Plumbers, Pipefitters & Steamfitters Salary in North Dakota

Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters in North Dakota earn a median salary of $62,670 annually, or $30.13 per hour. Entry-level workers (10th percentile) make around $44,940, while experienced professionals (90th percentile) can earn up to $89,630. The middle 50% of workers earn between $48,810 and $77,610. North Dakota's cost of living is about 7% below the national average, making the effective purchasing power equivalent to $67,532 nationally. Pay varies significantly based on experience level, specialty area, union membership, and location within the state. Oil and gas industry work, particularly in western North Dakota's Bakken region, often commands premium wages. Union members typically earn higher wages and better benefits. Industrial steamfitters and pipefitters working on power plants, refineries, or large construction projects generally out-earn residential plumbers. The state's energy sector drives strong demand for skilled tradespeople, with ongoing pipeline projects, refineries, and industrial facilities requiring specialized piping expertise.

North Dakota requires plumbers to hold a journeyman license, obtained through a state-approved apprenticeship program and passing the state exam. The typical path involves completing a 4-5 year apprenticeship program totaling 8,000-10,000 hours of on-the-job training combined with classroom instruction. United Association (UA) locals offer structured apprenticeships, particularly UA Local 5 (Fargo) and UA Local 400 (Grand Forks/Minot area). Non-union contractors also sponsor apprenticeships through programs coordinated with North Dakota State College of Science and other technical colleges. During apprenticeship, pay starts around 40-50% of journeyman wages ($18,000-22,000 annually) and increases every six months, reaching 80-90% by the final year. After completing apprenticeship requirements, candidates must pass North Dakota's journeyman plumber examination administered by the State Plumbing Board. The exam covers plumbing codes, safety regulations, and trade practices. Some counties may have additional local licensing requirements. Continuing education is required for license renewal. Veterans can often get credit for military experience, potentially shortening apprenticeship duration. The state's growing energy sector creates abundant apprenticeship opportunities, particularly in western counties.

The $44,730 gap between the 10th percentile ($44,940) and 90th percentile ($89,630) reflects several key factors. Experience is the primary driver – journeyman plumbers with 10+ years typically earn $70,000+, while new apprentices start around $45,000. Specialization significantly impacts earnings: steamfitters working on power plants or industrial facilities often earn $75,000-90,000, while residential service plumbers may earn $50,000-65,000. Union membership provides a substantial premium – UA members typically earn 15-25% more than non-union workers, plus superior benefits. Geographic location matters: western North Dakota's oil boom areas (Williston, Watford City) offer premium wages due to high demand and cost of living, while rural eastern counties may pay below-median rates. Employer type affects pay – large industrial contractors and energy companies typically pay more than small residential shops. The 75th percentile figure of $77,610 suggests that experienced union pipefitters and industrial specialists form the upper tier of earners.