North Dakota Trade Schools and Apprenticeships
All Trade Schools & Apprenticeships / North Dakota Trade Schools and Apprenticeships
Filter by Program Type
Select one or more options below to filter results. Then click Apply.
Showing all schools and apprenticeships in North Dakota.
We only list Accredited Schools and U.S. Department of Labor–registered Apprenticeships. Programs cannot pay to be featured.
Cost & Timeline to a Trade Career in North Dakota
Average Cost of Trade School in North Dakota
Most trade programs in North Dakota are offered through public technical schools and community colleges. The tuition figures below are a baseline for many career programs, while total out-of-pocket cost can vary by trade due to lab time, tools, and certification or licensing requirements.
In North Dakota, demand can be influenced by infrastructure and energy-related cycles, making regional planning especially important.
Residency matters: Out-of-state tuition is about $376 higher than in-state on average.
| North Dakota Public 2-Year Tuition (In-State) | $6,111 |
|---|---|
| North Dakota Public 2-Year Tuition (Out-of-State) | $6,487 |
What this usually does not include: Tools/PPE, books, lab fees, certification exams, travel, and program-specific supply costs.
Trade type: Lab-heavy programs (welding, electrical, industrial maintenance) can carry higher equipment and lab fees than shorter programs (like CDL).
Average Cost of Apprenticeship in North Dakota
Apprenticeships are often paid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs while you build skills through supervised work and related instruction. Your out-of-pocket costs are often minimal to none (as the apprentice). The employer will typically cover tuition, while you earn a salary. Potential out-of-pocket costs for apprenticeships may include supplies, tools, or travel.
About this data: Tuition data sources include Apprenticeship.gov, College Scorecard and the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). Actual costs may vary by program length, residency, and supplies.
North Dakota Timeline, Pay & Licensing
- North Dakota trade training often includes 6–18 months for entry-level credentials, while apprenticeships commonly take 3–5 years as you meet required hours and milestones.
- Licensing varies by trade and scope. Some work may be regulated at the state level, while permits/inspections are often local—confirm requirements with the appropriate North Dakota and local agencies.
- Some trades require additional classroom hours, exams, or documented work hours. That can increase total time-in-training and overall cost.
- Requirements vary by trade and locality—some paths require exams and documented hours, while others focus more on employer training.
Typical timelines by trade
| Trade | School (Typical) | Apprenticeship (Typical) |
|---|---|---|
| Electrician | 6–18 months | 3–5 years |
| Plumber | 6–18 months | 3–5 years |
| HVAC Technician | 6–18 months | 2–5 years |
| Welder | 4–12 months | 1–4 years |
| Carpenter | 3–12 months | 3–4 years |
| CDL Truck Driver | 1–3 months | 0–1 year |
Timelines are general ranges and can vary by program, employer, and licensing requirements.
Average Trade Wages in North Dakota
Below is a snapshot of typical wages for popular trades in North Dakota. Figures are pulled from our state wage datasets for each trade.
Tip: Click a trade name to explore pay trends, training paths, and state-by-state comparisons.
