How to Become a Plumber in Texas
Updated April 13, 2025 | Brad Fishbein
So, you’re thinking about becoming a plumber in Texas? Excellent choice. With extreme temperatures, an expanding housing market, and booming commercial growth, plumbers are more essential than ever across the Lone Star State.
This guide walks you through every step of the journey — backed by the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE)1, the U.S. Department of Labor2, and real-world insight from working tradespeople.
🔧 Do You Need a License to Be a Plumber in Texas?
Yes. Texas requires all plumbers to be licensed or registered with the TSBPE — whether you’re an apprentice just getting started or a Master Plumber running your own company.
| License Type | Description | Regulated By |
|---|---|---|
| Plumber's Apprentice | Entry-level; must work under licensed plumber supervision | TSBPE1 |
| Tradesman Plumber | Limited residential scope; requires 4,000 hours experience | TSBPE |
| Journeyman Plumber | Full residential + commercial; requires 8,000 hours | TSBPE |
| Master Plumber | Design, contract, supervise other plumbers; requires exam | TSBPE |
"In Texas, no one may perform plumbing work without first being registered or licensed with the TSBPE." — Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners1
🛠️ Step-by-Step: How to Become a Plumber in Texas
1. Meet Basic Requirements
- Be at least 16 years old to register as an apprentice
- Have a high school diploma or GED for advanced licenses
- Be eligible to work in the U.S.
- Pass a criminal background check3
2. Register as a Plumber’s Apprentice
This is the official first step for new plumbers in Texas.
| Step | Notes |
|---|---|
| Register via TSBPE | tsbpe.texas.gov |
| Fee | $36 (2-year registration) |
| Supervision Requirement | Must work under a licensed plumber at all times |
Apprentices can start gaining hours toward Tradesman or Journeyman licenses immediately after registering.
3. Enroll in an Apprenticeship or Trade School
Most plumbers build experience through on-the-job training. Classroom education is optional but strongly encouraged.
| Path | Duration | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Union Apprenticeship | 4–5 years | Paid training with job placement (UA Local 100, PHCC) |
| Trade School | 6–24 months | Prepares you for exams; may count toward required hours |
“Approved training may substitute for up to 1,000 hours of work experience.” — TSBPE1
4. Accumulate On-the-Job Experience
Each license level has a required number of supervised work hours:
| License Level | Required Hours | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tradesman Plumber | 4,000 hrs | Under Master or Journeyman |
| Journeyman Plumber | 8,000 hrs | Full commercial scope |
| Master Plumber | 8,000 hrs as Journeyman + exam pass |
TSBPE allows partial substitution with approved classroom hours.
5. Apply for Your License and Pass the Exam
Once you meet the experience threshold, apply to take the state plumbing exam.
| License Type | Exam Topics | Passing Score |
|---|---|---|
| Tradesman | Residential plumbing systems | ~70%+ |
| Journeyman | Code compliance, venting, sizing, safety | ~70%+ |
| Master Plumber | Business law, supervision, contracts | ~75%+ |
Exams are administered through third-party providers like PSI. You’ll need to submit:
- Proof of experience
- Application and test fee
- Valid ID and work history
- Fingerprints for background check3
💰 Estimated Cost Breakdown
| Item | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Apprentice Registration (2 yrs) | $36 |
| Trade School (optional) | $2,000–$15,000 |
| Exam Fee (Tradesman/Journeyman) | $55–$175 |
| License Application Fee | $35–$150+ |
| Background Check & Fingerprints | $40–$75 |
| Tools, PPE, Materials | $300–$1,200 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $2,500–$17,000+ |
💼 Plumber Salary & Job Outlook in Texas
| Role | Avg. Salary2 | Demand Level |
|---|---|---|
| Apprentice Plumber | $35,000–$45,000 | High |
| Journeyman Plumber | $55,000–$70,000 | Very High |
| Master Plumber | $80,000–$120,000+ | Excellent |
“Texas is one of the top five states for plumber employment and offers strong union and non-union career pathways.” — U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics2
🔗 Other Skilled Trades in Texas
- Electrician in Texas
- HVAC in Texas
- Welder in Texas
- Solar Installer in Texas
- Carpenter in Texas
- Mold Inspector in Texas
🙋 Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a license to be a plumber in Texas?
Yes. All plumbers must be registered or licensed with the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE).
How long does it take to become a plumber in Texas?
It typically takes 4–5 years to accumulate the work experience for Journeyman or Master-level licensing.
Is plumbing a good career in Texas?
Absolutely. There’s consistent demand across residential, commercial, and infrastructure projects — especially in growing cities like Austin, Dallas, and Houston.
Can I get financial aid for plumbing school?
Yes. Many trade schools in Texas accept Pell Grants, VA education benefits, and WIOA assistance.
📚 Citations
-
Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners – Licensing Overview: https://tsbpe.texas.gov ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩
-
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics – Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/construction-and-extraction/plumbers-pipefitters-and-steamfitters.htm ↩ ↩ ↩
-
Texas Department of Public Safety – Fingerprinting Services: https://www.dps.texas.gov ↩ ↩
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Meet the author: Brad Fishbein is a Florida Licensed Mold Assessor and council-certified Microbial Investigator. He’s the founder of TradeCareerPath.com and has completed over 5,000 mold inspections since 2009. Brad now helps homeowners and tradespeople make smart decisions about mold, licensing, and skilled career paths.
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