Plumber in Texas
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for TX
How to Become a Plumber in Texas
To become a Journeyman Plumber in Texas, individuals must obtain a license from the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE). This involves accumulating at least 8,000 hours of plumbing work experience and completing a 48-hour TSBPE-approved training course or a U.S. Department of Labor-approved apprenticeship program. After meeting these prerequisites, applicants must pass the Texas Journeyman Plumber Examination and pay the associated fees. Texas offers reciprocity for Journeyman plumbers from Louisiana (with a Gasfitter License) and Arkansas, though specific experience or exam requirements may apply for Arkansas licensees. All applicants are required to submit fingerprint data for a criminal history check.
Plumber Requirements in Texas
| Detail | Texas |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE) |
| State License Required | Yes |
| Education | 48-hour training course approved by the TSBPE or a training program approved by the United States Department of Labor Office of Apprenticeship, in addition to a high school diploma or GED for Master Plumber applicants. |
| Experience Required | 8,000.0 hours |
| Exam | Texas Journeyman Plumber Examination ($40) |
| Application Fee | $40 |
| Renewal | Every 1.0 year |
| Continuing Education | 6.0 hours per cycle |
| Notes | Minimum age for Plumber's Apprentice is 16 years old. All applicants must submit fingerprint data for a criminal history check. Master Plumber requires holding a Journeyman license for at least two years, or one year with an approved training program. |
License Tiers
Texas offers multiple tiers of plumber licensing:
| Tier | Hours Required |
|---|---|
| Apprentice | N/A |
| Tradesman Plumber-Limited | 4,000 |
| Journeyman | 8,000 |
| Master | 10,000 |
Plumber Salary in Texas
The median plumber salary in Texas is $58,560 per year, which is 7.0% below the national median of $62,970.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $37,320 |
| 25th | $46,400 |
| 50th (median) | $58,560 |
| 75th | $72,390 |
| 90th (experienced) | $81,510 |
Texas employs approximately 42,290 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 Texas Worth It?
With an estimated total investment of $150 and a median salary of $58,560 in Texas, the rough payback period is approximately 0 months.
Factors to consider: Texas's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, moderate job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.