Licensing Guides
Rhode Island Plumbing License: How to Become a Plumber in Rhode Island
Plumbing, RI
Table of Contents
Benefits of Getting a Plumbing Contractors License in Rhode Island
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Plumbing Contractor License in Rhode Island?
How Long Does it Take to Get a Plumbing Contractors License in Rhode Island?
Does My Rhode Island Plumbing Contractors License Work in Any Other State?
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for a Plumbing License in Rhode Island?
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed Plumbing Work in Rhode Island?
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 Rhode Island employs 1,790 of them. The national number is projected to grow 5% from 2024 to 2034, adding 44,000 plumbers to the ranks across the country. In Rhode Island, according to CareerOneStop, the U.S. Department of Labor’s job search website, the projected growth rate is double, at 12% 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 Rhode Island in July 2025 totaled 22,400, an increase of 100 (0.4%) from July 2024 and an
increase of 2,000 or 10% from February 2020.” If you get the training you need, you should have a variety of jobs to choose from when you’re ready.
» Want to grow your plumbing business? Click here to get a demo.
Licensing requirements for plumbers vary from state to state. In Rhode Island, plumbing candidates can pursue apprentice, journeyman, master, and contractor master plumbing licenses. Read on to learn more about becoming a licensed plumber in the Ocean State.
Plumbing License Requirements for Plumbers in Rhode Island
Is a license required for plumbing professionals in Rhode Island? Yes.
Rhode Island requires a state-issued license for apprentices, journeymen, and master plumbers.
The Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training’s (DLT) Plumbers and Irrigators branch is responsible for issuing plumbing licenses across the state, and contractors must also register with the State of Rhode Island Contractors' Registration and Licensing Board.
Types of Plumbing Licenses in Rhode Island
What are the types of plumber licenses in Rhode Island?
There are four plumbing licenses in Rhode Island:
Apprentice — Allows an individual to perform plumbing work under the direction of a licensed plumber.
Journeyman — A licensed plumber who can install, maintain, and repair residential and commercial plumbing systems, including fixtures, gas lines, and drainage systems, while adhering to plumbing codes.
Master — A licensed plumber who can perform any plumbing work without supervision, take on large projects, and manage other plumbers.
Contractor Master — A master plumber who operates as an independent contractor, running their own plumbing business.
Each license has specific requirements.
LICENSE REQUIREMENTS:
Apprentice Plumber
Must be a high school graduate or GED equivalent.
Requires a valid driver’s license.
Must apply with the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training.
May perform work only under the supervision of a licensed master or journeyperson. An apprentice must not knowingly perform work for an unlicensed contractor.
Journeyperson Plumber
Requires at least five years experience and 576 hours of related instruction approved by the Department of Labor and Training.
Must submit proof of Certificate of Completion of Apprenticeship issued by the RI Department of Labor and Training Apprenticeship Office.
Submit application with a $75 application fee.
Pass journeyman plumber exam.
Pay a $72 license fee.
Master Plumber License
Requires five years of experience.
Must hold a valid journeyman license for at least one year.
Submit application with a $75 application fee.
Pass master plumber exam.
Pay a $240 license fee.
Contractor Master:
Must employ a master plumber who oversees projects.
Submit application and pay a $75 application fee.
Pay a $240 license fee.
Steps to Get a Plumbing Contractor License in Rhode Island
Be at least 18 years of age and a high school graduate or GED equivalent.
Enroll in a plumbing apprenticeship registered with the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Apprenticeship.
Apply for a plumbing apprentice license with the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training.
Complete five-year apprenticeship.
Apply for, take, and pass the journeyman plumbing exam.
Pay journeyman license fee.
Gain one year of work experience as a licensed journeyperson working under the supervision of a licensed master.
Apply for, take, and pass an exam for master license.
If you want to operate your own business, apply for a master contractor license, paying the appropriate fees.
Benefits of Getting a Plumbing Contractors License in Rhode Island
There are many benefits to getting your Rhode Island plumbing license:
Most importantly, it is required by law in Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island?