| Trade | Avg Hourly | Avg Weekly | Avg Monthly | Avg Annual |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Automotive Technician | $28.28 | $1,131 | $4,901 | $58,826 |
| AV Technician | $35.15 | $1,406 | $6,093 | $73,112 |
| Carpenter | $27.51 | $1,100 | $4,768 | $57,221 |
| CDL Truck Driver | $37.96 | $1,518 | $6,580 | $78,957 |
| CNC Machinist | $26.02 | $1,041 | $4,510 | $54,122 |
| Construction | $27.62 | $1,105 | $4,788 | $57,450 |
| Concrete Finisher | $30.29 | $1,213 | $5,257 | $63,083 |
| Diesel Technician | $31.41 | $1,256 | $5,444 | $65,333 |
| Electrician | $33.23 | $1,329 | $5,760 | $69,118 |
| Heavy Equipment | $27.09 | $1,073 | $4,648 | $55,777 |
| HVAC Technician | $30.65 | $1,226 | $5,313 | $63,755 |
| Industrial Mechanic | $30.31 | $1,212 | $5,254 | $63,044 |
| Ironworker | $28.88 | $1,157 | $5,015 | $60,181 |
| Lineworker | $45.25 | $1,810 | $7,844 | $94,124 |
| Marine Mechanic | $31.30 | $1,252 | $5,424 | $65,099 |
| Mason | $29.42 | $1,177 | $5,099 | $61,194 |
| Plumber | $35.16 | $1,395 | $6,038 | $72,453 |
| Roofer | $26.17 | $1,047 | $4,536 | $54,434 |
| Sheet Metal Worker | $27.72 | $1,100 | $4,765 | $57,178 |
| Welder | $26.55 | $1,055 | $4,570 | $54,844 |
Wage figures are estimates and can vary by experience level, metro area, union status, and employer.
Why North Dakota Is a Strong State for Trade Careers
North Dakota’s economy is heavily driven by energy production, utilities, agriculture, and infrastructure maintenance. While population density is low, the demand for skilled trades remains consistently high due to oil and gas operations, power generation, transportation infrastructure, and industrial facilities that require year-round maintenance and skilled labor.
Looking for ways to fund your education? Check out scholarships available for North Dakota students and explore more financial aid resources at CollegeWhale.
Where Trade Demand Is Concentrated
- Williston & Bakken region: Energy production supports high demand for electricians, welders, pipefitters, and heavy equipment technicians.
- Fargo–West Fargo: Commercial construction, utilities, and manufacturing maintenance roles are common.
- Bismarck: Government, healthcare facilities, and infrastructure projects drive steady electrical and mechanical work.
- Rural statewide: Agricultural facilities, grain operations, and utilities rely on skilled maintenance trades.
Major Employers and Contractors in North Dakota
Tradespeople in North Dakota often work with energy producers, utility providers, and large contractors supporting industrial and infrastructure projects, including:
- Hess Corporation — Oil and gas operations requiring electrical, mechanical, and maintenance trades.
- MDU Resources Group — Energy, construction services, and utility infrastructure projects.
- Kiewit Infrastructure North America — Heavy civil and energy-related construction projects.
Union vs Non-Union Trade Paths in North Dakota
North Dakota is a right-to-work state with a predominantly non-union trade workforce. However, union apprenticeship programs remain active in select trades, particularly those tied to energy, utilities, and large infrastructure projects.
Union Apprenticeships in North Dakota
Union pathways are smaller but provide structured training and access to higher-paying industrial and infrastructure work:
- IBEW Local 714 — Electrical apprenticeships supporting utilities and industrial facilities.
- UA Local 300 — Plumbing, pipefitting, and mechanical work tied to energy and infrastructure projects.
- IUOE Local 49 — Heavy equipment operator training serving construction and energy sectors.
Non-Union and Open-Shop Trade Routes
Most tradespeople in North Dakota enter through non-union routes, especially in oilfield services, agricultural operations, and rural construction. Employers commonly hire based on experience and certifications, offering higher starting wages to attract workers to remote or demanding job sites.
Non-union routes dominate day-to-day maintenance and field operations, while union labor is more common on large-scale infrastructure, power generation, and pipeline projects.
| Factor | Union Apprenticeships | Non-Union / Open-Shop |
|---|---|---|
| Training Structure | Formal programs tied to utilities and infrastructure work | Employer-driven, often experience-based |
| Pay Progression | Defined wage scales by trade and project | Higher starting pay common for in-demand roles |
| Benefits | Union-provided health and retirement plans | Varies; some employers offer strong compensation packages |
| Market Presence | Focused on energy, utilities, and large infrastructure | Dominant across oilfield, agriculture, and rural construction |
| Best Fit For | Those targeting large industrial or infrastructure projects | Those seeking higher immediate pay and flexible job movement |