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Skilled tradesmen are often in demand, and plumbers are no exception. You'll find skilled plumbers working in homes, businesses, and factories, in fact anywhere where there are pipes and related systems. Starting the path towards becoming a plumber in Texas only requires a high school diploma. From there you'll start as a plumber's apprentice and move through the level of journeyman plumber to master plumber. Along the way, you'll need to complete many hours of on-the-job training and pass exams. Labor statistics show that when you become a plumber you'll have the opportunity to earn a competitive salary in a secure and growing field. In this article, we'll examine how to become a licensed plumber in Texas and how to apply for a plumbing license.
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.
You must have a license to perform plumbing work in the state of Texas. There are several types of plumbing licenses in Texas. The type of license you qualify for will reflect your training, experience, and competency as measured by examination by the state board of plumbing.
There are four different levels of plumber's licenses in Texas: Tradesman Plumber-Limited, Journeyman Plumber, Master Plumber, and Plumbing Inspector. To begin your training and career track you must first become an Apprentice Plumber.
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.
Among the requirements to apply for this license, you must:
After your application, you'll be required to pass the Tradesman Plumber - Limited examination to receive your license.
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 Trademan Plumber - Limited license.
The Journeyman Plumber license may be applied for after meeting these and other requirements:
After your application, you'll be required to pass the Journeyman Plumber examination to receive your license.
Plumbers in Texas with a Master Plumber license may work on any plumbing job site while under the supervision of a Responsible Master Plumber. Master Plumbers may also supervise Plumber Apprentices and those with a Trademan Plumber - Limited license.
You may apply for a Master Plumber license after meeting these requirements:
After your application, you'll be required to pass the Master Plumber examination to receive your Master Plumber 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.
These are some of the prerequisites for this step up from the Master Plumbing license:
There is no examination requirement for this license.
Endorsements allow you to perform specialized plumbing work. There are three endorsements available with your Texas plumbing license. All of these endorsements require the Journeyman or Master plumbing license and work under the supervision of a Responsible Master Plumber who holds this endorsement.
With this endorsement, you may install piping used to transport medical gases. You must complete a 24-hour training course approved by the Texas State Board and pass an examination to qualify.
With this endorsement, you may install multipurpose residential fire protection sprinkler systems in single or two-family dwellings You must complete a 24-hour training course approved by the Texas State Board and pass an examination to qualify.
This endorsement allows you to install, service, or repair plumbing for the use, treatment, and distribution of rainwater to supply plumbing fixtures, appliances, or irrigation systems. You must complete a 24-hour training course approved by the Texas State Board and pass an examination to qualify.
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.
