Plumbing contractors in
Memphis, Tennessee.
A public directory of plumbing contractor businesses serving greater Memphis. Market data, licensing requirements, and cost benchmarks — updated continuously from public sources.
Plumbing jobs in Memphis
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Common Job Costs
Licensing Requirements
Licensing Requirements
Tennessee requires a plumber contractor license through the Board of Licensing Contractors. Must pass PSI examination, provide 4 years experience or 2 years plus approved education, maintain $10,000 surety bond, and renew annually by June 30th with continuing education requirements.
Permit Requirements
Memphis requires plumbing permits for new installations, water heater replacements, and major repairs. Permits range from $50-200 depending on scope. Available through Memphis Building Services Division.
Inspection Schedule
Rough-in inspection before covering work, final inspection upon completion. Must schedule 24 hours in advance through Memphis Building Services.
Insurance Minimums
General liability minimum $300,000 per occurrence, $600,000 aggregate. Workers compensation required if employing others.
Compliance research unavailable
Source status: unavailable · 7/14/2026
Detailed instructions are withheld because the source is not available for verification.
Local market snapshot
Source: DoorBase, aggregated public ZIP-level data. Updated 7/17/2026.
How to Get Licensed
Meet experience requirements
Document 4 years of plumbing experience or 2 years experience plus approved technical education from accredited program. Gather employment verification letters and education transcripts.
Complete application
Submit contractor license application to Tennessee Board of Licensing Contractors with $300 fee, experience documentation, and three character references. Include any prior licensing history from other states.
Schedule and pass examination
Pay $50 examination fee and schedule PSI exam. Study Tennessee plumbing codes, business law, and safety regulations. Exam covers technical knowledge and Tennessee-specific regulations.
Obtain surety bond and insurance
Purchase $10,000 surety bond and minimum required insurance coverage. Bond companies require credit check and may require co-signers for poor credit applicants.
Submit final documentation
Provide proof of bond and insurance to licensing board. Upon approval, receive contractor license number. License must be renewed annually by June 30th with continuing education credits.
About This Market
Memphis plumbing market serves 650,000 metro residents with aging infrastructure driving steady repair demand. Competition is moderate among 1,745 licensed establishments statewide, with residential service calls and water heater replacements being bread-and-butter work. Costs hit harder here due to old cast iron and clay sewer lines, plus summer heat stress on systems. High humidity and temperature swings create consistent HVAC and plumbing crossover opportunities.
Getting licensed in Tennessee means jumping through state contractor board hoops—4 years experience, passing the PSI exam, and maintaining bonds and insurance. Memphis adds its own permit and inspection layers, so factor inspection delays into job scheduling. Summer is money season when AC condensate issues and high water usage expose weak points. Build relationships with HVAC contractors and property managers—they drive steady referral business in this market.
- Median hourly wageBureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics
- Licensed establishments countU.S. Census Bureau County Business Patterns
- Licensing requirementsTennessee Board of Licensing Contractors
- Permit costsMemphis Building Services Division
- Insurance requirementsTennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a plumber license cost in Tennessee?
Tennessee plumber contractor license costs $300 for application plus $50 examination fee. Annual renewal is $150. A $10,000 surety bond adds approximately $100-300 annually depending on credit score. Source: Tennessee Board of Licensing Contractors.
How much do plumbers make in Memphis?
Median hourly wage for plumbers in Tennessee is $29.09 per hour or $60,507 annually according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data. Memphis rates typically align with state medians, with emergency and specialized work commanding premium rates.
Do I need a permit for water heater installation in Memphis?
Yes, Memphis requires permits for water heater installations. Permits cost $50-75 for residential replacements through Memphis Building Services Division. Installation must be inspected before final approval.
How long does Tennessee plumber licensing take?
Tennessee plumber licensing typically takes 4-8 weeks after application submission, assuming you meet the 4-year experience requirement. Examination scheduling through PSI adds 2-4 weeks. Background checks and bond processing can add additional time.
What insurance do plumbers need in Memphis?
Tennessee requires minimum $300,000 per occurrence general liability insurance and $600,000 aggregate coverage. Workers compensation is mandatory if employing others. Memphis may require additional coverage for municipal contracts.
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