New York requires a state-level plumber license. The licensing authority is New York City Dept of Buildings. The median salary is $78,900 per year.
Last updated 2026-05-08
New York requires a plumber to hold a state license. Install, maintain, and repair piping systems for water, gas, drainage, and sewage in residential and commercial buildings. Licensing is administered by the New York City Dept of Buildings.
| Minimum Age | 18 years old |
| Education | High school diploma or GED |
| Work Experience | 8,000 hours (48 months) |
New York requires passing the New York Plumber Exam with a minimum score of 70%. The application fee is $75.
| Exam Name | New York Plumber Exam |
| Passing Score | 70% |
| Code Edition | Uniform Plumbing Code / International Plumbing Code |
| Application Fee | $75 |
Practice with real exam-style questions based on the Uniform Plumbing Code / International Plumbing Code.
Start Practice Exam — $2.99 →Getting licensed as a plumber in New York takes 48 months on the typical path. Here are the steps.
The total cost includes an exam application fee of $75 and renewal fees of $75 every 2 years. Continuing education of 16 hours is required per renewal cycle.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Exam Application | $75 |
| License Renewal | $75 every 2 years |
| Continuing Education | 16 hours |
Plumbers in New York earn a median salary of $78,900, which is less than the national average. Data from BLS OEWS May 2024. Once licensed, plumbers in New York handle projects with real cost variation by region — see plumbing project costs in New York.
| Mean (average) | — / year |
| Entry level (10th pct) | — |
| Top earners (90th pct) | — |
| Total employed | — in New York |
| National average | $65,160 |
Yes — New York requires a state-level plumber license. Install, maintain, and repair piping systems for water, gas, drainage, and sewage in residential and commercial buildings.
The required exam is the New York Plumber Exam. You need a score of 70% to pass. The exam fee is $75.
The median annual salary for plumbers in New York is $78,900. The national median is $65,160.
New York requires 16 hours of continuing education for license renewal every 2 years.
The fastest path takes approximately 36 months. The typical path takes 48 months including experience requirements.