Plumbing Schools in Minnesota: The Ultimate Guide

Accredited Minnesota Plumber Training Programs 

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), “Most plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters learn on the job through an apprenticeship. Some attend a vocational-technical school before receiving on-the-job training. Most states require plumbers to be licensed.” All of that holds true in Minnesota. 

Minnesota licenses every level of this workforce at the state level — journeyworker plumbers and master plumbers. Apprentices must be registered with the state as Registered Unlicensed Individuals. Apprenticing, whether through an official program or just working under a licensed plumber for four years, is required before taking the journeyworker plumbing examination. After a year as a journeyman, plumbers may take the master plumber examination.

The state of Minnesota offers plumbing programs at several institutions. Although a plumbing degree is not required to operate in the state, many choose to pursue education before or during their required apprenticeship. Here's a list of some top Minnesota technical schools that offer plumbing programs:

• Hennepin Technical College in Brooklyn Park

• Minnesota State Community and Technical College (M State) in Moorhead (Note: The Fergus Falls campus no longer offers plumbing programs.)

• Minnesota West Community & Technical College in Granite Falls

• Northland Community & Technical College in Thief River Falls

• Northwest Technical College in Bemidji

• Saint Paul College in St. Paul

• St. Cloud Technical & Community College in St. Cloud

The Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry keeps an updated list of registered plumbing apprenticeship opportunities. The current available apprenticeships are with:

• Construction Education Foundation of MN in Eden Prairie

• Minneapolis Plumbers Joint Journeyman & Apprentice Training Committee in Maple Grove

• Plumbers Local 6 in Rochester

• The Northern Mechanical & Iron Range Plumbing & Pipefitting Joint Apprenticeship in Duluth

Plumbing Degrees & Certificates

As you weigh the benefit of getting some formal training at a technical or community college or online, you may want to speak with people in the field in the state where you plan to work. The licensing requirements vary from state to state, and some require a minimum amount of education. Other states, like Minnesota, have no plumbing educational requirements to get started, and it may make more sense to simply obtain an entry-level position and receive on-the-job training rather than attending one of the plumber schools. 

Although formal plumbing education isn’t required in Minnesota, sometimes getting a little technical education before you find work can help you compete for apprenticeship opportunities or make you a more attractive hire. Some apprenticeship programs are very competitive, and you will need to find ways to move up the ranking list to be selected. There are often classes applicants can take in high school and college to help them prepare and perhaps be ranked higher on the candidate list. They include trade classes like blueprint reading and construction classes, and math classes like Algebra I & II, Calculus, Geometry, and Trigonometry.

Very few plumbers choose to get a four-year bachelor’s degree unless they’re seeking a related engineering or building construction degree. If this is a path that interests you, you may want to explore the Mechanical Engineering degree programs at one of the four-year universities in Minnesota like:

• Dunwoody College of Technology

• Minnesota State University - Mankato

• University of Minnesota - Twin Cities

• University of St. Thomas

In many cases, but not always, formal education pays off in the form of higher wages, but if your interest lies in being a journeyworker plumber or getting a master plumber license, a degree is not necessary. 

Typical Courses in Technical College Programs

Plumbing programs at technical colleges are all intended to prepare students for careers in plumbing, pipefitting, and related fields. All class instruction combines theory and practical skills. Most develop academic, technical, and professional knowledge and skills required for job acquisition, retention, and advancement.

Among the classes you’ll take are:

• Introduction to Plumbing Technology

• Plumbing Blueprints and Codes

• Drain, Waste, and Venting Systems

• Water Supply and Distribution Systems

• Plumbing Fixtures and Appliance Installation

Further along will be intermediate and advanced plumbing concepts, pipe fabrication, and welding technology fundamentals, among other courses, and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) certification, too.

School Selection Criteria  

There are a lot of things to consider when picking the apprenticeship or school and program that is right for you.

Cost

Cost is, of course, at the top of the list. According to Community College Review, tuition at Minnesota community colleges on average is $5,701 per year for in-state students and $6,336 for out-of-state students. There will be some variations in fees at each school, too, so be sure to review all of the costs involved. 

You will also incur costs for books and tools, but those tools are yours to keep as you enter your chosen occupational field. All students who are interested in receiving federal (Pell Grant) and state grants can apply by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form online.

Program Length

The pre-apprenticeship plumbing diploma program length varies depending on the school and how many credit hours you take per semester. Hennepin Technical College offers a plumbing degree in 36 credit hours, or two full-time semesters. 

Even with a plumbing degree, four years (7,000) hours of practical experience as a registered unlicensed individual is required to sit for the journeyworker plumber exam. A journeyworker plumber must complete one year (1,750 hours) of practical experience before taking the master plumber exam.

Benefits

There are many benefits to formal education if you want to join the plumbing profession. Many employers will choose an applicant with a certificate or pre-apprenticeship over one without. Those credentials can also give you an edge in the selection process for an apprenticeship. Having some basic knowledge helps you to hit the ground running and secure your place in a shop full of professionals.

Online vs. in-person

You may choose to get that jump on plumbing training through an online certificate program. Only you know if this type of independent curriculum will work for you. 

Penn Foster and Ashworth College are two of the most recognizable online plumbing programs. Bob Vila’s website and the CPA Accounting Institute for Success both list them at the top of their posts about the Best Online Courses for Plumbing.

If you know your learning style relies more on personal instruction, the traditional in-person classes and accredited programs listed above are fairly accessible throughout the state.

