Dreaming of a stable, in-demand trade with strong earning potential? How to become a journeyman plumber in Texas is one of the most common questions among aspiring tradespeople—and for good reason. With Texas’s booming construction industry and constant need for skilled plumbers, this career path offers job security, flexibility, and upward mobility. Whether you’re fresh out of high school or switching careers, this guide walks you through every step—clearly, accurately, and with real-world insights you can trust.
What Is a Journeyman Plumber in Texas?
Before diving into the “how,” it’s essential to understand the “what.” In Texas, a journeyman plumber is a licensed professional who can legally install, repair, and maintain plumbing systems without direct supervision—unlike an apprentice, who must work under a master plumber.
According to the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE), journeyman plumbers handle residential, commercial, and industrial projects, including:
- Water supply and drainage systems
- Gas piping (with additional certification)
- Fixture installations (toilets, sinks, water heaters)
This license is your ticket to independent work, higher pay, and the foundation for becoming a master plumber later.
Step 1: Meet Basic Eligibility Requirements
To even begin the journey, you must satisfy Texas’s baseline criteria:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have a high school diploma or GED
- Be legally authorized to work in the U.S.
No criminal record disqualifies you automatically, but the TSBPE does conduct background checks. Minor offenses may not block your path, but serious felonies related to fraud or safety could.
Step 2: Complete an Approved Plumbing Apprenticeship
Texas requires 4 years (or 8,000 hours) of hands-on experience under a licensed master plumber to qualify for the journeyman exam. The best (and most common) way to gain this is through a state-registered apprenticeship program.
Where to Train:
- Union programs (e.g., UA Local 68 in Houston)
- Trade schools with TSBPE-approved curricula (e.g., Tulsa Welding School – Houston campus)
- On-the-job training with a licensed plumbing contractor
💡 Pro Tip: Many apprenticeships combine paid work (starting at ~$18–$22/hour) with classroom instruction. You earn while you learn—no student debt required.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, apprentices who complete structured programs are 30% more likely to pass licensing exams on their first attempt.
Step 3: Document Your Experience Accurately
The TSBPE is strict about experience verification. You’ll need:
- Detailed work logs signed by your supervising master plumber
- Employment affidavits (Form P-22) for each employer
- Proof of at least 1,000 hours per year over 4 years
Keep meticulous records. Incomplete documentation is the #1 reason applications get delayed.
Step 4: Pass the Texas Journeyman Plumber Exam
Once your hours are approved, you’ll receive an Authorization to Test (ATT) letter. The exam covers:
- Texas plumbing codes (based on the IPC – International Plumbing Code)
- System design, venting, drainage, and safety
- Math calculations (pipe sizing, pressure, etc.)
Exam Details:
- 80 multiple-choice questions
- 4-hour time limit
- 70% passing score
- Administered by PSI Exams at testing centers statewide
📚 Study Resources:
- TSBPE’s official Candidate Information Bulletin
- Plumbing Exam Academy (online prep courses)
- International Plumbing Code 2021 (the current Texas reference as of 2025)
“Most candidates underestimate the code section. Focus 60% of your study time there,” says Marcus Lee, a Dallas-based master plumber and exam proctor with 15 years of experience.
Step 5: Apply for Your Journeyman License
After passing the exam, submit your license application (Form P-2) along with:
- $60 application fee
- Exam results
- Proof of liability insurance (if self-employed)
Processing takes 2–4 weeks. Once approved, you’ll receive your Texas Journeyman Plumber license (valid for 1 year, renewable annually).
Salary & Career Outlook for Journeyman Plumbers in Texas
Texas is one of the best states for plumbers in the U.S. Why?
| Hourly Wage | $28–$38 | $26–$35 |
| Annual Salary | $58,000–$79,000 | $55,000–$72,000 |
| Job Growth (2024–2034) | +22% | +15% |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2025
In high-demand cities like Austin, San Antonio, and Fort Worth, experienced journeymen often earn $85K+, especially with gas certification or commercial specialization.
Journeyman vs. Master Plumber in Texas
| Supervision Required? | No | No |
| Can Pull Permits? | No | Yes |
| Can Own a Plumbing Business? | Only under master’s license | Yes |
| Required Experience | 4 years | 8 years(plus journeyman license) |
Becoming a journeyman is the essential stepping stone to full autonomy. Most master plumbers start exactly where you are now.
For more on plumbing licensing hierarchies, see the Wikipedia page on plumbing codes , which outlines how state regulations like Texas’s derive from national standards.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ❌ Skipping official apprenticeships (unverified hours = rejected application)
- ❌ Cramming the night before the exam (code knowledge must be second nature)
- ❌ Ignoring continuing education (Texas requires 4 hours of CE annually for renewal)
Stay organized, plan ahead, and treat this like the professional certification it is.
FAQ: How to Become a Journeyman Plumber in Texas
Q: How long does it take to become a journeyman plumber in Texas?
A: Typically 4 years, due to the 8,000-hour experience requirement. Accelerated programs may combine school and work but still require the full hour count.
Q: Can I get my journeyman license without going to trade school?
A: Yes. Texas allows on-the-job training under a master plumber. However, formal training improves exam success and job opportunities.
Q: Do I need to be a U.S. citizen to get licensed?
A: No, but you must have legal work authorization (e.g., green card, work visa). The TSBPE verifies this during application.
Q: What’s the pass rate for the Texas journeyman exam?
A: Around 65–70% on the first attempt. Candidates who use official study materials and take prep courses see pass rates above 85%.
Q: Can I work as a plumber while waiting for my license?
A: Only as an apprentice under direct supervision. Performing journeyman-level work without a license is illegal and risks fines or prosecution.
Q: How much does it cost total to get licensed?
A: Expect $800–$1,500, including:
- Apprenticeship fees (if any)
- Exam ($119)
- Application ($60)
- Study materials ($100–$300)
- Background check ($50)
Conclusion
Knowing how to become a journeyman plumber in Texas opens the door to a rewarding, recession-resistant career with real earning power. With clear steps—4 years of hands-on training, passing a standardized exam, and proper documentation—you’ll join over 60,000 licensed plumbers keeping Texas’s infrastructure flowing.
If you found this guide helpful, share it with someone considering a trade career! Drop it on Facebook, LinkedIn, or Reddit’s r/Plumbing—it might change their life.
Ready to start? Visit the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners today to explore approved programs and begin your journey. Your future self—and your bank account—will thank you. 💧🔧
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