The annual mean wage for a plumber in Rhode Island is $72,760, 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 Rhode Island, those salary projections are:
Entry (<2 years): $54,200
Intermediate (2-4 years): $70,400
Senior (4-7 years): $76,200
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
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 Rhode Island?
The cost to get started as an apprentice in Rhode Island is fairly low. There is no application fee. Apprentice programs have different tuition costs. All have some fees for books and tools, but much of the cost is absorbed by your employer or the union.
To become a licensed journeyman, you must pay a $75 application fee and a $72 master fee. To obtain the master license, you must pay a $75 application fee and a $240 license fee. If you want to operate your own business, you’ll also need to obtain a master contractor license, which incurs a $75 application fee and $240 license fee.
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How to Get a Plumbing License in Rhode Island
Becoming a plumbing professional in Rhode Island isn’t fast, but it’s very straightforward.
APPRENTICESHIP/WORK EXPERIENCE: You will need to be at least 18 years old and have graduated from high school or earned a GED. The state requires everyone who wants to join this profession to become an apprentice and complete an apprenticeship that is recognized by the U.S. Department of Labor. Once you are enrolled in either a union or non-union apprenticeship, you must apply for an apprentice license with the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training.
APPLY FOR LICENSE: You must apply for a license with the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, RI Department of Labor and Training, Division of Workforce Regulation and Safety, Professional Regulations Unit.
TAKE LICENSING EXAM: After at least five years experience and 576 hours of related instruction approved by the Department of Labor and Training, you can take the journeyman licensing exam. Then, after working as a journeyman for a year, you can take the master exam.
PAY LICENSE FEES: After passing the applicable exam, you can pay the license fee to receive your journeyman or master license.
CONTRACTOR REQUIREMENTS: If you want to operate your own business, you must apply for the contractor master license, which incurs a $75 application fee and a $240 license fee.
How Long Does it Take to Get a Plumbing Contractors License in Rhode Island?
You must first complete an apprenticeship program of at least five years and 576 hours of related instruction approved by the Department of Labor and Training before becoming eligible to take the journeyman exam. After passing the exam and obtaining a journeyman license, you must work for another year before becoming eligible for the master plumber exam.
Rhode Island Plumber Training Programs and Schools
Plumbers are responsible for a lot more than just fixing leaks or clogs. They design, install, and renovate systems that carry liquids or gasses, so they must know more than just the mechanics. They must know plumbing code.
Rhode Island offers a wide variety of training opportunities across the state, including trade schools and community colleges that offer plumbing programs.
Some of the top training schools include:
Community College of Rhode Island, Warwick, RI: Offers an accredited apprenticeship program that satisfies the state requirement for educational hours.
Rhode Island Master Plumber & Mechanical Association, Cranston, RI: Offers an accredited apprenticeship program that satisfies the state requirement for educational hours.
New England Institute of Technology, East Greenwich, RI: Offers an associate’s degree in heating and plumbing science that satisfies the state requirement for educational hours.
Apprenticeship: The Rhode Island Office of Apprenticeship provides a list of active registered apprenticeship programs. You can complete a union apprenticeship through an organization like UA Local 51 Plumbers and Pipefitters, or apply directly with a sponsoring employer.
Program Prerequisites: For any of these paths, you need to be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or a GED.
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 Rhode Island, check out our Ultimate Guide to Plumbing Schools in Rhode Island.
Rhode Island Plumbing Contractor Licensing Exam Details
Rhode Island plumbing licensing exams are issued in person at the RI Department of Labor and Training, Building 73-1, Conference Room 1511, Pontiac Ave., Cranston, RI. They consist of 50 multiple choice questions based on the Rhode Island Edition of the BOCA International Plumbing Code 2006 and the Rhode Island Edition of State Building Code SBC-3.
Question topics include:
Terminology and calculations
Materials and material standards
Joints and connections
Traps and cleanouts
Plumbing fixtures, hangers and supports
Indirect waste piping
Water distribution systems
Sanitary drainage systems
Vents and venting systems
Cross connections
Storm drains
Individuals who achieve a passing score of 70 or greater will be invoiced for the license fee.
