Plumber in Rochester, MN

The Salary Picture: Where Rochester Stands

As a Rochester native who’s watched this city’s economy evolve from farm towns and Mayo Clinic to a bustling metro, I can tell you the plumbing trade here is steady, reliable work. The numbers back it up. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and local industry reports, the median salary for a plumber in Rochester, MN is $62,038 per year, or $29.83 per hour. This is slightly below the national average of $63,350, but that gap is deceptive. When you factor in Rochester’s cost of living, which is about 7% lower than the national average, your paycheck goes further here than in many metro areas.

The demand is consistent. The Rochester metro area (Olmsted County and surrounding counties) has approximately 244 open jobs for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters at any given time. Over the next decade, the field is projected to grow by 6%, a figure that mirrors national trends but is bolstered by Rochester’s unique economic drivers—chief among them, the massive expansion of the Mayo Clinic and the ongoing construction of new residential and commercial properties to keep pace with the city’s growth.

Here’s how salaries break down by experience level. Note that these figures are estimates based on local job postings, union scale data (Local 34), and BLS percentile data for the region.

Experience Level	Years of Experience	Salary Range (Annual)	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level	0-2	$42,000 - $52,000	Apprentice work, drain cleaning, basic repairs under supervision.
Mid-Level	3-7	$55,000 - $70,000	Independent service calls, rough-in work, water heater installations.
Senior	8-15	$70,000 - $85,000+	Project lead, commercial work, complex troubleshooting, mentoring.
Expert/Owner	15+	$90,000+ (often business owner)	Specialties (medical gas, fire suppression), business management, estimating.

How does Rochester compare to other Minnesota cities?
Let's look at the broader picture. Rochester’s plumbing salaries are competitive within the state, especially when cost of living is considered.

City	Median Salary	Cost of Living Index (US Avg=100)	Relative Affordability
Rochester, MN	$62,038	93.1	Highest
Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN	$68,500	104.3	Lower
Duluth, MN	$58,750	90.2	High
St. Cloud, MN	$60,120	92.5	High

While Minneapolis offers a higher raw salary, the rent and general living expenses eat into that advantage. Rochester hits the sweet spot: a solid wage with a lower cost of living. You’ll make more than in Duluth or St. Cloud, with a job market that’s far more robust and diverse than either.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get practical. You’re not earning a median salary; you’re paying for life. Using Rochester’s average 1BR rent of $927/month and a standard tax estimate (federal, state, FICA), here’s a monthly budget breakdown for a plumber earning the median salary of $62,038.

• Gross Monthly Income: $5,169.83
• Estimated Monthly Taxes (approx. 22%): -$1,137.36
• Net Monthly Income (Take-Home): ~$4,032.47

Monthly Budget Breakdown:

• Rent (1BR Apartment): -$927
• Utilities (Electric, Gas, Internet): -$250
• Car Payment/Insurance: -$450
• Gas (Avg. MN prices, ~35-mile commute): -$180
• Groceries: -$400
• Health Insurance (if not employer-covered): -$300
• Miscellaneous (Phone, entertainment, savings): -$600
• Remaining: ~$925.47

This is a comfortable budget, assuming a single person with a modest car. The key insight is the surplus. With $925 leftover each month, you have a clear path to saving for a down payment.

Can they afford to buy a home?
Absolutely. Rochester’s housing market is more accessible than the Twin Cities. The median home price in Olmsted County hovers around $285,000. A 20% down payment is $57,000. At the current savings rate of ~$925/month, it would take roughly 5 years to save that amount, assuming you don’t get raises or bonuses. However, many local lenders offer programs for first-time homebuyers, and USDA Rural Development loans are available for parts of the surrounding county, requiring as little as 0% down. With the stability of the plumbing trade here, homeownership is a realistic goal within your first 7-10 years in the field.

Where the Jobs Are: Rochester's Major Employers

The plumbing job market here isn’t just about fixing leaky faucets in suburbs. It’s deeply connected to the city’s major institutions and growth sectors. Here’s where the work is:

1. Mayo Clinic Facilities & Construction: The single largest driver of plumbing work. This isn’t just hospital maintenance (which is constant and requires specialized knowledge). The massive Mayo Clinic downtown campus and its satellite clinics are perpetually under expansion or renovation. Major construction projects like the Mayo Clinic’s Gonda Building expansions and the Destination Medical Center (DMC) initiative create high-paying, long-term commercial and medical gas plumbing contracts. Contractors like McGough and Ryan Companies frequently bid on these projects and need skilled tradespeople.

