Alaska Plumbing License: Everything You Need to Know

Alaska’s harsh winters and freezing temperatures lead to unique plumbing challenges. With an Alaska plumbing license, you’ll be equipped to tackle issues like repairing burst pipes and installing plumbing systems. This updated guide will walk you through everything you need to know to obtain a plumbing license in Alaska.

What plumbing work can be done without a license?

You cannot perform any plumbing work in Alaska without a state-issued plumbing license.

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

Alaska offers three main types of plumbing licenses:

• Utility Plumber License: For sewer and water line work.
• Gas Plumber License: For gas line installation and setups.
• Journeyman Plumber License: Covers all plumbing work for commercial and residential properties and allows supervision of other plumbers.

Average hourly rates for plumbers in Alaska

In Alaska, plumbers benefit from significantly higher wages than the national average, reflecting the state’s unique climate challenges and cost of living. Here’s a breakdown of average hourly rates in Alaska alongside national rates for comparison:

• Utility Plumber: $30.00 per hour
  (National Average: $15.31 per hour)
  Apprentice plumbers in Alaska earn nearly double the national average, which highlights the value of entry-level plumbing skills in Alaska’s challenging environment.
• Gas Plumber: $32.50 per hour
  (National Average: $25.37 per hour)
  Journeyman plumbers in Alaska earn approximately 28% more than the national average. This higher rate reflects the specialized skills required to operate in Alaska’s extreme conditions.
• Journeyman Plumber: $34.00 per hour
  (National Average: $30.46 per hour)
  Master plumbers in Alaska earn around 12% more than their peers nationwide. This elevated pay rewards the expertise needed to work independently in a state with unique plumbing challenges

Alaskan plumbers, from apprentices to masters, consistently earn about 25-50% more than the national average, which compensates for the state’s demanding work conditions and helps attract skilled labor.

How to get a plumbing license in Alaska

You can qualify for a license through education or experience. Here’s the breakdown:

Utility Plumber License

• Complete 125 hours of schooling or 1,000 hours of fieldwork.
• Submit proof of education/experience.
• Pay the $50 application fee and $200 licensing fee.

Gas Plumber License

• Complete 500 hours of schoolwork or 4,000 hours of fieldwork.
• Submit proof of education/experience.
• Pay the $50 application fee and $200 licensing fee.

Journeyman Plumber License

• Complete 8,000 hours of plumbing experience or 1,000 hours of schooling.
• Pass the Journeyman Plumber Exam.
• Submit proof of education/experience.
• Pay the $50 application fee and $200 licensing fee.

Top Schools for Plumbing Education in Alaska:

1. Alaska Technical Center
2. Alaska Vocational Technical Center
3. Ilisagvik College

Programs combine practical and classroom training and typically take one year to complete. If additional experience is needed, apprenticeships through local unions are an option.

Should I join a union?

Joining a union can provide many benefits, including training programs and job placement assistance.

Top unions in Alaska include:

• Union 367 and Union 637 (Anchorage): Open to plumbers and steamfitters.
• Union 375 (Fairbanks): Offers career advancement resources.

Insurance for plumbers in Alaska

Plumbers in Alaska must maintain insurance as required by the Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development.

Current Coverage Requirements:

• Minimum annual coverage: $200,000–$500,000

Ensure you submit proof of insurance with your license application or renewal.

How to get my first plumbing apprenticeship

Alaska refers to apprenticeships as training programs and offers these programs through several unions. You can choose a program in Juneau, Fairbanks or Anchorage, though you may find programs available in other cities, too. 

Each union offers programs that run for 5 years. The first year serves as your orientation, while each remaining year focuses on an aspect of plumbing. You can use an apprenticeship to meet the minimum number of hours required to get your license. 

Apprentice programs accept new students each year who are committed to becoming licensed plumbers. To get a spot in one of these programs, you will need to apply and then meet with representatives from the union. They have the final say over who can enroll and base their decisions on applicants’ resumes and admission questions.

Does my license work in any other state?

No, the Alaska plumbing license is valid only within Alaska.

How do I stay up to date with plumbing codes?

Stay informed about the latest plumbing codes through these resources:

• Alaska Mechanical Contractors Association: Hosts an annual conference in Fairbanks.
• Alaska Legal Resource Center: Offers free access to plumbing code updates.
• Union Memberships: Attend regular meetings for updates.

What resources are available in the plumbing industry?

Explore these resources for professional growth:

• Top Trends in the Plumbing Field
• Plumbing Trade Shows
• The Best Plumbing Blogs
• Plumbing Specialties

I already have a license but:

To update your name or address, contact the Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development. There’s no fee for address changes, but replacement licenses require a small fee.

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

Alaska plumbing licenses are valid for two years after the issue date. The fee ranges from $200 to $250.

Keep track of your expiration date to ensure uninterrupted work authorization.