How to Become a Plumber in Kentucky

Being a plumber means having a lucrative occupation.

These professionals are in high demand everywhere in the country, including in Kentucky.

If you ever considered entering this trade, this article will present you with the process and stages through which all plumbers go.

The stages are:

• Apprentice
• Journeyman
• Master

Plumber Job Description and Responsibilities

Remember you need a license to operate in this field, and this is issued by the Department of Housing, Buildings, and Construction.

Plumbers have many different tasks to complete on a daily basis.

These duties include the following:

• Reading blueprints
• Installing, maintaining, repairing piping systems
• Ensuring the safety measures are being implemented
• Measuring, cutting, and soldering

You should know that plumbers might have to work in all weather conditions as well.

Individuals cannot perform any of these actions without proper training and a license.

Becoming an Apprentice Plumber

Apprentices are the ones learning the trade.

To get into an apprenticeship program you can:

• Contact a licensed plumber
• Asking the Department for a program possibility
• Enrolling in a vocational school

You have to make sure that the program has been approved by the state before you enroll.

Apprentices are actually employed and thus earn a salary.

They work while being supervised by the licensed plumber.

To be accepted in any such training programs you’d have to meet some requirements.

They might differ from provider to provider, but the most common are:

• 18 years old
• High school diploma or GED
• Clean criminal record
• Knowledge of English, math, and science
• Being able to complete the tasks

You should know that regardless of where you enroll in the apprenticeship, you’ll have to attend some classroom education as well.

The apprenticeship period is 4 years long.

Some of the courses you will be attending include:

• Drafting,
• Mathematics,
• Science,
• Sprinkler installation,
• Pipefitting
• Reading blueprints

Becoming a Journeyman Plumber

Once the apprenticeship period is completed you can apply for the journeyman license.

To apply you’ll need to meet a series of requirements:

• Proof of completed apprentices
• Be allowed to work in the USA
• Pass a criminal background check
• Score at least 75% on the exam

The exam lasts for 2 hours and a half and has 2 parts:

• Written part
• Skills test

You’ll also have to pay some fees.

The exam fee is $50 and the license fee is $60.

You’ll have to renew your journeyman license every year.

Becoming a Master Plumber

Master plumbers in Kentucky are in charge of:

• Supervising journeymen plumbers
• Performing all the duties this trade has

To become a master plumber you’ll need to meet some requirements.

These include:

• Prove at least 2 years of experience as a journeyman
• Be allowed to work in the US
• General liability insurance – $250,000
• A clean criminal record
• Pay the exam fee – $150
• Score at least 80% on the exam

This exam is also 2 hours and a half long.

If you pass, you’ll have to pay the licensing fee of $250.

This license can be renewed every 3 years.

Plumbing Permits

In Kentucky, homeowners can receive plumbing permits.

This permit allows them to perform a series of plumbing work on their properties.

These homeowners cannot perform plumbing work on properties belonging to others.

Master plumbers can also get this permit.

Running a Plumbing Business

Master plumbers can open and run a plumbing business.

For this, you’ll need:

• Insurance, mentioned above
• Workers’ compensation insurance
• Comply with the unemployment insurance laws

In many other states, there is a separate law and business exam for this purpose.

Kentucky doesn’t have such an exam, but a law and business question might be found in the master plumber examination.

Salary Information for Plumbers in Kentucky

One of the most positive aspects of learning a trade is that you can start earning money as an apprentice.

While in the beginning, your salary will be lower, you’ll slowly earn more the more experience you gain.

In Kentucky, the average salary for plumbers is $54,090 per year, and in cities like Covington and Florence, these professionals earn more.

Regional Salary in Kentucky

Additional Information

In Kentucky, those who obtained a plumbing license in a different state may be accepted for reciprocity.

There are a few conditions though:

• Individuals are considered on case-by-case scenarios
• The issuing state needs to agree to the reciprocity

Union Membership

Plumbing license holders can also join unions if they so wish.

Being licensed is a general requirement for membership.

The benefits of joining a union are:

• Guaranteed wages
• A higher salary
• Health benefits
• Help with settling cases with clients

There are also some disadvantages, such as:

• Paying yearly membership fees
• Following union decisions even if you don’t agree with them

Schools Offering Plumbing Programs in Kentucky

Plumbing License by City

Plumbing License by State