How to Become a Plumber in Maryland

Search Plumber Programs

Get information on Plumber programs by entering your zip code and request enrollment information.

Sponsored Search

Maybe you want to work as a plumber in Maryland.

In that case, you will first need some info regarding the licensing process.

Have a look at the article below for information and details.

Plumber Job Description and Requirements

As a licensed plumber in Maryland, you can set up but also maintain and repair water systems and pipes.

Search Plumber Programs

Get information on Plumber programs by entering your zip code and request enrollment information.

Sponsored Listings

A plumber usually has various daily duties, which include:

  • Reading or drafting blueprints
  • Installing the piping system
  • Maintaining the water system
  • Repairing the system whenever needed
  • Ensuring the safety standards
  • Meeting building regulations
  • Using the appropriate devices to measure or solder

In Maryland, you can get the following 3 plumbing licenses:

  • Apprentice license,
  • Journeyman license,
  • Master license

How to Become an Apprentice in Maryland

Before you can get hired for plumbing work, you will need to become an apprentice.

The apprentice programs in Maryland are offered through trade schools.

The program you choose must be approved by the board in the state.

In Maryland, you can join a training program in person but also online.

Usually, you will need to train for about 5 years.

The course will include both theory and practice.

The theory classes include the following:

  • Drafting,
  • Mathematics,
  • Science,
  • Sprinkler installation,
  • Pipefitting
  • Reading blueprints

Before you can be eligible to train, you need to fulfill some criteria.

To join a program, you have to:

  • Be 16 years old
  • High-school diploma or a GED
  • Have a driver’s license
  • Show a copy of the birth certificate
  • Be a citizen of the US
  • School transcripts from your school
  • pass a drug test
  • send in an application form
  • pass a background check and have a clean criminal record

You will also have to become registered with the State Plumbing Board.

Lastly, you will need to submit a $15 fee along with your application.

As an apprentice, you will be able to perform plumbing work under the supervision of a licensed plumber.

How to Get a Journeyman License in Maryland

Journeymen are allowed to perform plumbing work without supervision.

You will be able to install and repair water fixtures in homes and office buildings.

In order to receive this license, you have to first pass an exam.

This exam will last for 4 hours, is open-book, and includes 100 questions.

Some of the topics you will be tested on include:

  • Plumbing fundamentals and safety;
  • Materials uses, and specifications;
  • Traps, interceptors, and backwater valves;
  • Plumbing fixtures, fixture fittings, and plumbing appliances;
  • Water supply systems;
  • Backflow preventions;
  • Gas appliances and piping;
  • Plumbing mathematics.

In order to pass, you need a score of at least 70%

You will also need to pay a $65 exam fee.

In Maryland, the journeyman license is valid for 2 years after which it will need renewal.

If you don’t renew your license for 4 years, you need to go through the licensing process all over again.

There are also some criteria you have to meet, as follows:

  • Submit an application form
  • Be an apprentice for at least 4 years before the journeyman exam
  • 7,500 hours of job experience while being supervised by a master plumber
  • 32 hours of education in backflow prevention device testing
  • Submit a $35 license fee

How to Get a Master Plumber License in Maryland

As a master plumber, you will be able to work on any water system as well as with natural gas.

In order to be eligible for licensure, you have to:

  • Have a journeyman license for 2 years before you apply for the master plumber license
  • 3,750 hours of training while being supervised by a master plumber
  • Taking and passing the master plumber exam
  • Pay a $70 fee for licensing

The master plumber exam lasts for 4 hours and consists of 100 questions.

The topics in the exam include:

  • Plumbing fundamentals and safety;
  • Materials uses, and specifications;
  • Traps, interceptors, and backwater valves;
  • Plumbing fixtures, fixture fittings, and plumbing appliances;
  • Water supply systems;
  • Backflow prevention;
  • Drain, waste, and vent systems;
  • Special topics;
  • Gas appliances and piping;
  • Plumbing mathematics.

To take the exam, you need to pay a $65 fee.

You should get a score of at least 70% to pass the exam.

The master plumber license needs to be renewed after 2 years.

You will be notified 2 months before the license expires.

Plumber Employment and Salary Information

In Maryland, licensed plumbers have many opportunities to earn a high salary.

If you want to join a union, you will get additional benefits.

The wage you will be receiving varies based on your work experience.

Annual Salary Range:
$44K
$59K
$75K
10%
50%
90%
Annual Salary by Location:
Location Avg. Annual Salary
Baltimore $59,176
Columbia $59,079
Germantown $62,195
Silver Spring $64,080
Waldorf $63,907
Ellicott City $59,137
Frederick $61,830
Glen Burnie $59,176
Gaithersburg $63,907
Rockville $64,003

Regional Salary in Maryland

Region Employed Avg. Annual Salary Avg. Hourly Pay Top 10% Annual Salary Bottom 10% Annual Salary
Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD5,110$62,660$30.13$93,350$36,670
California-Lexington Park, MD140$55,250$26.56$77,730$37,120
Cumberland, MD-WV100$55,730$26.79$69,720$37,980
Hagerstown-Martinsburg, MD-WV220$52,690$25.33$71,310$35,000
Salisbury, MD-DE610$56,130$26.99$79,140$35,310
* Salary information based on the May 2023 Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) Survey for Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters, OCC Code 47-2152, BLS.
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.

Additional Information

If you are licensed in Maryland, you can also work in Delaware by reciprocity.

However, if you have a license in another state, there are some steps you can take in order to work in Maryland:

  • Application form
  • Letter of verification
  • Natural Gas Fitter verification form
  • Certificate of Insurance
  • A copy of the license you have
  • Copy of your driver’s license
  • Backflow Certification for master plumbers and journeyman
  • A copy of the master HVACR if it applies

Schools Offering Plumbing Programs in Maryland

School Name Address
Maryland PHCC 10176 Baltimore National Pike, Ste. 205, Ellicott City, MD 21042
Local 486 Plumbers & Steamfitters Apprenticeship Training School 1201 66th St, Rosedale, MD 21237
Prince George's Community College Westphalia Training Center 9109 Westphalia Rd, Upper Marlboro, MD 20774
Plumbers & Gasfitters Local 5 Union Hall 5891 Allentown Rd, Camp Springs, MD 20746
Local 486 Steamfitters and Plumbers Union 8100 Sandpiper Cir STE 200, Nottingham, MD 21236
ABC Baltimore 2101 E Biddle St, Baltimore, MD 21213
United Association 3 Park Pl, Annapolis, MD 21401
Center for Trades and Energy Training 6170 Hughesville Station Place, Hughesville, MD 20637
UA Local 74 Plumbers & Pipefitters 201 Executive Dr, Newark, DE 19702
Cecil County School of Technology 912 Appleton Rd, Elkton, MD 21921
Wor-Wic Community College 32000 Campus Dr, Salisbury, MD 21804,
Washington Suburban Master Plumbers Association 26712 Howard Chapel Drive Damascus, Maryland 20872
Search Plumber Programs

Get information on Plumber programs by entering your zip code and request enrollment information.

Sponsored Listings

USA Plumbing License by City


USA Plumbing License by State


Leave a Comment

×
Search Plumber Programs

Get information on Plumber programs by entering your zip code and request enrollment information.

Sponsored Search