How to Get Your
Minnesota Plumbing License
Getting a plumbing license in Minnesota is easier than getting a license in any other state. This comprehensive guide walks you through all details like cost, requirements, and process to get a Minnesota plumbing license.
Minnesota Plumbing License Quick Facts
Minimum Age
18 years or high school graduate
Experience Required
4 years (7,000 hours)
License Fee
$38 - $68
Licensing Body
Minnesota DLI
Renewal Period
Biennial (varies by license)
Reciprocity States
North & South Dakota
Who Provides Plumbing Licenses in Minnesota?
All the applications for plumbing licenses are addressed by the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI).
Minnesota Licensing Authority
Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry
DLIIssues all plumbing licenses throughout Minnesota
Minnesota Plumbing License Reciprocity
Good News: Minnesota has reciprocity agreements with North Dakota and South Dakota.
- If you hold a plumbing license in either of these states, you can be waived from giving an exam to get an equivalent plumbing license in Minnesota.
- This makes it easier for licensed plumbers to work across state lines.
What are the Types of Plumbing Licenses in Minnesota?
There are three types of plumbing licenses in Minnesota, plus registered unlicensed status for those starting out:
License Types Available
Choose Your License Path
Registered Unlicensed Plumber
Entry-level registration for those learning the trade under supervision (equivalent to apprentice in other states).
Key Requirements
- Be 18 years old or high school graduate
- Register with DLI
- Work under licensed journeyman or master plumber
Journeyman Plumber License
Full license to work under direction of a master plumber.
Key Requirements
- 4 years of experience (7,000 hours)
- Specific hours in water, DWV, and fixtures
- Pass the journeyman examination
Master Plumber License
Advanced license for planning, performing, and superintending plumbing services.
Key Requirements
- 1 year as journeyman (1,750 hours)
- Pass the master plumber examination
- Pay $68 license fee + $50 exam fee
Master Contractor License
Required for acquiring contracts to provide plumbing services throughout the state.
Key Requirements
- Hold master plumber license
- Registered business entity
- Meet contractor requirements
What are the Requirements to Get a Plumbing License?
Here are the prerequisites for each type of plumbing license in Minnesota:
DLI Requirements
Minnesota Plumbing License Requirements
1Registered Unlicensed Plumber
Entry-level requirements
Registered Unlicensed Plumber
Entry-level requirements
- Be 18 years old or complete your high school
- Register with DLI as a registered unlicensed plumber or enroll in a registered apprenticeship program
- Be employed by a licensed plumbing contractor or a registered plumbing employer
- Work under direct supervision of a licensed journeyman or master plumber employed by the same employer
- Your work must fall under the scope of work your employer is authorized to perform
2Journeyman Plumber License
For registered unlicensed plumbers
Journeyman Plumber License
For registered unlicensed plumbers
- 4 years of experience as a registered unlicensed plumber
- 7,000 hours of practical work
- 2,000 hours of water distribution system installation
- 2,000 hours of drain, waste and vent system installation
- 1,000 hours of fixture installation
- Remaining hours may be in any aspect of plumbing work
- Pass the journeyman plumber examination
3Master Plumber License
For licensed journeyman plumbers
Master Plumber License
For licensed journeyman plumbers
- Hold a valid journeyman plumber license
- 1 year of recorded practical plumbing experience as a journeyman
- 1,750 hours of practical work as a journeyman plumber
- Pass the master plumber examination
4Master Contractor License
For business owners
Master Contractor License
For business owners
- Hold a valid master plumber license
- Register your business entity
- Meet all contractor requirements set by DLI
- Ability to acquire contracts to provide plumbing services statewide
What is the Cost to Become a Licensed Plumber?
Just the thought of starting a plumbing business will not do. You need to work on various factors and costing is one of them. Have a look at the costs you need to bear to get licensed as a plumber in Minnesota:
DLI License Fees
Minnesota Plumbing License Fees
| License Type | Exam Fee | License Fee | Renewal Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Unlicensed Individual Expires June 30 each year | — | $14 | $19 |
| Journeyman Plumber Expires Dec 31 of odd-numbered years | $50 | $38 | $43 (2 years) |
| Master Plumber Expires Dec 31 of even-numbered years | $50 | $68 | $73 (2 years) |
License Renewal Information
Renewal Periods:
- Registered Unlicensed: Renews annually on June 30
- Journeyman Plumbers: Renews biennially on December 31 of odd-numbered years
- Master Plumbers: Renews biennially on December 31 of even-numbered years
Make sure to renew your license before the expiration date to avoid late fees or lapses in licensure.
