Plumber in Minot, ND

The Salary Picture: Where Minot Stands

If you're a plumber looking at Minot, the first thing you need to know is that the pay is solid, especially given the city's low cost of living. The median salary for plumbers here is $62,019/year, which translates to an hourly rate of $29.82/hour. When you compare that to the national average of $63,350/year, Minot comes in just slightly below the U.S. median. However, the real story isn't about beating the national average—it's about what that salary can actually buy you in western North Dakota.

The local job market is tight but stable. There are approximately 95 plumbing jobs in the metro area at any given time. The ten-year job growth projection is 6%, which is modest but steady. This growth is driven by two main factors: the ongoing need for maintenance in older housing stock and new construction tied to the region's energy and agricultural sectors. Unlike boomtowns with explosive growth, Minot offers a predictable, recession-resistant market for skilled tradespeople.

To give you a clearer picture of your earning potential based on experience, here’s a breakdown:

Experience Level	Typical Years in Trade	Estimated Annual Salary	Notes for Minot
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$45,000 - $52,000	Often starts as an apprentice or helper. Lower wage but with structured training.
Mid-Career	3-7 years	$55,000 - $70,000	Most common range. Licensed journeyman with solid field experience.
Senior	8-15 years	$70,000 +	Often leads a crew, handles complex commercial jobs. Can include foreman pay.
Expert/Owner	15+ years	$90,000 +	Master plumber, business owner, or highly specialized consultant.

When you stack Minot up against other North Dakota cities, the picture gets interesting. Fargo, with its larger population and more diverse economy, often has a higher median salary for trades, but the cost of living is significantly higher. Bismarck, the state capital, is in a similar ballpark to Minot. Williston, a hub for the Bakken oil fields, can see higher wages during boom periods, but it's also more volatile. Minot offers a "Goldilocks" scenario—enough demand to keep you busy and paid, without the extreme cost pressures or volatility of some other markets.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get down to brass tacks. A $62,019 annual salary feels different in Minot than it does in a major coastal city. North Dakota has a state income tax that ranges from 1.1% to 2.5%, and federal taxes will take their cut as well. For a single filer, you can expect to take home roughly 70-75% of your gross pay after taxes, health insurance, and retirement contributions. That puts your net monthly income in the range of $3,600 to $3,900.

The biggest factor in your disposable income is housing. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Minot is $837/month. This is incredibly low compared to national averages. For our budget breakdown, let’s use a conservative net monthly income of $3,800 and the average rent of $837.

Here’s what a typical monthly budget looks like for a mid-career plumber in Minot:

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes & Local Insights
Rent (1BR)	$837	This is the city-wide average. Newer complexes in South Minot may be closer to $900, while older buildings in Central can be under $700.
Utilities	$150 - $250	Includes electricity, gas, water, and garbage. Winter heating bills can spike from November to March.
Groceries	$350 - $450	Minot has a good grocery scene with Hornbacher's and MarketPlace Foods. No sales tax on food helps.
Car Payment/Insurance	$400 - $600	Public transit is limited; a reliable vehicle is essential. Insurance rates are reasonable.
Fuel	$150 - $250	Commutes can be longer, especially if you live in the suburbs. Fuel prices fluctuate with oil markets.
Health Insurance	$200 - $350	Varies widely by employer. Many trade unions offer good plans.
Discretionary/Other	$500 - $700	Includes dining out, entertainment, and savings.
Total Estimated	$2,587 - $3,437

After all essential expenses, a plumber earning the median salary could have $363 to $1,213 left over each month. This surplus is key to building savings or a down payment.

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. The median home price in Minot is around $265,000. With a 5% down payment ($13,250), your monthly mortgage payment (with taxes and insurance) would likely be in the $1,500 - $1,700 range. While this is higher than the average rent, it's still manageable on a $62,019 salary, especially if you have a two-income household. Many plumbers in Minot are homeowners by their mid-30s.

