Application Fee
See agencyVerified by TN Board of Trades
Plumber Licensing in Tennessee
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for plumber in Tennessee, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 12, 2026
Exam Requirement
State exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Plumber in Tennessee
Estimated timeline: 6-24 monthsCore Requirements
- License Type: Stand-alone license
- Education: No educational requirements
- Examination: State exam required
- Application Fee: See agency
- Experience: Work experience required
- Background Check: No criminal record prohibitions
- Continuing Education: No continuing education requirement to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Department of Commerce and Insurance • Division of Regulatory Boards • Division of Regulatory Boards
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$57,730 median (8% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#40 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 Tennessee
With a median salary of 57,730, Plumbers in Tennessee earn 8% below the national median of $62,970. Tennessee ranks #40 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 6-24 months.
Median annual salary
$57,730Hourly estimate
$27.758% below national median
Difference: -$5,240
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationPlumber Salary Ranking
#40 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tennessee | $57,730 | No educational requirements | State exam required | 6-24 months |
| Kentucky | $62,370 | No educational requirements | State exam required | 6-24 months |
| Virginia | $59,560 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| North Carolina | $50,990 | Varies by state board | No exam required | 6-24 months |
| Georgia | $56,290 | Varies by state board | State exam required | 6-24 months |
| Alabama | $53,840 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 6-24 months |
| Mississippi | $57,960 | Degree required | State exam required | 6-24 months |
| Arkansas | $49,700 | No educational requirements | State exam required | 6-24 months |
| Missouri | $62,090 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tennessee | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Kentucky | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Virginia | 64 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Continuing education compliance is required. |
| North Carolina | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Georgia | 25 | Low | Limited or restricted active licensing status. State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Alabama | 70 | Medium | 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
Department of Commerce and Insurance • Division of Regulatory Boards • Division of Regulatory Boards
Davy Crockett Tower 11st Floor, 500 James Robertson Pkwy, Nashville, TN, 37243-1150
Phone: 6157415735
Agency website was unavailable in source data, using official search fallback.
Related Careers in Tennessee
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carpenter | $49,520 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Electrician | $59,190 | No educational requirements | 6-24 months |
| Elevator Installer | $97,150 | Specific course required | 6-24 months |
| HVAC Technician | $51,480 | Specific course required | 6-24 months |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Plumber in Tennessee?
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 Tennessee?
Tennessee lists State exam required as part of the licensure process for Plumbers.
What education do you need to become a Plumber in Tennessee?
The board typically expects No educational requirements for Plumber licensure in Tennessee.
What is the typical Plumber salary in Tennessee?
The median annual salary for Plumbers in Tennessee is 57,730. Salaries range from $38,080 (10th percentile) to $81,570 (90th percentile).
How does the Plumber salary in Tennessee compare to the national average?
Plumbers in Tennessee earn 8% below the national median of $62,970, with a state median of 57,730.
How many Plumbers work in Tennessee?
Tennessee employs approximately 8,810 Plumbers according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Plumber license to Tennessee 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 Tennessee?
The licensing agency is Department of Commerce and Insurance / Division of Regulatory Boards / Division of Regulatory Boards.