Are you in search of the best plumbing schools in Minnesota? Not to worry, I got you covered.
Every day, trained plumbers keep Minnesota’s homes and businesses running. That’s because plumbing professionals offer a variety of in-demand services.
These services include installing new buildings’ water, sewer, and gas lines. Plumbers perform a wide range of small and large repairs in existing buildings regularly.
For several reasons, plumbing stands out as a rewarding field in Minnesota. For starters, plumbers who do a good job can expect to become valued members of their communities.
Furthermore, experienced plumbers working in the state expect to be paid well. If everything interests you, this article will show you the best schools in Minnesota to study plumbing and what you need to know to enter the plumbing profession.
See Also: 15 Best Plumbing Schools in Oklahoma
Table of Contents
Are there Plumbing Schools in Minnesota?
There are a good number of plumbing schools in Minnesota. They include:
- Saint Paul College
- St. Cloud Technical and Community College
- Anoka Technical College
- Plumbers Local 15
- Minnesota State Community and Technical College
- Ridgewater College
- Minnesota West Community & Technical College
- Hennepin Technical College
- Northland Community & Technical College
- Northwest Technical College
How Does One Become a Plumber in Minnesota
Unlike many other states, Minnesota does not require all legally employed plumbers to obtain an official license.
If you intend to work without a license, you must still follow state regulations. These procedures require you to register with the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry as an unlicensed plumber. You must also work directly under the supervision of a properly licensed plumber.
Minnesota has two types of licensed plumbers: journey workers and masters. A state exam is required to obtain either of these licenses.
There are several ways to qualify for the journey worker’s exam. Among these alternatives are:
- Working in Minnesota as a registered, unlicensed plumber for four years or more
- Completing a state-approved apprenticeship program
- Having a current license from another state that meets Minnesota’s journey worker requirements
You can also qualify for the master plumber’s exam in various ways. These are some examples:
- Working as a licensed journey worker for at least a year
- Having a master’s degree from a state with requirements at least as stringent as Minnesota’s
- Plumbers in the state must be at least 18 years old. You must get your employers to vouch for your claimed level of experience before you can sit for a licensing exam. To keep your journey worker or master’s license, you must take continuing education courses regularly.
What are the Best Plumbing Schools in Minnesota?
Below are the best plumbing schools in Minnesota:
#1 Saint Paul College
At Saint Paul College, you can discover the beauty of vocational careers and your true abilities. This school is the best option if you want to improve your current skills or begin a new job.
The labs, classes, and facilities are all new and updated, and they will provide you with a thorough understanding of your chosen career.
During the plumbing program, you will learn how to read and interpret blueprints, design and build your system, and repair, maintain, and update any system. Begin a new future with them!
#2 St. Cloud Technical and Community College
You will find the ideal environment to grow and develop the skills and knowledge you seek at St. Cloud Technical and Community College.
They offer a wide range of programs that will quickly prepare you for a professional career.
Aside from that, the modern and dynamic campus will provide you with many exciting fun and leisure activities.
The plumbing program provides excellent value for your tuition fee of only 5537 USD, one of the lowest in the state. In no time, you’ll be able to repair, maintain, and even design new plumbing systems.
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#3 Anoka Technical College
Anoka Technical College is a multi-campus institution with strong branches throughout the state. The goal is to provide a high-quality, personalized education to all students who come to them.
They will assist you in discovering your true abilities and skills and guide you to the ideal vocational program, ensuring a successful career.
An exciting and sought-after course because it provides a solid foundation for a self-sufficient career.
They provide various levels of education and will assist you in getting back to work as soon as possible.
#4 Plumbers Local 15
This program is open to journeyman plumbers, apprentice plumbers, and anyone interested in a plumbing career.
This Minneapolis-based union provides comprehensive training for apprentice plumbers. Every instructor is industry-certified. The Dunwoody College of Technology is where classes are held.
You will find the best plumbing training available right here. They have cutting-edge facilities and over 45 industry-certified instructors dedicated to the trade by providing quality education to all apprentices and continuing education for journeymen and master plumbers.
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#5 Minnesota State Community and Technical College
The Plumbing Technology program at M-State is intended for apprentice plumbers and others interested in a career in plumbing.
The 36-credit diploma program is taught on the Moorhead campus. It focuses on Minnesota and North Dakota Plumbing Codes, emphasizing residential and commercial installation practices and standards.
Also, graduates will be eligible for the hours listed on their apprenticeship cards.
Here is what you’ll learn
- Safeguarding techniques and procedures
- Common plumbing materials and fixtures are used in a variety of ways.
- blueprint and isometric drawing analysis
- Plumbing system installation techniques and procedures that work
- Plumbing fixture and faucet installation
- Plumbing code regulations and rules
#6 Ridgewater College
Ridgewater College’s new full-time Plumbing Technician program will make it easier to find that plumbing expert by helping to meet industry demand.
Plumbing students will examine, install, adapt, and repair plumbing, cooling, and heating systems and fixtures, identify potential plumbing hazards, and test new green technology systems.
