Licensing Guides
Nebraska Plumbing License: How to Become a Plumber in Nebraska
Plumbing, NE
Table of Contents
Benefits of Getting a Plumbing Contractors License in Nebraska
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Plumbing Contractor License in Nebraska?
How Long Does it Take to Get a Plumbing Contractors License in Nebraska?
Does My Nebraska Plumbing Contractors License Work in Any Other State?
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for a Plumbing License in Nebraska?
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed Plumbing Work in Nebraska?
You can’t rush through the training it takes to become a plumber, but that time and effort can lead to a career that is long-lasting, lucrative, and fulfilling. Almost every state requires plumbers to be licensed because it’s complicated work that affects the health and safety of our society.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics , there are 504,500 plumbers nationwide, and Nebraska employs 4,240 of them. The national number is projected to grow 5% from 2024 to 2034, adding 44,000 plumbers to the ranks across the country. In Nebraska, according to CareerOneStop, the U.S. Department of Labor’s job search website, the projected growth rate is slightly higher, at 8% for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters.
Contractors struggle to find skilled tradesmen like plumbers, electricians, and HVACR or mechanical professionals, while the demand for them continues to grow. According to the Associated General Contractors of America, “Construction employment in Nebraska in July 2025 totaled 64,400, an increase of 2,500 (4%) from July 2024 and an increase of 8,100 (14%) from February 2020.” So, if you get the training you need, you should have a variety of jobs to choose from when you’re ready.
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Licensing requirements for plumbing workers vary widely from state to state and, in Nebraska, from municipality to municipality. In most cities, plumbing candidates can pursue an apprentice, journeyman, and master plumbing license. Read on to learn more about becoming a licensed plumber in the state of Nebraska.
Plumbing License Requirements for Plumbers in Nebraska
Is a license required to perform plumbing work in Nebraska? This is left up to local jurisdictions, which typically issue apprentice, journeyman, and master licenses, as well as contractor registrations.
Plumbing licenses are not issued at the state level. However, plumbing contractors and subcontractors doing business in the state must register with the Nebraska Department of Labor, and plumbing businesses with one or more employees must provide a current workers’ compensation certificate of insurance.
Types of Plumbing Licenses in Nebraska
The types of plumbing licenses in Nebraska depend on the city.
Types of Plumbing Licenses in Omaha
The City of Omaha Planning Department issues apprentice plumber certificates, journeyman plumber licenses, and master plumber licenses. The city also issues other plumbing-related licenses, including lawn sprinkler contractor and installer, water conditioning contractor and installer, sewer layer, sewer and drain cleaner, and fire suppression licenses.
The three main license types for plumbers include:
Apprentice — Individual who works in the plumbing trade while learning from a licensed journeyman or master plumber.
Journeyman — Defined as, “Those who are qualified to install, repair, maintain, or extend any plumbing system, including waste drains, vents, water supply, and fixtures, and also install, maintain, or repair gas piping, appliances, lines, laterals, tanks, and other appurtenances in connection wherewith while employed or supervised by a Master plumber.”
Master Plumber — Defined as, “Those who are qualified to install, repair, maintain, or extend any plumbing system, including waste drains, vents, water supply, and fixtures and also install, maintain, or repair gas piping, appliances, lines, laterals, tanks, and other appurtenances in connection therewith while working as a master plumber.”
Each license has specific requirements that must be met to qualify for licensure.
LICENSE REQUIREMENTS:
Apprentice
Submit an apprenticeship agreement to the board.
Obtain a high school diploma or General Equivalency Diploma (GED).
Pay a $20 registration fee and annual renewal fee of $20.
Journeyman
Submit an examination application to the City of Omaha Plumbing Board.
Provide proof of work history or schooling. To be eligible to sit for the licensure exam, the applicant must submit evidence of one of the following:
Completion of a four-year, city-certified apprenticeship program.
Completion of an equivalent number of instructional hours and on-the-job experience as required by the city-certified program.
Completion of a training period extending at least seven consecutive years, where the applicant worked a minimum of 300 hours each of the seven years, to accrue a minimum total of 7,000 hours.
Pay a $50 test fee.
Pay $20.50 for the required identification badge.
Master
Submit an examination application to the City of Omaha Plumbing Board.
