Can a Journeyman Plumber Work for Himself in Texas?

What Is a Journeyman Plumber in Texas?

Before diving into self-employment rules, it’s essential to understand what a journeyman plumber actually is under Texas law.

In Texas, plumbers are licensed by the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE). There are three main license levels:

1. Apprentice – Works under direct supervision.
2. Journeyman – Can perform plumbing work independently but only under the supervision of a Master Plumber.
3. Master Plumber – Can own a plumbing business, pull permits, and supervise journeymen and apprentices.

According to the TSBPE , a journeyman plumber has completed at least 4,000 hours of supervised work and passed a state exam. But crucially, a journeyman cannot operate a plumbing business independently—even if they’re the only employee.

💡 Key Fact: As of 2024, over 28,000 licensed journeyman plumbers are active in Texas—but fewer than 15% own their own contracting businesses, largely due to licensing restrictions.

Can a Journeyman Plumber Work for Himself in Texas? The Legal Reality

Short answer: No—not fully.

Texas law (specifically, Texas Occupations Code Chapter 1301) states that only a Master Plumber or a plumbing contractor licensed by the state can:

• Pull permits for plumbing work
• Advertise plumbing services under their own name
• Enter into contracts with clients
• Supervise other plumbers

This means a journeyman plumber cannot legally operate as a sole proprietor offering plumbing services directly to the public—even if they’re doing the work themselves.

However, there are limited scenarios where a journeyman can work “for himself”:

✅ Permitted Situations:

• Working as a subcontractor under a licensed Master Plumber or plumbing contractor (with proper oversight).
• Performing minor repairs that don’t require a permit (e.g., fixing a leaky faucet in a friend’s home—as long as no money changes hands or it’s not advertised as a business).
• Employed by a company they co-own, if a Master Plumber is listed as the responsible supervisor on all permits and contracts.

❌ Not Allowed:

• Advertising on social media or Google as “John’s Plumbing – Journeyman Licensed”
• Bidding on jobs independently
• Pulling permits under their own name
• Hiring other plumbers or apprentices

⚠️ Warning: Violating these rules can result in fines up to $5,000 per offense, license suspension, or even criminal charges for unlicensed contracting.

Journeyman vs. Master Plumber: Key Differences in Texas

To clarify why self-employment is restricted, here’s a quick comparison:

This structure ensures that complex plumbing systems—especially in commercial buildings or new construction—are overseen by highly experienced professionals.

For more on licensing tiers globally, see Wikipedia’s overview of trades licensing .

How to Legally Work for Yourself: A Step-by-Step Path

If you’re a journeyman plumber dreaming of independence, here’s your roadmap:

Step 1: Gain Additional Experience

Work another 4,000 hours (about 2 years full-time) under a Master Plumber. Document every hour—TSBPE requires detailed logs.

Step 2: Study for the Master Plumber Exam

The Texas Master Plumber exam covers:

• Advanced plumbing codes (IPC & UPC)
• Gas piping systems
• Backflow prevention
• Business & law (20% of the test)

Use TSBPE’s official study guide and consider prep courses from providers like Plumbing Exam Academy or RedVector.

Step 3: Apply for Your Master License

Submit:

• Proof of 8,000 supervised hours
• Application fee ($115 as of 2024)
• Exam results
• Background check

Processing takes 4–6 weeks.

Step 4: Register Your Business

Once licensed:

• Register your business with the Texas Secretary of State
• Get an EIN from the IRS
• Obtain liability insurance (minimum $300,000 recommended)
• Display your license number on all ads, trucks, and invoices

📌 Pro Tip: Many successful plumbing entrepreneurs start by partnering with a Master Plumber as a “silent supervisor” while they build their client base—just ensure all legal paperwork is in place.

Pros and Cons of Waiting vs. Partnering

Most experts (like the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association) recommend the first path for long-term success—but the second can work with a solid contract.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can a journeyman plumber do side jobs in Texas?

A: Only if the work doesn’t require a permit and isn’t part of a business. Fixing a neighbor’s sink for $50 might seem harmless—but if you advertise or do it regularly, it’s considered unlicensed contracting and is illegal.

Q2: What plumbing work doesn’t require a license in Texas?

A: Minor tasks like replacing faucets, unclogging drains, or installing water filters in existing residential homes may not need a permit—but local cities (like Austin or Houston) often have stricter rules. Always check with your municipality.

Q3: Can I form an LLC as a journeyman plumber?

A: Yes, you can form an LLC, but you cannot perform plumbing services under that LLC unless a Master Plumber is the qualifying individual on file with TSBPE.

Q4: How much does a Master Plumber make in Texas?

A: According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2023), Master Plumbers in Texas earn $62,000–$95,000/year, with business owners often exceeding $120,000.

Q5: Is Texas getting rid of plumbing licenses?

A: No. Despite past legislative debates, the TSBPE remains active. In fact, enforcement has increased since 2021 to combat unlicensed work after storm-related repair scams.

Q6: Can I work for myself in another state with a Texas journeyman license?

A: Possibly—but most states require their own exams. Texas has reciprocity only with a few states (like Louisiana for certain licenses). Always verify with the target state’s licensing board.

Conclusion

So, can a journeyman plumber work for himself in Texas? Technically, not in the way most people imagine. While you can’t legally run your own plumbing business or pull permits, you can prepare for true independence by advancing to Master Plumber status—a smart investment in your career and credibility.

The path may take time, but it ensures you’re protected, compliant, and positioned for long-term success in one of Texas’s most in-demand trades.

Found this helpful? Share it with a fellow plumber on Facebook, LinkedIn, or Instagram! And if you’re ready to take the next step, visit the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners to start your Master application today.