Plumber in Missouri
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for MO
How to Become a Plumber in Missouri
To become a plumber in Missouri, individuals must obtain a license through their local city or county, as there is no statewide licensing body. Requirements vary by jurisdiction, but generally involve completing an apprenticeship (e.g., 2-5 years depending on the city), passing a local plumbing exam, and submitting an application with applicable fees. For example, St. Louis County requires Journeyman and Master Plumbers to complete continuing education units for renewal. While there is no statewide reciprocity with other states, a bill is in progress to allow reciprocity between different local jurisdictions within Missouri.
Plumber Requirements in Missouri
| Detail | Missouri |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | N/A (Local Jurisdictions) |
| State License Required | No |
| Notes | Missouri does not have a statewide licensing requirement for plumbers; instead, licensing is handled at the city and county level. Requirements vary significantly by jurisdiction. For example, in St. Louis, a Journeyman Plumber must be at least 21 years old, have a high school diploma, and complete a five-year apprenticeship. In Kansas City, a Journeyman Plumber needs a minimum of two years of apprenticeship experience. Master Plumbers typically need additional experience as a Journeyman. Some local jurisdictions may also have age requirements (e.g., 21 for Journeyman in Kansas City and St. Louis, 25 for Master Plumber in some areas). Many cities and counties require general liability insurance and a surety bond. |
Source: N/A (Local Jurisdictions)
Plumber Salary in Missouri
The median plumber salary in Missouri is $62,090 per year, which is 1.4% below the national median of $62,970.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $43,140 |
| 25th | $49,340 |
| 50th (median) | $62,090 |
| 75th | $91,760 |
| 90th (experienced) | $107,400 |
Missouri employs approximately 7,900 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 Missouri Worth It?
Factors to consider: Missouri's cost of living, the lack of a state license requirement, moderate job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.