Trade directory · Williston metro · North Dakota

Plumbing contractors in
Williston, North Dakota.

A public directory of plumbing contractor businesses serving greater Williston. Market data, licensing requirements, and cost benchmarks — updated continuously from public sources.

Employer Establishments
324
U.S. Census Bureau
Peak Season
October through March - heating system maintenance and freeze-related emergencies drive highest demand
Market estimate
Avg. Response Time
2-5 business days for standard quotes, same-day for emergency calls
Operator average
§ J · OPEN JOBS

Plumbing jobs in Williston

00 OPEN

0 open jobs in Williston.

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§ A · Market rates

Common Job Costs

WILLISTON-ND · LOCAL ESTIMATES
Service
Description
Cost Range
Drain cleaning
Typical range based on local drain cleaning jobs.
$125 – $300
Water heater installation
Typical range based on local water heater installation jobs.
$1,200 – $2,800
Toilet replacement
Typical range based on local toilet replacement jobs.
$350 – $750
Kitchen sink installation
Typical range based on local kitchen sink installation jobs.
$400 – $900
Sewer line repair
Typical range based on local sewer line repair jobs.
$800 – $3,500
Emergency service call
Typical range based on local emergency service call jobs.
$150 – $400
§ B · Regulatory

Licensing Requirements

ND
§1

Licensing Requirements

North Dakota requires plumbers to hold a state plumbing license through the State Plumbing Board. Must complete 4-year apprenticeship or equivalent experience, pass written and practical exams, and maintain 8 hours continuing education annually. License renewal required every 2 years with $75 fee.

§2

Permit Requirements

City of Williston requires permits for water heater replacements, new installations, and sewer connections. Permit fees range $25-150 depending on scope. Submit applications to Building Inspection Department minimum 2 business days before work.

§3

Inspection Schedule

Rough-in inspection before covering work, final inspection upon completion. Schedule inspections 24 hours in advance through city building department. Re-inspection fee $50 if work fails initial inspection.

§4

Insurance Minimums

North Dakota requires minimum $300,000 general liability insurance and workers compensation if employing others. Bonding requirements vary by municipality - Williston requires $10,000 surety bond for contractor registration.

§ M · DoorBase

Local market snapshot

2 ZIPs
Population33,969
Household income$90,119
Home value$377,133
Median rent$1,256
Unemployment2.60%
Job growth-0.80%

Source: DoorBase, aggregated public ZIP-level data. Updated 8/17/2026.

§ C · Path to license

How to Get Licensed

6 STEPS
1

Complete apprenticeship or experience requirement

Finish 4-year registered apprenticeship program or document equivalent experience working under licensed plumber supervision. Maintain detailed work logs showing hours and types of plumbing work performed.

01/06
2

Submit license application

Complete application through ND State Plumbing Board including experience documentation, supervisor verification, and $100 application fee. Applications processed within 30 days if complete.

02/06
3

Pass written examination

Schedule and pass written exam covering plumbing codes, safety regulations, and trade practices. Exam administered by state board testing contractor, typically costs $150-200.

03/06
4

Pass practical examination

Complete hands-on practical exam demonstrating installation and repair skills. Scheduled after passing written portion, additional $100-150 fee required.

04/06
5

Obtain insurance and bonding

Secure required general liability insurance minimum $300,000 and any local bonding requirements before beginning independent work. Maintain proof of coverage on file with licensing board.

05/06
6

Register with local municipalities

Register contractor license with City of Williston and any other municipalities where you plan to work. Each may have additional requirements, fees, and bonding obligations.

06/06
§ D · Field notes

About This Market

UPDATED APR 2026

Williston's plumbing market runs hot thanks to oil field population and older housing stock that needs constant maintenance. With roughly 324 licensed establishments statewide, competition stays manageable, but you're dealing with extreme weather that breaks pipes regularly and drives emergency calls. Commercial work from industrial facilities pays premium rates, while residential focuses on replacements and weatherization. Costs run 15-20% above state average due to remote location and material transport.

To work Williston, get your state license first - no shortcuts on the 4-year experience requirement or exam. Register with the city and carry proper insurance because industrial clients will verify coverage. Winter emergency calls are your bread and butter, but summer new construction keeps steady crews busy. Stock freeze-protection materials year-round and expect material delays from suppliers. Local inspectors know their stuff, so do quality work the first time.

Data Sources
  • Licensed establishments count
    U.S. Census Bureau Economic Census data
  • Licensing requirements and fees
    North Dakota State Plumbing Board regulations
  • Insurance minimums
    North Dakota Insurance Department and state contractor licensing requirements
  • Permit requirements
    City of Williston Building Inspection Department
  • Cost estimates
    Regional contractor estimates - marked as estimates due to limited BLS data availability
§ E · FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

05 QUESTIONS
Q/01

How much does a plumber license cost in North Dakota?

Initial plumbing license application costs $100, with $75 renewal fee every 2 years. Add exam fees of approximately $200-300 total for written and practical portions, according to ND State Plumbing Board requirements.

Q/02

What experience do I need to become a licensed plumber in North Dakota?

North Dakota requires completion of 4-year registered apprenticeship program or equivalent documented work experience under licensed plumber supervision, as specified by ND State Plumbing Board regulations.

Q/03

Do I need permits for water heater replacement in Williston?

Yes, City of Williston Building Department requires permits for all water heater replacements and installations. Permit fees typically range $25-75 depending on unit size and complexity.

Q/04

How many plumbing contractors operate in North Dakota?

Approximately 324 licensed plumbing establishments operate statewide according to Census data, serving both residential and commercial markets across the state.

Q/05

What insurance coverage do plumbers need in North Dakota?

State requirements include minimum $300,000 general liability insurance and workers compensation if employing staff. Williston additionally requires $10,000 surety bond for contractor registration through city licensing department.

§ F · Directory

Plumbing contractors in Williston

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