Electrician in North Dakota: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Skilled trades
North Dakota employs 3,570 electricians, with a statewide median of $65,710 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact North Dakota licensing picture, and where to train.
What Electricians Earn in North Dakota (May 2025)
- North Dakota median pay
- $65,710 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $46,440
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $80,510
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $101,020
- Employed in North Dakota
- 3,570
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $62,350 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for electricians in major North Dakota markets:
- Fargo
- $76,950 (920 employed)
- Grand Forks
- $69,710 (350 employed)
- Bismarck
- $61,900 (480 employed)
- Minot
- $59,800 (340 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in North Dakota
Prices in North Dakota run about 11% below the national average (cost-of-living index 89.0 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $65,710 median stretches to roughly $73,831 in national buying-power terms.
Job Outlook in North Dakota (2024–2034)
North Dakota is projected to grow electricians employment +15.4%, faster than the +9.5% projected nationally. The state expects about 350 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
North Dakota License and Certification Requirements
Journeyman Electrician license — regulated by the North Dakota State Electrical Board (NDSEB).
- Register as an apprentice and complete 8,000 hours of experience (in no fewer than three years).
- Pass the journeyman electrician exam.
- Apply to the North Dakota State Electrical Board; advance to a master license to run your own jobs.
Official requirements: North Dakota State Electrical Board (NDSEB) →
Training in North Dakota
IBEW/IEC apprenticeships are the earn-while-you-learn route to the 8,000 hours. North Dakota licenses electricians statewide.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in North Dakota include:
- Bismarck State College — Certificate / Associate
- North Dakota State College of Science — Associate
- Sitting Bull College — Certificate
Is This the Right Move for You?
Best for: People who like tools, systems, problem solving, and earning while they train.
Think twice if: You need desk-only work or dislike tight spaces, heights, job sites, and physical risk.
Why it's resilient: Electrical work is site-specific, licensed, safety-critical, and often requires hands-on diagnosis in messy real buildings.
First Steps
Look for IBEW, IEC, ABC, or state apprenticeship openings near you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do electricians make in North Dakota?
The median wage for electricians in North Dakota is $65,710 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $46,440, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $101,020. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become an Electrician in North Dakota?
Journeyman Electrician license, overseen by the North Dakota State Electrical Board (NDSEB). Register as an apprentice and complete 8,000 hours of experience (in no fewer than three years).
Is being an Electrician a good career in North Dakota?
Electrical work is site-specific, licensed, safety-critical, and often requires hands-on diagnosis in messy real buildings.
Which North Dakota metros pay electricians the most?
Among North Dakota metro areas, Fargo leads at $76,950, followed by Grand Forks ($69,710), Bismarck ($61,900). Local pay tracks regional demand and cost of living, so the highest-paying metro isn't always the best net move.
Where can I train to become an Electrician in North Dakota?
Real North Dakota options include Bismarck State College, North Dakota State College of Science, Sitting Bull College. Most electricians start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Electrician a growing career in North Dakota?
North Dakota projects electricians employment to change +15.4% from 2024 to 2034, with about 350 openings a year — a growing field in the state.
Sources and Verification
Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), North Dakota statewide and metro estimates for SOC 47-2111. Licensing summary compiled from the North Dakota State Electrical Board (NDSEB) (2026-06-11). Requirements change — always confirm current rules with the board and verify program costs and outcomes before enrolling.
BLS Occupational Outlook · O*NET North Dakota wages · North Dakota licensing/certification source
Employment projections: Projections Central / BLS Employment Projections (2024–2034); Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities.
Pay percentiles describe current workers, not entry-level offers; training costs and local demand vary, so verify locally before committing money or quitting a job.