2. Rochester Public Schools (RPS): The district has 24 schools and is undergoing significant modernization. Facilities maintenance departments hire in-house plumbers for preventative maintenance, emergency repairs, and renovation projects. This is a stable, union-backed (if applicable) job with great benefits.

3. Olmsted County Government & Public Works: Maintains county buildings, parks, and infrastructure. They have a facilities division that employs plumbers. This is a government job with a pension and strong job security.

4. Local Commercial & Industrial Contractors: Companies like Bridgman, Inc., Kraemer North America, and D.H. Bredensteiner, Inc. are major players in commercial construction. They handle everything from new apartment complexes (like those going up near the Apache Mall area) to industrial facilities. These jobs often pay above the median, especially for those with journeyman licenses and commercial experience.

5. Residential Service Companies: Firms like Rochester Heating & Cooling, Inc., B & B Heating & Cooling, and Larry's Heating & Cooling (which also offers plumbing services) are always hiring apprentices and licensed plumbers. The residential market is booming with new subdivisions in areas like Northwest Rochester (Pill Hill area) and Southeast Rochester.

6. Property Management Companies: Large local firms managing multi-family housing (like The Morse Group or Rochester Property Management) need reliable plumbers for turnarounds and ongoing maintenance. This can be steady, predictable work.

Hiring Trends: There’s a noticeable shift. Employers are desperate for licensed journeyman and master plumbers. Apprentices are plentiful, but the gap is at the higher skill levels. This means you have leverage if you’re already licensed. Furthermore, there’s a growing need for plumbers with medical gas certification (ASSE 6010) and backflow prevention certification, both critical for hospital and industrial work.

Getting Licensed in MN

Minnesota’s licensing process is managed by the Department of Labor and Industry (DLI). It’s a structured path that takes time but is straightforward.

Requirements & Costs:

1. Apprenticeship: You must complete a 4-year, 8,000-hour apprenticeship program. This is typically done through a union (UA Local 34) or a non-union registered apprenticeship program. Apprentices earn while they learn. Tuition for the classroom portion is roughly $1,200 - $1,500 per year.
2. Journeyman License: After completing your apprenticeship and passing the state exam, you can apply for a journeyman license. Exam fee: $150. License fee: $115.
3. Master Plumber License: Requires an additional 4 years (16,000 hours) of work as a journeyman, plus passing a more advanced exam. Exam fee: $150. License fee: $115.

Timeline to Get Started:

• Year 1: Apply to an apprenticeship program. You’ll work full-time and attend classes one or two nights a week.
• Years 2-4: Continue on-the-job training and schooling. You’ll get regular wage increases. By year 3, you may be taking on more responsibility.
• End of Year 4: Apply for your journeyman exam. Once licensed, you can work independently, start your own business, or become a foreman. Reaching the median salary of $62,038 is very likely once you have your journeyman card.

Insider Tip: The Rochester market has a strong union presence (UA Local 34, which covers SE Minnesota). While union work isn’t required, it often provides higher wages, better benefits, and structured apprenticeships. It’s worth investigating their apprenticeship program.

Best Neighborhoods for Plumbers

Where you live affects your commute, lifestyle, and budget. Here’s a local’s guide:

1. Northwest Rochester (Pill Hill/Highland Neighborhood):

   • Vibe: Established, quiet, close to downtown and the clinic. Older homes with character (and older plumbing systems!).
   • Commute: 10-15 minutes to most job sites. Easy access to Hwy 52.
   • Rent Estimate: $950 - $1,100 for a 1BR.
   • Best For: Plumbers who want a short commute and don’t mind working on older homes. It’s a great area for those specializing in re-pipes and restoration.

2. Southeast Rochester (St. Marys Area):

   • Vibe: Family-friendly, quiet, with lots of new construction and established subdivisions. Proximity to the St. Marys Hospital campus.
   • Commute: 15-20 minutes to downtown. Good highway access via Hwy 14.
   • Rent Estimate: $850 - $1,000 for a 1BR.
   • Best For: Plumbers with families or those who want a suburban feel. Lots of new construction opportunities nearby.

3. Downtown Rochester:

   • Vibe: Urban, walkable, vibrant. Mix of historic buildings and modern lofts. Heart of the DMC project.
   • Commute: Walk, bike, or short drive to most jobs. A plumber’s dream for minimizing fuel costs.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,000 - $1,300 for a 1BR (premium for location).
   • Best For: Young plumbers, those working directly on the clinic or DMC projects, or anyone who wants to be in the middle of the action.

4. Southwest Rochester (Clinton/Virgil areas):

   • Vibe: Affordable, growing, with a mix of older and new homes. Close to the airport and shopping centers.
   • Commute: 15-20 minutes to most areas.
   • Rent Estimate: $800 - $950 for a 1BR.
   • Best For: Plumbers on a budget looking for more square footage. Good area for service plumbers covering the southwest quadrant of the city.

