In a vibrant state such as New York, a career in plumbing offers unique challenges and opportunities beyond the streets and dazzling lights of New York City.
Plumbers play a crucial role in ensuring the comfort and safety of homes, businesses, and communities across New York State with their expertise in maintaining, repairing, and installing plumbing systems.
This article will help you learn everything you need to know about how to become a plumber in New York.
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How to Become a Plumber in New York – Step by Step
You must obtain a plumbing license to perform plumbing services in New York legally.
The state doesn’t issue plumbing licenses on a State level.
All plumbing licenses in New York are being issued on a municipal level.
Plumbing licenses in New York are being issued in:
- Buffalo
- Ithaca
- New York City
- Rochester
- Rockland County
- Suffolk County
- Troy
- Westchester County
In this article, we’ll share with you the steps you need to take to become a plumber in New York City, New York.
How to Become a Plumber in New York City
New York City only issues Master Plumber Licenses.
To apply for your Master Plumber License in New York City you must be at least 18 years old.
You must also be able to read and write in the English language, perform the work authorized by the license, and have good moral character.
When it comes to your experience/education, you must meet one of the following criteria before applying for your Master Plumber License:
- Have at least 7 years of practical experience within the last 10 years before applying for the license, within these years you must work under the supervision of a Master Plumber and you must be registered as a Journeyman Plumber with the Department of Buildings for at least 2 of these 7 years
- hold a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or related engineering technology from an institution of higher learning recognized by the New York State Department of Education, and have at least 5 years of experience total in the planning, design, and installation of plumbing systems within the 7 years before applying for the license under the supervision of a Master Plumber licensed in the United States; at least 2 years of your experience must be working in New York City
After having met the criteria needed can go on and apply for your New York City Master Plumber License.
Exam and Licensure Process
You must submit the LIC41 written exam application form and pay the $525 exam fee.
After passing the written exam you will go on to take the practical exam.
For the practical exam, you need to submit the LIC42 application form and pay the $350 practical exam fee.
After you have successfully passed both portions of the exam, there will be a background check done on you and you can go on to receive your Master Plumber New York City License.
The licensing fee costs $200, while the license renewal fee is $150.
Master Plumber licenses in New York City are valid to work with for 3 years, starting from the initial licensure date.
Plumbing Schools in New York
The State of New York offers great options for your plumbing training.
From vocational/trade schools to hands-on apprenticeship programs.
In this article, we’ll share with you some of the best options for your plumbing training.
Apex Technical School
Apex Technical School offers a Plumbing and Pipefitting Trade Program.
This program provides practical instruction to prepare you for an entry-level position in the industry.
Unlike other programs, this one will prepare you for the trade fieldwork in just a couple of months.
This program will bring you advantages like:
- Hands-on learning environments
- Classes taught by instructors with field experience
- Training in as little as 7 months
- Job placement assistance
To learn more about the program and how to apply visit their website.
UA Local 1 Plumbers Training Center
UA Local 1 Plumbers Training Center offers a Journeyman training course. 
Registration hours are from 9:30 AM to 12:00 PM & 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM in their offices.
To participate you must first register and enroll at their training center.
The total course takes 9 days, which equals 40 hours of work, and then you go on to take the exam.
They have courses lined up for January and April 2024 so far.
To learn more about the program and how to apply visit their website.
You can also check out Journeyworker Training Course Catalog 2023/24, here you are provided with all the information surrounding the courses.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Apex Technical School | 11-05 44th Dr, Queens, NY 11101, United States |
| UA Local 1 Plumbers Training Center | 3711 47th Ave, Long Island City, NY 11101, United States |
Salary
Plumbers always have their hands full with work in the ever-changing and vibrant state of New York, and they are paid greatly for it.
The annual salary for plumbers in New York can vary between $50817 and $86201.
The current average annual salary in New York is $68441.
It is no surprise that the Big Apple itself is the city with the highest annual average salaries with an estimated $75362.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| New York | $75,362 |
| Yonkers | $73,929 |
| Mount Vernon | $73,897 |
| New Rochelle | $73,128 |
| Albany | $65,087 |
| Schenectady | $64,928 |
| Syracuse | $63,787 |
| Rochester | $63,226 |
| Buffalo | $62,619 |
| Utica | $62,444 |
Regional Salary in New York
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY | 1,380 | $77,410 | $37.22 | $109,500 | $46,500 |
| Binghamton, NY | 270 | $75,000 | $36.06 | $112,700 | $44,620 |
| Buffalo-Cheektowaga-Niagara Falls, NY | 1,450 | $75,230 | $36.17 | $102,400 | $45,910 |
| Elmira, NY | 120 | $75,140 | $36.13 | $110,190 | $47,120 |
| Glens Falls, NY | 100 | $64,200 | $30.86 | $103,940 | $35,110 |
| Ithaca, NY | 80 | $68,630 | $33 | $101,520 | $45,110 |
| Kingston, NY | 180 | $75,780 | $36.43 | $130,170 | $48,510 |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA | 23,600 | $93,650 | $45.02 | $143,210 | $49,590 |
| Rochester, NY | 1,450 | $70,950 | $34.11 | $105,540 | $41,730 |
| Syracuse, NY | 880 | $70,360 | $33.83 | $104,590 | $46,290 |
| Utica-Rome, NY | 120 | $71,740 | $34.49 | $115,350 | $45,230 |
| Watertown-Fort Drum, NY | 90 | $78,480 | $37.73 | $132,180 | $45,890 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is in charge of plumbing work in Albany?
All aspiring, as well as professional plumbers in Albany, are under the Examining Board of Plumbers – Albany.
Can I work in New York with a plumbing license from another State?
New York doesn’t issue state plumbing licenses and doesn’t have reciprocity with any of the other states.
You would probably need to retake the plumbing exams, however, you must check your municipality’s requirements and follow them.
Do I have to be licensed to work as a plumber in New York?
Yes, most cities require you to be licensed to legally perform plumbing work in New York.
You have to check your municipality’s requirements for plumbing work and licensure.
Plumber Info by State
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- Iowa
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