Trade directory · Salt Lake City metro · Utah

Plumbing contractors in
Salt Lake City, Utah.

A public directory of licensed plumbing contractors serving greater Salt Lake City. Market data, licensing requirements, and cost benchmarks — updated continuously from public sources.

Licensed Establishments
1,358
U.S. Census Bureau
Peak Season
October through March - heating season drives water heater failures and frozen pipe repairs
Market estimate
Avg. Response Time
24-48 hours for quotes, same-day for emergency calls
Operator average
Avg. Hourly Wage
$30/hr
Bureau of Labor Statistics
§ A · Market rates

Common Job Costs

SALT LAKE CITY-UT · LOCAL ESTIMATES
Service
Description
Cost Range
Drain cleaning/unclogging
Typical range based on local drain cleaning/unclogging jobs.
$150 – $350
Water heater installation
Typical range based on local water heater installation jobs.
$1,200 – $3,500
Toilet replacement
Typical range based on local toilet replacement jobs.
$300 – $800
Pipe repair/replacement
Typical range based on local pipe repair/replacement jobs.
$250 – $1,200
Faucet installation
Typical range based on local faucet installation jobs.
$180 – $450
Sewer line repair
Typical range based on local sewer line repair jobs.
$1,500 – $8,000
§ B · Regulatory

Licensing Requirements

UT
§1

Licensing Requirements

Utah requires Plumber License through DOPL. Must complete 8,000 hours apprenticeship or equivalent education, pass state exam, and maintain 14 hours continuing education every 2 years. Journeyman license prerequisite for contractor license. Renewal every 2 years with $85 fee.

§2

Permit Requirements

Salt Lake City requires permits for water heater replacement ($50), new plumbing installations ($75-200), and sewer line work ($100-300). Same-day permits available for emergency repairs.

§3

Inspection Schedule

Rough-in inspection before covering work, final inspection after completion. 24-48 hour scheduling required except emergencies.

§4

Insurance Minimums

General liability $300,000 minimum required by Utah for licensing. Workers compensation required if employees. Many municipalities require $500,000-$1,000,000 for commercial work.

§ C · Path to license

How to Get Licensed

5 STEPS
1

Complete Education Requirements

Finish high school or equivalent, then enroll in approved apprenticeship program or complete plumbing education at approved technical school totaling 8,000 hours of experience.

01/05
2

Apply for Examination

Submit application to Utah DOPL with proof of education/experience, background check, and examination fee. Applications processed within 30 days if complete.

02/05
3

Pass State Examination

Take Utah plumber examination covering codes, regulations, and trade knowledge. Must achieve passing score of 75% or higher on both written and practical portions.

03/05
4

Submit License Application

File license application with DOPL including exam results, insurance proof, and licensing fee of $85. Provide business registration if operating as contractor.

04/05
5

Maintain License

Complete 14 hours continuing education every 2 years and renew license with $85 fee. Keep insurance current and report any business changes to DOPL.

05/05
§ D · Field notes

About This Market

UPDATED APR 2026

Salt Lake City's plumber market serves 200,000+ residents with 1,358 licensed establishments statewide creating solid competition. Median wage hits $30.10/hour reflecting strong demand. Winter freeze-thaw cycles, aging housing stock, and rapid population growth drive steady work. Water heater replacements and pipe repairs dominate residential calls, while commercial builds fuel new construction revenue. Costs run 10-15% above national average due to material transport and skilled labor shortages. Utah's licensing requirements are straightforward but strict - 8,000 apprentice hours plus state exam before you touch a wrench professionally. Salt Lake City permit process moves fast if you know the system. Peak season runs October through March when furnaces stress water systems and pipes freeze. Smart contractors stock water heaters before cold hits and maintain 24/7 emergency capability. Competition's fierce for routine work, but emergency calls and specialty jobs pay premium rates. Build relationships with property managers and HVAC contractors for steady referrals.

Data Sources
  • Median hourly wage
    Bureau of Labor Statistics
  • Number of licensed establishments
    US Census Bureau
  • Licensing requirements
    Utah Department of Commerce - DOPL
  • Permit costs
    Salt Lake City Building Services Department
  • Insurance requirements
    Utah Department of Commerce
§ E · FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

05 QUESTIONS
Q/01

What does a plumber license cost in Utah?

Initial licensing fee is $85 plus examination costs. Renewal every 2 years costs $85 according to Utah DOPL. Add apprenticeship program costs and continuing education requirements.

Q/02

How long does Utah plumber licensing take?

Minimum 4 years for apprenticeship (8,000 hours) plus exam scheduling. Utah DOPL processes applications within 30 days after completing requirements and passing state examination.

Q/03

What permits do plumbers need in Salt Lake City?

Water heater replacement ($50), new installations ($75-200), sewer work ($100-300) per Salt Lake City Building Services. Emergency repairs may qualify for after-hours permitting.

Q/04

What's the average plumber wage in Utah?

Median hourly wage is $30.10 ($62,608 annually) according to Bureau of Labor Statistics. Experienced contractors in Salt Lake City market typically earn 20-40% above median through business ownership.

Q/05

How many plumbing contractors operate in Utah?

Approximately 1,358 licensed plumbing establishments operate statewide per Census data. Salt Lake County contains roughly 40% of state's licensed contractors due to population density.

§ F · Directory

Plumbing contractors in Salt Lake City

0 LISTED · SORTED BY DISTANCE

No contractors listed yet.

List your services

For contractors

Run your plumbing business on The Forge.

Get listed on The Board for free. Manage leads, quotes, jobs, and follow-ups in one place. Built for trades, used by thousands of operators nationwide.