How to Become a Plumber in NYC: Step-by-Step Guide to Your Plumbing Career

Kickstart Your Plumbing Career in NYC: A Guide for Aspiring Apprentices

If you’re looking to jumpstart a career in Plumbing in New York City, The first step to getting your plumbing license is to become an apprentice under a licensed master plumber. After you complete a 5 year plumbing apprenticeship, you are then eligible to apply for a journeyman license.

Understand the Role of a Plumber

Before diving into the steps, it's essential to understand what being a plumber entails. Plumbers are skilled professionals who install, repair, and maintain plumbing systems in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. This includes working on pipes, fixtures, water heaters, and drainage systems.

Do You Need a License to Work in Plumbing in New York City?

Yes! Although there is no statewide license for plumbers in New York state, each city or municipality licenses plumbers or plumbing contractors a little differently. In NYC the Department of Buildings (DOB) administers Plumbing licenses, which are grouped with Fire Suppression Licenses. To perform plumbing work unsupervised in NYC you must have a Master Plumber’s License.

Plumbing Apprenticeship Requirements and How to Find One

According to the NY Department of labor, a registered apprenticeship under a licensed master plumber must take anywhere from 48 months (4 years) to 60 months (5 years) depending on the specific plumbing role you are looking for.

To find an apprenticeship:

• Use Gild to find apprenticeships in NYC: Gild brings thousands of plumbing apprenticeship role openings all together in one place. Search open plumbing apprenticeships in NYC here.

• Join a Union: Many plumbers in NYC are members of unions, such as Plumbers Local 1. Plumbers local 1 opens up their apprenticeship program once every two years for applicants. The next opening is in summer of 2026.

Steps to Becoming a Plumber in NYC

1. Meet the Basic Requirements

To become a plumber in NYC, you must meet specific basic requirements:

• Age: You must be at least 18 years old.

• Education: A high school diploma or GED is typically required. Coursework in mathematics, science, and shop can be beneficial.

• Be able to read, write and understand the English language

• Be fit to perform the work authorized by the qualification/registration

2. Enroll in a Plumbing Education Program (Recommended not Required*)

While not always mandatory, completing a plumbing education program can give you a solid foundation in the trade. These programs are offered by trade schools, community colleges, and technical institutes in NYC and usually cover topics like:

• Plumbing codes and regulations

• Blueprint reading

• Pipe fitting

• Basic welding

• Safety practices

3. Start an Apprenticeship

An apprenticeship is a crucial step in becoming a plumber. In NYC, you'll need to complete a plumbing apprenticeship to gain the hands-on experience required for licensing. Apprenticeships typically last 4-5 years and involve both on-the-job training and classroom instruction.

To find an apprenticeship:

• Use Gild to find apprenticeships in NYC: Gild brings thousands of plumbing apprenticeship role openings all together in one place. Search open plumbing apprenticeships in NYC here.

• Join a Union: Many plumbers in NYC are members of unions, such as Plumbers Local 1. Plumbers local 1 opens up their apprenticeship program once every two years for applicants. The next opening is in summer of 2026.

During your apprenticeship, you'll work under the supervision of a licensed plumber and learn the practical skills needed for the job, such as installing pipes, troubleshooting plumbing systems, and adhering to local codes.

4. Obtain a Journeyman Plumber License

After completing your apprenticeship, you can apply for a Journeyman Plumber license, which is required to work independently as a plumber in NYC.

To obtain a Journeyman Plumber Installer registration you must meet at least one (1) of the following requirements according to the NYC DOB:

• Have at least Five (5) years of full-time experience* performing plumbing or fire suppression piping under the direct and continuing supervision of a licensed Master Plumber or a licensed Master Fire Suppression Piping Contractor or equivalent, where at least one (1) year of experience was in New York City.

• Have satisfactorily completed a New York State registered training program with one (1) year experience in New York City.

Once eligible, to acquire a journeyman plumbers license in NYC, you will need to submit an registration application through DOB Now, with all of the required documents that are specific registration. Those qualifications can be found here.

5. Consider Becoming a Master Plumber

A Master Plumber license allows you to own and operate your plumbing business, supervise other plumbers, and take on larger projects. To become a Master Plumber in NYC, you must:

• Gain Experience: You need at least two years of experience as a licensed Journeyman Plumber.

• Pass the Master Plumber Exam: This exam is more comprehensive and focuses on advanced plumbing practices, business management, and local building codes. Once you meet one of the eligibility requirements found here, you must pass a written and practical exam.

Your Next Steps

Starting a career as an Plumbing apprentice in New York City is an exciting opportunity to enter a field that is essential and well paid. Whether you’re just finishing high school or considering a career change, following these steps will set you on the path to success in this critical industry. As you gain experience and build your credentials, the opportunities in Plumbing will only continue to grow. Good luck on your journey and be sure to check out Gild for apprenticeship opportunities near you!