Who Issues Plumbing Contractors Licenses in Rhode Island?
The Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training’s (DLT) Plumbers and Irrigators branch issues plumbing licenses.
Does My Rhode Island Plumbing Contractors License Work in Any Other State?
No, Rhode Island does not have direct reciprocity with any other states for plumbing licenses.
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for a Plumbing License in Rhode Island?
Rhode Island does allow a plumber from another state to apply for licensure if they can document that they are duly licensed by examination in a state(s) other than Rhode Island and have completed training equal to or greater than Rhode Island's own licensing requirements. Candidates must show proof of out-of-state licensure as well as any required on-the-job and classroom training.
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 Rhode Island
Plumbing professionals who work on underground utility lines need to hold an underground utility contractor’s license. The State of Rhode Island Contractors’ Registration and Licensing Board defines an underground utility contractor as an individual who performs the installation, repair, alteration, or replacement of underground utilities, sewer lines, storm drainage lines, or water lines.
While this license requires no previous work experience or training, candidates must complete the pre-license application, submit a $50 processing fee, and successfully pass the open-book licensing exam, administered by PSI Exams. Applicants must pay a $180 application fee and, after passing the exam, pay an additional $200 to obtain the license. Master plumbers are exempt from needing this type of license.
In addition, the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training’s (DLT) Plumbers and Irrigators branch issues irrigator licenses (apprentice, journeyperson irrigator, and master irrigator) and water-filtration treatment system installer licenses. The application process for these is similar to the steps to plumbing licensure.
Are There Plumbing Scholarships in Rhode Island?
Yes, there are plumbing scholarships in Rhode Island. Options include:
Pinnacle Foundation Scholarships: Through its foundation, Pinnacle Plumbing & Heating offers scholarships to students pursuing education or an apprenticeship in plumbing or HVAC. One scholarship is chosen via lottery, while the other is available to Smithfield High School seniors who have been accepted to an accredited university, college, junior college, technical school, vocational school, Rhode Island accredited apprentice program, or other educational institution working to further their education in plumbing, refrigeration, pipefitting, or HVAC.
Scholarship Merit Award Program: Sponsored by New England Mechanical Contracting Industry Improvement Fund, this scholarship awards between $2,000 to $2,500 to the children of labor and management employees within the mechanical contracting industry.
In addition to this scholarship, plumbing students in Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island?
Your plumbing license can be verified by potential clients or employees in Rhode Island through the Division of Professional Regulation’s online search. Users can search by license number, company name, first name, last name, city, state, and phone number.
When Can a Plumbing License Be Suspended in Rhode Island?
A suspended plumber’s license means that the plumber is temporarily prohibited from practicing their trade legally. Some of the common reasons that a Rhode Island plumbing license 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
Note: The information above should not be considered legal advice. For detailed and specific information about Rhode Island plumbing license regulations you can refer to the official Rules and Regulations for Licensing of Plumbers, Irrigators and Water System Installers.
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed Plumbing Work in Rhode Island?
Performing plumbing work in Rhode Island without a license is illegal. First-time offenses incur a $1,500 fine. Second and subsequent violations are subject to a fine of $2,000 minimum.
Note: The information above should not be considered legal advice. For detailed and specific information about Rhode Island plumbing license regulations you can refer to the official Rules and Regulations for Licensing of Plumbers, Irrigators and Water System Installers.
Continuing Education
Rhode Island requires seven hours of continuing education for every two-year cycle of licensing for both journeyman and master plumbers. You must receive that continuing education from an approved provider.
License renewal fees include:
Contract Master: $240
Master Plumber: $240
Journeyman Plumber: $72
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.
ServiceTitan is a comprehensive plumbing business software solution built specifically to help service companies streamline their operations, boost revenue, and achieve growth. Our award-winning, cloud-based platform is trusted by more than 100,000 contractors across the country.
Ready to learn more about what ServiceTitan can do for your business? Contact our team to schedule a demo today.
