Entry-Level Plumber Salary in Minot, ND: $47,190 (2026)
Quick Answer:New plumbers entering the Minot, ND job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $47,190 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 47-2152, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Minot's local price level (BEA RPP 87.0 — 13% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $54,224 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($63,972) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
For individuals entering the plumbing industry in Minot, North Dakota, the 2026 starting plumber salary reflects a modest beginning on the career ladder. With entry-level positions typically starting at approximately $47,190, new graduates may find the gap to the city's median of $63,972 a significant hurdle. However, as they gain experience and progress through their first few years, there's a clear upward trajectory. By reaching the 25th percentile at $51,034 and potentially advancing towards the median within 3 to 5 years, those who are committed to their career can foresee a promising career path in a market that currently shows sufficient demand for skilled workers.
Career Earnings Timeline in Minot
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Minot
Entry-level plumbers in Minot, ND typically start between $47,190 and $51,034 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $37,266 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $63,972 — 2.2% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average plumbing program cost in North Dakota of $10,000 represents just 21.19% of the starting plumber pay ($47,190/year) in Minot. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates reflect apprenticeship-based training (primarily paid OJT) with union dues, tools, books, and related technical instruction fees. Non-union/trade school pathways cost more. Actual costs vary by local UA chapter and state licensing requirements.
Plumber Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Minot
- 1Research the Minot market: entry-level plumber pay ranges from $47,190 to $51,034, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the plumbing field — employers in ND often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Minot, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Minot for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Minot's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Plumber Compensation Range
The plumber wage spread in Minot is $37,266 ( 78.97%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $47,190, experienced hygienists can earn up to $84,456.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$34,082
2025 BLS Actual
$46,030
2026 Current Est.
$47,190
2019–2027 Growth
+41.9%
Salary Trajectory for Plumbers in Minot (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.52% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34,082 | Actual |
| 2020 | $34,885 | Actual |
| 2021 | $38,263 | Actual |
| 2022 | $38,836 | Actual |
| 2023 | $40,338 | Actual |
| 2024 | $45,780 | Actual |
| 2025 | $46,030 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47,190 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48,379 | Projected |
Entry-level plumber compensation (10th percentile) in Minot, ND grew 35.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $34,082 in 2019 to $46,030 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $48,379. New graduates entering the Minot job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Minot metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.52% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your plumbing Career in Minot
In Minot, various employers actively recruit aspiring plumbers, providing an array of opportunities for those just beginning their careers. The United Association (UA) offers apprenticeship programs that typically last for 4 to 5 years, solidifying your skills while preparing you for the state licensing exam. Non-union contractors also hire apprentices, giving them practical experience on the job. Notably, companies such as Roto-Rooter and ARS look for licensed journeymen, who often receive commission-based compensation with high earning potential. Credentials, such as the journeyman plumbing license and additional certifications for medical gas installation or backflow prevention, can enhance starting pay in Minot. Furthermore, the demand in the plumbing industry is sustained by an aging workforce; most plumbers approach their fifties, making this a prime time for new entrants to secure stable employment and realistic salary growth within the first few years.
More salary data for Minot, ND:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for plumbers in Minot in 2026?
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Related Pages
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Nearby Cities in North Dakota
Written by Samuel Torres, CWP
Career Analyst
Samuel Torres has 10 years of experience in plumbing. He specializes in residential plumbing systems. He has worked with several home improvement companies.
Methodology & Data Source
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new plumbing graduates. A 2.52% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Minot. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 2-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.52%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for plumbers (SOC 47-2152).
Compiled and verified by Samuel Torres, CWP, a licensed plumber with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov