Plumber Career Guide in New Jersey
Explore plumber salary, licensing requirements, training pathways, apprenticeships, job outlook, and career opportunities in New Jersey.
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How to Become a Plumber in New Jersey
The standard path is a registered apprenticeship combining paid supervised work with technical instruction, followed by journeyperson-level experience and eventual master plumber eligibility.
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 New Jersey
The salary figure shown on this page represents the New Jersey 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 New Jersey is approximately $15,270 higher. This comparison does not account for differences in cost of living.
Licensing Authority for Plumbers in New Jersey
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 New Jersey
New Jersey plumbers generally progress from registered apprenticeship to journeyperson experience before qualifying for master plumber licensure.
- Enroll in a registered plumbing apprenticeship and work under authorized supervision.
- Complete classroom instruction in plumbing code, mathematics, drainage, venting, water systems, gas piping, and safety.
- Accumulate the practical experience required for journeyperson status and master plumber eligibility.
- Pass the examination administered by the State Board of Examiners of Master Plumbers.
- Licensed master plumbers operating a business must maintain an active business permit, insurance, and renewal compliance.
Plumber Training Providers in New Jersey
| Provider | City | Program Website |
|---|---|---|
| HoHoKus School of Trade and Technical Sciences | Paterson | View Program |
| Ocean County Vocational Technical School | Toms River | View Program |
| Hudson County Schools of Technology — Adult Education | North Bergen | View Program |
| Middlesex College | Edison | 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 New Jersey
Plumbing Apprenticeship
Organization: Associated Builders and Contractors New Jersey
Plumber Licensing Requirements in New Jersey
New Jersey licenses master plumbers and requires plumbing businesses to operate under a licensed master plumber with an active business permit. Apprentices and journeypersons work under authorized supervision.
EMPLOYMENT PROJECTIONSPlumber Job Outlook in New Jersey
New Jersey’s latest available long-term forecast anticipates continued demand for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters, with openings generated by construction, infrastructure, maintenance, and worker replacement.
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 New Jersey?
The statewide median wage for plumbers in New Jersey is approximately $78,240 per year, or $37.62 per hour, based on May 2024 occupational wage data. Actual earnings vary by experience, license level, location, employer, overtime, and industry.
Does New Jersey require plumber licensing?
Yes. New Jersey 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 New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs — State Board of Examiners of Master Plumbers.
How long does it take to become a plumber in New Jersey?
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 New Jersey?
New Jersey projects plumber employment to grow by approximately 7% 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
- New Jersey Wages for Plumber (SOC 47-2152) — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. New Jersey Plumber Wages
- New Jersey Plumber Employment Trends — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. New Jersey Plumber Employment Trends
- New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs — State Board of Examiners of Master Plumbers — Licensing authority. New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs — State Board of Examiners of Master Plumbers