How to Become a Plumber in New Hampshire

If you live in New Hampshire and consider getting into a lucrative career, you could think about becoming a plumber.

We did the research and we’ll guide you through the steps you need to take to enter this industry.

Plumber Job Description and Responsibilities

Plumbers have to complete various tasks during a regular workday.

Their tasks generally depend on the project they’re hired to help complete, and may include:

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

They also have to ensure their equipment is always functioning properly and that they have all the tools and accessories they could need for the job, with them.

However, before you start working, you’ll need to undergo training and obtain your plumbing license.

In New Hampshire, plumbers can go through 3 stages, though many choose not to move to the last stage.

These stages are:

• Apprentice
• Journeyman
• Master

Becoming a Plumber Apprentice

Just like in most other states across the nation, an apprenticeship is needed to become a licensed plumber.

Some folks may get some on-the-job experience without being part of a training or apprenticeship program.

However, it’s best to have all this experience documented to turn it into apprenticeship credits.

When you decide to become an apprentice, you’ll need to apply for a program.

The application includes:

• A state-issued ID
• A clear photo of yourself – 2 x 2 inches
• Contact information – yours and your employer’s
• Pay the application fee -$90
• The application form you fill out

The total apprenticeship period is 4 years.

This type of training can only be completed with an employer who is registered as having the Standards of Apprenticeship.

Those whose applications are accepted will receive an apprentice ID card by the Mechanical Licensing Board.

Some individuals will choose to enroll in a vocational school for their apprenticeship.

By choosing this route, you’ll also have more and better chances of climbing the career ladder in this field.

Regardless of your choice, you’ll need to attend both some classroom classes as well as working under a licensed plumber, under supervision.

You’ll need to attend 144 hours of classroom education per year, during the apprenticeship period.

Becoming a Journeyman Plumber

In New Hampshire, journeymen work under the supervision of master plumbers.

The minimum requirements to become a journeyman are:

• Being 18 years old
• Complete the apprenticeship
• Pass the examination
• Fill out the application form
• A clear photo of yourself – 2 x 2 inches
• A state-issued ID
• Contact information – yours and your employer’s
• Copy of your apprentice ID card
• Copy of your apprenticeship completion certificate

If you obtained your journeyman license in a different state, you can present that license instead of the proof of a completed apprenticeship.

You’re also supposed to pay an application fee of $190 and the exam fee of $100.

Unlike in most other states, in New Hampshire, the journeyman exam is administered by 2 agencies.

This means that you can take the exam with either one.

The agencies are:

• New Hampshire Gasfitters Plumbing Exams
• Prov Inc.

The passing score for either agency is 70%, it can only be taken in person and you’ll need a photo ID with you.

Becoming a Master Plumber

Master plumbers can hire personnel to perform the plumbing work, or can operate as a plumbing business.

There are some requirements you must meet before becoming a master plumber.

These are:

• 6 months of experience as a journeyman
• Pass the master plumber exam
• Fill out the application form
• State issued ID
• A clear photo of yourself – 2 x 2 inches
• Contact information – yours and your employer’s
• Copy of your journeyman license
• A recommendation letter

You should also include any plumbing licenses you obtained in other states if you have them.

You’re also supposed to pay a fee of $310.

Plumber Salary Information

As a rule of thumb, apprentices are employees that receive a salary.

Their salary is lower than that of a licensed plumber, but it will increase the more experience you accumulate.

In cities like Nashua, Derry, Londonderry, and a few others, you can earn more than the state’s average salary.

Regional Salary in New Hampshire

Additional Information

In the above documents, the photo ID can be one of the following:

• Driving license issued by the state
• A copy of your current passport with the picture included
• Another type of document that has a picture embossed on it

In New Hampshire, some minor plumbing repairs can be done by the homeowner, but it’s best to hire a licensed plumber for all plumbing-related work.

By joining a union, you have access to health, disability, and liability insurance coverage.

Schools Offering Plumbing Programs in New Hampshire

Plumbing License by City

Plumbing License by State