California Plumbing License: Requirements, Costs, and How to Get Certified

When you think about becoming a plumber, a skilled tradesperson who installs and repairs water systems, drainage, and gas lines in homes and buildings. Also known as a pipefitter, it's one of the most stable, hands-on careers in construction and maintenance. In California, you can’t legally work as a plumber without the right license. The state takes this seriously — it’s not just about knowing how to fix a leak. You need to prove you understand codes, safety rules, and real-world job demands. That’s where the California Plumbing License, a state-issued credential that authorizes individuals to perform plumbing work legally across California comes in.

Getting licensed isn’t just about passing a test. It’s a step-by-step journey that usually starts with an apprenticeship, a paid training program where you learn plumbing skills on the job while working under a licensed professional. Most people spend 4 to 5 years in these programs, logging thousands of hours of hands-on work. Along the way, you’ll study plumbing codes, blueprint reading, and safety standards. You’ll also learn how to use tools like pipe cutters, wrenches, and pressure testers — the same ones used on real job sites every day. After your apprenticeship, you can apply to take the state licensing exam. The exam covers everything from water supply systems to backflow prevention, and it’s not easy. But if you’ve done the work, you’ll be ready.

What’s the payoff? Licensed plumbers in California earn more than most entry-level office jobs. In cities like Los Angeles or San Francisco, experienced plumbers make $30 to $50 an hour — and that’s before overtime or emergency calls. You don’t need a college degree. You just need the license, the skills, and the willingness to show up every day. And unlike many jobs, plumbing doesn’t go away. People always need clean water, working drains, and reliable heating systems. That’s why this license is one of the most valuable credentials you can earn in the trades.

Below, you’ll find real guides from people who’ve been through the process — from how to find paid apprenticeships in California, to what the exam actually looks like, to how much it costs to get certified. No theory. No fluff. Just what you need to know to start your career.