Application Fee
See agencyVerified by PA Board of Trades
Plumber Licensing in Pennsylvania
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for plumber in Pennsylvania, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 12, 2026
Exam Requirement
No exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Plumber in Pennsylvania
Estimated timeline: 6-24 monthsCore Requirements
- License Type: Stand-alone license
- Education: No educational requirements
- Examination: No exam required
- Application Fee: See agency
- Background Check: No criminal record prohibitions
- Continuing Education: No continuing education requirement to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
PA Department of Labor & Industry • Certification; Accreditation; & Licensing Division • Certification Accreditation & Licensing Division
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$66,650 median (6% above national)
- State Salary Rank
#15 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (4)
- 1. Meet baseline eligibility requirements.
- 2. Complete approved education/training requirements.
- 3. Pass required exam(s) and submit application.
- 4. Maintain and renew license according to board rules.
Salary Insights in Pennsylvania
With a median salary of 66,650, Plumbers in Pennsylvania earn 6% above the national median of $62,970. Pennsylvania ranks #15 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 6-24 months.
Median annual salary
$66,650Hourly estimate
$32.046% above national median
Difference: +$3,680
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationPlumber Salary Ranking
#15 of 50 statesfor Plumber median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Illinois | 96,200 |
| #2 | Oregon | 93,110 |
| #3 | Minnesota | 83,280 |
| #4 | Massachusetts | 83,260 |
| #5 | Alaska | 83,090 |
Nearby States Comparison
Plumber licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania | $66,650 | No educational requirements | No exam required | 6-24 months |
| New York | $78,460 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| New Jersey | $77,160 | No educational requirements | No exam required | 6-24 months |
| Delaware | $64,300 | No educational requirements | State exam required | 6-24 months |
| Maryland | $63,270 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 6-24 months |
| West Virginia | $49,630 | Specific course required | State exam required | 6-24 months |
| Ohio | $62,530 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 6-24 months |
License by Endorsement
Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania | 62 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Background check or criminal history review is indicated. |
| New York | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| New Jersey | 62 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Background check or criminal history review is indicated. |
| Delaware | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Maryland | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| West Virginia | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Continuing education indicator: No continuing education requirement to maintain license.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
PA Department of Labor & Industry • Certification; Accreditation; & Licensing Division • Certification Accreditation & Licensing Division
Room 1623; L & I Building, Harrisburg, PA, 17120
Phone: 7177723396
Related Careers in Pennsylvania
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carpenter | $59,240 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Electrician | $65,400 | No educational requirements | 6-24 months |
| Elevator Installer | $106,140 | Varies by state board | 6-24 months |
| HVAC Technician | $61,120 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Plumber in Pennsylvania?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 6-24 months, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Plumbers in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania lists No exam required as part of the licensure process for Plumbers.
What education do you need to become a Plumber in Pennsylvania?
The board typically expects No educational requirements for Plumber licensure in Pennsylvania.
What is the typical Plumber salary in Pennsylvania?
The median annual salary for Plumbers in Pennsylvania is 66,650. Salaries range from $45,070 (10th percentile) to $108,770 (90th percentile).
How does the Plumber salary in Pennsylvania compare to the national average?
Plumbers in Pennsylvania earn 6% above the national median of $62,970, with a state median of 66,650.
How many Plumbers work in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania employs approximately 13,990 Plumbers according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Plumber license to Pennsylvania from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: No continuing education requirement to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Plumbers in Pennsylvania?
The licensing agency is PA Department of Labor & Industry / Certification; Accreditation; & Licensing Division / Certification Accreditation & Licensing Division. Review agency details at https://www.dli.pa.gov/ucc/Pages/Certified-Code-Officials.aspx.