How to Become a Plumber in Minnesota

In Minnesota, where a tapestry of tradition intertwines with innovation, the intricate plumbing network silently fuels the rhythm of our homes, businesses, and communities.

At the heart of this vital system are the skilled hands of plumbers, ensuring convenience, and comfort in our modern lives.

Choosing a career in plumbing within the North Star State isn’t just about fixing leaks or installing pipes; it’s a fulfilling journey offering both professional satisfaction and societal impact.

In this article, we’ll share with you everything you need to know on how to become a plumber in Minnesota.

How to Become a Plumber in Minnesota – Step by Step

To begin your plumbing journey in Minnesota you must be at least 18 years old.

You must also have a High School Diploma or the GED equivalent.

For your training, you must register with the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry, and obtain at least 4 years of experience.

You can get your experience through:

• completing a DLI-approved apprenticeship program
• work directly under the supervision of a licensed plumber as a DLI-registered unregistered plumber

Within your 4 years of training, you need to gain 7,000 hours of experience total.

Out of these 7,000 hours:

• at least 2,000 hours must be of water distribution system installation
• at least 2,000 hours must be of drain, waste, and vent system installation
• at least 1,000 hours must be of fixture installation

After gaining the experience needed you can go on and apply for your plumbing license.

Minnesota issues the following plumbing licenses:

• Journeyworker Plumber License
• Master Plumber License

Journeyworker Plumber License

After completing 7000 hours of apprenticeship or working under the supervision of a licensed plumber, you can apply for the journeyworker plumber license.

You can also apply for this license if:

• If you have had an active MN-restricted plumbing license for at least 2 years
• If you currently have a plumber’s license from another state that requires at least 4 years to move on to a journey worker license

You need to submit an application form and pay the $50 application/exam fee.

After that, you will go on to take the exam.

Your results will be sent to you within 2 weeks of the examination.

If you have passed the exam you will be given instructions on the further steps to receiving your license.

If you have failed the exam, you must wait 30 days before reapplying.

Master Plumber License

To apply for the Minnesota Master Plumber License you must first:

• Have at least 1750 hours of work experience as a journey worker plumber (equals to 1 year of experience)
• Have had an active MN-restricted master plumbing license and 5 years of verifiable experience as a plumbing contractor
• Be a currently licensed Master Plumber in another state, which’s requirements are the same as Minnesota’s

Of course, you need to qualify for one of these criteria, not all of them.

Most Minnesota residents who chose to become Master Plumbers were previous journeyworker plumbers.

The application process and examination are the same as journeyworker plumber.

You need to submit an application form and pay the $50 application/exam fee.

After that, you will go on to take the exam.

Your results will be sent to you within 2 weeks of the examination.

If you have passed the exam you will be given instructions on the further steps to receiving your license.

If you have failed the exam, you must wait 30 days before reapplying.

Plumbing Schools in Minnesota

Minnesota offers great apprenticeship programs, vocational schools, and college courses to ensure their aspiring plumbers are getting the best knowledge and experience.

Plumbers Local 15

Plumbers Local 15 offers an apprenticeship program and Journeyman training classes available for all journeyman members of Local #15.

Their goal is to give quality training to all interested members with a variety of ongoing educational training.

It is important to note that they do need a certain number of members interested because if there isn’t enough response for class they won’t be able to offer it.

To apply for their apprenticeship program you must be at least 17 years old and have a High School Diploma or the GED equivalent.

You will be available to apply between January 8–25, 2024 M-TH, 8:30 AM – 2:30 PM.

Applications for both the Minneapolis. & St Cloud apprenticeship programs will be in-person at the Plumbers Local 15 Training Center located at 8625 Monticello Lane N., Maple Grove MN 55369.

They only take applications once a year, and you must apply in person.

There is a testing part within the application process.

3 tests test your general knowledge:

• Basic skills test (math & grammar)
• mechanical aptitude assessment
• risk assessment

To learn more about the program visit their website.

Salary

Plumbers in Minnesota are greatly paid for the hard work they put into keeping the plumbing systems running properly throughout the state.

The annual wage can vary anywhere from $48,406 to $82,118

The annual average wage is currently estimated at $65,196.

The highest annual average salaries are $67,779 in the cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul.

Annual Salary Range: Annual Salary by Location:

Location	Avg. Annual Salary
Minneapolis	$67,779
St. Paul	$67,779
Burnsville	$67,588
Center City	$67,206
Cannon Falls	$65,205
Rochester	$63,777
Blooming Prairie	$63,205
Easton	$63,205
Duluth	$60,914
Barnesville	$58,732

Regional Salary in Minnesota

* Salary information based on the May 2023 Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) Survey for Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters, OCC Code 47-2152, BLS.
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are plumbing exams being taken in Minnesota?

In  Minnesota, plumbing exams are being taken in the following cities:

• Alexandria
• Duluth
• New Ulm
• St. Paul

When should I renew my Minnesota plumbing license?

License expiration and renewal are different for different licenses:

• Registered Unlicensed Plumbers should renew their registrations by June 30th every year, they should also complete 2 hours of continuing education every year
• Journeyworker Plumber Licenses should be renewed by December 31st of every odd-numbered year, journey worker plumbers must also complete 16 hours of continuing education every two years
• Master Plumber Licenses Plumber Licenses should be renewed by December 31st of every even-numbered year, master plumbers must also complete 16 hours of continuing education every two years

Who issues the plumbing exams and licenses in Minnesota?

All plumbing exams and licenses in Minnesota are being issued by the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry Plumbing Board.

Plumber Info by State