Licensing Guides
New York Plumbing License: How to Become a Plumber in New York
Plumbing, NY
Joanne Bratton
Table of Contents
Benefits of Getting a Plumbing Contractors License in New York
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Plumbing Contractor License in New York?
How Long Does it Take to Get a Plumbing Contractors License in New York?
Does My New York Plumbing Contractors License Work in Any Other State?
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for a Plumbing License in New York?
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed Plumbing Work in New York?
You can’t rush through the training it takes to become a plumber, but time and effort leads 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 New York employs 22,630 of them. The national number is projected to grow 5% from 2024 to 2034, adding 44,000 to the ranks across the country. In New York, according to CareerOneStop, the U.S. Department of Labor’s job search website, the projected growth rate is at 4% for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters.
Contractors struggle to find skilled tradesmen like plumbers, electricians, and HVAC or mechanical professionals while the demand for them continues to grow. According to the Associated General Contractors of America, construction employment in New York in July 2025 totaled 382,800, a decrease of 6,300 (-1.6%) from July 2024 and a decrease of 26,800 (-7%) from February 2020. If you get the training you need, you should have a variety of plumbing 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, such as New York, from locality to locality.
Plumbing License Requirements for Plumbers in New York
Is a license required for plumbers in New York? Yes, depending on local regulations. There is no State of New York plumbing license. Instead, each municipality or county sets its own regulations for plumbing licensing. It’s important to check with the jurisdictions where you plan to work to make sure you meet licensing requirements.
In New York City, the NYC Department of Buildings issues skilled trades licenses, including journeyman plumber registrations and master plumber licenses.
In Buffalo, the Plumbing Inspections Office, within the Department of Permit and Inspection Services, issues journeyman repair licenses, journeyman plumber licenses, and master plumber licenses.
Types of Plumbing Licenses in New York
What are the different types of plumber licenses in New York? It varies based on the requirements of individual cities and counties. There is no statewide plumbing license in New York. We’ll cover the types of plumbing licenses in the two most populous cities, New York City and Buffalo.
New York City
Journeyman Plumber — An individual who satisfied the requirements for journeyman plumber registration and performs plumbing work.
Master Plumber — An individual who satisfied the requirements for a master plumber license and performs plumbing work in association with a master plumber business or as an employee of a NYC agency.
Plumbing work is defined in city code as the installation, maintenance, repair, modification, extension, or alteration of plumbing, standpipe where a sprinkler is not connected, domestic water, connections to domestic water, combination domestic water and reserve standpipe supply tank up to and including the roof tank check valve, gas piping, and up to 30 sprinkler heads connected to domestic water in NYC buildings.
Buffalo
Journeyman Repair — This license is for a journeyman plumber who has worked 3,000 hours with a master plumber. A journeyman is an individual who performs plumbing work as an employee.
Journeyman Plumber — This license is for a journeyman plumber who has worked 8,000 hours with a master plumber. A journeyman is an individual who performs plumbing work as an employee.
Master Plumber — A licensed master plumber has received a certificate of competency and is principally engaged in and carries on the business of plumbing.
Plumbing work is defined in city code as the practice, materials, fixtures, equipment, piping, and labor used in the installation of storm sewers and systems, sanitary sewers and systems, the attendant vent system, water supply systems, and gas systems. It includes the maintenance, extension, and alterations of piping, fixtures, equipment, and appliances.
Each license or registration has requirements that must be met to qualify for licensure.
NEW YORK CITY LICENSE REQUIREMENTS:
Journeyman Plumber Registration
Be at least eighteen 18 years old.
Read, write, and understand the English language.
Be fit to perform plumbing work and have good moral character.
Possess a progressive understanding, proficiency, and competence in the plumbing trade, familiarity with plumbing code, and correctly apply the code requirements.
Have five years of full-time work experience under the supervision of a licensed master plumber, with at least one year of experience in New York City. Or, complete a New York State registered training program and have at least one year of work experience in New York City.
Upload PDF scans of the following documents:
Photo identification, such as your driver’s license
Original Social Security card
Department of Labor approved apprenticeship/training program certificate
Notarized affidavits for work experience verification
A Social Security History of Earnings for the years claimed as experience
Pay $50 registration fee.
Be at least 18 years old.
Read, write, and understand the English language.
Be fit to perform plumbing work and have good moral character.
Be an officer, partner, or sole proprietor of a business or company.
Meet one of the following work experience requirements:
Have at least seven years of experience in the planning or design and installation of plumbing systems under the supervision of a licensed master plumber. Two years of experience must be as a registered journeyman plumber in New York City.
Earned a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or engineering technology from a college or university registered by the New York State Department of Education, and have had at least five years of experience under the supervision of a licensed master plumber. Two years of this experience must be in New York City.
