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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.
Article Table of Contents
Plumber Job Description and Requirements
As a licensed plumber in Maryland, you can set up but also maintain and repair water systems and pipes.
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:| 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, MD | 4,960 | $59,960 | $28.83 | $82,760 | $36,190 |
| California-Lexington Park, MD | 110 | $51,380 | $24.7 | $73,920 | $35,950 |
| Cumberland, MD-WV | 150 | $49,700 | $23.89 | $61,420 | $35,710 |
| Hagerstown-Martinsburg, MD-WV | 250 | $51,070 | $24.55 | $74,430 | $31,810 |
| Salisbury, MD-DE | 610 | $50,440 | $24.25 | $68,360 | $30,940 |
* 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 |
Read the full guide: How to Become a Plumber
Plumbing License by City
Plumbing License by State