Plumber in Dickinson, ND

The Salary Picture: Where Dickinson Stands

If you're considering a plumbing career in Dickinson, North Dakota, you're looking at a market where demand is steady and the pay is competitive for the region. Understanding the local salary landscape is the first step in making an informed decision.

The median salary for a plumber in Dickinson is $62,019 per year, or $29.82 per hour. It's important to note that this figure sits slightly below the national average of $63,350 per year. This isn't necessarily a negative; it's a reflection of Dickinson's lower cost of living compared to many national metro areas. When adjusted for local expenses, your dollars go further here.

Job availability is a key strength for Dickinson. With an estimated 50 plumbing jobs in the metro area, the market is active but not oversaturated. This creates a stable environment for skilled tradespeople. Looking forward, the 10-year job growth projection is 6%, which aligns with the national average for plumbers. This growth is driven by ongoing residential development, aging infrastructure in commercial properties, and the steady demand from the energy and healthcare sectors that anchor the local economy.

Here’s a breakdown of salary expectations based on experience level within the Dickinson market:

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Key Responsibilities & Notes
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$45,000 - $52,000	Apprentice roles, basic fixture installation, drain cleaning. Often starts as a helper.
Mid-Level (3-7 years)	$58,000 - $70,000	Journeyman status, independent service calls, residential and light commercial work.
Senior-Level (8-15 years)	$70,000 - $85,000+	Master plumber, complex commercial projects, system design, mentoring apprentices.
Expert/Specialist	$85,000 - $100,000+	Highly specialized roles (e.g., medical gas, industrial process piping), often with own business.

When comparing Dickinson to other North Dakota cities, the picture becomes clearer. Bismarck and Fargo, as larger state hubs, typically offer slightly higher median salaries (closer to $65,000-$68,000) due to a larger commercial and institutional market. However, the cost of living in those cities is also elevated. Williston, another energy patch city, can have more volatile pay tied to oil boom cycles, with higher potential but less stability. Dickinson offers a balanced middle ground: solid, stable pay without the intense cost pressures of the state's largest metros.

Insider Tip: Don't fixate solely on the base salary. In Dickinson, many plumbing companies offer bonuses tied to overtime, emergency call-outs, and project completion. A journeyman who is willing to be on the rotating on-call schedule can easily add $5,000 - $10,000 to their annual income.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

The $62,019 median salary is a great headline number, but what does it mean for your day-to-day life? Let's break down the monthly finances for a single plumber earning the median wage in Dickinson.

First, we need to account for taxes. For a single filer with the standard deduction in 2023, the estimated take-home pay after federal income tax, FICA (Social Security and Medicare), and North Dakota state income tax (a relatively low 1.95% - 4.95% marginal rate) would be approximately $1,500 - $1,600 per month. This is a conservative estimate that doesn't account for pre-tax deductions like health insurance or retirement contributions.

Now, let's layer in the major fixed cost: housing. The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Dickinson is $837 per month. This is a significant advantage over national averages.

Here’s a sample monthly budget for a plumber earning the median salary:

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes for Dickinson
Take-Home Pay	~$4,900	Based on $62,019 annual salary after typical taxes.
Rent (1BR)	$837	This is the citywide average; varies by neighborhood.
Utilities (Elec, Gas, Water, Internet)	$250 - $350	Can be higher in winter due to heating costs.
Groceries	$300 - $400	Comparable to national averages.
Car Payment/Insurance/Gas	$400 - $600	Essential for commuting; Dickinson is car-dependent.
Health Insurance	$150 - $300	Varies by employer. Many trades unions/plumbing companies offer solid plans.
Miscellaneous (Food, Entertainment, etc.)	$300 - $500	Flexible spending.
Savings/Debt Payment	$1,000+	This is the key opportunity.
Total Expenses	$2,587 - $3,287	Leaves a significant buffer.

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely, and it's a strong financial move. The median home price in Dickinson hovers around $250,000 - $300,000. With a stable income of $62,019, a plumber can comfortably be approved for a mortgage. Using a conservative budget, a plumber could save $1,000+ per month, amassing a $12,000 down payment in one year. With an FHA loan (3.5% down), that's enough for a house on the lower end of the market. The lower cost of living directly translates to a faster path to homeownership and wealth building compared to most other U.S. cities.

Insider Tip: Many local plumbing companies in Dickinson have deep ties with credit unions like Community First Credit Union. They often have special mortgage programs for trade workers, sometimes with lower down payment requirements or better rates. It's worth asking about during your job search.

Where the Jobs Are: Dickinson's Major Employers

The plumbing job market in Dickinson is fueled by a diverse economic base. While there are several small to mid-sized local plumbing and HVAC companies, the most significant employment comes from institutions and industries that require large-scale, reliable plumbing and pipefitting services.

