Maryland Plumbing License: How to Become a Plumber in MD

Do you need a plumbing license in Maryland?

Yes, you need a plumbing license from the Maryland Department of Labor (DOL) via the State Board of Plumbing. Working without a license is a violation of state law and can result in fines and even jail time. 

With a full master plumber license from the Board, you can install, maintain, and repair the following: 

• Piping, fixtures, and appliances for the supply of water
• Sanitary and stormwater drainage systems
• Systems for the disposal of wastewater and liquid waste
• Radiant-floor heating system piping
• Backflow prevention devices
• Venting systems connected to plumbing installations
• Gas piping, gas utilization equipment, and accessories
• Natural gas systems downstream of the utility point of delivery

In Maryland, the State Board of Plumbing also oversees the licensing of natural gas fitters. This means a full master plumber license does not allow you to do everything.

Here’s what you can’t do with it:

• Work on heating or cooling systems that aren’t part of plumbing. 
• Work on pipes or equipment used only in factories or storage processes involving liquids or gases.
• Fix or install machines that need extra power, like dishwashers, washers, or water heaters (unless part of plumbing).
• Change parts that aren’t directly connected to plumbing, like filters, meters, or pressure valves.
• Set up or remove fire sprinklers or pipes used only for fire safety.
• Work on fire lines that carry water just for putting out fires.

Types of plumbing licenses in Maryland

According to the Maryland General Assembly, there are three different types of plumbing licenses given out by the DOL through the State Board of Plumbing:

*A limited license holder can only provide plumbing services in a specific region of Maryland. As of 1991, however, new limited licenses are no longer issued, and license holders are grandfathered in. 

Maryland plumbing license requirements

To get your license as an apprentice plumber, journey plumber, or master plumber in Maryland, you need to meet the following requirements outlined by the DOL’s State Board of Plumbing:

To work as a master plumber in Maryland, you also need to meet the plumbing insurance requirements outlined by the DOL.

This includes total per-occurrence coverage of at least $400,000, with a minimum of $300,000 in general liability insurance and at least $100,000 in property damage insurance.

Benefits of getting a Maryland plumbing license

There are many benefits to getting your plumbing license in Maryland, starting with the ability to legally work in the state.

A Maryland plumbing license opens doors to a stable income and the opportunity to earn more money as you gain more experience and upgrade your license. As a master plumber you can also start your own business.

Other benefits include:

• Getting paid to learn: Since your career as a plumber begins with an apprenticeship, you can start making money almost immediately and learn on the job at the same time.
• Work-life balance: Plumbers often have flexible schedules that allow them to handle a number of jobs while still having a comfortable amount of personal time.
• Job security: Plumbing is always in demand, giving you employment stability through all seasons and economic climates.
• Work environments: From residential and commercial work to indoor and outdoor settings, plumbing can keep things interesting, regardless of where you work or the type of properties you service.

How do I get a plumbing license in Maryland? 

To get your full plumbing license in Maryland, you need to pass through each of the preparatory license types outlined by the DOL’s plumbing board—apprentice and journeyman—to advance to master. The full process takes at least six years and includes the following steps: 

• Find a licensed master plumber to work under as an apprentice, and submit your apprentice application
• Work for at least four years as an apprentice, assisting your supervising licensed plumber to meet the work and learning requirements:
  • 7,500 hours of supervised training
  • 32 hours of in-class instruction on backflow prevention testing
• Submit your application for a journey plumbing license and pass the PSI exam with a score of at least 70%
• Work for an additional two years under the direction of a fully licensed master plumber to gain 3,750 hours of experience as a journey plumber
• Submit your application for a master plumber license and pass the exam with a score of at least 70%
• Meet the DOL’s plumbing insurance requirements with at least $400,000 of coverage: combined general liability insurance ($300,000) and property damage insurance ($100,000 per occurrence)

All forms and applications are submitted online. However, if needed, you can contact the Maryland Board of Plumbing at: 

1100 N. Eutaw Street
Baltimore, MD 21201

Maryland plumbing license exam

To get your journeyman or master plumber license in Maryland, you need to pass the state plumbing exam administered by the testing vendor, PSI. Here’s some of the important information you should know about each test:

For more information on these exams and how the testing process works with PSI, check out the candidate information bulletin.

Does Maryland reciprocate plumbing licenses?

Reciprocal licensing agreements allow skilled trades workers with an out-of-state license to apply directly for the equivalent version in another state. 

Currently, the DOL only reciprocates master plumbing licenses from the state of Delaware.

For information on how you can get your license reciprocated, check out the DOL’s plumber and gas fitter reciprocity page.

How much is a plumbing license in Maryland?

To get your full plumbing license in Maryland, you can expect to pay around $230 for the initial licensing process. Here’s a breakdown of the main fees for each stage of the licensing process:

Keep in mind that there are also costs associated with getting the necessary insurance coverage in order to actually work as a master plumber.

Maryland plumbing license renewal

All the licenses given out by the DOL’s State Board of Plumbing expire exactly two years from the date they are issued. The Board will give you notice of your upcoming renewal about two months before expiration, including instructions on how to renew your license through the DOL’s online renewal portal.

What happens if my plumbing license expires? 

If you think your Maryland plumbing license may have expired, you need to stop all work immediately. Working without a license can result in a range of penalties, including fines of $100 per day, up to six months in jail, or a fine of $5,000 per violation. 

Next, you can use the DOL’s license search tool to determine if your license is still valid. From there, you’ll complete the renewal process and pay all necessary late fees. In Maryland, your plumbing license can expire for up to four years before you need to go through the examination process again.

Plumbing training programs and schools in Maryland

The best way to begin training for your plumbing license in Maryland is through a registered apprenticeship. You can find opportunities in the Maryland Apprenticeship and Training Program (MATP) through the DOL, community colleges, or local plumbing unions. 

Through MATP, you can search for businesses looking for apprentices by county and get all the information you need to contact a potential employer and get started. All apprenticeships in the state must be recognized by MATP and the DOL.

For college programs, there are many options designed to introduce you to the trade and give you a foundation to take forward and begin your career. Common topics in plumbing college programs include:

• Introduction to plumbing technology
• Understanding plumbing plans and building codes
• Drainage, waste, and vent systems
• Water supply and distribution
• Installing plumbing fixtures and appliances

For those interested in pursuing a career in plumbing, many high schools in Maryland offer programs designed to introduce students to the trade through the Career and Technical Education plumbing curriculum, which is accredited by the National Center for Construction Education & Research (NCCER). The NCCER is a nonprofit organization that has developed training and certification programs for construction industries in the U.S.

How to start a plumbing business in Maryland

After going through all of the Maryland DOL’s plumber licensing steps and gaining work experience as a fully licensed master plumber, you’re ready to take the next step in your career: starting your own plumbing business. 

The state website has a Business Express page that helps you quickly progress through the administrative steps, including: 

• Forming a legal entity with the Department of Assessments and Taxation
• Obtaining a Federal Tax ID Number from the IRS
• Applying for Maryland tax accounts and insurance coverage
• Obtaining any necessary licenses and permits

There are other practical steps to starting a plumbing business, too, such as naming your business, determining your pricing strategy, selecting the right plumbing apps, and hiring employees.

To learn more about getting a business up and running, check out our guide to starting a plumbing business.

How much do plumbers make in Maryland? 

The average salary for a Maryland plumber is $61,353—however, the top 6% of earners make more than $84,000. Plumbers can further increase their earning potential by starting their own plumbing business.

For more information on plumber salaries across the United States, check out our Essential Plumber Salary Guide.