Trade Schools
If you like working with your hands and you’re passionate about construction, a career in plumbing can be both personally rewarding and financially stable.
According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage reported by plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters was $61,550, as of May 2023.
This profession is expected to grow 6 percent over the next decade, so new jobs will appear as workers retire and new buildings are constructed.
If you live in North Dakota and want to start a career in construction trades, this page is for you.
Here we have compiled information about the best Plumbing schools in your state and the programs they offer.
Our selection includes certificate programs as well as apprenticeships that combine classroom education with on-the-job paid training.
Programs focus on teaching job-ready skills, such as:
- Reading blueprints
- Understanding and applying plumbing code requirements
- Installing plumbing systems
- Repairing plumbing fixtures
- Providing information to customers about their plumbing
- And more
So, if you’re interested in starting a career in this field we encourage you to start by reading our list.
1United Tribes Technical College
United Tribes Technical College provides quality post-secondary education and training.
Courses Offered
The college offers a Pre-Engineering program that leads to an Associate of Science.
Classes are kept small to ensure personalized attention and extra tutoring.
Students who enter this program should be comfortable with mathematics or be willing to learn math concepts.
Graduates have the potential to begin a career as an engineering technician.
The degree is designed for transfer into an ABET-accredited bachelor’s program in institutions like the University of North Dakota, North Dakota State University, South Dakota School of Mines, and Navajo Technical University.
Contact Information
- Address: 3315 University Drive, Bismarck, ND 58504
- Phone: 701.255.3285
- Website: https://uttc.edu
2North Dakota State College of Science
About the School
North Dakota State College of Science offers training programs in a variety of career fields, including:
- Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources
- Human Services
- Transportation
- Architecture & Construction
- Health Science
- Information Technology
- Manufacturing
- Hospitality & Tourism
- And more
Among many other programs, the college offers a Plumbing pathway.
Students receive hands-on experience in both lab and design courses and training in drafting and blueprint reading.
The required courses include:
- Drafting and Sketching
- Core Curriculum for Plumbers
- Plumbing Theory
- Plumbing Code
- Plumbing Lab
- And more
In total, the program includes 36 credits: 31 consisting of required courses and 5 related/general education courses.
Contact Information
- Address: 800 6th Street N, Wahpeton, ND 58076
- Phone: 800-342-4325
- Website: https://www.ndscs.edu
3University of North Dakota
About the School
The University of North Dakota offers a Foundations of Plumbing course that is available fully online.
The course trains students for a career in plumbing by teaching the fundamental, job-ready skills relevant to the plumbing and piping industry.
Students in this self-paced program learn specialized plumbing skills and terminology specific to residential, commercial, and industrial plumbing systems.
The course also teaches math, geometry, and physical principles needed to work on plumbing systems.
The self-paced 12-month program includes 145-course hours and costs $2,245.
Courses Offered
Students learn:
- Basic concepts of plumbing safety and safety procedures for material and equipment use
- The use and meaning of construction specialty drawings
- The application and installation of standard plumbing fixtures
- How to identify piping systems and fixture types used in plumbing work
- And many other skills and concepts
The curriculum covers topics such as:
- Plumbing History, Codes and Principles
- Tools of the Plumbing Trade
- First Aid and Safety
- Basic Math for Plumbing
- Valves
- Water Heaters
- Pipe Joining Techniques
- Introduction to Welding
- And many more
Contact Information
- Address: O’Kelly Hall Room 300, 221 Centennial Dr. Stop 9021, Grand Forks, ND 58202 US
- Phone: 855.520.6806
- Website: https://careertraining.und.edu
4Northland Community & Technical College
About the School
Northland Community & Technical College offers a Construction Plumbing program that leads to a Diploma.
This program prepares students for a career in plumbing and pipe fitting.
Students develop skills in water systems, piping procedures, plumbing and piping systems, residential and commercial system installations, blueprint reading and sketching, and heating systems installations.
This program includes 34 credits and is available in East Grand Forks.
Students may get a diploma in just nine months.
They dive into in-depth training on residential, commercial, and industrial plumbing systems.
The total cost for this program is approximately $7,730.
Courses Offered
The program includes the following courses:
- Construction Safety
- Blueprint Reading
- Plumbing-Piping Drawings
- Copper Pipe Procedures
- Steel Pipe Procedures
- Plumbing Theory- Systems
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 2022 Central Avenue NE, East Grand Forks, MN 56721
- Phone: 218-793-2800
- Website: https://www.northlandcollege.edu
5Western Dakota Technical College
About the School
Western Dakota Technical College offers a Plumbing Technology program that prepares students to evaluate, install, and repair systems in businesses, residences, and other places where there are pipes of septic systems.
Students learn through lab simulations and real-life scenarios to put classroom theory into practice.
The program is designed to give students the core competencies employers are looking for, including:
- Troubleshooting
- Problem-solving
- Customer service
- Professional skills
- Technical Plumbing skills
Students develop skills in piping techniques and procedures, plumbing and piping systems, residential and commercial systems installation, blueprint reading, and isometric interpretation.
The graduate is eligible for one year’s credit on his or her apprenticeship card and employment in a variety of businesses found in rural and metropolitan areas.
