{"id":23377,"date":"2023-01-19T16:43:15","date_gmt":"2023-01-19T16:43:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.housecallpro.com\/?page_id=23377"},"modified":"2024-05-21T19:20:06","modified_gmt":"2024-05-21T19:20:06","slug":"alabama","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.housecallpro.com\/licensing\/plumbing\/alabama\/","title":{"rendered":"Plumbing License Requirements in Alabama"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">An Alabama plumbing license can lead to plenty of career opportunities in the <\/span><a href=\"\/resources\/news-press\/trending\/plumbing-industry-trends-10-predictions-you-need-to-know\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">plumbing industry<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Whether you desire to work for an employer or start your own business, you must meet the licensing requirements. This guide will provide you with all the important details to become a plumber in Alabama.<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"toc\"><ul class=\"toc-list\"><li><a href='#what-plumbing-work-can-be-done-without-a-license' class='toc-link'>What plumbing work can be done without a license?<\/a><\/li><li><a href='#what-are-the-different-types-of-plumbing-licenses-available-in-alabama' class='toc-link'>What are the different types of plumbing licenses available in Alabama?<\/a><\/li><li><a href='#average-hourly-rates-for-plumbers-in-alabama' class='toc-link'>Average hourly rates for plumbers in Alabama<\/a><\/li><li><a href='#how-to-get-a-plumbing-license' class='toc-link'>How to get a plumbing license<\/a><\/li><li><a href='#should-i-join-a-union' class='toc-link'>Should I join a union?<\/a><\/li><li><a href='#insurance-for-plumbers-in-alabama' class='toc-link'>Insurance for plumbers in Alabama<\/a><\/li><li><a href='#how-to-get-my-first-plumbing-apprenticeship' class='toc-link'>How to get my first plumbing apprenticeship<\/a><\/li><li><a href='#how-do-i-stay-up-to-date-with-plumbing-codes' class='toc-link'>How do I stay up to date with plumbing codes?<\/a><\/li><li><a href='#what-resources-are-available-in-the-plumbing-industry' class='toc-link'>What resources are available in the plumbing industry?<\/a><\/li><li><a href='#i-already-have-a-license-but' class='toc-link'>I already have a license but:<\/a><\/li><li><a href='#how-often-do-i-need-to-renew-my-plumbing-license-in-alabama' class='toc-link'>How often do I need to renew my plumbing license in Alabama?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n<h2 id=\"what-plumbing-work-can-be-done-without-a-license\">What plumbing work can be done without a license?<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">None. You have an Alabama plumbing license to perform plumbing work.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"what-are-the-different-types-of-plumbing-licenses-available-in-alabama\">What are the different types of plumbing licenses available in Alabama?<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Three types of plumbing licenses are available in Alabama: apprentice license, journeyman license, and master plumber certification.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Apprentice License:<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As an apprentice, you must receive supervision from a master plumber or a registered journeyman. To get certified as an apprentice:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fill out an updated Alabama apprentice registration form (online submission options may be available).<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Submit a photocopy of your social security card.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pay the $25 application fee.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With an apprentice license, you can perform supervised plumbing duties, including repairs and pipe fittings.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Journeyman License:<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The requirements include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pass the journeyman plumber\u2019s test.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Minimum of two years of employment as a registered apprentice or enrollment in an approved apprenticeship program. (Check updated hours or program changes.)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Submit the journeyman license application and pay the $110 fee.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As a journeyman plumber, you can perform all types of plumbing jobs, including sprinkler installations and plumbing repairs.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Master Plumber License:<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The master plumber license is the highest-level plumbing license in Alabama. As a master plumber, you can perform any plumbing job without supervision. The requirements include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Minimum of one year of employment as a journeyman plumber.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pass the master plumbing license exam.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Submit the application and pay the $160 fee.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"average-hourly-rates-for-plumbers-in-alabama\">Average hourly rates for plumbers in Alabama<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The average career span for a plumber is approximately 15 years. Here&#8217;s a breakdown of the <\/span><a href=\"\/resources\/news-press\/plumber-salary\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">average hourly rates<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for plumbers in Alabama, along with a comparison to the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/oes\/current\/oes472152.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">national averages<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Apprentice Plumber: $12.21 per hour<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(National Average: $15.31 per hour)<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Apprentice plumbers in Alabama earn about 20% less than the national average, which highlights the importance of gaining experience and advancing in the trade.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Journeyman Plumber: $20.84 per hour<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(National Average: $25.37 per hour)<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Journeyman plumbers in Alabama earn roughly 18% below the national average. However, this rate may reflect regional cost-of-living differences.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Master Plumber: $23.61 per hour<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(National Average: $30.46 per hour)<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Master plumbers in Alabama earn approximately 22% less than their peers nationwide. Achieving master plumber status can provide a significant boost in earnings within the state.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These figures indicate that while plumbing wages in Alabama tend to be lower than the national averages, they remain competitive within the state\u2019s economic context.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"how-to-get-a-plumbing-license\">How to get a plumbing license<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The career path from apprentice to master plumber requires education and training from a board-approved plumbing school.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ua91.org\/jac\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><b>UA Local 91 Training Center<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> provides on-the-job and classroom training for students. Courses include drafting, mathematics, science, sprinkler installation, and pipefitting. This program will prepare you for your journeyman plumber license. You&#8217;ll work under the direction of a master plumber doing a variety of plumbing jobs. This apprenticeship training lasts for 5 years.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To participate:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Be at least 18 years old with a high school diploma or GED.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Submit an application (there is no fee to apply for this training opportunity).<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/gobuildalabama.com\/the-training\/training\/plumbers-and-steamfitters-ua-local-119\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Plumbers and Steamfitters UA Local 119<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> also offers an Apprenticeship Training program approved and supervised by the program sponsor and US Department of Labor Bureau of Apprenticeship. The program is made up of both classroom and on the job training.