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Start Your FREE TrialStep-by-Step Process to Get Your Plumbing License
Follow these steps to become a licensed plumber in Minnesota:
Step-by-Step Guide
Your Path to Becoming a Licensed Plumber
Meet Basic Requirements
Be at least 18 years old or complete your high school education.
Register as Unlicensed Plumber
Register yourself as an unlicensed individual and start your plumbing journey under the supervision of a licensed journeyman plumber or licensed master plumber.
Apply OnlineComplete Journeyman Experience Requirements
Gather four years of experience performing at least 7,000 hours of practical work, including 2,000 hours water distribution, 2,000 hours drain/waste/vent, and 1,000 hours fixture installation.
Apply for Journeyman Exam
Submit an application to take the journeyman license exam along with the exam fee. When approved, you will receive instructions about how to schedule your exam.
Journeyman Exam ApplicationPass the Exam and Get Licensed
Pass the journeyman exam and pay the license fee. Now you are a licensed journeyman plumber!
Gain Master Plumber Experience
Gather one year of experience performing at least 1,750 hours of practical work as a licensed journeyman plumber.
Apply for Master Exam
Submit an application to take the master license exam along with the exam fee. When approved, you will receive instructions about how to schedule your exam.
Master Exam ApplicationCongratulations! You're a Licensed Master Plumber!
Pass the exam and pay the license fee. You are now a licensed master plumber in Minnesota, skilled in performing, planning, and superintending various plumbing services.
Become a Contractor (Optional)
If you want to acquire contracts and provide plumbing services throughout the state, obtain your master contractor license.
Pro Tip for Growing Your Business
Acquiring a license in Minnesota is already halfway through winning more jobs. If you want to improve your bidding strategies and land more profitable plumbing contracts, read our comprehensive guide: How to bid on plumbing jobs?
Frequently Asked Questions
Which US states have reciprocity with the Minnesota plumbing license?
North Dakota and South Dakota. This means that if you hold a plumbing license in either of these states, you can be waived from giving an exam to get an equivalent plumbing license in Minnesota.
This reciprocity agreement makes it easier for licensed plumbers to work across state lines in the region.
How much do plumbers make in Minnesota?
Currently, the plumbers in Minnesota make $33.64 per hour on average, as per Indeed. It may fluctuate in the future based on experience, location, and specialization.
Master plumbers and those running their own contracting businesses typically earn significantly more than the average.
What is the difference between a registered unlicensed plumber and a licensed journeyman?
A registered unlicensed plumber must always work under direct supervision of a licensed journeyman or master plumber. They cannot work independently.
A journeyman plumber has passed the licensing exam and can work under the direction of a master plumber, with more independence and responsibility than an unlicensed plumber.
How long does it take to become a master plumber in Minnesota?
The typical path takes about 5 years total:
- 4 years (7,000 hours) as a registered unlicensed plumber to qualify for journeyman exam
- 1 year (1,750 hours) as a journeyman plumber to qualify for master exam
This timeline assumes you meet all the specific hour requirements in water distribution, drain/waste/vent systems, and fixture installation.
Can I work as a plumber in Minnesota without a license?
Yes, but only as a registered unlicensed plumber. You must:
- Be registered with DLI
- Work under direct supervision of a licensed journeyman or master plumber
- Be employed by a licensed plumbing contractor or registered plumbing employer
- Only perform work within the scope your employer is authorized to perform
You cannot work independently or advertise plumbing services without proper licensure.
Conclusion
There you have the information you have been looking for. Getting a plumbing license in Minnesota follows a clear path from registered unlicensed plumber through journeyman to master plumber. With the detailed requirements, costs, and step-by-step process outlined in this guide, you're well-equipped to start your plumbing journey.
So when are you going to apply for your Minnesota license for plumbing? Follow the steps we have mentioned to get your license and ignite your plumbing journey.
Career Advice
Aim to become a master plumber and eventually a contractor to maximize your earning potential. With plumbers in Minnesota earning an average of $33.64/hour, owning your own contracting business can significantly increase your income and give you control over your career.
Starting a plumbing business requires not just technical skills but also proper business management, including professional estimates and invoices.
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