Plumber in Grand Forks, ND

The Salary Picture: Where Grand Forks Stands

As a local, I can tell you that the plumbing trade in Grand Forks is a stable, well-compensated career path, largely insulated from the boom-and-bust cycles that hit other industries. The numbers bear this out. The median salary for a plumber in Grand Forks is $60,727 per year, which translates to an hourly rate of $29.2/hour. To put this in perspective, it sits slightly below the national average of $63,350 per year, but the local cost of living more than makes up for that gap.

The job market is tight but accessible. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there are approximately 117 jobs for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters in the Grand Forks metro area. The 10-year job growth is projected at 6%, which aligns with national trends and indicates steady demand, especially as the city's infrastructure ages and new developments come online.

Let's break down what you can expect to earn based on your experience level. This is a general guideline based on local industry standards and BLS data for the region.

Experience Level	Years of Experience	Estimated Annual Salary Range	Notes
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$45,000 - $52,000	Often starts as an apprentice. High demand for drive and willingness to learn.
Mid-Career	2-10 years	$55,000 - $68,000	Journeyman status achieved. The bulk of the workforce falls here.
Senior-Level	10-20 years	$65,000 - $75,000+	Often leads crews, handles complex projects. Specialization adds value.
Expert/Leader	20+ years	$70,000 - $85,000+	Management roles, business owners, or high-end consultants.

Local Insight: The pay scale can vary between residential and commercial work. Commercial plumbers working on projects at UND or Altru Hospital often command higher rates due to the complexity and codes involved. Union shops (like those affiliated with the United Association) typically offer the highest wage and benefit packages.

Comparison to Other ND Cities:

• Fargo: Salaries are slightly higher (median ~$62,000), but the cost of living is also higher, with 1BR rent averaging over $900/month.
• Bismarck/Mandan: Very similar to Grand Forks, with a median salary around $60,500. The market is driven by state government and oil-related infrastructure.
• Minot: Can see higher wages during boom cycles due to oil industry demand, but it's more volatile. The median is closer to $64,000 but with less stability.

Grand Forks offers a sweet spot: a competitive wage paired with a remarkably low cost of living.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get practical. A median salary of $60,727 sounds good, but what does it mean for your day-to-day life in Grand Forks? We need to account for taxes and the biggest monthly expense: rent.

Assumptions for this breakdown:

• Gross Annual Salary: $60,727
• Estimated Taxes (Federal, State, FICA): ~25% (varies by filing status; this is a conservative estimate for a single filer)
• Monthly Rent (Average 1BR): $736/month
• Other Monthly Expenses: Utilities ($150), Groceries ($350), Car Payment/Insurance ($400), Health Insurance (varies, but often employer-subsidized), Miscellaneous ($200). We'll assume a modest $1,100 for these combined.

Monthly Budget Breakdown:

Item	Monthly Amount	Notes
Gross Monthly Pay	$5,060.58	($60,727 / 12)
Estimated Taxes & Deductions	-$1,265.15	(~25% of gross)
Net Monthly Take-Home	$3,795.43	This is your "real" money.
Rent (1BR Average)	-$736.00	The city average.
Utilities & Essentials	-$150.00	Includes heat, power, water, internet.
Groceries	-$350.00	For one person.
Transportation	-$400.00	Car payment, insurance, gas. Grand Forks is car-dependent.
Miscellaneous/Personal	-$200.00	Entertainment, clothes, etc.
Health Insurance	-$200.00	Employer share varies; this is a common employee contribution.
Total Monthly Expenses	-$2,036.00
Monthly Savings & Discretionary	$1,759.43	This is a strong position.

Insider Tip: This budget assumes you're renting a modest 1BR apartment. Many plumbers in their mid-career stage live in 2BR apartments or small houses, splitting costs with a partner or roommate, which dramatically increases disposable income.

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?
Absolutely. With a monthly savings of over $1,750, you can comfortably save for a down payment. The Grand Forks housing market is very affordable. The median home price is around $220,000. A 10% down payment is $22,000. With disciplined saving, you could achieve this in 12-15 months. A 30-year mortgage at current rates (around 6.5%) on a $200,000 loan (after a $20k down payment) would be roughly $1,260/month, including taxes and insurance. This is manageable on a plumber's salary, especially as your income grows.

