Career Guide for Plumbers: Relocating to Fargo, ND

As a career analyst with deep roots in the Fargo-Moorhead area, I’ve watched the plumbing trade evolve alongside this city’s rapid growth. Fargo isn’t just the largest city in North Dakota; it’s a regional hub with a steadfast demand for skilled tradespeople. If you’re a plumber considering a move here, this guide is for you. We’ll cut through the fluff and look at the real numbers, the job market, and what life is like on the ground.

The city’s economy is anchored by healthcare, higher education, and agriculture, all of which require robust, reliable plumbing systems. A recent drive down 13th Avenue South or through the booming Southside development will show you the sheer volume of new construction and renovation—a goldmine for plumbing work. But it’s not all new builds; the city’s aging housing stock in established neighborhoods ensures a steady stream of repair and service calls.

Let’s get into the data.

The Salary Picture: Where Fargo Stands

First, let’s talk numbers. According to the most recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for a plumber in the Fargo metro area is $61,335/year, with an hourly rate of $29.49/hour. It’s important to note that this is slightly below the national average for plumbers, which sits at $63,350/year. This isn’t uncommon for the Upper Midwest, but it’s balanced by a significantly lower cost of living.

The job market here is stable. There are approximately 264 plumbing jobs in the metro area, and the 10-year job growth is projected at 6%. This growth is driven by new construction, the replacement of aging infrastructure, and the increasing complexity of modern plumbing systems (think smart homes and high-efficiency fixtures).

Here’s a realistic breakdown of what you can expect to earn based on your experience level. These figures are estimates based on local job postings, trade union data, and industry reports, aligned with the median salary provided.

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$45,000 - $53,000	Apprentice work, basic repairs, pipe cutting/fitting, assisting senior plumbers.
Mid-Level (3-7 years)	$58,000 - $68,000	Independent service calls, drain cleaning, water heater installs, rough-ins for new construction.
Senior-Level (8-15 years)	$70,000 - $85,000+	Project management, complex commercial work, mentoring apprentices, specialty installs (boilers, medical gas).
Expert/Owner (15+ years)	$90,000+ (often with profit-sharing)	Business ownership, high-end custom work, consulting on large commercial projects.

How Fargo Compares to Other ND Cities:

• Bismarck & Minot: Salaries are very similar, often within a few thousand dollars of Fargo’s median. Bismarck, as the state capital, has more government and commercial work.
• Grand Forks: Home to UND and a major Air Force base, Grand Forks has a similar cost of living but may have slightly different project mixes (more institutional work).
• Williston & Dickinson: These western ND cities in the Bakken oil region saw a boom and bust. While pay can be higher during boom times due to overtime and hazard pay, work is less stable. Fargo offers more consistent, year-round employment.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

The median salary of $61,335/year translates to a monthly gross income of about $5,111. After federal, state, and FICA taxes, a single filer can expect to take home approximately $4,200 - $4,400 per month, depending on deductions.

North Dakota’s state income tax is progressive, ranging from 1.1% to 2.5% for the highest earners. The real advantage here is the cost of living. The Fargo metro has a Cost of Living Index of 89.4, meaning it’s about 10.6% cheaper than the national average.

The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Fargo is $781/month. Let’s break down a realistic monthly budget for a plumber earning the median salary.

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR Apt)	$781	Can range from $650 on the north side to $950+ in newer downtown complexes.
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Water, Internet)	$220	Winters are cold; heating costs can spike.
Car Payment, Insurance, Gas	$450	Fargo is car-dependent. A reliable vehicle is a must for service calls.
Groceries	$350
Health Insurance	$200 (employer-subsidized)	Varies widely by employer.
Tools/Work Expenses	$100	Pipe threaders, drain snakes, specialty tools are ongoing costs.
Leisure & Discretionary	$500	Dining out, entertainment, savings.
Total	$2,601
Remaining for Savings/Debt	~$1,600

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?
Absolutely. The median home price in the Fargo metro is roughly $300,000. With a strong credit score and a $61,335 salary, a plumber can comfortably afford a home. A 20% down payment ($60,000) is ideal, but many local programs (like the NDHFA FirstHome program) offer down payment assistance. A monthly mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) on a $300,000 home would be around $1,800-$2,000, which is manageable on the take-home pay outlined above.