Be a New York State-licensed Registered Architect or Professional Engineer and have at least three years of experience in the planning or design and installation of plumbing systems under the supervision of a licensed master plumber. At least one year experience must be in New York City.
Submit a written exam application, pay the $585 fee, and pass the exam.
Submit a practical exam application, pay the $530 fee, and pass the exam.
Upload PDF scans of the following documents:
Photo identification, such as a driver’s license
Original Social Security card
Original birth certificate, current passport, or green card
Proof of residence
Most recent pay stub or W-2 form
Examination score report form
LIC62 form for physical examination
Notarized Background Investigation Questionnaire
Notarized work experience verification forms
Certified Social Security History of Earnings for the years you claim as experience
Pass the background investigation and pay a $500 fee.
Pay $200 license issuance fee and $50 seal fee.
CITY OF BUFFALO LICENSE REQUIREMENTS:
Work 3,000 hours with a master plumber.
Pass a journeyman plumbing exam. Cost is $40.
Pay $84 license fee.
Work 8,000 hours with a master plumber.
Pass a journeyman plumbing exam. Cost is $40.
Pay $94 license fee.
Work 6,000 hours as a journeyman plumber and as an employee of a licensed master plumber.
Pass a master plumber exam. Cost is $210.
Pay $500 license fee.
Steps to Get a Plumbing Contractor License in New York
Follow these steps to obtain a New York City plumbing license. Each city or county has its own process to obtain a plumbing license.
Be at least 18 years of age.
To register as a journeyman plumber, have at least five years of full-time work experience under the supervision of a master plumber, with at least one year of work experience in New York City. Or, complete a New York State registered training program and have at least one year of work experience in New York City.
Submit a registration application with all supporting documents.
Pay the $50 journeyman plumber registration fee.
To obtain a master plumber license, have at least seven years of experience in the planning or design and installation of plumbing systems under the supervision of a licensed master plumber. Two years of experience must be as a registered journeyman plumber in New York City. Or, you can obtain an engineering degree and have five years of experience, or be a registered professional engineer and have three years of experience.
Apply for and pass a written and practical exam.
Submit a license application with all supporting documents.
Pay $200 license issuance fee and $50 seal fee.
Master plumbers must be an officer, partner, or sole proprietor of a business. The business must have an office in New York City that complies with all zoning code regulations. You’ll need to submit additional business documentation, such as general liability insurance, workers’ compensation insurance, and business documentation pertinent to your business structure.
Benefits of Getting a Plumbing Contractors License in New York
There are many benefits to obtaining your New York plumbing license:
Most importantly, it is required by law in most New York cities and counties to be licensed 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, and 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 New York?
The annual mean wage for a plumber in New York is $84,510, 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 New York those salary projections are:
Entry (<2 years): $56,700
Intermediate (2-4 years): $73,600
Senior (4-7 years): $79,800
Salaries 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
Getting the most out of a plumbing technician, no matter where they are in their licensing journey, takes work. ServiceTitan’s cloud-based, all-in-one plumbing software gives technicians and business owners the technology they need to do the work efficiently, and the data they need to do it smartly.
SMS communications that keep customers informed about the technician’s visit.
Location-specific service history, including recorded calls, accessible from the mobile app.
Required forms that ensure every job is done right, driving consistency.
The ability to build multi-option proposals with photos, on-site, in minutes.
Sales presentations that make conversations with customers easier and drive up the average ticket.
Mobile payment acceptance, eliminating lost checks and increasing cash flow.
To learn more, schedule a demo with a product expert today.
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Plumbing Contractor License in New York?
The cost to get started as a plumber in New York depends on local requirements. Each city or county sets their own licensing requirements and fee schedules.
Costs for an apprenticeship program or state training program vary depending on the program you choose. Program fees cover course instruction, textbooks, and materials. In an apprenticeship, your employer or union will typically absorb these costs.
In New York City, it costs $50 to register as a journeyman plumber. It costs quite a bit more to become a master plumber, as you’ll pay $1,115 in exam application fees, $500 for a background investigation, and $250 for a license and seal fee. You will also pay additional costs related to business registration and insurance, depending on your business structure.
In Buffalo, it costs $40 for the journeyman exam. A journeyman repair license costs $84 and a journeyman plumber license costs $94. A master plumber exam costs $210 and the license fee is $500.
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How to Get a Plumbing License in New York
Becoming a plumbing professional in New York isn’t fast, but is straightforward. Each city or county has its own process to obtain a plumbing license, so you’ll need to check with the jurisdictions where you plan to work to meet local licensing requirements.
New York City
APPRENTICESHIP/WORK EXPERIENCE: To become a journeyman plumber in New York City, you must complete a Department of Labor approved apprenticeship or a state training program. You will need at least five years of full-time work experience under the supervision of a licensed master plumber, with at least one year of experience in New York City. Or, complete a New York State registered training program and have at least one year of work experience in New York City.
APPLY FOR REGISTRATION: Apply for your journeyman plumber registration through the DOB NOW: Licensing portal. You will need to pay a $50 registration fee and upload copies of required documents, including proof of a completed apprenticeship or training program and work experience verification.
MASTER REQUIREMENTS: To obtain your master plumber license, you will need at least seven years of experience in the planning or design and installation of plumbing systems under the supervision of a licensed master plumber. Two years of experience must be as a registered journeyman plumber in New York City. The state also accepts a bachelor’s degree in engineering with five years of experience, or a state-licensed professional engineer with three years of experience.
PASS EXAMS: Apply for the written master plumber exam and pay $585 fee. The application and fee is submitted to:
NYC Department of Buildings Licensing & Exams Unit - Exams 280 Broadway, 1st Floor New York, NY 10007
Once you pass the written exam, apply for the practical master plumber exam and pay the $530 fee, submitting it to the address above. The DOB provides a candidate bulletin with detailed exam information.
APPLY FOR LICENSE: To apply for the master plumber license, applicants must apply through the DOB NOW portal and pass a background investigation. This involves filling out forms listed in the license requirements section, scanning documents and forms into PDFs, and uploading all documentation through the portal. The DOB provides a new license application user guide with step-by-step instructions. The background check costs $500. The license issuance fee is $200 and seal fee is $50.
CONTRACTOR REQUIREMENTS: Those who obtain a master plumber license must be an officer, partner, or sole proprietor of a plumbing company. The business must have an office in New York City that complies with all zoning code regulations. You’ll need to submit additional business documentation, such as general liability insurance, workers’ compensation insurance, and business documentation pertinent to your business structure. The DOB lists details for each business structure on its master plumber license page.
The DOB answers commonly asked questions about licensing on its FAQ page.
Buffalo
APPRENTICESHIP/WORK EXPERIENCE: To obtain a journeyman repair license, you’ll need 3,000 hours of work experience with a master plumber. A journeyman plumber license requires 8,000 hours of experience with a master plumber. Submit a journeyman repair license application or a journeyman plumber license application to the City of Buffalo Plumbing Department.
PASS EXAMS: Both journeyman licenses require applicants to pass an exam from the Examining Board of Plumbers. A journeyman exam costs $40. The city will notify applicants about exam details.
MASTER REQUIREMENTS: To obtain a master plumber license, you must have worked 6,000 hours as a journeyman plumber and as an employee of a licensed master plumber. Submit a master plumber license application to the city plumbing department. The city will provide applicants with master plumber exam information. The exam costs $210.
How Long Does it Take to Get a Plumbing Contractors License in New York?
The time it takes to get a plumbing license in New York depends on the local regulations. It will take a minimum of five years to gain the required work experience to become a journeyman plumber in New York City, with at least one year of work experience in the city.
To become a master plumber, it will take a minimum of seven years of experience, with two of those years as a journeyman plumber in New York City. Those holding a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or engineering technology from a college or university registered by the New York State Department of Education need five years of work experience, with two of those years in New York City.
In Buffalo, a journeyman repair license requires 3,000 hours of work experience, and a journeyman plumber license requires 8,000 hours of experience. Those seeking a master plumber license must have 6,000 hours of experience working as a journeyman plumber.
The great news is that as an apprentice you earn a wage from the very beginning and compensation increases each year as you acquire more training and knowledge, until you receive a journeyman license. Your salary increases again when you acquire your master plumber license. As a licensed master plumber, you can be your own boss and grow your business as much as you want.
New York Plumber Training Programs and Schools
Plumbers are responsible for more than just fixing leaks or clogs. They design, install, and renovate systems that carry liquids or gasses. In addition to mechanics, they must know and follow plumbing code.
Since the state of New York requires plumbing professionals to begin their career with a minimum of five years of work experience, you may not choose to get a post-secondary degree.
For a master plumber license, the state reduces the work experience requirement from seven to five years if the applicant holds a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or engineering technology from a college or university registered by the New York State Department of Education.
Trade Schools/Colleges and Universities
Plumbing training opportunities include:
Schools offering a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or engineering technology include:
Apprenticeship
Plumbing apprenticeship opportunities include:
Program Prerequisites: For most apprenticeship programs in the state, you need to be at least 18 years old and possess a high school diploma or a GED certificate. Requirements vary based on the program. Some programs require applicants to pass a placement exam, possess a driver’s license, and pass a drug screening.
On-the-Job Experience: While on the job, you will need to use good customer service skills, possess mechanical capability, pay attention to detail, and be physically fit. The job typically includes hours of walking, standing, and working in tight spaces, and includes some heavy lifting.
For more detailed information about plumbing school options, check out our Ultimate Guide to Plumbing Schools in New York.
