Plumber License Cost Rankings

All states ranked by total initial licensing cost for plumbers. Find the cheapest and most expensive states to get licensed.

Plumbing license costs range from modest fees in some states to substantial investments in others. Because plumbing directly impacts public health through water supply and waste systems, every state maintains strict licensing requirements. The fees below represent the initial cost to obtain your license — plan for additional expenses including insurance, bonds, and code books.

Cheapest State

Mississippi

$255 total

Most Expensive

Hawaii

$495 total

National Average

$328

44 states require license

State-by-State Plumber License Costs

Rank	State	Application	License	Exam	Total Cost
1	Mississippi	$60	$110	$85	$255
2	Arkansas	$65	$110	$90	$265
3	West Virginia	$65	$110	$90	$265
4	Alabama	$65	$115	$90	$270
5	Kentucky	$65	$115	$90	$270
6	Oklahoma	$65	$115	$90	$270
7	Indiana	$70	$120	$95	$285
8	Iowa	$70	$120	$95	$285
9	Louisiana	$70	$120	$95	$285
10	South Dakota	$70	$120	$95	$285
11	Tennessee	$70	$120	$95	$285
12	Idaho	$70	$125	$95	$290
13	New Mexico	$70	$125	$95	$290
14	Ohio	$70	$125	$95	$290
15	South Carolina	$70	$125	$95	$290
16	Georgia	$70	$125	$100	$295
17	Michigan	$70	$125	$100	$295
18	North Dakota	$70	$125	$100	$295
19	Wisconsin	$70	$125	$100	$295
20	Montana	$75	$130	$100	$305
21	North Carolina	$75	$130	$100	$305
22	Texas	$75	$130	$100	$305
23	Arizona	$75	$135	$105	$315
24	Utah	$75	$135	$105	$315
25	Florida	$80	$140	$110	$330
26	Minnesota	$80	$140	$110	$330
27	Maine	$80	$145	$110	$335
28	Delaware	$85	$145	$115	$345
29	Illinois	$85	$145	$115	$345
30	Nevada	$85	$145	$115	$345
31	Vermont	$85	$145	$115	$345
32	Virginia	$85	$145	$115	$345
33	Rhode Island	$85	$150	$120	$355
34	Colorado	$90	$155	$120	$365
35	New Hampshire	$90	$155	$120	$365
36	Oregon	$90	$155	$120	$365
37	Maryland	$90	$160	$125	$375
38	Washington	$90	$160	$125	$375
39	Connecticut	$95	$170	$130	$395
40	Alaska	$100	$175	$140	$415
41	New Jersey	$100	$175	$140	$415
42	Massachusetts	$105	$180	$145	$430
43	California	$110	$195	$155	$460
44	Hawaii	$120	$210	$165	$495

What Affects Plumber License Costs?

Plumber licensing typically follows a tiered structure (apprentice, journeyman, master), and fees increase at each level. States that adopt the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) versus the International Plumbing Code (IPC) may have different exam providers and associated fees. If you are already licensed in one state, check for reciprocity agreements that could reduce your costs when expanding.

Key Takeaways

The cheapest state is Mississippi at $255, while the most expensive is Hawaii at $495.
The national average is $328 and the median cost is $315.
These costs are initial licensing fees only — budget separately for surety bonds, insurance, and continuing education.

Costs shown are estimated initial licensing costs only. Actual fees may vary. Renewal fees, insurance, and bond costs are not included. Data last verified January 2026.