Why become a licensed plumber?

To work as a plumber in the state of Texas you'll need to have a license from the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE). The plumbing examiners of the TSBPE are responsible for all aspects of licensing, including applications, renewals, and examinations.

The job market for plumbers is dependent upon construction, maintenance, and repair. Their work is also vital in ensuring a safe and sanitary water supply. In a growing economic environment like in the state of Texas, this makes for excellent job prospects. Job growth for plumbers nationwide over the last decade has been around 4% annually, according to the United States Department of Labor Statistics.

Median salaries of licensed plumbers average nearly $60,000 per year. Getting your foot in the door only requires a high school diploma, so becoming a licensed plumber is an excellent career path for many. Given the consistent demand for plumbers, salary prospects will probably improve over time.

Apprentice plumber programs are administered by plumbers' unions and contractors. To enter into an apprenticeship program you'll need to have completed high school or have a general equivalency diploma, plus taken vocational training in plumbing basics at the community college level.

Once in an apprenticeship program, you'll receive both classroom and on-the-job training. Apprenticeship programs typically last for 4-5 years, and you must work under the direct supervision of a plumber with a Journeyman or higher license.

With a Tradesman Plumber - Limited license you may work on the plumbing in one- or two-family homes while under the supervision of a Responsible Master Plumber.

License requirements

Among the requirements to apply for this license, you must:

• Be registered as an Apprentice Plumber
• Complete 4000 hours of work in the plumbing trade
• Complete a 24-hour training course approved by the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE)

After your application, you'll be required to pass the Tradesman Plumber - Limited examination to receive your license.

Journeyman Plumber

With a Journeyman Plumbing license, you may work on any plumbing job site while under the supervision of a Responsible Master Plumber. Journeymen may also supervise Plumber Apprentices and those with a Tradesman Plumber - Limited license.

License requirements

The Journeyman Plumber license may be applied for after meeting these and other requirements:

• You are registered as an Apprentice Plumber or licensed as a Tradesman Plumber - Limited
• You have 8000 hours of plumbing working experience
• Complete a 48-hour training course approved by the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE)

After your application, you'll be required to pass the Journeyman Plumber examination to receive your license. 

If you want to run a plumbing business, even as an individual, you'll need this license. As a Responsible Master Plumber, you must complete training in business as well as code-driven rules and regulations.

License requirements

These are some of the prerequisites for this step up from the Master Plumbing license:

• You currently hold a license in Texas as a Master Plumber
• Complete a 24-hour training course approved by the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE)
• Submit proof that you have a minimum of $300,000 of commercial liability insurance coverage

There is no examination requirement for this license.

One of our bedrock principles is providing professional services to our customers. We're one of the fastest-growing home service providers in the DFW area because we pride ourselves on our “Customer First” philosophy. This allows us to provide excellent service and value to our clients while growing and maintaining our stellar reputation. We are looking for individuals who share our business ethos and are willing to always go the extra mile to please our valued customers.

If you're already a licensed plumber in Texas, are local to Dallas Fort Worth, and want to join our team, please visit our Now Hiring page to see our current openings.