Where the Jobs Are: Fargo's Major Employers

Unlike larger coastal cities, Fargo’s plumbing job market is a mix of large commercial firms, mid-sized residential companies, and independent operators. Here are the key players:

1. Commercial & Industrial Giants:

   • Mason Companies: A massive, family-owned firm based in Fargo that does everything from food processing to construction. They have an in-house maintenance crew that often hires plumbers for their extensive facilities.
   • Essentia Health & Sanford Health: These two healthcare giants are the largest employers in the region. Their facilities—from hospitals to clinics—require specialized plumbers for medical gas lines, sterilization equipment, and high-grade water systems. They hire for both in-house maintenance and contract work.

2. Major Residential & Service Companies:

   • Cooper Mechanical Services: A leading HVAC and plumbing contractor in the region, known for training and career growth. They handle a lot of new construction and high-end residential projects.
   • Service Experts (local franchise): Part of a national network, but the local operation is a major employer for service technicians and installers.
   • Fargo Plumbing & Heating: A well-established local company that focuses on residential service and repair. A great place to start if you prefer customer-facing work.

3. Institutional & Public Sector:

   • City of Fargo - Public Works: The city maintains its own water and sewer infrastructure. These are stable, unionized jobs with excellent benefits and pensions. Hiring is competitive but worth watching.
   • North Dakota State University (NDSU): The university has a large campus with diverse plumbing needs, from dormitories to research labs. They employ facilities staff, including plumbers.

Hiring Trends: There’s a noticeable shift. Companies are desperate for plumbers who are tech-savvy—comfortable with diagnostic software, digital work orders, and modern leak detection equipment. The push for water efficiency (low-flow fixtures, tankless water heaters) is also creating demand for specialists. The construction boom in South Fargo (near the I-29 corridor) means new construction plumbers are in high demand.

Getting Licensed in ND

North Dakota has a clear licensing process through the State Plumbing Board. It’s not overly burdensome, but it requires dedication.

Requirements:

1. Apprenticeship: You must complete a state-registered apprenticeship program (typically 4 years, 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 576 hours of classroom instruction). You can start as soon as you’re 18.
2. Journeyman License: After completing your apprenticeship, you must pass the National Standard Plumbing Code exam. This allows you to work independently.
3. Master Plumber License: Requires at least 2 years as a journeyman and passing a more advanced exam. This is necessary to pull permits and run your own business.

Costs & Timeline:

• Apprenticeship: Tuition for the classroom portion is typically around $3,000 - $5,000 over 4 years, often paid by the employer or through union training funds.
• Exam Fees: The journeyman exam fee is $150. The master plumber exam is $250.
• Licensing Fee: A journeyman license costs $100 annually; a master license is $200 annually.

Insider Tip: The local plumbers and pipefitters union (UA Local 49) offers an excellent apprenticeship program with structured training and higher starting wages. However, many reputable non-union shops also provide solid apprenticeships. Start by calling the ND State Plumbing Board (701-328-8080) for a list of registered programs.

Best Neighborhoods for Plumbers

Fargo is divided into distinct quadrants, each with a different vibe and commute. Where you live affects your quality of life and your drive to job sites.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	1BR Rent Estimate	Best For...
South Fargo (e.g., Eagle Run, Southgate)	The Boom Zone. Newer subdivisions, big-box stores, easy access to I-94 and I-29. Commute to most job sites is under 20 minutes.	$850 - $1,100	Plumbers working on new construction; young professionals who want modern amenities.
Downtown / Historic District	Urban & Walkable. Lofts, breweries, and restaurants. Commute is short if you work downtown, but can be 15-25 minutes to suburbs. Parking is a challenge.	$950 - $1,400+	Those who want a vibrant social scene and don’t mind a higher rent.
North Fargo (e.g., Oak Grove)	Established & Quiet. Older homes, mature trees, strong community feel. Close to Sanford Hospital. Commute is decent but can be slower on 19th Ave N.	$700 - $900	Plumbers who work on older home repairs (common in this area) or at Sanford Health.
West Fargo	Suburban Family Life. Highly rated schools, new developments, and a growing downtown. Commute to Fargo is 10-20 minutes via I-94.	$750 - $950	Plumbers with families who prioritize schools and space.
Moorhead, MN (across the river)	Cost-Saver. Slightly lower property taxes and rent. A 10-15 minute drive to most Fargo job sites.	$700 - $900	Plumbers looking to maximize their take-home pay; MN residents can access different state benefits.