Through classroom instruction and hands-on experience, you will be prepared for industry work in both residential and commercial settings.
Gain expertise in:
- Interpretation of blueprint reading
- Plumbing procedures (basic/advanced)
- Distribution of water
- Drainage, waste, and ventilation
- Installation of faucets and fixtures
- Repair and troubleshooting
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#7 Minnesota West Community & Technical College
The Plumbing Technology degree gives graduates a solid foundation and hands-on experience in designing and maintaining plumbing systems.
Plumbers are in high demand and play an essential role in public health and safety. Students will learn how to install fixtures, thread pipes, and use plumbing tools and equipment.
The students will investigate various drainage systems and water supplies. The Minnesota Plumbing Code will be heavily emphasized.
Students will learn about various types of copper pipe, fittings, tubing, and PEX water distribution piping.
Also, math skills will be used, as will the ability to read blueprints. Graduates will be prepared to work as apprentices in the field.
#8 Hennepin Technical College
This school’s Plumbing Pre-Apprenticeship program prepares students to begin a career in plumbing and pipefitting as an apprentice with a plumbing contractor.
Students gain technical knowledge and basic skills in safety, plumbing codes, material identification, tool use, piping procedures, blueprint interpretation, and the design and installation of plumbing systems.
See Also: 15 Best Plumbing Schools In Virginia
#9 Northland Community & Technical College
This school’s plumbing program prepares students for a career in plumbing and pipe fitting. The coursework provides a technical understanding of plumbing technology as well as the development of skills.
Theory and practical experience are combined in the coursework. Water systems, piping procedures, plumbing and piping systems, residential and commercial system installations, blueprint reading and sketching, and heating system installations are all covered in the Plumbing program.
The successful graduate is qualified for advanced apprenticeship positions in a variety of businesses in both rural and urban areas.
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#10 Northwest Technical College
Plumbing and HVAC experts will always be in demand, whether you live in a rural area, a mid-size town, or a large metropolitan city.
Northwest Technical College addresses this demand head-on, providing students with the inside track on plumbing and HVAC careers through a single, convenient, collaborative program incorporating emerging energy efficiency and green technologies.
The specialized residential plumbing/HVAC program will teach you about technology-driven, high-efficiency products and how to install, operate, and repair them.
The classroom and hands-on courses will also cover traditional heating systems, water-saving solutions, eco-friendly private sewage disposal systems, renewable energy solutions, solar thermal design, and geothermal technology.
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Also Read- 15 Best Plumbing Schools In Illinois
How Long are Plumbing Schools in Minnesota?
In Minnesota, a journeyman plumber’s license requires at least four years of on-the-job experience or 8,000 hours.
Candidates can apply for the master plumber’s examination after working as a journeyman for an entire year.
Every educational institution offers different programs for varying lengths of time, but the average is four years.
This four-year practical course will teach you fundamental plumbing skills, allowing you to take your first steps toward a career in one of the world’s most important industries.
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How Much are Plumbing Schools in Minnesota?
Tuition and fees vary by school and geographic location. It will also depend on the kind of school, how many classes there are, and how long the course is.
The only things more expensive than single classes or certificate programs are longer courses and institutions.
A single course, continuing education, and 4- to 6-week programs will run you between $200 and $800 in the state. Ordinary systems cost between $2,000 and $6,000.
If you’re going to college or university or pursuing a degree, your expenses will be more significant. Most degree-granting courses cost about $25,000 for state residents.
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How Much Do Plumbers Make in Minnesota?
In Minnesota, the average journey worker earns around $53,000 per year. Salaries, however, range widely, from the low $20,000s to the high $80,000s.
The average master plumber earns around $59,000 per year. Salaries, once again, vary greatly. Some masters earn as little as $30,000 per year. Master plumbers earn around $90,000 per year on average.
Job security is a significant concern when considering a new career. Fortunately, job opportunities for plumbers are expanding rapidly.
According to federal labor projections, there will be over 60,000 more openings for plumbers and related workers in 2028 than in 2018. This kind of growth is only possible in a few industries in America.
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Conclusion
Plumbing & Water Supply is Minnesota’s 27th most popular major, with 76 degrees and certificates awarded in 2018-2019.
There are so many trade school programs available today that it can be challenging to determine which is best for you.
You can attend a traditional brick-and-mortar school, or, thanks to the growth of online education, you can hear from a school halfway across the country without leaving your house.
I hope you find this article helpful.
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FAQs
How do I become a journeyman plumber in Minnesota?
You must work as a registered unlicensed plumber for at least four years under the supervision of a master plumber. You are eligible to take the journeyman plumber exam once you have met this state requirement.
Is becoming a plumber in Minnesota worth it?
Yes. Getting paid to learn is a fantastic and uncommon opportunity. You can run your truck and set your schedule once you’ve advanced to working independently.
How do I become a plumber apprentice in MN?
Proof of registration as an apprentice plumber is required. Prove that you have held a restricted journey worker or master license for at least two years. Provide proof of at least 7,000 hours of on-the-job experience over four years.
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