Plumber in Williston, ND

The Salary Picture: Where Williston Stands

As a lifelong North Dakotan, I can tell you that Williston's plumbing industry is in a unique position. The city sits at the heart of the Bakken oil boom's recovery, and the demand for skilled trades has never been more stable. But let's cut through the speculation and look at the hard numbers.

For a Plumber in Williston, the median salary is $62,019/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $29.82. This is slightly below the national average of $63,350/year, but the story isn't just about the base number. The cost of living here is 93.0 (US avg = 100), meaning your dollar stretches further. With the metro population at 27,964, this isn't a sprawling metropolis, but there are 55 active plumbing jobs in the area at any given time, according to regional job board data. The 10-year job growth projection is a solid 6%, which indicates stable, long-term demand rather than a volatile boom-and-bust cycle.

To understand where you'll fit in, here’s a realistic breakdown by experience level. Note that these are localized estimates based on Williston's market, not national figures.

Experience Level	Years of Experience	Estimated Annual Salary	Notes
Entry-Level / Apprentice	0-2 years	$45,000 - $52,000	Often starts with a company after completing a pre-apprenticeship or while enrolled. Focus on learning codes and basic installs.
Mid-Level / Journeyman	3-7 years	$58,000 - $70,000	This is the sweet spot for most. Licensed, can work independently. The median of $62,019 sits firmly in this range.
Senior / Master Plumber	8-15 years	$70,000 - $85,000+	Supervisory roles, complex commercial projects, and business ownership opportunities.
Expert / Specialist	15+ years	$85,000 - $100,000+	Niche expertise (e.g., medical gas, industrial process piping) or owning a successful, multi-van operation.

When compared to other North Dakota cities, Williston holds its own. Fargo, with a larger population and more commercial construction, might see slightly higher top-end salaries, but the competitive field is denser. Bismarck has similar opportunities, but Williston's proximity to the energy sector can offer unique, high-paying specialty contracts for industrial plumbers. The key takeaway: Williston provides a strong mid-range salary with a lower cost of living, making it a financially sensible choice for a journeyman plumber looking to establish roots.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get practical. You've got a median salary of $62,019/year. What does that actually mean for your daily life in Williston? Here’s a simplified monthly budget breakdown. (Note: These estimates are for a single filer; taxes vary. We're using approximate federal and state tax calculations for this income level.)

• Gross Monthly Income: $5,168
• Estimated Taxes (Federal, ND State, FICA): -$1,100
• Net Monthly Take-Home: ~$4,068

Now, let's factor in rent. The average 1-bedroom rent in Williston is $837/month. Let’s build a realistic monthly budget:

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR)	$837	This is the city-wide average.
Utilities (Heat, Electric, Water, Internet)	$250 - $350	Williston winters are harsh; heating costs are a significant factor.
Groceries	$350 - $450	For one person.
Vehicle Payment/Insurance/Gas	$450 - $600	A reliable vehicle is non-negotiable in Williston; public transport is limited.
Health Insurance (if not employer-provided)	$200 - $400	Varies widely.
Savings & Retirement (10-15%)	$400 - $600	Crucial for long-term stability.
Discretionary Spending	$300 - $500	Entertainment, dining out, hobbies.
Total Estimated Expenses	$2,787 - $3,387

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. After accounting for a comfortable budget, you have a surplus of $681 - $1,281/month. This is more than enough to save for a down payment. The median home value in Williston is around $275,000. With a $60,000 down payment (just over 20%), your mortgage, taxes, and insurance could be roughly $1,600-$1,800/month—still within a reasonable range for a plumber earning the median salary. This is a major advantage over high-cost-of-living coastal cities.

Where the Jobs Are: Williston's Major Employers

The job market for plumbers here is driven by a mix of residential, commercial, and industrial sectors. Here are the key players:

1. Williston Plumbing & Heating: A long-standing local institution. They handle a vast array of residential and light commercial work. They often hire apprentices and journeyman plumbers for steady, year-round work. Hiring trends show consistent need for techs comfortable with both new installs and service calls in older neighborhoods like the North Hill.

2. Bakken Plumbing & Mechanical: This company leans more into the commercial and industrial side, often working on oilfield support facilities, schools, and hospital expansions. They seek plumbers with mechanical aptitude and experience with larger-scale piping systems. Growth in this area is tied directly to energy sector stability.

3. Roto-Rooter (Williston Franchise): A national brand with a local face. They focus heavily on drain cleaning, emergency service, and smaller repairs. It's a fantastic place to cut your teeth on troubleshooting and customer service. Pay is often competitive, with opportunities for overtime.

4. M & R Plumbing: A smaller, owner-operated shop that does primarily residential service and remodel work. This is a great environment for learning the business side of plumbing. They often serve the growing subdivisions on the city's west side.

5. Mercy Hospital (St. Joseph's) & CHI St. Alexius Health: These major healthcare facilities have in-house maintenance and engineering departments. They hire licensed plumbers for facility management, ensuring all medical gas lines, water systems, and sanitation infrastructure are up to code. These are stable, benefit-rich jobs with on-call rotation.

6. Williston Public School District 1: The school district employs maintenance staff, including plumbers, to keep its facilities running. With new schools built in recent years, the need for skilled tradespeople to maintain them is constant.

Getting Licensed in North Dakota

North Dakota has a straightforward but rigorous licensing process managed by the North Dakota State Plumbing Board. You cannot work as a plumber without proper credentials.

