How to Become a Licensed Plumber in California
Thinking about how to become a plumber in California? It’s a smart choice. With growing housing demand, strict water regulations, and an aging infrastructure, licensed plumbers are in high demand across the Golden State.
Whether you’re right out of high school or switching careers, this guide walks you through how to become a licensed plumber in California - backed by info from the California Contractors State License Board (CSLB)1, U.S. Department of Labor2, and state-approved apprenticeship programs.
Quick answers
- Do plumbers need a license in California? Yes. Plumbing work valued at $500 or more (labor + materials) requires a CSLB C-36 plumbing contractor license.
- What is the C-36 license? The C-36 Plumbing Contractor license is issued by the CSLB and allows you to bid, contract, and work on plumbing projects in California.
- How long does it take to become a plumber in California? Apprenticeships are commonly 4-5 years. Trade school programs are often 9-24 months.
- How much experience is required for a CSLB license? You need at least 4 years (8,000 hours) of journey-level plumbing experience within the last 10 years.
- What exams do you need to pass? The CSLB licensing process includes the Law and Business exam and the C-36 plumbing trade exam.
- What does it cost to get started? This page estimates a $950-$17,500+ startup cost range, depending on school costs, fees, tools, and optional study materials.
At a glance
- License required for plumbing work valued at $500+ (labor + materials)
- Training paths: apprenticeship (4-5 years) or trade school (9-24 months)
- Experience for C-36 license: 4 years / 8,000 hours (within last 10 years)
- CSLB application fee listed: $450; contractor bond: $15,000 minimum
- Exams: Law and Business, plus C-36 trade
- Estimated startup costs: $950-$17,500+
Do Plumbers Need a License in California?
Yes. To legally perform plumbing work valued at $500 or more (labor + materials), you must hold a C-36 plumbing contractor license issued by the CSLB1.
| License Type | Description | Issued By |
|---|---|---|
| C-36 Plumbing Contractor | Allows you to bid, contract, and work on plumbing projects in California | CSLB1 |
“Anyone performing plumbing work in California for $500 or more must be licensed by the CSLB.” - California Contractors State License Board1
If you’re working under a licensed contractor (like during an apprenticeship), you don’t need your own license right away.
Step-by-Step: How to Become a Plumber in California
1. Meet Basic Requirements
- At least 18 years old
- High school diploma or GED
- Legal right to work in the U.S.
- Able to pass a background check3
2. Enroll in a Plumbing Apprenticeship or Trade School
Most new plumbers start by enrolling in a state-registered apprenticeship or plumbing trade school. Apprenticeships are the most common route.
| Pathway | Duration | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Apprenticeship | 4-5 years | Earn while you learn; union or non-union |
| Trade School | 9-24 months | Shorter, classroom-focused alternative |
“California apprenticeships combine paid on-the-job training with classroom instruction, preparing you for long-term success.” - California Division of Apprenticeship Standards4
Where to Apply:
3. Log Required Work Experience
To apply for your own CSLB license, you must prove at least 4 years (8,000 hours) of journey-level experience in plumbing within the last 10 years1.
- Work experience must be verified by an employer or union representative
- Time spent in an approved apprenticeship counts toward this
4. Apply for the C-36 Plumbing Contractor License
Once you meet the experience requirement, you’re eligible to apply for the C-36 license through the CSLB.
| Step | Notes |
|---|---|
| Apply online or by mail | www.cslb.ca.gov |
| Submit Application + $450 fee | Includes fingerprinting, experience forms, ID1 |
| Obtain contractor bond | ~$15,000 minimum required by law5 |
| Pass licensing exams | Law & Business + Plumbing Trade (see below) |
5. Pass the California Plumbing License Exams
| Exam Section | Covers |
|---|---|
| Law & Business | Contracts, employment law, business operations |
| Trade (C-36) | Pipe systems, water heaters, drainage, code |
Exams are administered by CSLB and PSI. You must pass both sections to be licensed.
Estimated Cost Breakdown
| Item | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Trade School or Apprenticeship | $0-$15,000 |
| CSLB Application & Exam Fees | ~$500 |
| Contractor Bond | ~$100-$300/year |
| Tools, Uniforms, & PPE | $300-$1,500 |
| Study Materials (Optional) | $50-$200 |
| Total Startup Cost Range | $950-$17,500+ |
Plumber Wages by Metro Area in California
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters Wages by Metro Area in California
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2025 OES data), plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters wages in California vary by metro area.