Where the Jobs Are: Grand Forks's Major Employers

The plumbing job market in Grand Forks is anchored by a few key sectors: healthcare, education, municipal work, and residential construction. Here are the major players you should know about:

1. Altru Health System: As the region's largest healthcare provider, Altru has a constant need for facility plumbers. They manage a massive campus, including the main hospital on South Columbia Road and numerous clinics. These are stable, union or union-like positions with excellent benefits. Hiring is steady, often posted on their careers page.
2. University of North Dakota (UND): UND's Facilities Management department employs a crew of in-house tradespeople. They handle maintenance and renovation projects across a sprawling campus, from historic buildings to the new STEM facilities. These jobs are highly sought after for their schedule, benefits, and pension.
3. City of Grand Forks Public Works: The city maintains its own water, sewer, and stormwater infrastructure. They hire plumbers and pipefitters for municipal projects. These positions are often listed on the city's official job board and offer strong job security and public sector benefits.
4. J. H. T. Construction & Other Large GCs: For commercial and industrial work, look to the large general contractors. J. H. T. Construction is a major player in the region, often working on schools, clinics, and industrial buildings. They subcontract to many local plumbing firms.
5. Residential Builders & Remodelers: The local housing market is active. Companies like Ridgewood Development and numerous custom home builders need plumbers for new construction. For remodel work, established firms like C. M. Holm & Sons are always looking for skilled journeymen.
6. United Association Local 300: The local union chapter is a fantastic resource. They have a referral system for union contractors and often handle apprenticeship programs. Many non-union shops also respect the union's training standards.

Hiring Trends: There's a noticeable push toward sustainability. Plumbers with knowledge of high-efficiency systems, water recycling, and green building codes (like those for LEED-certified buildings on campus) have a distinct advantage. The most consistent hiring happens in the spring for the construction season and in the fall for winter maintenance roles.

Getting Licensed in ND

North Dakota's licensing process is straightforward but essential. You cannot legally perform plumbing work without proper certification. The North Dakota State Board of Plumbing Examiners regulates the trade.

Path to Licensure:

1. Apprenticeship (4 years): You must complete a state or federally approved apprenticeship program. This combines on-the-job training (typically 8,000 hours) with classroom instruction (usually 288 hours). You can find programs through the North Dakota Department of Labor or directly with employers and unions.
2. Journeyman Plumber License: After completing your apprenticeship, you must pass the state journeyman exam. The exam covers the International Plumbing Code (IPC) as adopted by North Dakota, plus state-specific regulations.
3. Master Plumber License: To work as a master plumber (required for starting your own business or pulling permits), you need 2 years of experience as a journeyman and must pass a more advanced exam.

Costs & Timeline:

• Apprenticeship Tuition: Often free or very low-cost through union programs or community colleges (like Northland Community & Technical College, which has a plumbing program). Expect to pay for tools and books (~$500-$1,000 over the 4 years).
• Exam Fees: The journeyman exam fee is $150 (as of the latest board information). The master plumber exam is $200.
• License Fees: An annual journeyman license costs $50. A master plumber license is $100 annually.
• Timeline: From starting as an apprentice to becoming a licensed journeyman takes a minimum of 4 years. It's a significant investment of time, but it's the key to unlocking the higher salary brackets.

Insider Tip: The board's website is the ultimate source of truth. Always verify requirements directly with the North Dakota State Board of Plumbing Examiners before making any moves. Laws can change.

Best Neighborhoods for Plumbers

Where you live will define your daily commute and lifestyle. Grand Forks is a compact city, so commutes are rarely an issue. Here’s a neighborhood breakdown from a plumber's perspective:

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Estimated 1BR Rent	Why It's Good for a Plumber
Lincoln Drive / Southside	Quiet, established residential. Easy 10-15 min commute to Altru, UND, and most job sites.	$700 - $800	Affordable, family-friendly, close to everything. The "default" choice for many tradespeople.
Columbia / Washington St. Corridor	Older, charming character homes. 5-10 min commute to downtown and Altru.	$650 - $750	Great value, historic feel. You'll find many older homes that need reliable plumbers.
Northwood / 42nd St. S.	Newer suburban development. 15-20 min commute to the south side.	$750 - $850	Modern amenities, less maintenance. Good for those who want space and newer builds.
East Grand Forks (MN Side)	Just across the Red River. Lower property taxes, a different school district.	$700 - $800	A popular choice for families. Commute is an extra 5 minutes.
Downtown / City Center	Walkable, vibrant (for Grand Forks). Close to restaurants and UND.	$800 - $950	For the young professional who wants to be in the heart of the action. Less parking for work trucks.

Local Insight: If you have a work truck or van, ensure your rental has adequate parking. Street parking in the core downtown area can be tight in winter. The Southside and Lincoln Drive areas almost always have driveways or garages.

