Hawaii Plumbing License: Everything You Need to Know

The plumbing industry in Hawaii offers a range of opportunities for those looking to build a career in the trade. Licensing for Apprentice, Journeyman, and Master Plumbers is regulated by the Professional and Vocational Licensing Division of the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA). This guide covers licensing requirements, apprenticeships, insurance, renewals, and salary details to help you succeed as a plumber in Hawaii.

What plumbing work can be done without a license?

In Hawaii, only licensed plumbers are allowed to perform most plumbing work, including installations, repairs, and system designs. Unlicensed individuals may carry out minor maintenance tasks, such as unclogging drains or replacing basic fixtures. However, major work, including pipe installations or working with water heaters, requires a licensed professional.

What are the different types of plumbing licenses available in Hawaii?

Hawaii issues three primary types of plumbing licenses: Apprentice Plumber, Journeyman Plumber, and Master Plumber. Below is an overview of the requirements and scope of work for each license type:

Apprentice Plumber

• Requirements: Must register with the DCCA and work under the supervision of a licensed Journeyman or Master Plumber. Apprenticeships require a minimum of four years of on-the-job training combined with classroom instruction.
• Scope of Work: Perform plumbing tasks under supervision as part of an approved training program.

Journeyman Plumber

• Requirements: Complete an apprenticeship and pass the Journeyman Plumber exam, which assesses knowledge of plumbing codes, system designs, and safety protocols. Proof of training hours and coursework must be submitted.
• Scope of Work: Work independently on residential and commercial projects and supervise Apprentice Plumbers.

Master Plumber

• Requirements: Gain at least one year of experience as a licensed Journeyman and pass the Master Plumber exam, which evaluates advanced skills, safety standards, and project management knowledge.
• Scope of Work: Oversee Journeymen and Apprentices, manage large-scale projects, and operate a plumbing business.

Average hourly rates for plumbers in Hawaii

Plumbers in Hawaii earn wages based on their experience and qualifications. Here’s a breakdown of average hourly rates in Hawaii compared to national averages:

• Apprentice Plumber: $20.00 per hour (National Average: $15.31)
• Journeyman Plumber: $35.00 per hour (National Average: $25.37)
• Master Plumber: $42.00 per hour (National Average: $30.46)

Wages tend to be higher in urban areas like Honolulu due to the demand for complex plumbing projects.

How to get a plumbing license in Hawaii

To become a licensed plumber in Hawaii, candidates must complete a structured process involving education, hands-on training, and passing state-administered examinations. The Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) oversees this licensing process. Below is a detailed guide outlining each step:

Step 1: Apprenticeship

• Enrollment: Aspiring plumbers should enroll in an approved apprenticeship program offered by unions, technical schools, or local employers. Notably, the state of Hawaii does not require licenses for plumbing apprenticeships.
• Duration and Training: The apprenticeship period in Hawaii is 10,000 hours long, much longer than in most other states.
• Registration: Apprentices must register with the Hawaii Department of Labor and Industrial Relations Workforce Development Division to maintain their status.
• Annual Renewal: Apprentices are required to renew their registration annually to continue their apprenticeship.

Step 2: Journeyman Plumber License

• Eligibility: After completing the apprenticeship, candidates must provide satisfactory evidence of experience of at least five years’ full-time or its equivalent, but not less than 10,000 hours, as a journeyman worker or master plumber’s helper.
• Application: Submit a completed application form along with the required documentation and application fee to the DCCA.
• Examination: Upon approval, candidates must pass the Journeyman Plumber examination, which assesses knowledge of plumbing codes, system designs, and safety protocols.

Step 3: Master Plumber License

• Eligibility: To qualify for the Master Plumber license, individuals must have been registered with the board as a journey worker plumber for at least two years or shall have equivalent experience in the trade.
• Application: Submit the necessary application forms, proof of experience, and applicable fees to the DCCA.
• Examination: Candidates must pass the Master Plumber examination, which evaluates advanced knowledge of complex plumbing systems, project management, and adherence to safety standards.

By following these steps and meeting all requirements, individuals can progress from apprentices to a licensed Journeyman and Master Plumbers in Hawaii, enabling them to work independently, supervise others, and operate their own plumbing businesses.

Checklist for Obtaining a Plumbing License

Here’s a step-by-step checklist to guide you through the process:

• Apprentice Plumber
  • Register with the DCCA.
  • Enroll in an approved apprenticeship program.
  • Complete 8,000 hours of supervised training.

• Journeyman Plumber License
  • Submit proof of completed training.
  • Pass the Journeyman Plumber exam.
• Master Plumber License
  • Gain at least one year of Journeyman experience.
  • Pass the Master Plumber exam.

Should I join a union?

Joining a union, such as UA Local 675 in Honolulu, provides numerous benefits, including:

• Comprehensive Training: Access to structured apprenticeship programs and continuing education.
• Higher Pay: Union plumbers often earn 20% more than non-union counterparts.
• Benefits: Health insurance, pension plans, and job security.

Union apprenticeships also offer progressive wages and opportunities for networking within the industry.

Insurance for plumbers in Hawaii

In Hawaii, plumbing contractors are mandated to maintain specific insurance coverages to ensure protection for both their businesses and clients. The key requirements include:

General Liability Insurance: This insurance covers damages that may occur during plumbing operations. Contractors must secure liability insurance from a recognized insurance company or agency, providing comprehensive personal injury and property damage liability coverage. 

Workers’ Compensation Insurance: This insurance is mandatory for all businesses with employees, covering medical expenses and lost wages for employees who sustain work-related injuries or illnesses.

It’s essential for contractors to keep their insurance information current with the DCCA to avoid any disruptions in their licensing status.

How to get my first plumbing apprenticeship

Securing an apprenticeship is the foundational step toward a successful plumbing career in Hawaii. These programs, offered by unions, technical schools, and local plumbing companies, integrate hands-on experience with classroom education to prepare individuals for state licensure.

Eligibility Requirements

• Age: Must be at least 18 years old.
• Education: Possess a high school diploma or GED.
• Tests: Some programs may require passing a basic aptitude test, evaluating skills such as math, reading comprehension, and mechanical reasoning.
• Additional Requirements: Certain programs may necessitate a valid driver’s license, the ability to travel to job sites, or passing a drug test.

Application Process

1. Prepare Your Resume: Highlight any relevant experience, such as construction, mechanical work, or DIY projects that demonstrate technical skills and problem-solving abilities.
2. Submit Applications: Apply to programs offered by unions like UA Local 675, technical schools, or private plumbing companies. Applications typically require proof of education, references, and personal identification.
3. Interview Preparation: Dress professionally, arrive punctually, and express enthusiasm for learning the trade. Be prepared to discuss your goals and how your background aligns with a plumbing career.

Program Benefits

• Hands-On Training: Apprentices gain practical experience working alongside licensed plumbers, learning essential skills such as pipe installation, system maintenance, and troubleshooting.
• Classroom Instruction: Courses cover plumbing codes, safety protocols, blueprint reading, and system design. Classes may be scheduled in the evenings to accommodate work commitments.
• Progressive Wages: Apprentices earn while they learn, with wages increasing as they advance through the program, providing financial stability during training.
• Union Support: Programs like those offered by UA Local 675 provide comprehensive training, networking opportunities, job placement assistance, and access to industry resources.

Timeline

Apprenticeships in Hawaii typically span five years, requiring the completion of 10,000 hours of supervised on-the-job training alongside classroom education. Apprentices must also register with the Hawaii Department of Labor and Industrial Relations Workforce Development Division to maintain their apprentice status.

Does my license work in any other states?

Hawaii does not have reciprocal licensing agreements with any other states for plumbing licenses. Therefore, a plumbing license obtained in Hawaii is not automatically valid elsewhere.

How do I stay up to date with plumbing codes?

Licensed plumbers in Hawaii are required to stay up to date with the current plumbing codes. Updated Hawaii references can be found on the following websites:

• International Code Council
• UpCodes
• Hawaii DCCA Plumbing Division

What resources are available in the plumbing industry?

The following information will help you prepare for a career as a plumber in Hawaii:

• Plumbing Specialties
• Plumbing Industry Trends
• Plumbing Blogs
• Plumbing Trade Shows

I already have a license but:

• I Changed My Name: Notify the DCCA with legal documentation, such as a marriage certificate.
• I Misplaced My License: Request a replacement through the DCCA online portal. Replacement fees may apply.
• I Changed My Address: Update your information with the DCCA to avoid renewal issues.

How often do I need to renew my plumbing license in Hawaii?

Hawaii plumbing licenses must be renewed biennially, and the renewal process involves specific requirements:

Fee: Renewal fees are as follows:

• Journeyman Plumber: $225 
• Master Plumber: $315
• Late renewal fees of $50 to $100 may apply if the license is not renewed before the expiration date.

Plumbers may need to provide proof of completing 4 to 8 hours of courses covering updated codes, safety standards, or industry practices, depending on local requirements.