New York Plumbing Contractor Licensing Exam Details
Whether a license requires an exam depends on the local regulations. In New York City, journeyman plumber registration does not require an exam. Master plumbers must first pass a written exam, and then pass a hands-on practical exam.
Master plumbers submit a written exam application and pay the $585 fee. Once your application is accepted, applicants receive an email within two to three weeks with instructions on how to schedule their exam.
After passing the written exam, submit a practical exam application and pay the $530 fee. Applicants must then schedule and pass the practical exam. A candidate information bulletin provides detailed exam information, including suggested reference materials. Testing sites are located throughout the state.
The written exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions. It is not an open book exam, and applicants have up to four hours to complete it. Exam subject areas include:
Drainage
Equipment
Gas piping
Water supply
Fire protection
The practical exam requires applicants to produce a black steel piping assembly and a vertical copper sweat assembly.
In Buffalo, both journeyman and master plumbers must pass an exam from the Examining Board of Plumbers. The journeyman exams cost $40 and the master plumber exam costs $210. The city provides applicants with exam information.
Who Issues Plumbing Contractors Licenses in New York?
In New York, plumbing licenses are issued at the local level. Each city or county sets its licensing regulations for plumbers.
In New York City, the NYC Department of Buildings issues journeyman plumber registrations and master plumber licenses. The DOB has office locations in each of the five boroughs. The main phone number is (212) 566-5000, and the department provides an online help form.
In Buffalo, the Plumbing Department within the Department of Permit and Inspection Services issues licenses, and is located at 65 Niagara Square, Room 312, Buffalo, NY 14202. The phone number is (716) 851-5067.
Does My New York Plumbing Contractors License Work in Any Other State?
No. New York issues licenses at the local level, so it does not have reciprocity agreements for plumbing licenses with other states.
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for a Plumbing License in New York?
New York does not issue statewide plumbing licenses, so it does not have reciprocity agreements with other states. If you hold a plumbing license in another state, you’ll need to complete the licensing process in the locality where you plan to work.
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 New York
Each locality in New York has its own plumbing regulations. New York City’s plumbing regulations are found in New York City Administrative Code and New York State Building Code.
Specific to master plumbers, New York City regulations require all business vehicles, advertising, websites, and stationery to display the full name of the licensee, the words “N.Y.C. licensed plumber,” the licensee’s number, and the licensee’s business address.
The City of Buffalo’s plumbing regulations are found in its city code.
Are There Plumbing Scholarships in New York?
Yes, there are several plumbing or trade school scholarships in New York. Scholarship opportunities include:
American Society of Plumbing Engineers New York City Chapter Carmen “Rick” Sorvillo Scholarship
New York State Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association
Plumbing Industry Promotion Fund of New York City — Eugene & Raymond Cardoza Memorial Scholarship Program
Be sure to check with your high school or area community organizations for local scholarships.
How Can Someone Verify My Plumbing License in New York?
Individual cities and counties in New York issue plumbing licenses, so license verification depends on local systems.
In New York City, potential clients or employees may verify a skilled trades or contractor license on the NYC Department of Buildings search page. Search by last name, business name, license number, or occupation.
The DOB also has a disciplinary actions and surrenders page, which lists individual license suspensions or disciplinary actions.
When Can a Plumbing License Be Suspended in New York?
A suspended plumber’s license means the plumber is temporarily prohibited from legally practicing their trade. Each city or county has its own licensing regulations. In New York City, a plumbing license can be suspended for many reasons, including:
Violating New York City laws, rules, and regulations.
Violating city construction codes.
Engaging in deceptive practices in violation of city code.
Note: The information above should not be considered legal advice. For specific information about New York plumbing license regulations, refer to New York City Administrative Code.
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed Plumbing Work in New York?
The penalties for unlicensed work depend on the laws of the individual cities and counties.
In New York City, master plumbers must be licensed. Illegally engaging in any business or occupation without a required license is subject to a standard penalty of $5,000, with a maximum penalty of $25,000, according to the city’s violation classifications in city code. In addition, those performing work without the proper building permits face additional fines.
In Buffalo, those working without a license may be found guilty of an unclassified misdemeanor and face a penalty of up to $1,000 and/or up to 60 days in jail for each offense.
Continuing Education
Cities and counties in New York set plumbing license requirements, so whether a license requires continuing education before renewal depends on local requirements.
In New York City, a master plumber license requires renewal every three years. Master plumbers must complete seven hours of continuing education each license cycle. To renew, master plumbers submit a renewal application and upload supporting documents to the DOB NOW online portal. License renewal fees total $325.
In Buffalo, master plumbers must renew their license annually. Renewal cost is $500. Journeyman plumbers renew their licenses every two years. Renewal cost is $84 for the journeyman repair license and $94 for the journeyman plumber license. The city does not require continuing education before license renewal.
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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