What Is a Journeyman Plumber?

April 19, 2025

What Is a Journeyman Plumber? Everything You Need to Know About the Trade

When you turn on a faucet, flush a toilet, or enjoy a hot shower, you might not think about the hands that make it all possible. Behind the scenes of everyday comfort is the skilled work of professionals like journeyman plumbers. At Riser Plumbing and Drain, understanding what a journeyman plumber does helps you appreciate the craftsmanship behind every pipe, fixture, and fitting. If you're curious about the plumbing profession or considering a career in the trades, you're in the right place.

What Is a Journeyman Plumber?

A journeyman plumber is a tradesperson who has completed their apprenticeship and passed the required exams to obtain a journey-level license. This license allows them to independently perform plumbing work, supervise apprentices, and take on residential and commercial plumbing jobs. At Riser Plumbing and Drain, our team of licensed plumbers includes highly trained journeyman plumbers who are equipped to handle everything from simple repairs to complex installations.

The Journey to Becoming a Journeyman

Becoming a journeyman isn’t just a job—it’s a commitment to mastering a skilled trade. The journey starts with an apprenticeship, where aspiring plumbers learn under experienced professionals. Over the course of several years, apprentices acquire hands-on experience, study plumbing codes, and develop the skills needed to pass the journeyman licensing test. Riser Plumbing and Drain proudly supports the growth of future plumbers by staying connected with local training programs and apprenticeships in St. Paul.

Why the Journey-Level License Matters

A journey-level license is more than just a credential—it’s a symbol of expertise and legal qualification. Without this license, a person cannot lawfully perform plumbing work unsupervised. At Riser Plumbing and Drain, we only employ licensed plumbers who have met state requirements, ensuring that every job we complete complies with plumbing codes and safety standards in St. Paul and surrounding areas.

The Role of a Journeyman Plumber on the Job

Journeyman plumbers handle a wide range of responsibilities. From installing water heaters to fixing leaks and unclogging drains, they are the backbone of the plumbing workforce. Unlike apprentice journeymen, they can work independently and even supervise less experienced workers. At Riser Plumbing and Drain, our journeyman plumbers perform plumbing work efficiently, ensuring reliable results for every customer.

Licensed Plumbers vs. Master Plumbers

While both licensed plumbers and master plumbers are crucial to the trade, the difference lies in experience and authority. A journeyman is someone with a plumber's license who can legally work in the field. In contrast, a master plumber has additional qualifications and often oversees larger projects or manages a plumbing business. At Riser Plumbing and Drain, we have both journeyman and master plumbers working together to deliver the highest level of service to our clients in and around St. Paul.

Pay and Career Opportunities for Journeyman Plumbers

The pay for an hourly journeyman plumber varies depending on location and experience, but it’s generally competitive. In places like St. Paul, licensed plumbers can earn a strong living with steady job opportunities in residential, commercial, and industrial sectors. Riser Plumbing and Drain values the hard work of our team and provides career advancement paths that allow journeyman plumbers to grow into leadership or master plumber roles.

The Importance of Plumbing Codes and Compliance

Plumbing isn’t just about pipes—it’s about following code. Every journey-level plumber must adhere to local, state, and national regulations to ensure health and safety. At Riser Plumbing and Drain, we emphasize code compliance in every project, whether it’s a new installation or a renovation in an older St. Paul home. Our plumbers stay up to date on code changes so you don’t have to worry about the details.

Apprenticeship: The First Step Toward Becoming a Journeyman

Before someone becomes a journeyman plumber, they start as an apprentice. This stage involves thousands of hours of supervised training and coursework. At Riser Plumbing and Drain, we’ve seen firsthand how a strong apprenticeship can build the foundation for a successful plumbing career. Our commitment to mentoring new plumbers reflects our belief in quality, integrity, and continuous learning.

Why Choose Riser Plumbing and Drain for Your Plumbing Needs

When you hire a journeyman plumber from Riser Plumbing and Drain, you’re choosing professionalism, reliability, and a job well done. We believe in honest work, fair pricing, and exceptional customer service. Whether you need emergency repairs, a full installation, or regular maintenance, our team is ready to help with licensed, qualified, and dependable plumbers. We’re more than a plumbing company—we’re your plumbing partner in St. Paul.

Every Great Plumber Has a Journey

From apprentice to journeyman to master, the plumbing profession is built on skill, education, and dedication. At Riser Plumbing and Drain, we take pride in every step of that journey. When you need someone you can trust to perform plumbing work correctly, call on the professionals who understand what it takes to get the job done right the first time.

Contact Us

Whether it’s a leaky faucet or a complex installation, Riser Plumbing and Drain is ready to help. Our licensed plumbers bring years of experience and a commitment to excellence to every job. Don’t settle for less—choose the team that knows what it means to be a true journeyman plumber. Contact Riser Plumbing and Drain today and experience the difference.

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