Pipefitter Career Guide in North Dakota
Explore pipefitter salary, licensing requirements, training pathways, apprenticeships, job outlook, and career opportunities in North Dakota.
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How to Become a Pipefitter in North Dakota
The standard route is a four- or five-year apprenticeship covering industrial piping, welding, rigging, blueprint reading, hydronics, code compliance, and safety.
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 North Dakota
The salary figure shown on this page represents the North Dakota 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 North Dakota is approximately $2,240 higher. This comparison does not account for differences in cost of living.
Licensing Authority for Pipefitters in North Dakota
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 North Dakota
North Dakota pipefitters must obtain plumbing credentials when their work is included within the state’s regulated plumbing scope.
- Register as an apprentice and work under a licensed journeyman or master plumber when performing regulated plumbing work.
- Complete approved classroom training and documented supervised work experience.
- Study pipe fabrication, welding, gas systems, hydronics, blueprint reading, rigging, codes, and safety.
- Pass the applicable North Dakota examination before advancing to journeyman or master status.
- Complete project-required OSHA, welding, brazing, and industrial-site qualifications.
Pipefitter Training Providers in North Dakota
| Provider | City | Program Website |
|---|---|---|
| North Dakota State College of Science – Plumbing | Wahpeton | View Program |
| Bismarck State College – Welding | Bismarck | View Program |
| Lake Region State College – Apprenticeship Training | Devils Lake | View Program |
| Williston State College – Welding Technology | Williston | 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 North Dakota
Mechanical Trades Apprenticeship
Organization: Associated Builders and Contractors Minnesota/North Dakota
Pipefitter Licensing Requirements in North Dakota
North Dakota requires state registration or licensing for plumbing work. Pipefitters working solely on industrial process piping may not always be treated as plumbers, but connections to regulated water, drainage, gas, or building systems can trigger licensing requirements.
EMPLOYMENT PROJECTIONSPipefitter Job Outlook in North Dakota
Energy production, agricultural processing, utilities, healthcare facilities, commercial construction, and industrial maintenance should sustain strong demand for North Dakota pipefitters.
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 North Dakota?
The statewide median wage for pipefitters in North Dakota is approximately $65,210 per year, or $31.35 per hour, based on May 2024 occupational wage data. Actual earnings vary by experience, license level, location, employer, overtime, and industry.
Does North Dakota require pipefitter licensing?
Licensing requirements for pipefitter workers in North Dakota vary by work scope, license category, and jurisdiction. Applicants should verify current requirements with North Dakota State Plumbing Board before beginning work or applying for an examination.
How long does it take to become a pipefitter in North Dakota?
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 North Dakota?
North Dakota projects pipefitter employment to grow by approximately 15% from 2022 to 2032. 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
- North Dakota Wages for Pipefitter (SOC 47-2152) — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. North Dakota Pipefitter Wages
- North Dakota Pipefitter Employment Trends — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. North Dakota Pipefitter Employment Trends
- North Dakota State Plumbing Board — Licensing authority. North Dakota State Plumbing Board