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage | Avg. Annual Wage | Entry Level (10th pctile) | Experienced (90th pctile) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim | 15,690 | $71,110 | $80,230 | $46,090 | $125,080 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont | 5,660 | $77,880 | $92,380 | $48,540 | $155,330 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad | 5,100 | $72,510 | $78,580 | $46,030 | $127,790 |
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario | 4,510 | $63,920 | $73,670 | $48,910 | $115,340 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara | 3,830 | $107,560 | $114,280 | $63,270 | $155,600 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom | 3,120 | $65,210 | $76,440 | $46,620 | $131,100 |
| Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura | 1,230 | $62,300 | $74,490 | $47,940 | $123,710 |
| Fresno | 970 | $64,400 | $76,020 | $46,590 | $124,280 |
| Bakersfield-Delano | 960 | $66,450 | $76,110 | $45,670 | $117,840 |
| Santa Maria-Santa Barbara | 740 | $61,000 | $72,440 | $54,080 | $110,910 |
| Stockton-Lodi | 690 | $62,900 | $72,060 | $46,640 | $98,920 |
| Santa Rosa-Petaluma | 560 | $64,700 | $78,080 | $49,430 | $133,120 |
| Modesto | 470 | $63,280 | $72,600 | $47,260 | $114,510 |
| Visalia | 460 | $60,720 | $72,580 | $44,730 | $116,850 |
| Vallejo | 370 | $71,560 | $78,360 | $49,770 | $120,700 |
| Santa Cruz-Watsonville | 350 | $68,130 | $77,730 | $47,770 | $124,660 |
| Salinas | 320 | $64,440 | $72,700 | $47,270 | $101,400 |
| San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles | 320 | $63,090 | $73,350 | $48,370 | $113,880 |
| Redding | 200 | $61,300 | $70,250 | $45,910 | $114,790 |
| Chico | 180 | $60,730 | $68,360 | $47,180 | $99,530 |
| Merced | 160 | $60,230 | $62,760 | $45,510 | $80,390 |
| El Centro | 150 | $62,390 | $68,170 | $46,970 | $96,180 |
| Napa | 150 | $65,420 | $76,020 | $48,070 | $117,390 |
| Hanford-Corcoran | 110 | $62,860 | $69,500 | $46,650 | $92,110 |
| Yuba City | 100 | $61,120 | $70,210 | $44,040 | $97,830 |
Wages reflect survey data and vary based on experience, credentials, employer, and local market conditions. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025.
Explore More California Trades
- Electrician in California
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do plumbers need to be licensed in California?
Yes - if you perform plumbing jobs worth $500 or more, a CSLB license is required.
How long does it take to become a plumber in California?
It typically takes 4-5 years through an apprenticeship to become licensed.
Do I need a license to work as a plumbing apprentice?
No. You can work under a licensed contractor while training.
Citations
Related Resources
California Contractors State License Board - Plumbing Licensing: https://www.cslb.ca.gov ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics - Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/construction-and-extraction/plumbers-pipefitters-and-steamfitters.htm ↩︎
California Department of Justice - Background Checks: https://oag.ca.gov/fingerprints ↩︎
California Division of Apprenticeship Standards: https://www.dir.ca.gov/das ↩︎
CSLB Surety Bond Info: https://www.cslb.ca.gov/Contractors/Surety_Bonds
↩︎Plumber Salary in U.S.
Median Salary $63,800 $30.67/hrAverage Salary $72,170 $34.70/hrSalary Range
$44,150 10th pctl$63,800 Median$108,420 90th pctl10th Percentile $44,150 $21.22/hr25th Percentile $50,190 $24.13/hr75th Percentile $85,110 $40.92/hr90th Percentile $108,420 $52.13/hrEmployment & Outlook
Total Employed465,840Growth (2024-2034)4.5%Annual Openings44,000Jobs per 1,0003.0
About this guide: Researched and written by the TradeCareerPath Editorial Team. Our editorial team researches and sources every trade career guide using BLS, DOL, and state licensing data. We follow the editorial standards documented at /editorial-policy/.