In a state with such a strong work ethic as Washington becoming a plumber is a greatly paid and fulfilling career choice.
Embarking on a career in plumbing means that you will be working in a profession that combines theoretical knowledge, problem-solving
skills, and most importantly practical work.
If you want to have the satisfaction of knowing that people’s businesses and homes are running smoothly because of you, then plumbing is
the perfect career for you.
In this article, we’ll share everything you need to know about becoming a plumber in Washington.
Table of Contents
How to Become a Plumber in Washington – Step by Step
To begin your plumbing career in Washington, you must be at least 16 years old.
You will start as a plumber trainee until you meet the requirements to apply for one of the licenses the state issues.
You can gain your training and experience by:
- enrolling in a Board-approved apprenticeship program
- working directly under the supervision of an already licensed professional, who will also be your mentor
- enrolling in a technical or community college/vocational school/plumbing-specific program
Washington does not require you to obtain formal education to receive a plumbing license, your on-the-job training is enough.
The state issues the following licenses:
- Journeyman Plumber License
- Residential Service License
- Residential Specialty License
Journeyman Plumber License
To apply for the Journeyman Plumber License you must show proof of 8,000 hours of plumbing work.
You must also submit the application form and pay the $$189.80 application/examination fee.
After the Department approves your application you will go on to take the Journeyman exam.
The Journeyman Plumbing exam is a closed-book exam that consists of 150 questions and has a 270-minute time limit.
The topics on the exam include:
- Technical and general trade knowledge
- Code application knowledge for waste and vents
- Code application for water piping
You need a score of 70% or higher to pass the exam.
You will receive your results immediately after completing the exam.
If you pass the exam you will go on to receive your Journeyman Plumber License.
If you fail the exam you can reapply and retake it.
You can retake the exam an unlimited number of times throughout the year, the only requirement is you must wait for 2 weeks after you failed the exam to take it again.
Residential Specialty (PL02) License
To apply for the Residential Specialty (PL02) License you must have at least 6,000 hours in the specialty, working under the supervision of a licensed professional.
Residential Specialty plumbers are restricted to plumbing installation, upkeep, and repair in single-family homes, duplexes, and apartment structures with no more than three stories.
You must also submit the application form and pay the $$189.80 application/examination fee.
After the Department approves your application you will go on to take the Residential Specialty exam.
The exam is a closed-book exam that consists of 150 questions and has a 270-minute time limit.
Topics on the exam include:
- Technical and general trade knowledge
- Code application knowledge for waste and vents
- Code application for water piping
You need a score of 70% or higher to pass the exam.
You will receive your results immediately after completing the exam.
If you pass the exam you will go on to receive your Residential Specialty License.
If you fail the exam you can reapply and retake it.
You can retake the exam an unlimited number of times throughout the year, the only requirement is you must wait for 2 weeks after you failed the exam to take it again.
Residential Service (PL04) License
To apply for the Residential Service (PL04) License you must have proof of working at least 4,000 hours as a plumber trainee.
The application process is the same as for the other licenses.
You must also submit the application form and pay the $$189.80 application/examination fee.
After the Department approves your application you will go on to take the Residential Service exam.
The Residential Service exam is a closed-book exam that consists of 55 questions and has a 90-minute time limit.
You need a score of 70% or higher to pass the exam.
You will receive your results immediately after completing the exam.
If you pass the exam you will go on to receive your Residential Service License.
If you fail the exam you can reapply and retake it.
You can retake the exam an unlimited number of times throughout the year, the only requirement is you must wait for 2 weeks after you failed the exam to take it again.
Plumbing Schools in Washington
Washington offers great schooling and apprenticeship options for its aspiring plumbers.
Greater Western Washington Pipe Trades
Greater Western Washington Pipe Trades offers an apprenticeship program like no other. 
You must be at least 18 years old and have a High School Diploma or the GED equivalent to begin an apprenticeship with them.
This is a 10,000-hour apprenticeship program, so you will complete it in about 5 years.
To learn more about this program, how to apply, and what to expect visit their website.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Greater Western Washington Pipe Trades | P111719, Burlington, WA 98233, United States |
Salary
Plumbers in Washington are exceptionally well paid for the hard work they put into keeping the plumbing systems running properly throughout the state.
The annual wage can vary anywhere from $51,093 to $86,670.
The annual average wage is currently estimated at $68,813.
The highest annual average salaries are $70,769 in the cities of Seattle and Bellevue.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Seattle | $70,769 |
| Bellevue | $70,769 |
| Everett | $69,499 |
| Tacoma | $68,975 |
| Federal Way | $68,975 |
| Kent | $68,838 |
| Vancouver | $66,649 |
| Bellingham | $65,921 |
| Yakima | $64,715 |
| Spokane | $63,137 |
Regional Salary in Washington
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bellingham, WA | 430 | $73,470 | $35.32 | $119,010 | $40,750 |
| Bremerton-Silverdale, WA | 1,010 | $67,070 | $32.24 | $83,870 | $44,180 |
| Kennewick-Richland, WA | 660 | $85,790 | $41.24 | $122,720 | $43,660 |
| Longview, WA | 180 | $66,810 | $32.12 | $101,930 | $44,030 |
| Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA | 170 | $69,280 | $33.31 | $104,490 | $38,860 |
| Olympia-Tumwater, WA | 400 | $77,670 | $37.34 | $129,350 | $37,760 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | 5,880 | $86,230 | $41.46 | $135,560 | $46,320 |
| Spokane-Spokane Valley, WA | 840 | $67,960 | $32.67 | $103,060 | $36,920 |
| Walla Walla, WA | 70 | $66,140 | $31.8 | $94,670 | $38,570 |
| Wenatchee, WA | 170 | $63,540 | $30.55 | $101,750 | $37,440 |
| Yakima, WA | 240 | $66,560 | $32 | $104,070 | $37,110 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I take the plumbing exams In Washington?
The following cities issue the plumbing exams in Washington State:
- Arlington
- Bremerton
- Ellensburg
- Everett
- Kennewick
- Lakewood
- Lake City
- Liberty Lake
- Olympia
- Puyallup
- Seattle (Bellevue)
- Snohomish
- Spokane
- Tacoma
- Vancouver
- Yakima
When should I renew my Washington plumbing license?
All plumbing licenses in Washington expire every three years on the licensee’s birthday, so you should have them renewed every three years up to your birthday.
How much does it cost to renew my Washington plumbing license?
Renewals for all the plumbing licenses in Washington cost $227.90.
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