If you’ve ever had a leaky faucet at 2 a.m. or needed to renovate your bathroom, you know how vital plumbing contractors are. But have you ever wondered just how many of them are out there? How many plumbing contractors are there in the United States is more than a trivia question—it’s key insight for homeowners comparing local services, job seekers exploring trade careers, and entrepreneurs eyeing the skilled trades market. In this article, we’ll break down the latest verified numbers, regional trends, and what they reveal about America’s plumbing landscape.
How Many Licensed Plumbing Contractors Operate in the U.S.?
As of 2025, the United States is home to approximately 630,000 plumbing businesses, according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s County Business Patterns and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). However, not all of these are large firms—over 85% are solo operations or small teams with fewer than five employees.
The BLS also reports that there are roughly 524,000 employed plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters nationwide. But this figure doesn’t include self-employed contractors who may not be captured in traditional employment surveys. When factoring in independent operators and side hustlers in the gig economy (e.g., those on platforms like Angi or HomeAdvisor), industry analysts estimate the total number of active plumbing professionals exceeds 700,000.
💡 Key Insight: The gap between “businesses” and “workers” reflects a fragmented, entrepreneur-driven industry—ideal for localized service but challenging for national standardization.
Where Are Most Plumbing Contractors Located?
Plumbing demand closely follows population density and housing construction. Here’s how the top five states stack up:
| State | Estimated # of Plumbing Contractors | Key Drivers |
|---|---|---|
| California | ~78,000 | High population, aging infrastructure, frequent remodels |
| Texas | ~62,000 | Rapid urban growth, new home construction |
| Florida | ~55,000 | Aging homes, hurricane-related repairs, retiree influx |
| New York | ~48,000 | Dense urban housing, strict building codes |
| Illinois | ~39,000 | Industrial + residential demand in Chicago metro |
Notably, states like Nevada and Arizona have seen double-digit annual growth in plumbing licenses due to migration and housing booms—making them hotspots for new entrants into the trade.
What’s Driving Growth in the Plumbing Industry?
Several macro-trends explain why plumbing remains a resilient and expanding field:
- Aging Infrastructure: The American Society of Civil Engineers gives U.S. drinking water systems a “C-” grade, signaling urgent need for pipe replacement.
- Labor Shortages: With fewer young people entering skilled trades, existing contractors face high demand and low competition.
- Home Renovation Boom: Post-pandemic, 68% of homeowners invested in kitchen/bathroom upgrades (National Association of Home Builders, 2024).
- Climate Pressures: Droughts (requiring efficient fixtures) and floods (causing emergency repairs) increase service calls.
According to IBISWorld’s 2025 Plumbing Services Industry Report, the sector generates $130+ billion annually and is projected to grow at 3.2% per year through 2030.
Are All Plumbing Contractors Licensed?
No—and that’s a critical distinction. Licensing requirements vary by state and even by county. For example:
- California requires a C-36 license from the Contractors State License Board (CSLB), including 4 years of experience and exams.
- Texas mandates registration with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR).
- Florida requires a certified or registered plumbing contractor license depending on project scope.
However, some rural areas or smaller towns allow “handyman exemptions” for minor plumbing work under $1,000. This creates a gray zone where unlicensed individuals offer services—posing risks to consumers.
⚠️ Pro Tip: Always verify a contractor’s license via your state’s official licensing board. You can also cross-check credentials on Wikipedia’s overview of U.S. occupational licensing, which explains regulatory frameworks across states.
How to Choose a Reliable Plumbing Contractor (Step-by-Step)
If you’re hiring one of the hundreds of thousands of U.S. plumbing contractors, follow these steps to avoid scams and subpar work:
- Check Licensing & Insurance
Visit your state’s contractor licensing website. Confirm active status and no disciplinary actions. - Read Verified Reviews
Look beyond Google—check BBB (Better Business Bureau), Angi, and Nextdoor for real homeowner experiences. - Request Itemized Quotes
A professional will provide a written estimate breaking down labor, materials, and timeline. Avoid vague “flat fee” offers. - Ask About Warranties
Reputable contractors offer 1-year minimum warranties on labor. Some brands (like Uponor or SharkBite) extend parts coverage. - Confirm Emergency Availability
If you’re in a flood-prone area, ensure they offer 24/7 service—or have a backup plan. - Verify Local Experience
A plumber familiar with your city’s pipe materials (e.g., galvanized vs. PEX) will diagnose issues faster.
Plumbing Contractors vs. Handymen: What’s the Difference?
Many homeowners confuse the two—but the difference matters for complex jobs:
| Feature | Licensed Plumbing Contractor | Handyman |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Full pipe installation, sewer lines, gas lines | Minor fixes (faucet washers, toilet flappers) |
| Licensing | State-mandated exam + insurance | Often unlicensed for plumbing tasks |
| Permits | Can pull municipal permits | Cannot legally obtain plumbing permits |
| Liability | Carries $1M+ general liability insurance | May have none |
| Cost | Higher hourly rate ($80–$150/hr) | Lower ($50–$80/hr) but riskier |
✅ Rule of Thumb: If the job involves cutting into walls, altering main lines, or touching gas pipes—only hire a licensed plumbing contractor.
FAQ Section
Q1: How many new plumbing contractors enter the market each year?
Approximately 15,000–20,000 new plumbing businesses register annually, though turnover is high—about 10% close within the first year due to capital constraints or licensing hurdles.
Q2: Is there a shortage of plumbers in the U.S.?
Yes. The BLS projects 51,000 new plumber jobs will open by 2032, but trade schools aren’t producing enough graduates. This shortage drives up wages (median pay: $60,000/year, with top earners exceeding $100,000).
Q3: Do plumbing contractors need federal licensing?
No. Plumbing is regulated at the state or local level. There is no federal plumbing license in the U.S.
Q4: Can I become a plumbing contractor without going to trade school?
In most states, yes—through apprenticeships. Typically, you’ll need 4–5 years of supervised work (8,000+ hours) before qualifying for a contractor’s exam.
Q5: Are plumbing contractors required to be bonded?
Many states require a surety bond (usually $5,000–$15,000) to protect clients if the contractor fails to complete work or violates regulations.
Q6: How do I report an unlicensed plumbing contractor?
File a complaint with your state’s contractor licensing board or attorney general’s office. Provide photos, contracts, and payment records as evidence.
Conclusion
So, how many plumbing contractors are there in the United States? While exact counts fluctuate, the consensus points to 600,000–700,000 active professionals serving homes and businesses across the country. This vast network reflects both opportunity and complexity—whether you’re hiring help, starting a career, or analyzing market trends.
Understanding the scale, regulation, and regional dynamics of this essential trade empowers smarter decisions. If you found this breakdown helpful, share it with a friend who’s planning a renovation—or considering a future in the skilled trades! 🛠️💧
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