Have you ever been faced with a burst pipe, realizing the crucial role played by skilled professionals in those moments?
Plumbers, with their adept hands and problem-solving skills, ensure that our pipes remain intact, water flows smoothly, and homes stay dry.
If you’re currently in or considering a move to Pennsylvania and feel drawn to a career that involves practical expertise, troubleshooting, and aiding others, plumbing might be the ideal profession for you.
This article will serve as your guide on everything you need to know to become a plumber in Pennsylvania.
Table of Contents
How to Become a Plumber in Pennsylvania – Step by Step
To legally work as a plumber in Pennsylvania you are required to obtain a plumbing license, however, the state doesn’t issue state licenses.
Plumbing licensing in Pennsylvania is done on a local (city/town) level.
In each jurisdiction, you need to complete the required training and get your plumbing license.
Most cities issue the following plumbing licenses in Pennsylvania:
- Apprentice Plumber License
- Journeyman Plumber License
- Master Plumber License
In this article, we’ll cover the steps you need to take to become a plumber in Philadelphia.
How to Become a Plumber in Philadelphia – Step By Step
To become a plumber in Philadelphia you need to start with an apprenticeship program before you can go on to apply for your plumbing license.
Apprentice Plumber License in Philadelphia
To become an apprentice plumber in Philadephia you need to be at least 18 years old and have a High School Diploma or the GED equivalent.
As an apprentice, you can either:
- enroll in a Board approved apprenticeship program
- work directly under the supervision of a licensed plumber, who will also be your mentor
In addition, you can always attend community or technical college/vocational school or plumber-specific programs for a formal education in the field as well.
As soon as you start your plumbing training you need to apply online via eCLIPSE or in person at the Philadelphia Municipal Services Building.
There is a $20 application fee.
After your application is approved you will be registered with an Apprentice license, and you need to pay the $25 licensure fee.
You need to renew this license and pay the fee annually until you complete your apprenticeship.
You need to obtain at least 4 years of experience as an apprentice before you can go on and apply for the Journeyman Plumber License.
Journeyman Plumber License in Philadelphia
You can apply for the Journeyman Plumber License if you have at least 4 years of experience as an apprentice plumber, or have a
Journeyman License issued in another state.
Obtaining this license will allow you to work on plumbing work, including drainage, water piping, and sprinkler systems, or the construction,
alteration, and repair of any drainage, cesspools, trap, waste vent, or water piping.
You must submit an application form and pay the $25 application fee.
After your application is approved you will go on to take the journeyman plumbing exam.
If you pass the exam you will go on to get your Journeyman Plumber License.
The licensing fee is $141.
Master Plumber License in Philadelphia
To apply for the Master Plumber License you must have at least 1 year of experience as a Journeyman Plumber.
In addition to supervising apprentice and journeyman plumbers, master plumbers also carry out complex plumbing tasks including installing
and maintaining water systems in residential and commercial structures.
In addition, master plumbers must be well-versed in energy efficiency, safety rules, and local plumbing and construction requirements.
Candidates can apply online via eCLIPSE or in person at the Philadelphia Municipal Services Building (appointment required).
There is a $150 application fee.
After you receive your application approval you will go on to take and pass the Master Plumber exam.
The licensure fee for Master Plumbers in Philadelphia is $282.
Plumbing Schools in Pennsylvania
Even though licenses are issued on a local level, Pennsylvania has great plumbing programs state-wide to ensure that their aspiring plumbers are getting the best training possible.
PSA PHCC Training Center
PSA PHCC Training Center offers an apprenticeship program.
To apply for this program you must work full-time under the supervision of a Master Plumber.
You must also have a High School Diploma or the GED equivalent.
The tuition for the program will be covered by your employer.
Their classes are during the evenings and you must attend every evening.
If you happen to miss more than 5 nights you automatically have to retake the entire year of classes.
It’s a 4-year program.
The first 3 years consist of 150 hours of classes total, and the fourth consists of 154 hours of classes.
To learn more about the program and how to apply visit their website.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| PSA PHCC Training Center | 4072 Mount Rd, Aston, PA 19014, United States |
Salary
Plumbers have their hands full with tireless heavy workloads in Pennsylvania and they earn the proper wages for their work.
The annual salary for plumbers in Pennsylvania can vary between $47526 and $80619.
The current average annual salary in Pennsylvania is $64009.
Bensalem is the city with the highest annual average salaries with an estimated $69913.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Bensalem | $69,913 |
| Philadelphia | $68,063 |
| Upper Darby | $68,063 |
| Allentown | $64,638 |
| Bethlehem | $64,638 |
| Reading | $63,802 |
| Pittsburgh | $63,175 |
| York | $62,874 |
| Scranton | $59,534 |
| Erie | $59,244 |
Regional Salary in Pennsylvania
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ | 720 | $69,130 | $33.23 | $101,630 | $43,770 |
| Altoona, PA | 90 | $56,340 | $27.09 | $89,060 | $36,160 |
| Bloomsburg-Berwick, PA | 100 | $64,880 | $31.19 | $101,890 | $39,390 |
| Chambersburg-Waynesboro, PA | 100 | $55,800 | $26.83 | $72,630 | $38,150 |
| East Stroudsburg, PA | 70 | $57,940 | $27.86 | $78,560 | $37,720 |
| Erie, PA | 310 | $64,440 | $30.98 | $95,640 | $37,800 |
| Gettysburg, PA | 70 | $57,620 | $27.7 | $72,280 | $39,320 |
| Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA | 780 | $69,670 | $33.49 | $97,530 | $44,420 |
| Johnstown, PA | 110 | $55,960 | $26.91 | $85,670 | $37,440 |
| Lancaster, PA | 680 | $62,660 | $30.13 | $96,230 | $38,840 |
| Lebanon, PA | 120 | $57,970 | $27.87 | $93,610 | $39,120 |
| Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD | 7,020 | $77,330 | $37.18 | $117,560 | $44,550 |
| Pittsburgh, PA | 2,880 | $70,600 | $33.94 | $98,280 | $46,270 |
| Reading, PA | 360 | $66,080 | $31.77 | $100,230 | $42,620 |
| Scranton--Wilkes-Barre--Hazleton, PA | 380 | $59,500 | $28.61 | $79,440 | $39,040 |
| State College, PA | 90 | $66,510 | $31.98 | $134,790 | $38,810 |
| Williamsport, PA | 110 | $57,610 | $27.7 | $75,970 | $40,530 |
| York-Hanover, PA | 440 | $64,460 | $30.99 | $94,020 | $41,200 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are plumbing licenses being issued in Pennsylvania?
It is known that plumbing licenses are issued in the following jurisdictions:
- Allegheny County
- Allentown
- Lancaster
- Philadelphia
- Pottstown
- Susquehanna Township
How much do plumbing license renewals cost in Philadelphia?
The renewal fee differs depending on the license.
Apprentice Plumber License renewal fee – $25
Journeyman Plumber License renewal fee – $116
Master Plumber License renewal fee – $232
Can I work as a plumber in other cities with a license from Philadelphia?
You will have to check the requirements from your jurisdiction, however, most cities do have reciprocity granted.
Plumber Info by State
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