How to Become a Plumber in Kentucky

Ever found yourself facing a leak or a burst pipe, frantically reaching for the phone to call in an expert?

Behind the reliable fix is the skillful handiwork of plumbers, ensuring seamless water flow and addressing plumbing problems when they arise.

For Kentucky residents seeking a career combining practicality, problem-solving skills, and a desire to help others, plumbing could hold the perfect appeal.

In this article, we’ll share with you everything you need to know to become a plumber in Kentucky.

How to Become a Plumber in Kentucky – Step by Step

To start your plumbing journey in Kentucky you must be at least 18 years old, and a U.S. citizen.

Before you can apply for any of the licenses the state issues you must complete a 2 year apprenticeship program.

You can choose between 2 different variations for your apprenticeship:

• 2 years of on-the-job training as an apprentice plumber
• Complete a year-long classroom program that is approved by the state, and work as an apprentice program for an additional year

Kentucky issues the following plumbing licenses:

• Journeyman Plumber License
• Master Plumber License

Journeyman Plumber License

After you have completed your 2 year apprenticeship or 1 year of apprenticeship and a course approved by the state you can go on to apply for your Journeyman plumbing license.

To apply for the license you must submit the Plumbing Examination Registration Form along with a passport-sized color photo.

There are also application and exam fees that you need to pay.

The trade exam consists of both a written and practical part, each has a 2.5-hour limit to complete.

The questions consist of material from the Kentucky State Plumbing Law, Regulations, and Code Book.

The questions include topics such as:

• Administration, Scope, and Intent/Purpose
• Definitions and Symbols
• Plumbing Math
• General Regulations

You need to obtain a score of %75 or higher to pass the exam.

If you have passed the exam you can go on and apply to get your Journeyman Plumber License.

Master Plumber License

To become a Master plumber in Kentucky you must have at least 2 years as a working journeyman plumber within the last 5 years.

You can also apply for the Master Plumber license if you are a journeyman licensed in another state that has at least 2 years of experience as a journeyman within the last 5 years.

The process is the same as for journeyman plumbers.

You are required to submit a Plumbing Examination Registration Form along with a passport-sized color photo and pay the application and exam fees.

The trade exam consists of both a written and practical part, each has a 2.5-hour limit to complete.

The questions consist of material from the Kentucky State Plumbing Law, Regulations, and Code Book.

The questions include topics such as:

• Administration, Scope, and Intent/Purpose
• Definitions and Symbols
• Plumbing Math
• General Regulations

You need to obtain a score of %75 or higher to pass the exam.

If you have passed the exam you can go on and apply to get your Master Plumber License.

Plumbing Schools in Kentucky

Kentucky offers great programs that include both classroom education and on-the-job training to prepare you for the field and the license exams.

Building Institute of Central Kentucky

The Building Institute of Central Kentucky offers a program that combines formal classes, in-class exercises, and on-the-job training.

Within this program, you’ll apply your creative problem-solving skills in a variety of settings, including building sites as a contractor and residential, commercial, and governmental maintenance work.

All classroom teaching, textbooks, lab expenses, school supplies, field excursions, pre-graduation certifications (such as EPA608), and school-owned tools and equipment are all covered by tuition.

The entire tuition for this program is $8,000.

To learn more about this program visit their website or call them at (859) 207-7137.

Jefferson Community & Technical College

Jefferson Community & Technical College offers a program called Plumbing Technology.

If you attend classes full-time within the entire program, you can complete an associate’s degree in applied science in two years.

One year of the two years of experience you need to apply to become a Journeyman Plumber in the state of Kentucky is gained by completing the two-year diploma.

Advancement in the Plumbing Technology program is subject to maintaining a 2.0 cumulative grade point average or above and earning a “C” or higher in each PBL and BRX course.

The KCTCS Catalog should not be used in place of this information.

Working with your faculty adviser, you should carefully select your classes to make sure you fulfill all of the requirements for your degree.

After completing the program you will receive the Plumber Mechanic Diploma.

You will also get different certificates within the program including:

• 1st Year Plumber Mechanic
• 2nd Year Plumber Mechanic
• Certified Backflow Tester
• Finish Plumber
• Plumber Estimator
• Plumber’s Helper
• Rough Plumber
• Service & Repair Plumber

To learn more about the program and how to apply visit their website.

Salary

Kentucky pays its plumbing professionals fair wages considering the hard work they put into maintaining the plumbing systems all over the state.

The annual wages vary anywhere from $44448 up to $75403.

The current annual average plumber’s salary in Kentucky is $59865.

The current annual wages are in the city of Covington, estimated at $62212.

Annual Salary Range:

Annual Salary by Location:

Location	Avg. Annual Salary
Covington	$62,212
Louisville	$60,393
Henderson	$60,130
Owensboro	$59,748
Lexington	$59,655
Jeffersonville	$59,146
Richmond	$59,071
Frankfort	$58,160
Bowling Green	$57,652
Hopkinsville	$57,256

Regional Salary in Kentucky

* Salary information based on the May 2023 Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) Survey for Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters, OCC Code 47-2152, BLS.
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are plumbing exams being taken in Kentucky?

In Kentucky, you can take the trade exams in the following cities:

• Louisville
• Reidland
• Lexington
• Hazard
• Morehead
• Madisonville

When should I renew my Kentucky plumbing license?

In Kentucky, plumbing licenses should be renewed annually, and you should get them renewed by the last day of your birth month (for example: If you are born in February you should renew it by the end of February annually).

Who issues the plumbing exams in Kentucky?

The Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings, and Construction issues all plumbing exams in Kentucky.

Plumber Info by State