In the heart of North Dakota, amidst the sweeping landscapes and rugged beauty of the Badlands, the intricate plumbing systems silently sustain the essence of daily life.
Plumbers in this region hold a pivotal role, in ensuring the seamless functionality of homes, businesses, and communities nestled within this unique terrain.
For those residing amidst the Badlands and seeking a career melding practical, hands-on work with problem-solving prowess, plumbing is an ideal choice.
This article will provide all the information you need to know as you take the first steps into becoming a plumber in North Dakota.
Table of Contents
How to Become a Plumber in North Dakota – Step by Step
You must be 18 years old to start your plumbing career in North Dakota.
North Dakota issues the following plumbing licenses:
- Apprentice Plumber (training experience)
- Journeyman Plumber
- Master Plumber
Apprentice Plumber
To become an apprentice plumber In North Carolina you must be 18 years old or older.
You must obtain at least 4 years of apprenticeship (8,000 hours of work) before you can apply for the journeyman plumbing license.
You can complete your apprenticeship by:
- joining a trade organization/union
- working directly under the supervision of an already licensed plumber, who will also be your mentor
Within 30 days of beginning your apprenticeship, you must register with the North Dakota State Plumbing Board.
There is a $20 licensure fee.
The fee goes up to $75 depending on the year of your training.
After completing 4 years of apprenticeship, you can apply for the journeyman plumber license.
Journeyman Plumber License
To apply for the Journeyman Plumber License you must provide proof of at least 7600 hours (4 years) of work experience under the supervision of a master plumber.
Submit the application form along with a $50 application and exam fee.
When the Board approves your application, you will go on to take the journeyman plumbing exam.
The journeyman exam consists of 5 parts and has a time limit of 5 hours.
The first 2 parts of the exam are closed-book and consist of 100 multiple-choice questions.
Within these 2 parts, you will also be faced with a drain, waste, and vent pipe sizing completion.
The other 3 parts of the exam consist of 40 questions that you need to complete by yourself.
In addition, there is also a water pipe sizing completion and a drain, waste, and vent with fixture units completion.
You are required to bring a calculator and a 2018 North Dakota Plumbing Code to the exam.
If you get a score of 75% or higher you have passed the exam and will go on to receive your Journeyman Plumber License.
The licensure fee is $100.
Master Plumber License
To apply for the Master Plumber License you must be at least 21 years old.
You must also have at least 3,400 (2 years) hours of experience working as a licensed journeyman plumber.
The application and examination processes are similar to Journeyman.
Submit the application form along with a $50 application and exam fee.
After your application has been approved you will go on to take the Master plumbing exam.
The exam consists of 4 parts and there is a 5 hour time limit.
The first part of the exam is a closed-book portion that consists of 100 multiple-choice questions.
The rest of the parts are open-book and consist of 40 questions you need to complete by yourself.
In addition, there is also a water pipe sizing completion; and a drain, waste, and vent with fixture units completion.
You are required to bring a calculator and a 2018 North Dakota Plumbing Code to the exam.
If you get a score of 80% or higher you have passed the exam and will go on to receive your Master Plumber License.
The licensure fee is $200.
Plumbing Schools in North Dakota
North Dakota offers a plethora of different apprenticeship programs and courses aspiring plumbers can choose from.
Here is the pick we think will suit you best.
North Dakota State College of Science
North Dakota State College of Science offers a Plumbing program that is the perfect balance of theory, code, and hands-on training to prepare students for work in the plumbing field. 
In addition, the program offers a course on workplace safety and instruction in electricity, drafting, and blueprint reading.
To be able to apply for this program you must be a High School Graduate or have the GED equivalent.
You need to receive 37 credits total to complete the program and receive your certificate.
The required courses include:
- Math for Mechanical Systems Technicians
- Drafting and Sketching
- Plumbing Theory And Code I
- Plumbing Theory And Code II
- Core Curriculum For Plumbers
- Plumbing Lab I
- Plumbing Lab II
- Residential Plumbing Application
- Plumbing Drawing, Sketching, and Design
It is a face-to-face program held in Wahpeton.
To learn more about the program and how to apply visit their website.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| North Dakota State College of Science | 800 6th St N, Wahpeton, ND 58076, United |
Salary
North Dakota pays its plumbers fair wages considering the hard work they put into ensuring the community’s plumbing systems are running smoothly.
Annual wages vary anywhere from $45,726 to $77,566.
The current estimated average wage for plumbers in North Dakota is $61,585.
Bismarck and Mandan are tied for the current highest annual average at $62,611.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Bismarck | $62,611 |
| Mandan | $62,611 |
| Minot | $61,649 |
| Dickinson | $61,649 |
| Williston | $61,649 |
| Jamestown | $60,430 |
| Fargo | $60,174 |
| West Fargo | $60,174 |
| Wahpeton | $59,212 |
| Grand Forks | $57,602 |
Regional Salary in North Dakota
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bismarck, ND | 220 | $58,610 | $28.18 | $78,110 | $40,840 |
| Fargo, ND-MN | 520 | $60,690 | $29.18 | $81,810 | $42,300 |
| Grand Forks, ND-MN | 210 | $57,040 | $27.43 | $74,840 | $38,230 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a plumber in North Dakota without a license?
To legally work as a plumber in North Dakota you are required to obtain one of the plumbing licenses the state issues.
When should I renew my North Dakota plumbing license?
All North Dakota plumbing licenses expire annually on December 31st, so you should have your license renewed annually up to December 31st.
How much does a plumbing license renewal cost in North Dakota?
License renewal fees vary depending on the type of license you have.
- Journeyman Plumber License Renewal – $100
- Master Plumber License Renewal – $200
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