Where the Jobs Are: Minot's Major Employers

The plumbing industry in Minot is driven by a mix of residential, commercial, and industrial sectors. You won't find a single massive employer, but rather a healthy ecosystem of local companies and institutional employers that provide steady work. Here are the key players:

1. Commercial & Residential Contractors: Companies like Nor-Im Construction, Mackoff & Kellogg, and Integrity Plumbing & Heating are always looking for skilled journeymen and master plumbers. They handle everything from new housing developments in the Sunrise and Holiday neighborhoods to commercial retrofits downtown. Hiring is steady, with a notable uptick from May to September.
2. Minot Public School District: The district maintains a large, in-house facilities team. These are union positions (typically IBEW) and offer excellent benefits and a pension. Jobs are posted on the district website. They often hire for apprentices to journeyman roles.
3. Sanford Health & Trinity Health: Both major hospital systems in Minot have extensive maintenance departments. Hospital plumbing work is specialized (medical gas, strict code compliance) and pays a premium. These are highly sought-after, stable jobs.
4. Minot Air Force Base (MAFB): The base is a massive employer of contractors for facilities management. Companies like Amentum or Balfour Beatty (depending on current contracts) hire for plumbing positions on base. A Security Clearance can be a huge advantage here.
5. City of Minot Public Works: The city employs plumbers and pipefitters for water and sewer infrastructure. These jobs appear on the city's Human Resources page and are competitive, offering great city benefits.
6. Energy Sector Support: While not direct drilling, companies servicing the oil and gas industry often need plumbers for facilities, worker housing, and frac water systems. This work is often project-based and can offer higher short-term pay.

Insider Tip: The most lucrative opportunities are often in industrial or institutional settings (hospitals, schools, base) due to union contracts and specialized work. Residential contractors provide more flexibility but are more susceptible to seasonal slowing in winter.

Getting Licensed in ND

North Dakota's licensing is managed by the North Dakota State Plumbing Board. The process is straightforward but requires patience and a clear plan.

Path to Licensure:

1. Apprenticeship: You must complete a state-approved apprenticeship program, which typically requires 4 years (8,000 hours) of on-the-job training and 144 hours of classroom instruction per year. You can start as a plumber's helper while enrolled.
2. Journeyman License: After completing your apprenticeship, you must pass the North Dakota Journeyman Plumber exam. This covers the International Plumbing Code and relevant state amendments.
3. Master Plumber License: To become a master plumber, you need at least 2 years as a licensed journeyman and must pass the Master Plumber exam. This is required to pull permits and run your own business.

Costs & Timeline:

• Apprenticeship School Tuition: Approximately $1,000 - $2,500 per year (may be covered by employer or union).
• Exam Fees: ~$150 for the Journeyman exam, ~$200 for the Master exam.
• Licensing Fees: ~$100 annually.
• Total Estimated Start-Up Cost (excluding tools): $3,000 - $6,000 over the 4-year apprenticeship.
• Timeline: From starting as an apprentice to holding a Journeyman's license, expect a 4-5 year process.

Resources: The North Dakota State Plumbing Board website is your primary source for applications, codebooks, and exam details. For apprenticeships, check the Western Dakota Tech (in Rapid City, but offers some remote/online components) or local union programs like Local 647 (IBEW) which covers plumbing and pipefitting.

Best Neighborhoods for Plumbers

Minot is a compact city, and commutes are rarely an issue. Your choice of neighborhood will depend more on lifestyle, family needs, and budget than on a work commute.

• Central / Downtown: The historic heart of the city. You'll find older homes, many of which need plumbing updates and restorations—a potential source of side work. Commute to any employer is under 10 minutes. Expect apartment rents from $650 - $900. Great for younger plumbers who want to be near the nightlife and restaurants like The Starving Rooster.
• South Minot / Oak Park: This area has seen significant growth, with modern apartment complexes and single-family homes. It's popular with young professionals and families. Commute is easy via the 4th Ave SW corridor. Rents are higher: $900 - $1,100 for a 1BR. Close to the Dakota Square Mall.
• Sunrise / Holiday: These are classic, established suburbs with mid-century homes and great schools. Many plumbers live here because it's where you get more house for your money. A 3-bedroom home can be purchased for $250k-$300k. The commute to downtown or the base is 10-15 minutes. Renting a house here might run $1,200 - $1,500.
• East Minot / The Base: Closer to MAFB. This area is heavily influenced by the military community—lots of rentals and transient populations. Commute to the base is a breeze. Rents are moderate: $750 - $950. Good for contractors who do work on base.
• West Minot / The Broadway Corridor: More industrial and commercial. While not a classic "neighborhood," it's where you'll find many of the commercial contractors' offices and yards. Living here means being minutes from work, but the housing stock is mostly older and industrial. Rent can be lower for that reason.