Provide proof of work history or schooling. To be eligible to sit for the licensure exam, the applicant must submit evidence of one of the following:
Four consecutive years of experience in plumbing system installation, with a city-issued journeyman license.
Qualification as a master plumber in a city of equivalent size that requires similar qualification criteria. If the applicant worked in an area that did not require instruction to obtain a license, the plumbing board may accept a plumbing license or on-the-job training with a minimum of 12 consecutive years of plumbing installation experience, with a minimum of 300 hours worked each of the 12 years, to accrue a minimum total of 21,000 hours.
Pay a $75 test fee.
Obtain general liability insurance and a $10,000 surety bond.
Pay a $108 license fee.
Types of Plumbing Licenses in Lincoln
The City of Lincoln's Building and Safety Department issues licenses for master plumber contractors, master plumbers, journeyman plumbers, and plumber's apprentices. The city also issues other plumbing-related licenses, including water conditioning contractor and installer, and master, journeyman, and apprentice gasfitter licenses.
Trade professionals must register with the city through its VisualVault online portal to begin the registration and licensing process. According to city plumbing code, the application steps include:
Submit an application for registration.
Show documentation of practical work experience.
Pay application fee for the test and pass a licensing exam, given under the direction of the Examining Board.
License requirements and fees include:
Lincoln Apprentice Plumber License
Apply online.
Pass test.
Pay an annual license fee of $25.
Lincoln Journeyman Plumber License
Apply online.
Pass test.
Pay an annual license fee of $50.
Lincoln Master Plumber License
Apply online.
Pass test.
Pay an annual license fee $75.
Lincoln Master Plumber Contractor License
Licensed contractor requirements include:
Proof of 10 hours of continuing education annually.
Commercial or comprehensive general liability with a minimum combined single limit of $500,000 aggregate.
Current certificate of insurance signed by a qualified agent of an insurance company licensed to do business in the state.
Payment bond of $5,000 if excavating in city right-of-way.
Annual license fee of $250.
Steps to Get a Plumbing Contractor License in Nebraska
The steps to get a plumbing license in Nebraska depend on the jurisdiction. In Omaha, the steps include:
Obtain a high school diploma or General Equivalency Diploma (GED).
Register as an apprentice and pay a $20 fee.
Meet one of the following experience requirements:
Completion of a four-year apprenticeship program certified by the city.
Completion of a course of study with an equivalent number of instructional hours and on-the-job experience hours as required by a certified city program.
Completion of a training period extending at least seven consecutive years, in which the applicant worked a minimum of 300 hours each of the seven years to accrue a minimum total of 7,000 hours.
Licensed as a journeyman in a city of equivalent size that requires similar qualification criteria.
Apply for the journeyman exam, which incurs a $50 fee.
Pass the exam and pay a license fee of $20.50.
To advance to a master plumber, meet one of the following experience requirements:
Four consecutive years' experience in the installation of plumbing systems while holding a journeyman license issued by the city.
Evidence of qualifying as a master plumber in a city of equivalent size that requires similar qualification criteria.
Pass master exam, which incurs a $75 fee.
Pay $108 license fee.
Benefits of Getting a Plumbing Contractors License in Nebraska
There are many benefits to getting a local plumbing license in Nebraska:
Most importantly, it is required by law to be licensed to legally perform any plumbing work in most cities.
A trade license is proof of your experience and skill.
Having a license protects your company and customers.
A license gives you a competitive advantage in the job market and increases your earning potential as you acquire more experience.
What Is the Mean Wage for a Plumber in Nebraska?
The annual mean wage for a plumber in Nebraska is $68,660, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, that salary can increase as you acquire more experience. A plumbing salary database, shared with ServiceTitan by Payscale.com, projects the median plumber salary will increase nationally in 2025 by 3.65% for entry-level workers, and 3.55% for both intermediate and senior level plumbers. In Nebraska those salary projections are:
Entry (<2 years): $51,300
Intermediate (2-4 years): $66,600
Senior (4-7 years): $72,100
Salaries can vary widely depending on the city where you work and other factors like education, certifications, additional skills, and the number of years you have spent in your profession.
What Business Owners Need to Know
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Required forms that ensure every job is done right, driving consistency.
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How Much Does It Cost to Get a Plumbing Contractor License in Nebraska?