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><b>Career Training Base<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> also offers apprentice programs in Alabama at no cost to the trainees. This program teaches how to repair pipes\/systems and other plumbing work.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You can apply for a plumbing license if you have a criminal record. Possessing a felony or misdemeanor on your record won\u2019t prevent you from getting a plumbing license.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"should-i-join-a-union\">Should I join a union?<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Consider all the pros and cons before joining a union.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Advantages<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Union representatives will protect your interests.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Union members have higher salaries than non-union members.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Union representatives ensure members have safe working conditions.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Unions provide a place to discuss any workplace concerns.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Potential Drawbacks<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Union members are required to pay union dues.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some union members do not agree with their union&#8217;s decisions.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Union members must follow union decisions regardless of their opinions.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"insurance-for-plumbers-in-alabama\">Insurance for plumbers in Alabama<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To work as a plumber in Alabama, you must have insurance. In some instances, companies will provide insurance for their employees. If your employer doesn&#8217;t offer insurance or you own a plumbing company, you must have the minimum amount of insurance:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">$300,000 for property damage insurance (for each occurrence)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">$100,000 for general liability insurance (for each occurrence)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You must submit a copy of your insurance certificate to the <\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/pgfb.alabama.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">State of Alabama Plumbers and Gas Fitters Examining Board<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"how-to-get-my-first-plumbing-apprenticeship\">How to get my first plumbing apprenticeship<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A plumbing apprenticeship gives you experience under the supervision of a master plumber. Not only can you earn a competitive salary, but you can also learn the necessary skills.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Steps to find and apply for an apprenticeship:<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Register as an apprentice plumber with the Alabama Plumber and Gas Fitters Examining Board.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Enroll in a plumbing program offered by local unions or employers.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For the apprenticeship interview:<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dress in business casual attire.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bring a copy of your resume and any plumbing credentials.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Programs like those offered by the <\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/pgfb.alabama.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Alabama Plumber and Gas Fitters Examining Board <\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">provide the latest information about apprenticeship opportunities.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"how-do-i-stay-up-to-date-with-plumbing-codes\">How do I stay up to date with plumbing codes?<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The latest Alabama plumbing codes are available at the following websites:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.iccsafe.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">International Code Council<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"http:\/\/up.codes\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">UpCodes<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Staying current ensures compliance with state regulations and helps avoid penalties.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"what-resources-are-available-in-the-plumbing-industry\">What resources are available in the plumbing industry?<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">From blogs to trade shows, several resources exist to help you grow your career in the plumbing industry. Here are a few sites:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/housecallpro1.wpengine.com\/learn\/top-plumbing-specialties-in-2019\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Plumbing Specialties<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/housecallpro1.wpengine.com\/learn\/plumbing-industry-trends\/\" data-wplink-edit=\"true\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Plumbing Industry Trends<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/housecallpro1.wpengine.com\/learn\/11-best-plumbing-blogs\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Plumbing Blogs<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/housecallpro1.wpengine.com\/learn\/plumbing-trade-shows\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Plumbing Trade Shows<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"i-already-have-a-license-but\">I already have a license but:<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you need a name or address change, contact the <\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/up.codes\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">State of Alabama Plumber and Gas Fitters Examining Board<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. If you misplace your card, you must complete a replacement form and pay $25.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"how-often-do-i-need-to-renew-my-plumbing-license-in-alabama\">How often do I need to renew my plumbing license in Alabama?<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your Alabama plumbing license must be renewed annually. Here are the renewal fees by license type:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Apprentice &#8211; $25<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Journeyman plumber &#8211; $50<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Master plumber &#8211; $150<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>An Alabama plumbing license can lead to plenty of career opportunities in the plumbing industry. Whether you desire to work for an employer or start your own business, you must meet the licensing requirements. This guide will provide you with all the important details to become a plumber in Alabama. What plumbing work can be [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":30,"featured_media":0,"parent":39908,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"templates\/template-license.php","meta":{"_acf_changed":true,"footnotes":""},"industry":[557],"resource_type":[562],"topic":[],"class_list":["post-23377","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry","industry-plumbing","resource_type-licensing"],"acf":{"page_partner":""},"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.housecallpro.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/23377","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.housecallpro.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.housecallpro.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.housecallpro.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/30"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.housecallpro.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=23377"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.housecallpro.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/23377\/revisions"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.housecallpro.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/39908"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.housecallpro.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=23377"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"industry","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.housecallpro.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/industry?post=23377"},{"taxonomy":"resource_type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.housecallpro.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/resource_type?post=23377"},{"taxonomy":"topic","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.housecallpro.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/topic?post=23377"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}