Insider Tip: Avoid the immediate vicinity of the Apache Mall/US-14 corridor if you hate traffic. It can get congested during rush hour, though it’s improving. The Silver Lake area is beautiful but has higher property taxes, which might not be ideal if you’re renting or buying your first home.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Staying in Rochester long-term offers unique advancement paths that aren’t available everywhere.

• Specialty Premiums: Plumbers with the following certifications can command 15-25% higher wages:

  • Medical Gas Piping (ASSE 6010): Non-negotiable for hospital work. Rochester is a hub for this specialty.
  • Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester: Required for commercial properties. A side hustle can be testing backflow devices for local businesses.
  • Fire Sprinkler Systems: A related trade with high demand in commercial construction.
  • Welding (ASME B31.3): For industrial pipefitting on larger projects.

• Advancement Paths:

  1. Foreman/Project Manager: Move from hands-on work to leading a crew. This requires strong organizational skills and often comes with a $10,000 - $20,000 salary jump.
  2. Estimator/Sales: If you understand the trade and can talk to customers, companies will train you to bid on jobs. This is a path to a desk job with a high base salary plus commission.
  3. Business Ownership: Rochester has a thriving small business community. Starting your own one- or two-van service company is a viable path once you have your master plumber license and a strong client base. Many local successful owners started as apprentices here.

10-Year Outlook: The 6% growth is solid, but the real story is specialization. As the DMC and Mayo Clinic projects continue, the demand for high-skill, licensed plumbers in commercial and medical fields will outpace the growth in general residential plumbing. The plumbers who invest in certifications will see their wages rise faster than the median.

The Verdict: Is Rochester Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Lower Cost of Living: Your $62,038 salary goes much further here.	Winters are Harsh: Ice dams, frozen pipes, and dangerous driving conditions are part of the job (and life).
Stable, Diverse Job Market: Not reliant on a single industry.	Smaller Metro Area: Fewer niche specialty companies compared to the Twin Cities.
Path to Homeownership: Realistic within 5-7 years for a disciplined plumber.	Rapid Growth Can Mean Growing Pains: Traffic and construction are constant.
Union Presence (UA Local 34): Provides structure and benefits.	Limited Nightlife/Urban Culture: It’s a family-oriented city; options are more subdued.
Mayo Clinic = Constant High-End Work: No recession-proof, high-value projects.	Licensing Takes Time: It’s a 4+ year commitment to get your journeyman card.

Final Recommendation:
Rochester, MN is an excellent choice for plumbers at all career stages. For apprentices, it offers a structured path with high starting wages relative to cost of living. For journeyman plumbers, the market is hot, with opportunities to move into commercial, medical, or leadership roles. For master plumbers, the potential for business ownership or high-level consulting is significant, driven by the city’s unique healthcare economy.

If you are a plumber who values job security, a clear path to homeownership, and a stable work-life balance over the hustle of a major coastal city, Rochester is a fantastic fit. The winters are the biggest challenge, but for a plumber with the right attitude, they’re also a source of consistent, billable work. Come for the steady job, stay for the community and the surprisingly comfortable lifestyle your trade can provide here.

FAQs

1. Do I need a union card to get a plumbing job in Rochester?
No. While the UA Local 34 is influential and offers a great apprenticeship, many non-union residential and commercial contractors hire directly. However, for the large-scale commercial and hospital projects, union contractors are prominent. It’s beneficial to understand both sides of the market.

2. How is the job market for plumbers with no experience?
Tough to start, but not impossible. Most local employers want you to be enrolled in an apprenticeship program. Your best bet is to apply directly to the apprenticeship programs (union and non-union) and also to residential service companies offering "helper" positions. Being willing to start at the bottom is key.

3. Is Rochester too dependent on the Mayo Clinic?
For the plumbing trade, this is a strength, not a weakness. While the city’s overall economy is tied to Mayo, the constant construction, renovation, and maintenance of world-class medical facilities creates a steady, high-value stream of work that is largely recession-resistant. It diversifies the trade beyond just residential and traditional commercial work.

4. What’s the biggest challenge for a plumber moving to Rochester?
The winter. You must learn to handle extreme cold, from dealing with frozen pipes in unheated spaces to navigating icy roads at 5 AM for an emergency call. Investing in a reliable, heated truck and high-quality cold-weather gear is a business necessity, not a luxury.

5. Can I make more than the median salary quickly?
Yes, if you specialize. A licensed journeyman plumber with medical gas certification can easily earn **$70,000 - $75