Plumber Career Guide in Minnesota
Explore plumber salary, licensing requirements, training pathways, apprenticeships, job outlook, and career opportunities in Minnesota.
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How to Become a Plumber in Minnesota
Plumbers in Minnesota install, repair, and maintain water distribution, drainage, waste, venting, fixtures, and related plumbing systems. The statewide median wage is approximately $83,280 per year, which is about $20,310 higher than the national median for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters.
Most plumbers in Minnesota complete a four- to five-year registered apprenticeship sponsored by United Association (UA) local unions, Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry apprenticeship programs, PHCC chapters, Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC), or licensed plumbing contractors.
A registered unlicensed plumber may qualify for the Journeyworker Plumber examination after four years and at least 7,000 hours of documented practical plumbing experience. Required experience includes work on water distribution, drainage, waste and vent systems, and fixture installation.
Training combines approximately 8,000 hours of paid on-the-job experience with classroom instruction covering the Minnesota Plumbing Code, Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC), water distribution systems, sanitary drainage, venting, gas piping, blueprint reading, pipe installation, hydronic piping, medical gas systems, backflow prevention, and OSHA safety standards.
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.
Plumber Salary in Minnesota
The salary figure shown on this page represents the Minnesota median wage for plumber 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 $20,310 higher. This comparison does not account for differences in cost of living.
Licensing Authority for Plumbers 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 PREPARATIONPlumber Training Requirements in Minnesota
Register with Minnesota DLI as an unlicensed plumber or participate in a registered plumbing apprenticeship. Work under the direct supervision of a licensed Journeyworker or Master Plumber and submit the required experience records.
Journeyworker examination eligibility generally requires four years and at least 7,000 hours of qualifying experience, including at least 2,000 hours in water distribution, 2,000 hours in drain, waste, and vent installation, and 1,000 hours in fixture installation. Applicants must then pass the required examination.
Minnesota Plumbing Code & Uniform Plumbing Code
Students study the Minnesota Plumbing Code, Uniform Plumbing Code requirements, fixture installation, water distribution, sanitary drainage, venting, permits, inspections, and code-compliant plumbing practices.
Water Supply & Drainage Systems
Training covers potable-water piping, sanitary drainage, vent systems, storm drainage, water heaters, pumps, pressure regulation, sewage systems, and plumbing-system troubleshooting.
Commercial & Industrial Plumbing
Programs emphasize commercial plumbing installations, hydronic systems, industrial piping, process piping, medical gas systems, mechanical rooms, and backflow prevention.
Pipe Installation & Blueprint Reading
Apprentices learn plumbing layout, blueprint interpretation, copper soldering, brazing, threaded piping, cast iron installation, plastic piping systems, valves, supports, and plumbing fixture installation.
Safety & OSHA Practices
Training covers confined-space awareness, trench safety, fall protection, lockout/tagout procedures, personal protective equipment, material handling, and safe plumbing installation practices.
Plumber Training Providers in Minnesota
| Provider | City | Program Website |
|---|---|---|
| Saint Paul College | Saint Paul | View Program |
| Hennepin Technical College | Brooklyn Park | View Program |
| Dunwoody College of Technology | Minneapolis | View Program |
| Minnesota State Community and Technical College | Moorhead | View Program |
| St. Cloud Technical & Community College | St. Cloud | 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 OPPORTUNITIESPlumber Apprenticeship Programs in Minnesota
Minnesota Registered Apprenticeship
Organization: Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry
Plumber Licensing Requirements in Minnesota
Minnesota regulates plumbers through the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI). Individuals performing plumbing work must hold the appropriate state-issued plumbing license or be registered as plumbing apprentices working under the supervision required by state law.
Minnesota issues Unlicensed Plumber Registration (Apprentice), Journeyman Plumber License, Master Plumber License, Restricted Master Plumber License, and Plumbing Contractor Registration. Most candidates begin by registering as unlicensed plumbers, complete the required supervised experience, and pass the state licensing examination before becoming Journeyman Plumbers.
EMPLOYMENT PROJECTIONSPlumber Job Outlook in Minnesota
Minnesota provides strong employment opportunities for plumbers because of commercial construction, healthcare expansion, advanced manufacturing, food processing, data centers, higher education, utilities, residential development, and aging public infrastructure.
The Minneapolis–Saint Paul metropolitan area remains the state's largest plumbing employment market. Rochester, Duluth, St. Cloud, Mankato, and Moorhead also generate demand for plumbers working in hospitals, universities, manufacturing facilities, commercial developments, and municipal utilities.
Continued investment in healthcare, public infrastructure, and residential construction supports long-term demand for licensed plumbers across Minnesota.
Minnesota projects employment for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters to grow by approximately 6% from 2022 to 2032, with about 1,030 openings per year. Projections include both new positions and openings created when workers leave the occupation.
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 plumber salary in Minnesota?
The statewide median wage for plumbers in Minnesota is approximately $83,280 per year, or $40.04 per hour, based on May 2024 occupational wage data. Actual earnings vary by experience, license level, location, employer, overtime, and industry.
Does Minnesota require plumber licensing?
Yes. Minnesota requires individuals performing regulated, non-exempt plumber 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.
How long does it take to become a plumber in Minnesota?
The time required depends on the license pathway and training program. A typical Minnesota plumber pathway generally requires approximately 7,000 hours of supervised on-the-job training and completion of any required examination.
Are plumbers in demand in Minnesota?
Minnesota projects plumber employment to grow by approximately 6% from 2022 to 2032, with about 1,030 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 Plumber (SOC 47-2152) — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Minnesota Plumber Wages
- Minnesota Plumber Employment Trends — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Minnesota Plumber Employment Trends
- Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry — Licensing authority. Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry