How to Become a Plumber in New Jersey

The plumbing industry in New Jersey keeps growing.

So, if you want to become a plumber in this state, you need to meet a set of requirements.

One of these is getting licensed, so take a look at the article below for information on how to do it.

Plumber Job Description and Requirements

In New Jersey, you will need to complete the following job duties daily:

• 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

There are 3 plumbing licenses available in New Jersey:

• Apprentice license,
• Journeyman license,
• Master license

How to Become an Apprentice in New Jersey

Just like in most other states, you will have to first become an apprentice before you can advance in your career.

To do that, you need to enroll in a trade school that is accredited by the state board.

The training programs include classes of theory and practice, as follows:

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

You can choose whether you want to attend the program online or in person.

If you want to be accepted into a program, you have to show proof of:

• Being 18 years old
• High-school diploma or equivalent
• Driver’s license
• Birth certificate copy
• Proof of being a citizen of the US
• A processing fee of $50
• Pass a background check
• Pass a drug test
• A passport-style picture that is at least 6 months recent
• Your social security number

Your apprenticeship will have to be renewed every year.

Typically, plumbing training programs last between 4 to 4 years in total.

In this state, apprentices are allowed to work, but wages are lower than what a journeyman makes.

You will also not be allowed to work unless you are under supervision from a licensed plumber.

How to Get a Journeyman License in New Jersey

Unlike in many US states, New Jersey doesn’t require an exam for the journeyman license.

After you get your license, you will be allowed to install and repair water systems without supervision.

Even without the exam, you still need to meet some requirements as follows:

• Be 18 years old
• Send in an application form and pay a $75 fee
• Be a registered apprentice or have a bachelors degree from a university
• 2 passport sized pictures that are not older than 6 months
• Social security number
• Proof of experience

The journeyman license has to be renewed on an annual basis.

How to Get a Master License in New Jersey

In this state, master plumbers are allowed to perform any kind of plumbing work.

You can work by yourself or start your own plumbing business without being supervised.

You can also choose to hire other plumbers and assists in their training.

To have the master plumber issued, you have to fulfill some requirements:

• 1 year of working as a journeyman
• Send in an application form
• Submit an application fee of $100
• Pass the master plumber exam with a score of 70%
• Social security number
• Documents that state your experience
• 2 passport sized photographs of yourself that are 6 months recent

Before getting your license issued, you will have to pass an exam.

The subjects in the exam include:

• Plumbing fundamentals and safety;
• Materials, their 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.

In New Jersey, you also need to bring a Work Experience Certification form.

This form should include signatures from your previous employers.

Keep in mind that that master plumber license needs to be renewed at some point.

Plumber Employment and Salary Information

In New Jersey, plumbing jobs became increasingly popular.

The salaries in this state are also much higher compares to other states.

As an apprentice, you will most likely earn the lowest salary you can get in New Jersey.

The median salary for a plumber in New Jersey is $63,6420 a year.

If you have some years of experience or run a business, you can earn even more than this.

Your salary will also depend on the area in which you live, as employers in larger areas pay more.

Regional Salary in New Jersey

Additional Information

If you have a license in another state and want to perform work in New Jersey, you will need to get licensed.

This state does not have any reciprocity agreements with any other state.

However, the first step you should take is to train in a vocational school or get a degree in plumbing.

This will help you get more experience and start a fruitful career in the plumbing industry.

Schools Offering Plumbing Programs in New Jersey

Plumbing License by City

Plumbing License by State