Plumber in District of Columbia
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for DC
How to Become a Plumber in District of Columbia
To become a licensed Plumber in the District of Columbia, individuals must obtain a license through the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP) - Board of Industrial Trades. Key steps include completing a registered apprenticeship program or acquiring equivalent experience (8,000 hours over 4 years), passing the DC Journeyman Plumber Examination, and submitting an application with a $65 fee. There are no continuing education requirements for license renewal, which occurs every two years. The District of Columbia now offers reciprocity for Journeyman and Master Plumbers and/or Gasfitters licensed by examination in Maryland.
Plumber Requirements in District of Columbia
| Detail | District of Columbia |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP) - Board of Industrial Trades |
| State License Required | Yes |
| Education | Completion of a registered apprenticeship program or equivalent experience. |
| Experience Required | 8,000.0 hours |
| Exam | DC Journeyman Plumber Examination ($52) |
| Application Fee | $65 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Notes | Minimum age is typically 18 years old with a high school diploma or GED equivalent. Master Plumber requires holding a Journeyman license for at least 4 years. |
Source: Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP) - Board of Industrial Trades
License Tiers
District of Columbia offers multiple tiers of plumber licensing:
| Tier | Hours Required |
|---|---|
| Apprentice | N/A |
| Journeyman | 8,000 |
| Master | 12,000 |
Plumber Salary in District of Columbia
The median plumber salary in District of Columbia is $81,950 per year, which is 30.1% above the national median of $62,970.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $48,730 |
| 25th | $61,760 |
| 50th (median) | $81,950 |
| 75th | $102,820 |
| 90th (experienced) | $107,270 |
District of Columbia employs approximately 640 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 District of Columbia Worth It?
With an estimated total investment of $250 and a median salary of $81,950 in District of Columbia, the rough payback period is approximately 0 months.
Factors to consider: District of Columbia's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, moderate job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.