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Skilled workers will always be in demand, and this was the only sector that was not affected by the economic crash of 2008.
In North Dakota, electricians earn their licenses from the North Dakota State Electrical Board.
Everyone starts as apprentices and can go as high as running their own businesses.
Article Table of Contents
Training
In North Dakota, either one of the following is acceptable training for a future electrician:
- 8,000 hours of on the job training completed in at least 3 years
- 6,000 hours of on the job training completed in at least 3 years along with graduating from an electrical program lasting 2 years.
- 3,000 hours of related experience for those who want to obtain a “Class B” electrician license
In some cases, additional experience from other fields can be considered towards the 8,000-hour requirement.
The “Class B” electrician license allows people to perform wiring work on farmstead and residences for one- and two-family homes.
The training can be completed through:
- Technical colleges
- Union and non-union apprenticeship programs
Technical Colleges
Technical colleges are the main road taken by those who seek a career, as they usually offer an Associates’ degree.
A formal apprenticeship is still mandatory for those choosing this path.
Some of the classes in these vocational programs include:
- Basic Math Computations
- Blueprint Reading
- Algebra with Trigonometry
- Electrical Theory
- OSHA Regulations and First Aid
- Electrical Code
- Telecom Cabling
- Basic Telecommunications
- Motor Controls
- Basic Alarm Technology
- Semi-Conductors
- Logic Circuits and Programmable Controllers
- Motor and Generator Theory
- Fire Access & CCTV Systems
- Power Distribution and Load Calculations
It’s common for some schools to help their students land an internship, though finding their own apprenticeship opportunity is also possible.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| North Dakota University System | 1603 Edwards Ave., Bismarck, ND 58506 |
| Sitting Bull College | 9299 Hwy 24, Fort Yates, ND 58538 |
| United Tribes Technical College | 3315 University Dr, Bismarck, ND 58504 |
Union and Non-Union Apprenticeship Programs
Apprenticeships are still the main way many people would enter any skilled trade.
Union apprenticeship opportunities for future electricians are offered through local JATCs, or Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committees, though union membership is mandatory.
Those seeking non-union apprenticeship programs need to contact the Independent Electrical Contractors of the Dakotas.
Besides the membership aspect, which is not mandatory with non-unions, the other requirements are very similar.
Apprentice Registration in North Dakota
Within 6 weeks of starting the apprenticeship, individuals need to register with the Board.
Journeyman Electrician
Requirements to become a journeyman electrician:
- 8,000 hours of experience
- Registered apprentice electrician in North Dakota
- Complete your apprenticeship classroom training program
- Fill out the exam application form
- Employment verification record
- Score at least 70% on the test
The Board administers the exam and the Board will also send out the exam study materials to those accepted.
Master Electrician License
There are 2 types of master electrician licenses in North Dakota:
- Noncontracting master electrician
- Master of record
Noncontracting Master Electrician
Journeymen electricians in North Dakota can become licensed as a noncontracting master electrician after 1 year after they pass an exam.
They need to fill out an application to take the exam, and the application has more details regarding the requirements and other needed documents.
The passing score on this Board administered exam is still 70%.
Master of Record
The Master of Record license allows its holder to work as an electrician for a company, corporation, or another type of association.
These electricians can only work on the properties owned or leased by the firm employing them.
To get this license, candidates need to:
- Fill out the same examination application
- Pass the exam
- Have $500,000 of general liability insurance through their company
Independent Electrical Contractor
The requirements for an independent electrical contractor are:
- 1-year experience as a journeyman electrician in North Dakota
- Have $500,000 of general liability insurance
- Contribution to the undertaking fund
- Exam application
- Employment verification record
- Score at least 70% on the exam
Those accepted will receive the study materials from the Board.
Salary
Electricians in North Dakota will have a different income, based on their license.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Fargo | $45,636 |
| Bismarck | $45,339 |
| Grand Forks | $42,484 |
| Minot | $44,609 |
| West Fargo | $45,636 |
| Williston | $44,609 |
| Dickinson | $44,609 |
| Mandan | $45,339 |
| Jamestown | $44,758 |
| Wahpeton | $44,906 |
Regional Salary in North Dakota
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bismarck, ND | 330 | $66,680 | $32.06 | $94,020 | $42,000 |
| Fargo, ND-MN | 820 | $68,280 | $32.83 | $93,920 | $40,230 |
| Grand Forks, ND-MN | 310 | $70,270 | $33.79 | $103,010 | $45,750 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
License Renewal
Apprentices need to renew their registration every year by January 31.
The journeyman license must be renewed by March 31, every year.
The master electrician and electrical contractor licenses need to be renewed annually, by April 30.
All individuals, except apprentices, also need to complete their continuing education which includes 4 hours of the updates to the National Electric Code, before renewing their licenses.
Read the full guide: How to Become an Electrician
Electrician Schools by City
Electrician Schools by State