Insider Tip: If you’re in the service repair business, living centrally (like near 32nd Ave S) puts you within 10 minutes of almost any residential call in the city.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Plumbing in Fargo isn’t a dead-end job. The path to higher earnings is through specialization and management.

• Specialty Premiums: Plumbers with certifications in medical gas installation, backflow prevention, or hydronic heating can command a 10-20% wage premium. The demand for technicians who can service commercial boilers and complex HVAC systems is particularly high.
• Advancement Paths:
  • Service Manager: Overseeing a team of service techs.
  • Project Manager: For larger commercial or new construction companies.
  • Business Owner: Starting your own one- or two-truck operation is very feasible in Fargo due to the lower startup costs. Many successful local shops started this way.
• 10-Year Outlook: With 6% job growth and a retiring workforce, the demand for plumbers will remain strong. The trend will be toward even more specialization—think green plumbing (water reclamation, solar thermal) and smart home integration (leak detection systems, digital controls). Plumbers who adapt will see their wages rise steadily.

The Verdict: Is Fargo Right for You?

Here’s a straightforward breakdown of the pros and cons.

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living: Your $61,335 salary goes much further than in most metro areas.	Harsh Winters: The deep freeze from November to March can be tough, and it affects outdoor work.
Stable Job Market: A diverse economy with steady demand for repairs and new construction.	Limited Nightlife/Scene: Compared to larger cities, Fargo’s social scene is quieter and more community-focused.
High Quality of Life: Easy commutes, safe communities, excellent public schools.	Car Dependency: You will need a reliable vehicle for work and daily life.
Opportunity for Business Ownership: A manageable market to start your own shop.	Slower Professional Wage Growth: While stable, top-end salaries may not match coastal cities.
Friendly, Community-Oriented Culture: People are generally welcoming and supportive of local businesses.	Remote Location: It’s a long drive to any other major city (Twin Cities is 3.5 hours).

Final Recommendation:
Fargo is an excellent choice for plumbers who value stability, affordability, and a work-life balance. If you’re a mid-career plumber looking to buy a home, start a family, or eventually own a business, the math works in your favor. It’s especially attractive if you specialize in residential service or are willing to learn commercial and institutional work. If you’re seeking the highest possible wages and a bustling, non-stop urban environment, you might look elsewhere. But for most tradespeople, Fargo offers a rare combination of solid pay and a high quality of life.

FAQs

Q: Is there a union strong presence in Fargo?
A: Yes. Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 49 has a significant presence, especially in commercial and industrial work. They offer a structured apprenticeship and strong benefits. However, a large portion of the workforce is non-union, particularly in residential service. You have options.

Q: What’s the demand like for service vs. construction work?
A: Both are healthy. New construction is booming in South and West Fargo. Service and repair work is steady year-round due to the aging housing stock. During the winter, outdoor construction slows, but service calls for frozen pipes and boiler issues spike. Having a mix of skills is ideal.

Q: Are there opportunities for women in plumbing here?
A: Absolutely. The industry is becoming more inclusive. Companies like Cooper Mechanical have women in their apprenticeship programs and on their crews. The local union also welcomes women apprentices. It’s a physically demanding job, but skill and reliability are what matter most.

Q: How important is a commercial driver’s license (CDL)?
A: Very important, especially for service or project management roles. A Class B CDL allows you to drive dump trucks, combination vehicles, and ride-on sewer jetters. Many employers prefer or require it, and it can be a factor in your hiring and pay.

Q: What’s the first step if I’m moving from out of state?
A: 1) Contact the ND State Plumbing Board to see if your existing license is transferable (it often isn’t, but you may get credit for some hours). 2) Start applying to companies 2-3 months before your move. 3) Get your ND driver’s license and vehicle registration sorted quickly. 4) Network with local plumbers on sites like LinkedIn or through the local trade association, the Fargo-Moorhead Home Builders Association.

Sources Referenced: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, North Dakota State Plumbing Board, North Dakota Department of Commerce, Cost of Living Index (Council for Community and Economic Research), local job postings and industry interviews.