Insider Tip: If you're looking for your first home, the Sunrise and Holiday areas offer the best balance of value, schools, and resale potential. For renting, South Minot provides the most modern amenities.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Minot, career growth for plumbers is less about vertical climbing in a corporate ladder and more about gaining specializations, taking on more responsibility, or starting your own business.

Specialty Premiums:

• Medical Gas Certification: Plumbers with ASSE 6000 series certification for medical gas piping can earn 10-15% more than a general journeyman, especially in hospital settings.
• Backflow Prevention: Certification to test and install backflow prevention devices is required for many commercial and municipal jobs and commands a premium.
• Service & Repair Specialists: Plumbers who specialize in troubleshooting and repair (vs. new installation) are often in higher demand for emergency calls and can earn more in overtime.
• Pipefitting & Welding: Combining plumbing with pipefitting or welding skills opens doors to larger industrial projects, including those in the energy sector.

Advancement Paths:

1. Foreman / Crew Lead: After 5-8 years, you can move into a leadership role, managing a small crew. This adds a $5-$10/hour premium.
2. Estimator / Project Manager: With strong math and people skills, you can move from the field to the office, bidding jobs and managing timelines. This is a common path for those who want to stay in the trade but reduce physical labor.
3. Business Owner: The ultimate goal for many. As a Master Plumber, you can start your own company. The market is not saturated, and there's consistent demand for trustworthy, local plumbers. Success depends on reputation and business acumen.

10-Year Outlook: The 6% job growth is conservative. North Dakota's aging infrastructure and continued population stability in the region will ensure steady demand. The biggest variable is the energy sector. A major upswing in oil or wind energy projects could accelerate that growth and drive wages higher. For a skilled, licensed plumber with a good reputation, the long-term prospects in Minot are very secure.

The Verdict: Is Minot Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living: Your salary goes significantly further than in most places.	Isolation: Minot is 2+ hours from the nearest major city (Fargo). Air travel is limited.
High Homeownership Rate: A $62,019 salary can comfortably support a home purchase.	Harsh Winters: Sub-zero temps and heavy snow affect work schedules & vehicle reliability.
Stable, Diverse Demand: Work from schools, hospitals, military, and homes.	Limited Nightlife/Culture: It's a family-oriented city. Museums and concerts are available but not abundant.
Tight-Knit Trade Community: It's easy to build a reputation and network.	Job Market Size: Only 95 positions mean fewer openings than in a large city, but less competition.
Outdoor Access: Close to Lake Sakakawea for fishing/boating and state forests for hunting.	Wind: The "Magic City" can be extremely windy, which is a factor in daily life.

Final Recommendation: Minot is an excellent choice for a plumber who prioritizes financial stability, homeownership, and a balanced lifestyle over big-city excitement. It's ideal for those who are married or have a family, enjoy outdoor recreation, and are comfortable with a four-season climate. The trade-off for the cold winters and relative isolation is a mortgage payment that's a fraction of what you'd pay elsewhere, a tight job market with low competition, and a chance to become a respected tradesperson in a community that values your skill. If you're a self-starter who can handle the isolation and the climate, Minot offers a genuinely rewarding career and life.

FAQs

Q: Is it hard to find a job as a plumber in Minot?
It's competitive for the best positions (like at the hospitals or schools), but there are always openings with residential and commercial contractors. Having your Journeyman license and a clean driving record is key. Networking at trade events or through local unions can give you an edge.

Q: How do winters affect plumbing work?
While outdoor work slows, indoor work often increases. Freezing pipes lead to emergency service calls, which can mean high overtime pay. Commercial and institutional projects continue year-round. You'll need a reliable 4WD vehicle.

Q: What's the best way to get an apprenticeship?
Contact local plumbing companies directly and ask if they sponsor apprentices. Also, check with the North Dakota State Plumbing Board for a list of approved apprenticeship programs. Unions like Local 647 are another primary route.

Q: Can I get my license if I'm licensed in another state?
North Dakota does not have reciprocity with most states. You will likely need to document your work hours and potentially take the state exam. Contact the North Dakota State Plumbing Board for a specific evaluation of your out-of-state credentials.

Q: Is there union representation in Minot?
Yes, the United Association Local 647 represents plumbers and pipefitters in North Dakota and western Minnesota. Union work is prevalent in commercial, industrial, and institutional projects (schools, hospitals, base) and offers strong benefits and pensions. Non-union work is common in residential construction.