1. Belford Medical Center (Part of CHI St. Alexius Health): This is a major employer. Hospital systems require specialized medical gas piping, backflow prevention, and complex commercial plumbing systems. They often have in-house maintenance teams and contract with local plumbing firms for major projects. Hiring is stable and benefits are typically excellent.

2. Dickinson Public Schools (ISD 1): The school district manages multiple facilities, from elementary schools to Dickinson High School. They have a dedicated facilities and maintenance department that employs plumbers for preventative maintenance, renovations, and emergency repairs. These are stable, salaried positions with great hours and summers off.

3. Energy Sector Companies (Bakken Region): While the oil boom has cooled from its peak, the Bakken remains a significant economic driver. Companies like Convoy, Halliburton, and EOG Resources maintain regional offices and facilities in and around Dickinson. They need plumbers and pipefitters for camp facilities, office buildings, and supporting infrastructure. This work often pays premium rates.

4. City of Dickinson Public Works: The city's own water and sewer department is a direct employer. They manage the municipal water treatment and distribution systems, as well as the sewer collection system. These are union positions (typically with the Teamsters or AFSCME) offering strong pay, pensions, and benefits.

5. Dakota Community Bank & Trust: While a financial institution, new branch construction and ongoing facility maintenance for a bank with multiple locations in the region creates consistent contract work for licensed plumbers.

6. Local Construction Firms (e.g., B&B Construction, H&M Construction): These are the primary employers for new residential and commercial construction plumbing. They are often the first point of contact for apprentices and journeyman plumbers looking for steady project-based work.

Hiring Trend: The trend is toward specialization. General drain cleaning is common, but there's growing demand for plumbers with medical gas certification, backflow prevention certification, and expertise in commercial hydronic or fire sprinkler systems. Companies are increasingly looking to hire journeyman plumbers who can also handle these specialized tasks rather than subcontracting them out.

Getting Licensed in ND

North Dakota has a clear, structured licensing system for plumbers, administered by the North Dakota State Plumbing Board. It's a rigorous process designed to ensure public safety.

1. Education & Apprenticeship:
You must complete a state-approved apprenticeship program. This typically involves:

• 4 years (8,000 hours) of documented on-the-job training under a licensed master plumber.
• 144 hours per year of classroom instruction (often through a local trade school or the North Dakota State College of Science).
• Cost: Apprenticeship programs are often sponsored by employers or unions (like the United Association Local 640). You may pay for books and some fees, but you earn a wage while you learn.

2. Journeyman Plumber License:
After completing your apprenticeship, you apply to take the journeyman exam.

• Requirements: Proof of completed apprenticeship hours and education.
• Exam: National Standard Plumbing Code (NSPC) based exam. Must pass with a set score (typically 70%).
• Cost: Exam fee is approximately $150 - $200. License fee is around $50 - $100.
• Timeline: You can take the exam as soon as your apprenticeship is verified. The process from application to holding your license can take 2-3 months.

3. Master Plumber License:
To become a master plumber, which allows you to own a business and pull permits, you need:

• Two additional years (4,000 hours) of experience as a journeyman.
• Pass the Master Plumber exam, which covers business, law, and advanced code.
• Cost: Exam fee is approximately $200 - $250. License fee is similar to journeyman.
• Timeline: Plan for 3-5 years total from starting your apprenticeship to becoming a master plumber.

Key Resource: The North Dakota State Plumbing Board website is the definitive source for all forms, fee schedules, and exam dates. Keep your records meticulous from day one of your apprenticeship.

Insider Tip: The Dickinson chapter of the North Dakota Association of Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors (NDAPHCC) is an invaluable resource for networking, finding apprenticeship sponsors, and staying updated on code changes. Attending a meeting can give you a direct line to local employers.

Best Neighborhoods for Plumbers

As a plumber, you'll likely have a work vehicle, so your neighborhood choice is more about lifestyle, commute time, and cost rather than proximity to a single office. Here’s a local’s guide to where you might live.

1. Central Dickinson / East Dickinson (Near Dickinson State University):

   • Commute/Lifestyle: Very central. You can get to most job sites (hospital, schools, downtown commercial) in under 10 minutes. Walkable to downtown restaurants and the university campus. More historic homes, which means older plumbing systems—potential for service work.
   • Rent Estimate: $750 - $950/month for a 1BR. A bit higher than average but for the location.
   • Best For: Someone who values walkability and a short commute.

2. South Dickinson (Near Walmart & Southwest Boulevard):

   • Commute/Lifestyle: Modern, planned subdivisions. Easy access to major retailers (Walmart, Menards) and quick highway access to job sites in industrial parks or the energy sector offices. A bit more driving required for downtown amenities.
   • Rent Estimate: $800 - $1,000/month for a 1BR in newer complexes.
   • Best For: Someone who prefers newer construction, easy errands, and a quiet, suburban feel.

