Electricians are needed to install and maintain electrical systems. They can carry out their duties in both residential and industrial settings.
Furthermore, these professionals can use high-level technology, including smart, advanced automation, and renewable energy systems.
To become a successful electrician in North Dakota, residents must undergo a series of steps, including receiving proper education and developing real-world experience and confidence. There are several approaches to achieving this, and in the upcoming sections, we will examine some of the most efficient.
We also examine other important topics, such as licensing considerations, educational institutions offering electrician training programs, and possible salary figures for professionals in this field.
How to Become an Electrician in North Dakota
The following are the components of starting a career as an electrician in North Dakota.
Training Component
Naturally, anyone who wants to become a successful electrician in North Dakota must first receive training. The state offers a couple of approaches that candidates can consider.
Candidates must have a high school diploma or GED ready to pursue any of these.
On-the-Job Training
The first approach to becoming an electrician in North Dakota is to receive training on the job. To achieve this, candidates typically attend an apprenticeship program, which a trade union or a professional organization may offer.
In this approach, they must receive at least 8,000 hours of “on-the-job” experience. Notably, some apprenticeship programs offer candidates the opportunity to earn even while they are still learning.
Hybrid Training
Another option for candidates looking to become electricians in North Dakota is to combine academic training with on-the-job training instead of strictly on-the-job training.
In this approach, they will only receive 6,000 hours of on-the-job training instead of 8,000. But they will have to complement it with an associate degree after spending 2 years in an academic environment.
Continuing Education
Electricians in North Dakota are expected to participate in continuing education to renew their licenses and improve their skills on the job. Below, we explore more licensure requirements.
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Licensure & Certification Requirements
Anybody performing electrical work in North Dakota must receive a license from the North Dakota State Electrical Board. The requirements for a license include all of the steps highlighted above, such as completing training and receiving 8,000 hours of on-the-job experience.
Afterward, candidates can officially submit their applications for a journeyman electrician license. This license incurs an application fee, an examination fee, and a $40 renewal fee.
Those who have worked for 2,000 hours (roughly 1 year) as journeyman electricians in North Dakota may proceed to apply for a master electrician license. This also incurs a $50 licensing fee. Master electricians in the state may become Electrical Contractors after meeting the North Dakota Secretary of State business requirements.
Top Electrician Schools in North Dakota
Below are the top training programs and schools for aspiring electricians in North Dakota to consider.
North Dakota State College of Science
Wahpeton, ND Campus Only
North Dakota State College of Science has a wonderful electrical technology training program with three options for students: electrical construction, industrial electrical technology, and electrical master technology programs.
Tuition
$156 - $273 per CreditContact
(701) 671-2662
Ivan.Maas@ndscs.edu
Bismarck State College
Bismarck, ND Campus + Online
Bismarck State College offers interested candidates a certificate and a two-year associate degree program in Electrical Power Technology.
Tuition
$210 - $369 per CreditContact
(701) 224-5651
bsc.energy@bismarckstate.edu
Sitting Bull College
Fort Yates, ND Campus Only
Lastly, prospective electricians can enroll in a Certificate program in Electrical Technology at Sitting Bull College. Based in Fort Yates, Sioux City, the program offers construction drawings, project planning, electrical systems, basic electrical theory, and troubleshooting courses.
Tuition
$125 per CreditContact
(701) 854-8077
bruce.greig@sittingbull.edu
Explore electrician schools in North Dakota by city:
Salary & Career Outlook
North Dakota is a very favorable destination for electricians in terms of annual average salary. The average earner takes home an annual average salary of $77,594, while the highest-paid takes home an annual average salary of $112,513.
Even those in the bottom 10 percent can still expect an annual average salary of $53,513.
Location and experience play big roles in influencing the annual average salary of electricians across the country, and North Dakota is no different. Currently, Alexander is the city with the highest-paying electricians in the state, with an average annual salary of $110,380.
While electricians in Williston are second with an annual average salary of $105,443, those in Cavalier are third-highest with an annual average salary of $94,528.
The projections for electrical technology are also positive, with demand expected to continue growing in the upcoming decade and beyond.