Overview
Delaware requires a state-issued license to work independently as a pipefitter. Licensing is administered by Delaware Division of Professional Regulation (DPR). Requirements include supervised experience, a written exam, and payment of licensing fees.
Always verify current requirements directly with Delaware Division of Professional Regulation (DPR) before beginning your application, as rules can change.
^ TopLicense tiers and what each allows
| License | What you can do | Exam required |
|---|---|---|
| Apprentice Pipefitter | Training level. Work under supervision in a registered apprenticeship program. | Registration only |
| Journeyman Pipefitter | Install, maintain, and repair piping systems independently. | Yes. State journeyman exam |
| Foreman / Supervisor | Supervise crews and manage piping projects. | Experience + employer advancement |
Step-by-step path
Enroll in a registered apprenticeship program
Join a UA (United Association) local union apprenticeship or non-union program. Programs combine classroom instruction with on-the-job training.
Complete 8,000 hours of supervised training
Apprenticeship typically takes 4-5 years. You'll learn pipe layout, welding, and system testing under journeyman supervision.
Pass the journeyman pipefitter exam
The exam covers piping codes, materials, and installation practices specific to Delaware.
Apply for your license
Submit your application to Delaware Division of Professional Regulation (DPR) with your exam results and experience documentation.
Renew biennially
Your Delaware pipefitter license renews every two years.
Fee summary
| Item | Fee |
|---|---|
| Application / registration | Varies (check board) |
| Licensing exam | $75 |
| License issuance | Varies (check board) |
| License renewal (biennial) | Varies (check board) |
Salary by experience level
Wages vary by license level, metro area, and union status. The estimates below reflect typical ranges nationally; Delaware wages are approximately $64,300/yr at journeyman level (BLS May 2024 median).
| Stage | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Apprentice | $18–$28/hr | Supervised training period; wage increases each year |
| Journeyman | $28–$46/hr | After licensure; independent work authorized |
| Master / Contractor | $46–$70/hr | Supervisory authority, permit rights, contractor eligibility |
Realistic timeline: start to licensed
Here is a realistic calendar for someone starting from scratch with no prior experience.
| Phase | Duration | What happens |
|---|---|---|
| Apprentice registration | 1–2 weeks | Register with state board or UA local union apprenticeship. |
| Supervised hours | ~5 years | UA apprenticeship is 5 years (10,000 hours); non-union may qualify with 8,000 hours. |
| Exam preparation | 4–8 weeks | Study pipe codes, blueprint reading, and system design. |
| Schedule and pass exam | 2–4 weeks | State board written exam; some states also require a practical. |
| License application processing | 2–4 weeks | Submit application with verified hours and exam results. |
Union vs. independent path
Pipefitters have one of the strongest union presences of any trade. The UA (United Association) represents pipefitters alongside plumbers and HVAC workers. Both paths lead to the same state license — the difference is in how you accumulate your hours and the employment benefits you receive during training.
| Union (UA) | Non-union / independent | |
|---|---|---|
| Training program | 5-year UA apprenticeship, tuition-free | Employer OJT (industrial employers) |
| Wages during training | Starting at ~50% journeyman scale, increasing annually | Varies significantly by employer |
| Benefits | Full union benefits (health, pension, annuity) | Employer-dependent |
| Job placement | UA union hall dispatch to industrial contractors | Self-directed; industrial employers recruit directly |
| Welding certification | UA program includes welding certification tracks | Candidate's own responsibility |
| Post-license mobility | UA card recognized by signatory contractors nationally | Depends on state reciprocity |
Transferring your license from another state
Pipefitter license reciprocity varies by state. Some states have reciprocal agreements for journeyman-level pipefitters. UA card holders working for signatory contractors have de facto national mobility. Contact the state licensing board to verify if your credentials transfer.
If you currently hold a pipefitter license in another state and want to work in Delaware, contact the Delaware Division of Revenue / professional licensing boards directly before applying. Bring documentation of your current license, your work history, and your exam scores — many boards will expedite review for out-of-state applicants with equivalent credentials.
Plumbers and pipefitters both work under the UA union umbrella but on different systems. See the Plumber license guide for Delaware for comparison.
Industrial facilities hire both pipefitters and electricians — see the Electrician license guide for Delaware.
Exam registration & resources
Where to register for your licensing exam and track your application.
- UA — United Association apprenticeship applications The UA (United Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters) runs the largest pipefitter apprenticeship programs. Find your local union and apply here. ua.org
- PSI Exams — Pipefitter licensing exam States that require a separate pipefitter license use PSI for exam registration. candidate.psiexams.com
- NCCER — Pipefitting credentials and testing NCCER offers nationally recognized pipefitting credentials accepted by many contractors and states. nccer.org
Pipefitter Jobs in Delaware
Current openings near you — updated daily.
Job listings via Adzuna