The Long Game: Career Growth

A plumber in Grand Forks isn't just a technician; they're a problem-solver with a clear path for advancement.

Specialty Premiums:

• Medical Gas Certification: This is a gold-standard credential. Hospitals (Altru) and clinics require plumbers certified to work on medical gas systems. This can add 5-10% to your hourly rate.
• Backflow Prevention Testing: The city requires annual testing of backflow preventers on commercial properties. Certified testers are in high demand and can do this as a side business.
• Green Tech: Expertise in hydronic heating, solar thermal, or water reclamation systems is becoming more valuable as UND and new commercial projects pursue sustainability goals.

Advancement Paths:

1. Field to Office: Move from a crew lead to a project estimator or manager. This requires learning CAD, reading blueprints, and managing budgets.
2. Specialist to Consultant: Become the go-to expert for a specific system (e.g., industrial steam, high-rise plumbing). You might work for a firm but consult on complex jobs across the region.
3. Business Owner: With a master's license and 2+ years of journeyman experience, you can start your own shop. The low cost of living means lower overhead, making it a viable path. Many successful local shops started with one truck and a strong reputation.

10-Year Outlook (Based on 6% Growth):
The 6% job growth is solid. Over a decade, that means more openings as the workforce retires and new infrastructure is built. The key will be adapting to new codes and technologies. The demand for skilled plumbers will remain high, especially for those who can bridge the gap between traditional trade skills and modern building science.

The Verdict: Is Grand Forks Right for You?

Here’s a balanced look at what life as a plumber in Grand Forks truly offers.

Pros	Cons
Excellent Cost of Living: Your $60,727 median salary goes 15-20% further than in Fargo or Minneapolis.	Winters are Harsh: Long, cold winters (often below 0°F) mean more frozen pipe emergencies. Driving a work truck in snow requires skill.
Stable Job Market: Anchored by UND, Altru, and the city. Less volatile than oil-dependent regions.	Limited Nightlife/Scene: It's a college town, but not a major metropolitan hub. Dining and entertainment options are good but not extensive.
Short Commutes: You can live and work almost anywhere in the city in under 20 minutes.	Car-Dependent: Public transit is limited. You need a reliable vehicle, especially in winter.
Strong Community: A tight-knit trade community. You'll get to know other contractors, suppliers, and inspectors.	Slower Pace: If you crave constant change and big-city energy, Grand Forks might feel too quiet.
Real Homeownership Potential: As shown in the budget, buying a home is a realistic and achievable goal.	Seasonal Work Fluctuations: Outdoor work can slow significantly in deep winter, though indoor service work stays busy.

Final Recommendation:
Grand Forks is an ideal location for plumbers who value stability, affordability, and a strong work-life balance. It's perfect for someone in their early-to-mid career looking to establish themselves, buy a home, and build a life without the financial pressure of a major coastal city. If you're a self-starter who enjoys a tight community and can handle the winter, Grand Forks offers a superb foundation for a long and prosperous career in the trades.

FAQs

1. Do I need a state license to work as a plumber in Grand Forks?
Yes. The North Dakota State Board of Plumbing Examiners requires a license to perform plumbing work. You must be a registered apprentice, a licensed journeyman, or a licensed master plumber. Working without a license can result in fines for both you and your employer.

2. How do I find an apprenticeship in the Grand Forks area?
Start with the North Dakota Department of Labor and Human Rights, which lists registered apprenticeship programs. Also, contact Local 300 United Association directly. Many residential and commercial contractors (like J. H. T. Construction) also sponsor apprentices. Be prepared to start as a helper and prove your work ethic.

3. What's the demand like for residential vs. commercial work?
Both are steady. Residential work is consistent due to homeownership and remodeling. Commercial work has larger projects with UND and Altru expansions. Commercial often pays more but can involve more complex codes and longer hours. Many plumbers work both, especially in smaller shops.

4. How bad are the winters for a plumber?
They're challenging but manageable. You'll need a good heated work van/truck, quality cold-weather gear, and experience with frozen pipes. The upside: winter service work (thawing pipes, emergency calls) can be very lucrative. The community is well-prepared, and there's a camaraderie in surviving the cold together.

5. Is it worth it to get a Master Plumber license?
If you want to start your own business, run a crew, or work as a consultant, absolutely. It's a prerequisite. Even if you stay a journeyman, having a master's license makes you more valuable and can open doors to higher-level project management roles. The **$20