Plumbing license requirements in Philadelphia
This page covers plumbing licenses in Philadelphia, issued by the Philadelphia Department of Licenses and Inspections. Other cities in Pennsylvania may set their own rules.
Issued by
Philadelphia Department of Licenses and Inspections
Official siteRequirements checked October 21, 2026
License levels
In order, from the first license to the top one.
- 1
Journeyman Plumber
At least four years as a registered apprentice plumber in Philadelphia, then the journeyman exam.
Official source - 2
Master Plumber
At least one year as a Philadelphia journeyman plumber, the master exam, and a certificate of insurance.
Official source
Rules, fees and exam schedules change. Confirm the details with the Philadelphia Department of Licenses and Inspections before you apply.
Plumbers in Pennsylvania
From the Bureau of Labor Statistics. See a city for local wages and contractor counts.
- Plumbers employed
- 13,620
- Median hourly wage
- $32.73
Plumbing market data by city
Once you're licensed
Tradesman runs the business side for plumbers: estimates, scheduling, invoicing and payments in one app.
Plumbing licensing in Philadelphia: common questions
Who issues plumbing licenses in Philadelphia?
The Philadelphia Department of Licenses and Inspections. The license levels and what each takes are listed above, with a link to the official source for each.
What does the Master Plumber license take in Philadelphia?
At least one year as a Philadelphia journeyman plumber, the master exam, and a certificate of insurance.
What's the first plumbing license in Philadelphia?
The Journeyman Plumber. At least four years as a registered apprentice plumber in Philadelphia, then the journeyman exam.
Licensed and ready for more customers?
Tradesman handles estimates, scheduling and invoicing so you can spend your time on the work. Now in early access.