Plumber Career Guide in Maryland
Explore plumber salary, licensing requirements, training pathways, apprenticeships, job outlook, and career opportunities in Maryland.
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How to Become a Plumber in Maryland
Most Maryland plumbers complete a registered apprenticeship combining supervised employment with classroom instruction before taking the state journey plumber examination.
Note: Training pathways vary by employer, program sponsor, and licensing category. Classroom education may provide useful technical preparation, but it does not automatically replace supervised work experience unless the applicable licensing authority specifically allows that credit.
Plumber Salary in Maryland
The salary figure shown on this page represents the Maryland median wage for plumber workers, based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics occupational wage data. A median wage is the point at which half of workers earn more and half earn less. It is not a guaranteed starting salary.
Actual earnings may vary by experience, license level, metropolitan area, employer, industry, overtime, and union agreement.
Compared with the national median of $62,970, the median wage in Maryland is approximately $2,430 higher. This comparison does not account for differences in cost of living.
Licensing Authority for Plumbers in Maryland
Note: Licensing rules, fees, examinations, exemptions, and renewal requirements may change. Applicants should verify current requirements directly with the authority listed above before beginning work, applying for an examination, or enrolling in a training program.
CAREER PREPARATIONPlumber Training Requirements in Maryland
Maryland plumbers must obtain the state credential appropriate to their training level and scope of work.
- Register as an apprentice and work under appropriately licensed supervision.
- Complete the practical experience and classroom instruction required for journey plumber licensure.
- Study plumbing code, mathematics, drainage, venting, water distribution, gas systems, blueprint reading, and safety.
- Pass the examination for journey plumber, master plumber, or master natural gas fitter licensure.
- Verify county registration, permit, insurance, renewal, and continuing-education requirements.
Plumber Training Providers in Maryland
| Provider | City | Program Website |
|---|---|---|
| Anne Arundel Community College | Arnold | View Program |
| Community College of Baltimore County | Baltimore | View Program |
| Montgomery College | Rockville | View Program |
Note: Program availability, admission requirements, tuition, and credit toward licensing requirements may change. Verify current details directly with the provider and the applicable state licensing authority before enrolling. Listings are informational and do not constitute rankings or endorsements.
PAID TRAINING OPPORTUNITIESPlumber Apprenticeship Programs in Maryland
Plumbing Apprenticeship
Organization: Associated Builders and Contractors Greater Baltimore
Plumber Licensing Requirements in Maryland
Maryland requires plumbers to hold an apprentice, journey, master, or master natural gas fitter credential. Counties may impose additional registration, permit, and inspection requirements.
EMPLOYMENT PROJECTIONSPlumber Job Outlook in Maryland
Maryland’s latest available long-term forecast indicates continuing demand for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters, supported by construction, public infrastructure, commercial facilities, maintenance, and replacement openings.
Note: State employment projections may use a different base period from national BLS projections. Projected growth is an estimate rather than a guarantee of employment, and local demand may vary by metropolitan area, industry, construction activity, and employer investment.
CAREER QUESTIONSFrequently Asked Questions
What is the plumber salary in Maryland?
The statewide median wage for plumbers in Maryland is approximately $65,400 per year, or $31.44 per hour, based on May 2024 occupational wage data. Actual earnings vary by experience, license level, location, employer, overtime, and industry.
Does Maryland require plumber licensing?
Yes. Maryland requires individuals performing regulated, non-exempt plumber work to hold the appropriate license or credential. Applicants should verify the current license category, experience, examination, and renewal requirements with Maryland Department of Labor — State Board of Plumbing.
How long does it take to become a plumber in Maryland?
The time required depends on the license pathway and training program. A typical training pathway takes approximately 4–5 Years Apprenticeship, although licensing, apprenticeship, and employer requirements may differ.
Are plumbers in demand in Maryland?
Maryland projects plumber employment to grow by approximately 8% from 2022 to 2032. Projections include both new positions and openings created when workers leave the occupation.
Career Data Sources
State wage, employment outlook, and licensing information is reviewed using government and official regulatory sources. Data and requirements may change after publication.
- May 2024 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates — U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. May 2024 State OEWS
- Maryland Wages for Plumber (SOC 47-2152) — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Maryland Plumber Wages
- Maryland Plumber Employment Trends — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Maryland Plumber Employment Trends
- Maryland Department of Labor — State Board of Plumbing — Licensing authority. Maryland Department of Labor — State Board of Plumbing