The cost to get licensed depends on the city and its requirements. In Omaha, there’s a $20 fee for your apprentice registration. Apprentice programs have different tuition costs associated with them. All have some fees for books and tools, but much of the cost is absorbed by your employer or the union. For the journeyman license, you’ll pay $50 for the exam and $20.50 for the license. If you choose to become a master plumber, you’ll pay $75 for the exam and $108 for the license fee.
The fees in Lincoln include:
Apprentice license: $25
Journeyman license: $50
Master license: $75
Contractor: $250
You will also incur fees to meet insurance requirements.
Schooling can count toward the requirements of a journeyman or master license in Omaha. Community College Review shows tuition at Nebraska community colleges on average is $4,615 per year for in-state students and $5,803 for out-of-state students.
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How to Get a Plumbing License in Nebraska
To recap, Nebraska state law mandates plumbing licenses are issued at the local level, so licensing requirements vary across the state.
APPRENTICESHIP/WORK EXPERIENCE: Most cities in Nebraska require anyone doing any kind of plumbing work to begin as an apprentice. In Omaha, you must complete a four-year apprenticeship to qualify for a journeyman license. There is a $20 registration fee.
Many Nebraska employers will sponsor employees in an apprenticeship program that typically lasts four to five years, depending on the locality. Or you can look for formal apprenticeships through union and non-union organizations. Apprenticeships through the Department of Labor are recognized nationwide, so your credentials will move with you.
TAKE LICENSING EXAM: After you’ve met the work apprenticeship requirements, you can apply to take the plumber exam at your desired level. In Omaha and Lincoln, you must submit the application for examination and pay a fee.
APPLY FOR LICENSE: After passing your exams, you can pay a fee and receive your license.
How Long Does it Take to Get a Plumbing Contractors License in Nebraska?
Since Nebraska favors local licensing instead of state licensing, there’s no statewide uniformity on license types or how long it takes to complete training. In general, apprentice programs take about four years to complete.
In Omaha, you must complete a four-year apprenticeship before taking the journeyman exam. Then you’ll need an additional four years as a journeyman to become a master plumber.
Nebraska Plumber Training Programs and Schools
Plumbers are responsible for a lot more than just fixing leaks or clogs. They design, install, and renovate systems that carry liquids or gasses, so they must know more than just the mechanics. They must also protect public health and know plumbing code.
Some localities in Nebraska have education requirements for licensure, while others require apprenticeship. There are quite a few colleges in Nebraska that offer plumbing programs, as well as many other training programs to get the training you need to become a plumbing professional. You can choose to attend a community or technical college and earn a certificate or degree in plumbing.
Niche provides a list of the best trade schools with plumbing degree programs in Nebraska.
Apprenticeship: The path most often taken is a plumbing apprenticeship. Apprenticeships available in the state include:
Steamfitters & Plumbers Local Union No. 464 in Omaha and Lincoln
Any program should cover OSHA safety training, detailed instruction in chemistry, mathematics, physics, blueprint reading and drafting, in-depth examination of state codes, and advanced training about water treatment systems, drainage systems, water heaters, plumbing appliances, and plumbing fixtures.
Tuition: Apprenticeships may have some upfront costs of tuition and book fees, but the apprentice will be paid a percentage of the journeyman wage rate and will receive periodic wage increases as they meet program requirements. The cost of tuition at a vocational school or college depends on the program you choose, but can range from $2,000 at a community college to $40,000 at a state or private school for an associate degree or bachelor degree in engineering.
On-the-Job Experience: While on the job, you will need to have good customer service skills, be detail-oriented, have some mechanical capability, and be physically fit because the job can include some heavy lifting and hours of walking, standing, and working in tight spaces.
For more detailed information about plumbing school options in Nebraska, check out our Ultimate Guide to Plumbing Schools in Nebraska.
Nebraska Plumbing Contractor Licensing Exam Details
Exams are given at the local level. In Omaha, there’s a journeyman and master exam, which you must apply for. Exams are given in February, May, August, and November. The test fee is $50 for journeyman and $75 for master plumber. The exams are given by the City of Omaha Plumbing Board.
The journeyman exam includes three sections: plans, written, and practical, and you must get an average of 75% or higher to pass:
The plans portion has two sections that will test your knowledge of drawing and sizing pipes.
