In short
To become a journeyman plumber, you usually complete four to five years of supervised work, often through an apprenticeship, then pass an exam on the plumbing code your area uses. Most states use either the International Plumbing Code or the Uniform Plumbing Code, sometimes with local changes. Some exams include a hands-on portion. Journeymen work without direct supervision, usually under a master plumber or licensed contractor.
| Middle pay | $63,800 a year, roughly $30.67 an hour (May 2025) |
|---|---|
| How most people start | High school or GED to start, then apprenticeship |
| People in the trade | About 510,600 nationwide (2025) |
| Growth to 2035 | BLS expects 6.8% growth |
| Openings a year | Around 42,000, counting retirements |
From the BLS Employment Projections table (2025 to 2035) and May 2025 wage survey. These are U.S. numbers. Local shops may pay above or below them, and apprentices start well under the middle figure.
What the exam covers
- Drain, waste and vent sizing and layout
- Water supply sizing and backflow prevention
- Fixtures, water heaters and venting
- Fuel gas piping in states where plumbers do gas work
- Isometric drawings and code lookups
Know your code book
| Model code | Where it is common |
|---|---|
| International Plumbing Code (ICC) | Many states in the East, South and Midwest |
| Uniform Plumbing Code (IAPMO) | Many states in the West and some others |
Check which one, and which edition, your state adopted before you study.
Start on the license path
Tell us your ZIP and we will send plumbing programs and apprenticeships nearby.
Straight answers
How long does it take to become a journeyman plumber?
Usually four to five years of supervised work.
Is the journeyman plumber test hard?
It is detailed and timed. People who study the code book and practice isometrics do best.
Can a journeyman plumber work alone?
Usually yes, on jobs under a master or contractor license.