Pipefitter Career Guide in Minnesota
Explore pipefitter salary, licensing requirements, training pathways, apprenticeships, job outlook, and career opportunities in Minnesota.
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How to Become a Pipefitter in Minnesota
Paid apprenticeship is the customary pathway. Plumbing-license applicants must document qualifying supervised experience and pass the applicable examination. High-pressure-piping work may follow a separate credential path.
Note: Training pathways vary by employer, program sponsor, and licensing category. Classroom education may provide useful technical preparation, but it does not automatically replace supervised work experience unless the applicable licensing authority specifically allows that credit.
Pipefitter Salary in Minnesota
The salary figure shown on this page represents the Minnesota median wage for pipefitter workers, based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics occupational wage data. A median wage is the point at which half of workers earn more and half earn less. It is not a guaranteed starting salary.
Actual earnings may vary by experience, license level, metropolitan area, employer, industry, overtime, and union agreement.
Compared with the national median of $62,970, the median wage in Minnesota is approximately $31,440 higher. This comparison does not account for differences in cost of living.
Licensing Authority for Pipefitters in Minnesota
Note: Licensing rules, fees, examinations, exemptions, and renewal requirements may change. Applicants should verify current requirements directly with the authority listed above before beginning work, applying for an examination, or enrolling in a training program.
CAREER PREPARATIONPipefitter Training Requirements in Minnesota
Minnesota pipefitters typically complete a paid apprenticeship. Workers performing plumbing or high-pressure-piping work must follow Department of Labor and Industry licensing, registration, supervision, and examination requirements.
- Register as an unlicensed individual or apprentice before performing regulated plumbing work when required.
- Accumulate documented supervised experience and complete the apprenticeship’s related instruction.
- Pass the applicable journeyworker examination before independently performing regulated plumbing work.
- Verify high-pressure-piping, medical-gas, backflow, permit, and inspection requirements for each project.
Pipefitter Training Providers in Minnesota
| Provider | City | Program Website |
|---|---|---|
| Dunwoody College of Technology | Minneapolis | View Program |
| Saint Paul College | Saint Paul | View Program |
| Hennepin Technical College | Brooklyn Park | View Program |
| Central Lakes College | Brainerd | View Program |
Note: Program availability, admission requirements, tuition, and credit toward licensing requirements may change. Verify current details directly with the provider and the applicable state licensing authority before enrolling. Listings are informational and do not constitute rankings or endorsements.
PAID TRAINING OPPORTUNITIESPipefitter Apprenticeship Programs in Minnesota
Pipefitter Licensing Requirements in Minnesota
Minnesota licenses plumbers and requires registration for unlicensed individuals or apprentices performing regulated plumbing under supervision. Separate high-pressure-piping licensing requirements may apply to steam, heating, cooling, or process-piping systems. Minnesota does not issue one general license covering every type of pipefitter work.
EMPLOYMENT PROJECTIONSPipefitter Job Outlook in Minnesota
Minnesota projects employment to increase from 9,300 in 2024 to 9,990 in 2034. This represents 7% growth, with approximately 850 annual job openings.
Note: State employment projections may use a different base period from national BLS projections. Projected growth is an estimate rather than a guarantee of employment, and local demand may vary by metropolitan area, industry, construction activity, and employer investment.
CAREER QUESTIONSFrequently Asked Questions
What is the pipefitter salary in Minnesota?
The statewide median wage for pipefitters in Minnesota is approximately $94,410 per year, or $45.39 per hour, based on May 2024 occupational wage data. Actual earnings vary by experience, license level, location, employer, overtime, and industry.
Does Minnesota require pipefitter licensing?
Yes. Minnesota requires individuals performing regulated, non-exempt pipefitter work to hold the appropriate license or credential. Applicants should verify the current license category, experience, examination, and renewal requirements with Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry, Construction Codes and Licensing Division.
How long does it take to become a pipefitter in Minnesota?
The time required depends on the license pathway and training program. A typical training pathway takes approximately 4–5 Years Apprenticeship, although licensing, apprenticeship, and employer requirements may differ.
Are pipefitters in demand in Minnesota?
Minnesota projects pipefitter employment to grow by approximately 7% from 2024 to 2034, with about 850 openings per year. Projections include both new positions and openings created when workers leave the occupation.
Career Data Sources
State wage, employment outlook, and licensing information is reviewed using government and official regulatory sources. Data and requirements may change after publication.
- May 2024 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates — U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. May 2024 State OEWS
- Minnesota Wages for Pipefitter (SOC 47-2152) — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Minnesota Pipefitter Wages
- Minnesota Pipefitter Employment Trends — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Minnesota Pipefitter Employment Trends
- Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry, Construction Codes and Licensing Division — Licensing authority. Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry, Construction Codes and Licensing Division