New York Plumbing License: How to Become a Certified Plumber in NY State

Do you need a license to do plumbing in New York?

If you want to work as a plumber in the state of New York, you must have a plumbing license. This is because the state wants to make sure that plumbers have the right training and expertise to do their job well and without putting anyone in danger.

New York differs from most states in that plumbing requirements and licenses are determined by cities and counties. There is no statewide licensing system, so you’ll need to check in with your local authority before you start the process of getting your plumbing license in NY.  

Here are the types of work that plumbers need licensing to do:

• Install, repair, and maintain plumbing systems, including pipelines, fixtures, and appliances.
• Install hot water systems, including water heaters, tankless heaters, and boilers.
• Diagnose plumbing system problems and perform repairs as required.
• Test plumbing systems to identify and locate leaks or other issues.
• Install or repair gas piping systems and related appliances.

Without a plumbing license, you won’t be able to legally perform any plumbing work.

In 2020, a Uniform Building Code was passed in New York State to regulate plumbing requirements, ensuring a universal standard across the state. Although licensing procedures may vary, the quality of plumbing work must comply with the plumbing code.

The rigor of the licensing process to become a licensed master plumber will depend on the location in which you intend to work.

READ MORE: Plumbing industry statistics and trends to know for 2024 (and beyond)

Types of plumbing licenses in New York

The type of license you need depends on the type of plumbing work you want to do and where you plan to do it. New York offers multiple licenses, so make sure you know which one is right for you. 

Here are a few examples of plumbing license types across the main cities in New York: 

New York plumbing license requirements

In order to obtain your plumbing license and start working, you need to meet all the requirements listed by the city, county, or municipality where you want to work. 

Here are the requirements for each type of license in some of the major cities in New York:

How do I get a plumbing license in New York?

As you can see, you need various licenses to become a fully licensed plumber in New York. 

In the state of New York, aspiring plumbers are required to start as supervised apprentices to gain practical experience and knowledge of plumbing systems. Apprenticeships help aspiring plumbers learn the trade under the guidance of experienced plumbers, ensuring that they’re prepared to handle the job’s demands. 

Now, let’s go over the steps you need to take to get the necessary licenses in each city. 

New York plumbing license exam

Since there is no single statewide licensing system for plumbers in New York, tests vary between cities and counties. Despite this, the content of these exams is usually quite similar, because every exam is based on the 2020 New York Plumbing Code.

Does my New York plumbing license work in any other states?

New York State does not have a statewide reciprocal licensing agreement with any other state for plumbing licenses. This means that if you hold a plumbing license from another state, you cannot simply transfer it over to New York. 

However, some individual cities and counties in New York may have their own agreements with other states for reciprocal licensing. It is important to check with the specific city or county where you plan to work to see if they have any reciprocal licensing agreements in place.

How much is a plumbing license in New York?

The cost to become a plumber depends on the type of licenses you need. You can expect to pay between $50 and $1,950 for the application and exam fees. 

The cost of education and training will depend on the specific program you choose. There will also be exam fees associated with obtaining a plumbing license. In addition to exam fees, you may need to pay licensing and permit fees.

Plumbers must renew their licenses to continue working in their respective locations. These fees are due every two to three years, and the cost varies depending on the licensing authority in the area.

Most plumbers will need general liability insurance to protect against property damage and injuries on the job. The cost of insurance varies depending on coverage levels.

Here are the main licensing costs in each major city:

New York plumbing license renewal

Renewing your license ensures that you have the most up-to-date knowledge and skills required to perform plumbing work safely and effectively and stay in compliance with the laws and regulations governing the plumbing industry.

What happens if my plumbing license expires? 

If you think your plumbing license has expired, stop performing all plumbing work and renew your license.

Working without a valid license will leave you subject to additional penalties, such as fines, disciplinary action, or license revocation. 

These penalties can vary depending on the specific circumstances of the case, including the severity of the violation and the plumber’s prior history of compliance with licensing regulations.

• New York City licenses can be renewed here. 
• Buffalo licenses can be renewed here. 
• Rochester licenses can be renewed here. 

How long does it take to get a plumbing license in New York?

Getting your plumbing license in New York requires a lot of hard work and patience. Starting with training and education, apprenticeships are often four years long, while degrees and other college or trade school certifications can take anywhere from two to four years.

For an example of work experience, Buffalo requires 6,000 hours of on-the-job activity in order to qualify for a Journeyman Plumber license. With an average of 2,000 hours accumulated per year, you can expect this part of the process to take three years. You need 8,000 hours to qualify for a Master Plumber license, which would take another four years on average.

For other cities in the state, the requirements are more clear and you can expect to work five to seven years to achieve your desired plumbing license. 

Requirements for business owners

Getting your New York plumbing license is a great career move that will benefit your financial future. And if you’re looking to take it to the next level, you can start your own plumbing business. 

Starting your own plumbing business can be done with these 10 straightforward steps:

• Get your plumbing license
• Set plumbing business goals
• Write a business plan
• Get business financing
• Invest in the right plumbing apps and equipment
• Register your business and get insurance
• Price your plumbing services
• Advertise your plumbing business
• Hire technicians and grow your business
• Stay current with training and knowledge

Now, you’re ready to start your plumbing career in New York! If you need to, refer back here for more information about plumbing licenses or business support. 

Does a plumbing license in New York increase your earning potential? 

Yes, a plumbing license in New York can increase your earning potential. On average, plumbers in New York start at ​​$56,986.

Having a license allows you to take on more complex projects and access higher-paying job opportunities. Additionally, with increased licensing credentials, you may be able to negotiate better rates with clients.

If you want to find out more about your earning potential in this lucrative industry, check out the Essential Plumber Salary Guide.