Overview
Delaware requires a state-issued license to work independently as a plumber. 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 | Training level. Work under supervision. | Registration only |
| Journeyman Plumber | Install, repair, and maintain plumbing systems under a master plumber. | Yes. State exam (~$75 fee) |
| Master Plumber | Full independent work, supervise others, pull permits. | Yes. Advanced state exam |
Step-by-step path
Register as an apprentice
Register with Delaware Division of Professional Regulation (DPR) before starting work to legally accumulate supervised hours.
Accumulate 7,200 hours of supervised experience
Work under a licensed master plumber. This takes approximately 4 years at full-time hours.
Pass the journeyman plumber exam
The exam covers state plumbing code and installation practices. Study 4-6 weeks with a state-approved prep guide.
Apply for your journeyman license
Submit your application to Delaware Division of Professional Regulation (DPR). Processing typically takes 2-4 weeks.
Renew biennially
Your Delaware plumber license renews every two years. Always renew on time.
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 | $17–$26/hr | Supervised training period; wage increases each year |
| Journeyman | $26–$42/hr | After licensure; independent work authorized |
| Master / Contractor | $42–$65/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 local UA apprenticeship program before accumulating hours. |
| Supervised hours | ~4 years | Work full-time under a licensed journeyman or master plumber accumulating 8,000 hours. |
| Exam preparation | 4–8 weeks | Study plumbing code (UPC or IPC) and state-specific rules. |
| Schedule and pass exam | 2–4 weeks | Schedule through PSI or Pearson VUE; results often available same day. |
| License application processing | 2–4 weeks | Submit application with verified hours and passing exam score. |
Union vs. independent path
Plumbers can pursue licensing through the UA (United Association) apprenticeship program or independently through employer on-the-job training. 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 or private trade school |
| Wages during training | Starting at ~50% of journeyman scale, increasing annually | Varies by employer |
| Benefits | Full union benefits (health, pension) | Employer-dependent |
| Job placement | Union hall dispatch | Self-directed job search |
| Hour documentation | Tracked through UA program | Employer must verify |
| Post-license mobility | UA card recognized by signatory contractors nationwide | Depends on state reciprocity |
Transferring your license from another state
Most states do not have formal plumber license reciprocity agreements. Some states will accept documented out-of-state experience toward hour requirements. A few states participate in regional endorsement programs. Always contact the state licensing board directly before assuming your hours or license transfers.
If you currently hold a plumber 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.
Pipefitters and plumbers share roots in the UA union but work in different environments — see the Pipefitter license guide for Delaware if industrial pipe systems interest you.
General contractors manage plumbing subcontractors and need to understand licensing requirements — see the General Contractor guide for Delaware.
Exam registration & resources
Where to register for your licensing exam and track your application.
- PSI Exams — Schedule your plumber exam Most states use PSI for journeyman and master plumber exams. Create an account, find your state, and register. candidate.psiexams.com
- Pearson VUE — Plumbing licensing exams Some states use Pearson VUE for plumbing licensing exams. home.pearsonvue.com
- NASCLA — Multi-state contractor exams Plumbing contractor exams accepted across multiple states. nascla.org
Plumber Jobs in Delaware
Current openings near you — updated daily.
Job listings via Adzuna