of these lists.
Apprenticeship: The path most often taken is a plumbing apprenticeship. Apprentices in Minnesota are referred to as Unlicensed Individuals. The Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry maintains a list of registered apprenticeships.
Some apprenticeships are sponsored by local employers, while others are offered through unions or local trade associations. Local 34, serving St. Paul, and Local 589 in Hibbing are just two examples.
Any program should cover OSHA safety training, detailed instruction in chemistry, mathematics, physics, blueprint reading and drafting, in-depth examination of state codes, and advanced training about water treatment systems, water distribution systems, drainage systems, water heaters, plumbing appliances, and plumbing fixtures.
Tuition: Apprenticeships may have some upfront costs of tuition and book fees, but the apprentice will be paid a percentage of the journeyman wage rate and will receive periodic wage increases as they meet program requirements. The cost of tuition at a vocational school or college depends on the program you choose, but can range from $2,000 at a community college to $40,000 at a state or private school for an associate degree or bachelor degree in engineering.
On-the-Job Experience: While on the job, you will need to have good customer service skills, be detail-oriented, have some mechanical capability, and be physically fit because the job can include some heavy lifting and hours of walking, standing, and working in tight spaces.
For more detailed information about plumbing school options in Minnesota, check out our Ultimate Guide to Plumbing Schools in Minnesota.
Minnesota Plumbing Contractor Licensing Exam Details
The Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry’s Construction Codes and Licensing Division lets qualified applicants schedule their plumber exam online. You may only schedule an exam if you received a qualification notice instructing you to do so. The Journeyworker or Master exam costs $50.
You must take your exam within one year of the date on your qualification notice. If you miss the deadline, you must reapply and pay the $50 exam fee again.
Exam sessions take place at various locations and dates throughout the year. To schedule, enter your application number (from your qualification notice) and the last four digits of your Social Security Number. Once you provide that information, you can select your preferred date and location. DLI will email you a confirmation when your exam session is scheduled.
The exam is based on the 2020 Minnesota Plumbing Code. There is a Licensing Examination Guide online to help you prepare. According to the guide, licensing examinations are designed to assess higher-level skills and the ability to apply the competencies they gained from their education, training, and experience in the practical installation of plumbing. Applicants are allowed to use the 2020 Minnesota Plumbing Code Chapter 4714 and an electronic calculator during their entire examination. Both the Journeyworker and Master Plumber examinations have a time limit of 5½ hours. You will need a score of 70% to pass, and the results will be mailed to you within two weeks.
Who Issues Plumbers Licenses in Minnesota?
In Minnesota, the Department of Labor and Industry issues plumber licenses through its Construction Codes and Licensing Division (CCLD).
Does My Minnesota Plumbing Contractors License Work in Any Other State?
Yes. You can use a state-issued Minnesota plumber license in both North Dakota and South Dakota.
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for a Plumbing License in Minnesota?
The state of Minnesota has reciprocity for plumbing licenses with North Dakota and South Dakota.
Applicants may obtain a Minnesota Journeyworker Plumber or Master Plumber license without examination if they obtained their license by examination in either North Dakota or South Dakota. To do so, you must contact your state plumbing board to receive a Certificate of State Endorsement.
Every state has different licensing requirements. Some will have minimum work experience thresholds, and many will require that you document that experience and pass a licensing exam. Be sure to check those mandates before beginning work as a plumbing professional in another state, even if you’ve been doing plumbing work in Minnesota.
Plumbing Certifications
Other certifications can help you demonstrate your proficiency to potential employers and clients. National Inspection Testing and Certification (NITC), International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (ASSE Certifications), and other professional certifications are not required but may make you a more attractive hire to prospective employers or can increase your marketability to customers.
Other Requirements Unique to Minnesota
The DLI offers online license renewal for plumbers.
Registered Unlicensed Individuals must renew their registration by June 30 of each year. The cost is $19. Journeyworker Plumbers licenses must be renewed by Dec. 31 of odd-numbered years for $53. Master plumber licenses must be renewed by Dec. 31 of even-numbered years for $93. Plumbing Contractor licenses are good for two years and must be renewed online at a cost of $188.
Are There Plumbing Scholarships in Minnesota?
Yes, there are plumbing scholarships available in Minnesota. Options include:
The Minnesota Pipe Trades Scholarship: The organization offers two $1,000 scholarships annually to dependents of the trade union.
North Star Promise: Offers several scholarships for the trades, including plumbing. The program covers all tuition costs at a Minnesota Community College.
Workforce Development Scholarships: The scholarships, funded by the Minnesota Legislature, provide free aid of $2,500 per academic year ($1,250 per semester) up to a maximum of $5,000 over four semesters for students enrolled in qualified programs.
In addition to this scholarship, plumbing students in Minnesota can explore financial aid opportunities by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Submitting the FAFSA gives you access to federal grants like the Pell Grant, subsidized student loans, and work-study programs—all of which can help cover tuition, tools, and other training costs. Many Minnesota community colleges and trade programs also use FAFSA data to award institutional aid or state-based grants.
How Can Someone Verify My Plumbing License in Minnesota?
Your plumbing license can be verified by potential clients or employees in Minnesota through DLI’s online search tool. Users can search by name or license number.
When Can a Plumbing License Be Suspended in Minnesota?
A suspended plumber’s license means that the plumber is temporarily prohibited from practicing their trade legally. Some of the common reasons that a Minnesota plumbing licenses can be suspended are:
Fraud
Professional incompetence
Misleading or deceptive practices
Criminal convictions
Aiding unlicensed individuals
Failure to comply with regulations
Practicing on a lapsed license
Willful or repeated violations of regulations governing plumbing professionals
Licensees can also face disciplinary action if they fail to report changes in business or personal information to the board or fail to respond to an investigation or complaint.
Note: The information above should not be considered legal advice. For detailed and specific information about Minnesota plumbing license regulations you can refer to the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry.
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed Plumbing Work in Minnesota?
Performing plumbing work in Minnesota without a license is illegal. According to the Minnesota DLI, working as a plumbing contractor without the required license, or offering to perform such work, can result in criminal charges. Unlicensed plumbers face fines up to $10,000 per occurrence and a misdemeanor charge.
Continuing Education
Each licensed Journeyworker or Master Plumber must complete 16 hours of continuing education requirements before renewing their license. The DLI maintains a list of approved continuing education courses.
Resources
You can stay up to date on all Plumbing industry news in several ways:
Check top plumbing blogs, including ServiceTitan’s blog.
Read about the latest industry trends.
Listen to top plumbing podcasts like ServiceTitan’s “Toolbox for the Trades” podcast.
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