Overview

Plumbers install and repair water, gas, and drainage systems. Most states require a license for any plumbing work beyond minor repairs.

Journeyman and master plumber licenses.

License tiers and what each allows

LicenseWhat you can doExam required
Apprentice Training level. Work under supervision. No independent work. Registration only
Journeyman Plumber Install, repair, and maintain systems under supervision or independently in most states. Yes. State licensing exam (~$60 fee)
Master Plumber Full independent work, supervise others, pull permits, design systems. Yes. Advanced state exam
Plumbing Contractor Run a plumber business. Employ others. Bid on contracts. Business license + proof of Master

Step-by-step path

1

Register as an apprentice

Register with Vermont Secretary of State - Office of Professional Regulation before starting work. This is required to legally accumulate supervised hours toward your journeyman qualification. Some states charge a small registration fee.

2

Accumulate 8,000 hours of supervised experience

Work under a licensed journeyman or master plumber. This takes approximately 4 years at full-time hours. Your employer is required to verify your hours when you apply for the journeyman exam.

3

Pass the journeyman licensing exam

The exam covers Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) or International Plumbing Code (IPC) requirements and state-specific rules. Exam fee is $60. Most candidates study 4-8 weeks using a state-approved prep guide before sitting for the test.

4

Apply for your journeyman license

Submit your application to Vermont Secretary of State - Office of Professional Regulation after passing the exam. License fee is $55. Processing typically takes 2-4 weeks. Your employer's verification of your hours is required at this stage.

5

Renew annual

Your Vermont license renews annual. Renewal fee is $55. Some states require continuing education at renewal. Always renew on time to avoid a lapse in licensure.

Fee summary

ItemFee
Apprentice registrationVaries (check board)
Journeyman exam$60
Journeyman license$55
License renewal (annual)$55
Fees change. Confirm current amounts directly with Vermont Secretary of State - Office of Professional Regulation before applying. The figures above were verified in April 2026.
Vermont Secretary of State - Office of Professional Regulation official site

Frequently asked questions

Can I transfer my plumber license from another state to Vermont?
Most states do not have formal reciprocity agreements. However, Vermont may consider out-of-state experience during your application review. Contact Vermont Secretary of State - Office of Professional Regulation directly to discuss your situation before applying.
How long does it take to get a journeyman license in Vermont?
Minimum 4 years of full-time supervised work (8,000 hours), plus exam prep time (typically 4-8 weeks), plus Vermont Secretary of State - Office of Professional Regulation processing time (2-4 weeks).
Can AI replace a licensed plumber?
Plumbing requires physical access to confined and structural spaces, judgment on-site, and state-licensed sign-off. Remote execution is structurally impossible. State licensing laws require a human licensee to be responsible for this work. That structural requirement protects this trade from automation.
What is the median salary for a plumber in Vermont?
The national median is $59,880/yr. Vermont salaries vary based on metropolitan area, union membership, and specialization. Master-level licenses and contractor status can significantly increase earnings.