Level of difficulty

Plumbing programs are designed to prepare graduates for entry-level positions in the plumbing trade in commercial, industrial, or residential sectors. Curriculum includes an understanding of mathematics and physics. Plumbers must learn to do a lot of different things to be successful, including: how to follow blueprints or other design specifications to install or repair plumbing systems (including water heaters); troubleshoot issues at residences or commercial properties; execute on remodels or new installations that involve running all water, gas and sewage lines; know how and when to use different material pipes and how to fit them together properly; understand the plumbing code; and keep accurate records of work performed. And, of course, especially in residential work, customer service is key.

School Comparison: At a Glance

The technical and community schools listed above offer students financial aid in the form of grants and loans and have a 100% acceptance rate.

Hennepin Technical College

• Plumbing Pre-Apprenticeship

  • Occupational Certificate

    • 18 credits

  • Diploma

    • 36 credits

Minnesota State Community and Technical College

• Plumbing Technology

  • Diploma

    • 36 credits

Minnesota West Community & Technical College

• Plumbing Technology

  • Certificate

    • 15 credits

  • Diploma

    • 32 credits

Northland Community & Technical College

• Construction Plumbing

  • Diploma

    • 34 credits

• Heating, Ventilation, & AC/Construction Plumbing       

  • Associate of Applied Science

    • 70 credits

Northwest Technical College

• Residential Plumbing/HVAC

  • Diploma

    • 60 credits

Saint Paul College

• Diploma

  • 44 credits

St. Cloud Technical & Community College 

• Plumbing

  • Diploma

    • 37 credits

• Plumbing, Shop Management       

  • Associate of Applied Science

    • 70 credits

Steps for Enrollment in Minnesota

Every college has its own way of doing things, but in general the process begins with visiting the school’s website and applying for admission online. Some require that you pay an application fee and provide several documents. In general, the application process has the following steps:

1. Complete your application.

2. Pay the application fee (if applicable).

3. Provide proof of residency to qualify for in-state tuition.

4. Have sealed official high school transcript or GED scores sent.

5. Submit placement test scores.

6. If applicable, apply for on-campus housing.

If you choose to start with an apprenticeship, you will want to contact the Local Union or non-union trade organization chapter closest to you. Each organization has a slightly different application process, but the application requirements in general are:

• Must be at least 18 years of age.

• Must be a high school graduate, senior scheduled to graduate or have earned a GED certificate. Applicants will be required to provide a copy of their diploma or GED certificate, and an official transcript of their grades following submission of the application.

• Must have a valid driver’s license.

• Have passed high school algebra or an equivalent post-high school algebra class with a “C” or better or pass an aptitude test.

• Pass a drug screen and criminal background checks.

Plumbing Career Requirements in Minnesota

The Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) is the licensing agency for plumbers in Minnesota. As mentioned earlier, Minnesota requires on-the-job training to legally perform plumbing work. You must complete four years of apprenticeship training before being allowed to take the journeyworker plumber licensing exam.

To take the master plumber license exam, you must be licensed as a journeyworker plumber for at least one year, be a currently licensed master plumber from another state with equivalent requirements, or be a current Minnesota restricted master plumber with five years of verifiable experience in business as a plumbing contractor in Minnesota. Licenses expire December 31 of odd-numbered years and you must complete 16 hours of DLI-approved continuing education to renew.

For a detailed explanation of Minnesota’s plumbing licensing requirements and how to fulfill them, check out our essential guide to getting your Minnesota Plumbing License. 

Salaries for Plumbers in Minnesota

Before paying for technical education and getting started in the plumbing field, you’ll want some idea of what you can expect in terms of the return on your investment of time, effort, energy, and money. In other words, what can you expect to make as a plumbing professional in Minnesota? Payscale.com data provides an answer based on your experience. The median plumber salary in Minnesota for 2023 is:

• Entry level <2 years: $49,500

• Intermediate 2-4 years: $59,900

• Senior 4-6 years: $64,700

For more information about plumber salaries, visit this state-by-state guide.

Industry Apprenticeships

To meet apprenticeship requirements in Minnesota, you must have a high school diploma or GED. Interested applicants should apply directly to the company with which they’d like to apprentice. Remember, apprenticeship—or working under a licensed plumber as a registered unlicensed individual—is required to become a licensed plumber in Minnesota. 

The Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry maintains a list of companies offering apprenticeships. In addition, Minnesota has 10 local United Association Union of Plumbers, Fitters, Welders, & Service Techs chapters. UA Local 6, based in Rochester, offers apprenticeships for plumbers and pipefitters. Apprentices are mentored on the job by journeyworkers and go to school to learn trade-specific subjects. Local 15 serves the area of Minneapolis and St. Cloud, and offers a plumbing apprenticeship that meets both U.S. Department of Labor standards and the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry standards. 

Other School Options

We’ve highlighted many trade schools, community colleges, and apprenticeships thus far. There are multiple programs throughout the state to get the training you need to be a plumber in Minnesota. In addition to those already mentioned, each of the schools or apprenticeship training programs below has a plumbing program or classes that can help get you started.

• Dakota County Technical College in Rosemount

• Minneapolis Plumbers Joint Journeyman & Apprentice Training Committee in Maple Grove

• Midway Vo Tech in Oakdale

Minnesota has plumber apprenticeships and classes all across the state. You can find the training you need to excel in a career in plumbing in Minnesota. The opportunities are all around you.