The written portion includes 100 questions on plumbing code, ADA, theory, and math.
The practical portion includes drawings and calculations.
The master exam includes four sections: plans, written I, written II, and practical, and you must get an 80% on each section to pass:
The plans portion requires you to draw pipes and venting on a house and five-story structure.
The written portions include 100 questions each, for a total of 200 on plumbing code, ADA, backflow, barricading, water conditioning, math, and septic.
The practical portion includes drawings and calculations.
Lincoln exam details are available on the City’s website.
Who Issues Plumbing Contractors Licenses in Nebraska?
Plumbing licenses are issued locally. In Omaha, licensing is overseen by the City of Omaha Planning Department Plumbing Board. In Lincoln, licenses are issued by the City of Lincoln's Building and Safety Department.
Does My Nebraska Plumbing Contractors License Work in Any Other State?
No. Since every city or local jurisdiction has its own process for licensing, there are no blanket reciprocal agreements between Nebraska and any other state.
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for a Plumbing License in Nebraska?
Nebraska doesn’t offer plumbing license reciprocity with any other states.
However, reciprocity between municipalities in Nebraska is handled on a case-by-case basis. In most localities, if you can demonstrate the requisite experience and passage of a comparable test, you will qualify for a plumber’s license at your current level.
Plumbing Certifications
Other certifications can help you demonstrate your proficiency to potential employers and clients. National Inspection Testing and Certification (NITC), International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (ASSE Certifications) and other professional certifications are not required but may make you a more attractive hire to prospective employers or can increase your marketability to customers.
Other Requirements Unique to Nebraska
Licensing periods vary from place to place. In Omaha, a license must be renewed annually. Fees include:
Apprentice: $21.60
Journeyman: $22.14
Master: $81
In Lincoln, renewal is required annually. Fees include:
Master Contractor: $250
Master: $75
Journeyman: $50
Apprentice: $25
Are There Plumbing Scholarships in Nebraska?
Yes, there are plumbing scholarships available in Nebraska. The Nebraska Career Scholarship program provides financial aid to students pursuing careers in high-demand, high-skill fields, which includes plumbing. The state-funded program is offered at University of Nebraska (NU) campuses, Nebraska State Colleges, and Nebraska community colleges, though specific eligibility criteria and award amounts vary by institution. Schools that offer this scholarship include:
In addition to these scholarships, plumbing students in Nebraska can explore financial aid opportunities by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Submitting the FAFSA gives you access to federal grants like the Pell Grant, subsidized student loans, and work-study programs—all of which can help cover tuition, tools, and other training costs. Many Nebraska community colleges and trade programs also use FAFSA data to award institutional aid or state-based grants.
How Can Someone Verify My Plumbing License in Nebraska?
Licenses should be verified with each city. Lincoln provides a list of plumbing trade professionals on its website. Omaha allows users to download a list of licensed plumbers by license type.
When Can a Plumbing License Be Suspended in Nebraska?
A suspended plumber’s license means that the plumber is temporarily prohibited from practicing their trade legally. Each city or town has different laws, but some of the common reasons that a Nebraska plumbing licenses can be suspended are:
Fraud
Professional incompetence
Misleading or deceptive practices
Criminal convictions
Aiding unlicensed individuals
Failure to comply with regulations
Practicing on a lapsed license
Willful or repeated violations of regulations governing plumbing professionals
Note: The information above should not be considered legal advice. For detailed and specific information about Nebraska plumbing license regulations, you can refer to the official Nebraska Revised Statutes or each jurisdiction.
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed Plumbing Work in Nebraska?
Penalties are determined by the local jurisdictions, but include fines, stop work orders, and denial of future building permits. The severity of penalties often depends on factors such as the type of building involved, whether the work poses safety risks, and whether it's a repeat violation within a specified time period.
Continuing Education
In Lincoln, a journeyman plumber needs 6 hours of continuing education units for renewal, and a master plumber needs 10. CEU hours can be submitted online. In Omaha, journeyman and master plumbers each need 8 hours of continuing education for annual renewal.
Resources
You can stay up to date on all plumbing industry news in several ways:
Check top plumbing blogs, including ServiceTitan’s blog.
Read about the latest industry trends.
Listen to top plumbing podcasts like ServiceTitan’s “Toolbox for the Trades” podcast.
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