Contact Information
- Address: 800 Mickelson Dr. Rapid City SD 57703
- Phone: (605) 718-2565
- Website: https://www.wdt.edu
6North Dakota State University
About the School
North Dakota State University offers a fully online Foundations of Plumbing course.
The course trains students for a career in plumbing by teaching the fundamental, job-ready skills relevant to the plumbing and piping industry.
Students in this self-paced program learn specialized plumbing skills and terminology specific to residential, commercial, and industrial plumbing systems.
The course also teaches math, geometry, and physical principles needed to work on plumbing systems.
The self-paced program includes 145 course hours, can be completed in 12 months, and costs $2,245.
Courses Offered
Students learn:
- Basic concepts of plumbing safety and safety procedures for material and equipment use
- The function of components required for the construction of standard piping and water supply systems
- The use and meaning of specialty drawings used in construction
- The application and installation of standard plumbing fixtures
- How to identify piping systems and fixture types used in plumbing work
The curriculum covers topics such as:
- Plumbing History, Codes and Principles
- Tools of the Plumbing Trade
- First Aid and Safety
- Basic Math for Plumbing
- Valves
- Water Heaters
- Plumbing Fixtures
- Pipe Joining Techniques
- Introduction to Welding
- Sketching
- Safety Concepts
- And many more
Contact Information
- Address: NDSU DEPT. 2020, PO BOX 6050, Fargo, ND 58108 US
- Phone: 855.520.6806
- Website: https://careertraining.ndsu.edu
7Southeast Technical College
About the School
Southeast Technical College offers a Plumbing Technology one-year Diploma Program that includes 35 credits.
Plumbing Technicians install and repair pipes carrying liquids or gases.
Pipes and fixtures are necessary in homes to carry water for drinking and sanitation, and in industrial settings to move chemicals.
The program teaches residential and commercial projects, service calls, building codes, blueprint reading, tool usage, and pipe-fitting techniques.
Students prepare for duties such as:
- Preparing cost estimates
- Conducting pressure tests
- Troubleshooting systems
- Replacing worn parts
- Determining job materials needed
Courses Offered
The curriculum includes classes in:
- Plumbing Theory and Processes
- Blueprint Reading for Plumbers
- Welding Essentials for Plumbers
The cost is $263 per credit hour.
Contact Information
- Address: 2320 N Career Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57107
- Phone: 605-367-7624
- Website: https://www.southeasttech.edu
8North Valley CTC
About the School
North Valley CTC offers a Construction Technology program that includes courses such as:
- Construction Technology
- Drafting for Construction
- Advanced Drafting for Construction
- Construction Cooperative Work Experience
The Construction Technology two-hour program introduces students to concrete, plumbing, and electrical installation, interior wall finishing, insulating, stair construction, and window and door installation.
Students learn about various building materials, the use and care of tools, and foundation, floor, wall, and roof construction while working on construction projects.
Contact Information
- Address: 1540 School Road, Grafton, ND 58237
- Phone: 701-352-3705
- Website: https://northvalleyctc.org
9Minnesota State Community and Technical College
About the School
Minnesota State Community and Technical College offers a Plumbing Technology diploma that includes immersive, hands-on experiences, with a strong emphasis on Minnesota and North Dakota plumbing codes, and an internship in the field.
Graduates are eligible for applicable hours on their apprenticeship card.
The Diploma program includes 36 credits and is available at the Moorhead Campus.
Students learn:
- Proper, safe techniques and procedures for installation of plumbing systems, fixtures, and faucets
- Uses of common plumbing tools, materials, and fittings
- Analysis of blueprints and isometric drawings
- Plumbing code rules and regulations
- Professional ethics, communications, and other soft skills
Minnesota State Community and Technical College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Contact Information
- Address: 900 Hwy 34 E Detroit Lakes, MN 56501
- Phone: 218-846-3700
- Website: https://www.minnesota.edu
10Plumbers Training Institute
About the School
Plumbers Training Institute offers the following North Dakota Plumber Exam prep courses:
- North Dakota Uniform Plumbing Code Exam Prep- a 12-hour course that costs $249
- North Dakota Master Plumber Isometrics- a three-hour course that costs $59
- North Dakota Plumbing Math- a one-hour course that costs $29
- North Carolina Plumbing Vents- a one-hour course that costs $29.
Plumbers Training Institute classes may be completed from anywhere, anytime.
Contact Information
- Phone: 855-284-8738
- Website: https://www.plumberstraininginstitute.com
Schools Summary Table
Regional Salary in North Dakota
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bismarck, ND | 230 | $65,180 | $31.34 | $87,160 | $46,090 |
| Fargo, ND-MN | 640 | $65,880 | $31.67 | $84,210 | $45,710 |
| Grand Forks, ND-MN | 220 | $63,820 | $30.68 | $80,620 | $44,610 |
| Minot, ND | 140 | $65,350 | $31.42 | $82,290 | $45,780 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Final Thoughts
There are plenty of learning opportunities available for aspiring plumbers who live in North Dakota.
Now that you have read our selection of the best Plumbing schools in your state and the programs they offer, it’s time to continue your research and apply for the one that best fits your lifestyle, schedule, and career aspirations.
