Plumber in Delaware
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for DE
How to Become a Plumber in Delaware
To become a licensed plumber in Delaware, individuals must be at least 18 years old and typically complete a registered apprenticeship program, which usually takes four years with classroom training. Alternatively, seven years of verifiable work experience under a master licensee may be accepted. Master Plumbers must pass the Master Plumber Examination, administered by Prov, and pay an application fee of $173.00 and an exam fee of $100.00. Delaware offers reciprocity for Master Plumbers from certain states, with varying experience requirements.
Plumber Requirements in Delaware
| Detail | Delaware |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | Delaware Board of Plumbing, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Examiners |
| State License Required | Yes |
| Education | Completion of a registered apprenticeship program (typically 4 years with 144 hours/year classroom training) or 7 years of verifiable work experience under a master licensee if no journeyman certificate. For Master Plumber, must have a journeyman certificate and 2 years of work experience as a journeyman, or 7 years of verifiable work experience. |
| Exam | Master Plumber Examination (administered by Prov) ($100) |
| Application Fee | $173 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Continuing Education | 5.0 hours per cycle |
| Notes | Minimum age 18. High school diploma or GED required for apprentices. Continuing education of 5 hours per cycle will be required starting October 31, 2026. Master Plumbers must pass an exam. Journeyman plumbers are licensed but do not take an exam, rather they must complete an apprenticeship and then apply for the license. Background checks are required for all licensees. |
Source: Delaware Board of Plumbing, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Examiners
License Tiers
Delaware offers multiple tiers of plumber licensing:
| Tier | Hours Required |
|---|---|
| Apprentice | N/A |
| Journeyman | 4,000 |
| Master | 14,000 |
Plumber Salary in Delaware
The median plumber salary in Delaware is $64,300 per year, which is 2.1% above the national median of $62,970.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $40,630 |
| 25th | $48,360 |
| 50th (median) | $64,300 |
| 75th | $77,010 |
| 90th (experienced) | $86,900 |
Delaware employs approximately 1,570 plumbers.
Plumber Job Outlook
AI Impact on Plumbers
Low AI Exposure (Score: -1.12/1.00)
This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.
Is Becoming a Plumber in Delaware Worth It?
With an estimated total investment of $300 and a median salary of $64,300 in Delaware, the rough payback period is approximately 0 months.
Factors to consider: Delaware's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, moderate job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.