3. West Dickinson / Near Fairgrounds:

   • Commute/Lifestyle: A mix of older and newer housing. Good access to the fairgrounds area and Highway 10. Commutes are still short. This area is more residential and can be very affordable.
   • Rent Estimate: $700 - $850/month for a 1BR.
   • Best For: Budget-conscious individuals who don't mind a slightly longer (but still under 15-minute) drive to the city center.

4. Eastside / Near Highway 22 (Belford Medical Center Area):

   • Commute/Lifestyle: This area is dominated by medical facilities, hotels, and restaurants. If you work at the hospital or for a commercial contractor serving the medical district, you could have a very short commute. It's less residential, so there are fewer traditional apartment complexes.
   • Rent Estimate: $850 - $1,100/month for a 1BR (often in newer, hotel-style extended stay or apartment options).
   • Best For: Commercial/medical plumbers seeking the absolute minimal commute.

5. Rural Adjacent (e.g., near Taylor or Gladstone):

   • Commute/Lifestyle: For those who want space, you can look at the small towns 10-20 minutes outside Dickinson. You'll get more house/land for your money, but you'll be commuting daily and should be prepared for winter driving.
   • Rent Estimate: Harder to find apartments; a rural rental house might be $900 - $1,200/month.
   • Best For: Someone who values a rural lifestyle and doesn't mind the commute.

Insider Tip: For the best deals on rentals, look on Facebook Marketplace and local classifieds (like the Dickinson Press website) in early spring (April-May) and late summer (August-September), when the oil field workforce turns over slightly.

The Long Game: Career Growth

A plumbing career in Dickinson isn't a dead-end job; it's a launchpad with multiple growth trajectories.

Specialty Premiums:

• Medical Gas Certification: This is a gold standard. Hospitals and clinics require certified installers and testers. This can add $3-$5 per hour to your wage or command a higher project rate.
• Backflow Prevention Certification: Required for commercial properties and irrigation systems. This is a recurring revenue stream, as these devices need annual testing.
• Irrigation Systems: With the growing residential subdivisions, there's year-round work installing and maintaining lawn irrigation systems, which is less physically demanding than sewer work.
• Gas Line Specialization: Working on natural gas lines for heating and appliances, especially in the cold climate, is a consistent and well-paid niche.

Advancement Paths:

1. Field Service Technician: Move from construction to service and repair. This often leads to higher hourly rates and bonuses for efficiency and customer satisfaction.
2. Foreman/Project Manager: For those on the construction side, managing crews and bids for larger commercial projects.
3. Business Owner: With a Master Plumber license and experience, starting your own one- or two-person operation is a viable path. Dickinson's market can support a new business if you build a reputation for quality and reliability.
4. Inspector: With enough experience, you can test for a position with the City of Dickinson Building Department as a plumbing inspector. This is a salaried, government job with excellent benefits.

10-Year Outlook: The 6% job growth indicates steady demand. The outlook is strong for plumbers who adapt. The aging of the local infrastructure, both in older homes and commercial buildings, will drive repair and replacement work. The continued presence of the energy and healthcare sectors ensures a stable commercial/industrial client base. Plumbers who invest in certifications and build a network will not only find work but will be able to command premium rates.

The Verdict: Is Dickinson Right for You?

Pros	Cons
High Purchasing Power: The combination of a $62,019 median salary and a Cost of Living Index of 93.0 means you can save and buy a home much faster than in most of the country.	Harsh Winters: The climate is a major factor. Working outside in -20°F temperatures is a reality. You need the right gear and a reliable vehicle.
Stable Job Market: With 50 jobs and a 6% growth rate in a diversified economy (energy, healthcare, education), layoffs are less likely than in boom-bust oil towns.	Limited Social Scene: It's a smaller city (pop. 25,216). The entertainment and cultural options are more limited than in a major metro.
Strong Community & Networking: The trades community is tight-knit. It's easier to build a reputation and find opportunities through word-of-mouth.	Geographic Isolation: Dickinson is a 3-4 hour drive from Bismarck and a 5-6 hour drive from Fargo. Travel for specialized training can require planning.
Path to Homeownership: The $837 average rent and reasonable home prices make financial stability and asset building very achievable.	Dependence on Vehicle: Public transit is minimal. You will need a reliable vehicle, which adds to your cost of living.
Low Stress Market: Less competition than in big cities means you can often be more selective about jobs and negotiate better terms.	Slower Pace of Life: For those used to a fast-paced, 24/7 city, Dickinson can feel quiet.

Final Recommendation:
Dickinson is an excellent choice for a plumber who is **practical, financially motivated, and values stability over urban