Requirements:

1. Apprenticeship: Complete a state-approved apprenticeship program (typically 4 years, 8,000 hours of on-the-job training, and 576 classroom hours).
2. Journeyman License: After completing your apprenticeship, you must pass the North Dakota Journeyman Plumber exam.
3. Master Plumber License: To open your own business or pull permits as a lead, you need a Master Plumber license. This requires at least two years as a licensed journeyman and passing the Master exam.

Costs & Timeline:

• Apprenticeship Program Tuition: Varies, but expect around $2,500 - $4,000 for the classroom portion over four years.
• Exam Fees: Journeyman exam fee is ~$150; Master exam is ~$200.
• License Fees: Annual license fees are typically ~$150-$200.
• Timeline: From starting an apprenticeship to becoming a licensed journeyman is a 4-year minimum. If you're already a journeyman in another state, North Dakota has reciprocity agreements with some states (like Minnesota and Montana), which can expedite the process. Check the ND State Plumbing Board for the latest reciprocity details.

Insider Tip: The best way to start is to contact local contractors (like those listed above) and ask about their apprenticeship programs. Union membership (United Association Local 300) can also be a valuable path, offering structured training and benefits.

Best Neighborhoods for Plumbers

Where you live in Williston affects your commute, lifestyle, and rent. Here’s a local’s take:

1. North Hill: The historic heart of Williston. Older homes (1950s-1970s) mean frequent service, repair, and remodel work—a steady source of jobs for local plumbers. Commute to downtown or industrial areas is short (5-10 mins). Rent for a 1BR is around $750-$900. Great for those who want character and walkability.

2. The West End: The primary area for new housing developments (built post-2010). If you work for a contractor doing new construction, this is where the action is. Commute is easy (10-15 mins to most job sites). Rent is slightly higher for a 1BR, around $850-$1,100, for newer units.

3. Southside (near Mercy Hospital): Convenient for hospital employees or those who like proximity to the Missouri River and parks. A mix of older and newer homes. Commute to anywhere in town is never more than 15 minutes. Rent is moderate, around $800-$950.

4. East Williston: More residential and family-oriented. A bit farther from the core commercial areas, but you get more space for your money. Commute times are 15-20 minutes to the industrial sector. Rent for a 1BR can be found for $700-$850.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 6% 10-year job growth suggests stability, but your individual growth depends on specialization.

• Specialty Premiums: Plumbers with certifications in medical gas, backflow prevention, or industrial welding (for process piping) can command 10-20% above the median salary. These are often needed for hospital, school, and energy sector projects.
• Advancement Paths: The classic path is from Apprentice to Journeyman to Master Plumber. From there, you can:
  • Start Your Own Business: High risk, high reward. The local market is competitive but there's room for a reliable, well-marketed operation.
  • Move into Management: Larger companies like Bakken Plumbing & Mechanical have foreman and project manager roles.
  • Pivot to Facilities Management: A stable, salaried position with a school district or hospital, often with excellent benefits and a predictable schedule.
• 10-Year Outlook: Williston's economy is diversifying beyond oil. Investments in infrastructure, healthcare, and education are creating a more stable demand for skilled trades. A plumber who establishes a reputation for quality work will have no shortage of opportunities.

The Verdict: Is Williston Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Strong, stable demand with 55 jobs and 6% growth.	Harsh winters can make outdoor work physically demanding.
Excellent cost of living (Index 93.0) vs. salary ($62,019).	Isolation; it's a 5+ hour drive to Fargo or Bismarck, 10+ to Minneapolis.
Path to homeownership is very realistic.	Limited cultural/entertainment options compared to larger cities.
Range of employers from residential to industrial (Mercy Hospital, oil sector).	Reliance on the vehicle; public transport is minimal.
Tight-knit trade community where reputation matters.	Market can feel small; networking is essential.

Final Recommendation: Williston is an outstanding choice for a journeyman plumber who values financial stability, homeownership, and a slower-paced lifestyle. It's less ideal for someone seeking a bustling urban scene with endless nightlife. For a family-oriented tradesperson looking to build equity and a solid career, the numbers—and the local insights—point to "yes."

FAQs

1. What's the best way to find a plumbing job in Williston?
Start by calling the local shops directly (Williston Plumbing & Heating, M & R Plumbing, etc.). In a market this size, a direct approach is often more effective than online applications. Also, check the Williston Area Job Center and the North Dakota Department of Commerce job board.

2. Do I need my own tools as a plumber in Williston?
Yes, absolutely. As a journeyman or master, you are expected to have your own basic hand tools and a reliable vehicle. Companies provide the larger, specialized equipment (pipe threads, drain machines, etc.), but your tool belt is your responsibility.

3. How common is overtime in Williston?
It varies by employer. Residential service companies (like Roto-Rooter) often have on-call and emergency overtime, especially during winter freezes. Commercial and industrial roles (Bakken Plumbing) may have overtime during project crunch times but are generally more predictable.

4. Is the market competitive for new plumbers?
For apprentices, there's a steady need, but you have to be proactive. For licensed journeymen, the market is competitive but in your favor if you have a clean record and good references. The key is reliability—showing up on time and doing quality work will set you apart.

5. What's the biggest challenge for plumbers new to Williston?
Many say it's the climate. Learning to work efficiently in sub-zero temperatures, understanding freeze-proof plumbing for outdoor fixtures, and dealing with the unique challenges of hard water in the region are all part of the local learning curve.