Pipefitter in North Dakota: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start

Skilled trades

North Dakota employs 1,620 pipefitters, with a statewide median of $63,560 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact North Dakota licensing picture, and where to train.

What Pipefitters Earn in North Dakota (May 2025)

North Dakota median pay: $63,560 (May 2025)
Starting range (10th percentile): $45,520
Experienced (75th percentile): $76,860
Top earners (90th percentile): $83,560
Employed in North Dakota: 1,620
U.S. median (for comparison): $62,970 (May 2024)

Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for pipefitters in major North Dakota markets:

Bismarck: $70,310 (220 employed)
Fargo: $63,350 (670 employed)
Grand Forks: $62,940 (240 employed)
Minot: $62,400 (150 employed)

What That Pay Is Worth in North Dakota

Prices in North Dakota run about 11% below the national average (cost-of-living index 89.0 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $63,560 median stretches to roughly $71,416 in national buying-power terms.

Job Outlook in North Dakota (2024–2034)

North Dakota is projected to grow pipefitters employment +8.3%, faster than the +4.5% projected nationally. The state expects about 160 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.

North Dakota License and Certification Requirements

No state pipefitter license; UA apprenticeship — regulated by the No standalone North Dakota pipefitter license — UA apprenticeship (plumbing-scope work via State Plumbing Board).

North Dakota has no separate license for industrial pipefitting.
Apply to a United Association (UA) local apprenticeship (~5 years, earn-while-you-learn).
Note: plumbing-scope piping work is licensed by the ND State Plumbing Board.

Official requirements: No standalone North Dakota pipefitter license — UA apprenticeship (plumbing-scope work via State Plumbing Board) →

Training in North Dakota

High pay in industrial, mechanical, and HVAC piping. North Dakota's oil/gas and refining sectors drive strong demand.

Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in North Dakota include:

North Dakota State College of Science — Certificate
Turtle Mountain College — Certificate

Is This the Right Move for You?

Best for: People who want strong union wages and enjoy precision mechanical work in industrial or commercial settings.

Think twice if: Industrial job sites, confined spaces, and working with high-pressure systems sound dangerous rather than interesting.

Why it's resilient: Pipefitters install and maintain high-pressure industrial piping systems — licensed work with safety-critical stakes in power plants, refineries, and commercial buildings.

First Steps

Contact UA (United Association) Local pipefitter apprenticeship programs in your area — separate from plumber apprenticeships.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do pipefitters make in North Dakota?

The median wage for pipefitters in North Dakota is $63,560 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $45,520, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $83,560. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.

What license or certification do you need to become a Pipefitter in North Dakota?

No state pipefitter license; UA apprenticeship, overseen by the No standalone North Dakota pipefitter license — UA apprenticeship (plumbing-scope work via State Plumbing Board). North Dakota has no separate license for industrial pipefitting.

Is being a Pipefitter a good career in North Dakota?

Pipefitters install and maintain high-pressure industrial piping systems — licensed work with safety-critical stakes in power plants, refineries, and commercial buildings.

Which North Dakota metros pay pipefitters the most?

Among North Dakota metro areas, Bismarck leads at $70,310, followed by Fargo ($63,350), Grand Forks ($62,940). Local pay tracks regional demand and cost of living, so the highest-paying metro isn't always the best net move.

Where can I train to become a Pipefitter in North Dakota?

Real North Dakota options include North Dakota State College of Science, Turtle Mountain College. Most pipefitters start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.

Is Pipefitter a growing career in North Dakota?

North Dakota projects pipefitters employment to change +8.3% from 2024 to 2034, with about 160 openings a year — a growing field in the state.

Sources and Verification

Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), North Dakota statewide and metro estimates for SOC 47-2152. Licensing summary compiled from the No standalone North Dakota pipefitter license — UA apprenticeship (plumbing-scope work via State Plumbing Board) (2026-06-11). Requirements change — always confirm current rules with the board and verify program costs and outcomes before enrolling.

BLS Occupational Outlook · O*NET North Dakota wages · North Dakota licensing/certification source

Employment projections: Projections Central / BLS Employment Projections (2024–2034); Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities.

Pay percentiles describe current workers, not entry-level offers; training costs and local demand vary, so verify locally before committing money or quitting a job.