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How to become a plumber in Michigan

The license steps in Michigan, from apprentice to master or contractor, taken from the official licensing pages – plus pay, apprenticeships and where to apply.

The short answer

In Michigan you register as an apprentice within 30 days of being hired, log 6,000 hours over at least 3 years to take the journey plumber written and practical exams, then work 4,000 hours over 2 years as a journey plumber before the master plumber exam; licenses run up to 3 years and require code-update courses.

The steps in Michigan

  1. 1

    Start as an apprentice

    Apprentice plumbers must register with the state within 30 days of starting work and keep that registration renewed; a high school diploma is listed as the first step.

  2. 2

    Earn your journeyman (first independent) license

    A journey plumber needs at least 6,000 hours over at least 3 years as a registered apprentice and must pass both the written and practical exams.

  3. 3

    Master or contractor license

    A master plumber needs 4,000 hours over at least the 2 years right before applying as a licensed journey plumber, then must pass the master exam; a plumbing contractor must hold or employ a master plumber.

  4. 4

    Keep your license current

    Plumbing licenses are issued for up to 3 years, and licensees must complete a board-approved course on each state construction code update within 12 months of the change.

Who licenses plumbers in Michigan

Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), Bureau of Construction Codes. License types we found: Master Plumber, Journey Plumber, Plumbing Contractor, Plumbing Apprentice (registration).

Official application page

Already licensed? Anyone can check a license on michigan.gov.

Finding an apprenticeship

Most plumbers learn the trade through a 4- or 5-year apprenticeship, with about 2,000 hours of paid on-the-job training each year plus classroom instruction, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The U.S. Department of Labor’s Registered Apprenticeships are paid jobs with progressive wage increases, classroom instruction and a portable, nationally recognized credential; programs are approved by the Department of Labor or a State Apprenticeship Agency. Search programs at apprenticeship.gov, or ask local plumbing contractors and union locals.

Pay and job outlook

$63,800

Median yearly pay for plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters, May 2025 (BLS).

7%

Projected job growth from 2025 to 2035, with about 42,000 openings a year (BLS).

4-5 years

Typical apprenticeship, with about 2,000 hours of paid on-the-job training a year (BLS).

National figures from the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook; pay varies by state and city.

Already a plumber in Michigan?

74 plumbing businesses are listed on Plumbers Pages so far. Add your business free, or see plumbers in Michigan.

Sources

Requirements come from Michigan’s official licensing pages and statutes, checked October 2026. Rules change – confirm with the licensing office before you apply.

  1. legislature.mi.gov/documents/mcl/pdf/mcl-407-2016-11.pdf
  2. michigan.gov/lara/bureau-list/bcc/sections/licensing-section/exam-lic/pl
  3. michigan.gov/lara/-/media/Project/Websites/lara/bcc-media/Licensing/Lice
  4. legislature.mi.gov/documents/mcl/pdf/mcl-407-2016-11.pdf
  5. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics – Plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters
  6. U.S. Department of Labor – Apprenticeship.gov for career seekers

General information, not legal advice. All states · How we write our guides

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