NORTH DAKOTA CAREER DATA PROFILE

Plumber Career Guide in North Dakota

Explore plumber salary, licensing requirements, training pathways, apprenticeships, job outlook, and career opportunities in North Dakota.

Last reviewed Reviewed by Career In Trades Editorial Team

Plumber in North Dakota Snapshot
Median Salary $60,320
Hourly Wage $29.00
Job Growth +11% (2022–2032)
License Required

How to Become a Plumber in North Dakota

Most plumbers complete a registered apprenticeship involving paid supervised work and related instruction before applying for the state journeyman examination.

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 North Dakota

The salary figure shown on this page represents the North Dakota 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.

North Dakota Median $60,320
Hourly Wage $29.00
National Median $62,970

Compared with the national median of $62,970, the median wage in North Dakota is approximately $2,650 lower. This comparison does not account for differences in cost of living.

OFFICIAL REGULATORY SOURCE

Licensing Authority for Plumbers in North Dakota

North Dakota State Plumbing Board

Official Website: https://www.ndplumbingboard.com/

License Types:

  • Apprentice Plumber
  • Journeyman Plumber
  • Master Plumber
  • Sewer and Water Installer
  • Water Conditioning Installer

Authority Notes:

Apprentices must register and work under licensed supervision. Journeyman and master applicants must meet the board’s experience and examination requirements. Contractors may have additional business and permit obligations.

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 PREPARATION

Plumber Training Requirements in North Dakota

1Registered Apprenticeship
2Trade or Technical School
3Employer Training

North Dakota plumbers must register or become licensed through the State Plumbing Board.

  • Register as an apprentice before accumulating supervised plumbing experience.
  • Complete the required years and hours of practical training under licensed supervision.
  • Study plumbing codes, mathematics, blueprint reading, drainage, venting, water supply, gas piping, and safety.
  • Pass the examination for the applicable journeyman, master, or installer classification.
  • Renew the license and satisfy applicable continuing-education and code-update requirements.
EDUCATION DIRECTORY

Plumber Training Providers in North Dakota

Provider City Program Website
North Dakota State College of Science Wahpeton View Program
Bismarck State College Bismarck View Program
Lake Region State College Devils Lake View Program
Williston State College 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 OPPORTUNITIES

Plumber Apprenticeship Programs in North Dakota

North Dakota Plumbers and Pipefitters Apprenticeship

Organization: UA Local 300

Program Website

Plumbing Apprenticeship

Organization: North Dakota Association of Plumbing, Heating and Mechanical Contractors

Program Website

Plumbing Apprenticeship

Organization: ABC Minnesota/North Dakota

Program Website

Registered Apprenticeship Program

Organization: Job Service North Dakota

Program Website

STATE AND LOCAL RULES

Plumber Licensing Requirements in North Dakota

North Dakota requires plumbers to register as apprentices or obtain the appropriate journeyman, master, or sewer-and-water installer license through the State Plumbing Board.

EMPLOYMENT PROJECTIONS

Plumber Job Outlook in North Dakota

+11% (2022–2032) Projected Employment Growth
2022 - 2032 Projection Period

North Dakota’s latest available long-term forecast indicates continued demand for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters, supported by energy, industrial, commercial, residential, and public-infrastructure work.

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 QUESTIONS

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the plumber salary in North Dakota?

The statewide median wage for plumbers in North Dakota is approximately $60,320 per year, or $29.00 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 plumber licensing?

Yes. North Dakota 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 North Dakota State Plumbing Board.

How long does it take to become a plumber 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 plumbers in demand in North Dakota?

North Dakota projects plumber employment to grow by approximately 11% from 2022 to 2032. Projections include both new positions and openings created when workers leave the occupation.

DATA TRANSPARENCY

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.

  1. May 2024 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates — U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. May 2024 State OEWS
  2. North Dakota Wages for Plumber (SOC 47-2152) — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. North Dakota Plumber Wages
  3. North Dakota Plumber Employment Trends — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. North Dakota Plumber Employment Trends
  4. North Dakota State Plumbing Board — Licensing authority. North Dakota State Plumbing Board
CAREER DISCOVERY

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STATE CAREER GUIDES

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