Becoming an electrician is a good decision for anyone who wants a wide range of career growth opportunities and a consistent income.
If you possess basic math and computer skills, don’t mind expanding your skillset frequently, and thrive when it comes to working with your hands, then you’re probably the perfect fit for the job!
So, keep reading to find out how you can become an electrician in the state of North Dakota.
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Electrician Job Duties and Skills In North Dakota
The Bureau of Labor Statistics states that electricians must be able to do all of the following:
- Reading blueprints and following along with technical diagrams
- Working with programmable controls
- Following state and local building regulations
- Memorizing and abiding by the National Electrical Code
- Installing and maintaining different wiring, control, and lighting systems
- Inspecting several electrical components
- Identifying different kinds of electrical problems using a wide array of testing devices
And more.
Electricians should also possess the following soft skills:
- Customer service
- Math skills
- Computer skills
- Communication
- Time management
- Attention to detail
- Adaptability
How to Become an Electrician In North Dakota
Complete Your Classroom Hours
In North Dakota, you need to make sure you complete 576 classroom hours before you can apply for your electrical license.
Getting your electrical license without meeting this requirement is not possible, so you’ll need to be sure to get all your classroom hours.
Make Sure to Complete Your Training
You absolutely must gain 8,000 hours of hands-on work experience, or else you won’t be eligible to receive an electrical license in North Dakota.
To gain the necessary hours, you can try one of these options:
- Work under a licensed electrician during an apprenticeship
- Go to a community college
- Go to a technical school
- Go to a vocational school
Go Get Your License
Once you’re sure you’ve met all the requirements, you can apply for your electrical license!
To do this, you need to take and pass the electrical exam.
This exam will cover everything from fundamental electricity, Laws, and Rules, to the Wiring Standards of North Dakota and the National Electrical Code.
You must score 70% or higher to pass.
If you pass the exam, you can get your license!
Training Programs for Electricians In North Dakota
Dakotas JATC
Dakotas JATC offers an apprenticeship program that trains future electrical workers in telecommunications wiring, fiber optics, and more.
Students in this program can also look forward to learning about fire alarms, programmable logic controls, power quality, safe job practices, the National Electrical Code, and more.
This program is a great one for anyone looking to set foot in the electrical industry.
North Dakota State College of Science
North Dakota State College of Science offers a variety of electrical education programs, such as programs in electrical construction, industrial electrical, and electrical master technician.
The Electrical Technology program at NDSCS is designed to give students all the basic, necessary skills in the electrical industry.
An in-depth study of electrical theory, applied math, code study, and residential wiring is available, and plenty of hands-on experience is provided.
NDSCS has six incredible laboratories where students can get their hands dirty.
In these labs, there is plenty of test equipment, electric motors, programmable controllers, and more for students to get accustomed to.
No matter what a student chooses to study, they can earn an A.A.S. degree, making them a viable option for hiring upon graduation!
Overall, this is an excellent choice of school for anyone who wants to learn the ins and outs of the electrical industry.
Northland Community & Technical College
Northland Community & Technical College offers a Construction Electricity program, so it’s a great option for anyone who wants to specialize in this particular field.
The Construction Electricity diploma program helps guide students in learning the basics of the electrical trade.
The program teaches everything from building, installing, maintaining, and repairing electrical systems to providing heat, light, or power for residential commercial, and industrial structures.
Students in this program get to enjoy a diverse amount of learning environments.
For on-site, hands-on learning experiences to working inside laboratories.
And of course, there are plenty of classroom learning opportunities available as well.
Like many programs, this one also teaches things like blueprint reading and the National Electric Code.
Students who participate in this program can earn themselves a diploma.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Dakotas JATC | 2901 1st Ave N, Fargo, ND 58102 |
| North Dakota State College of Science | 800 6th St N, Wahpeton, ND 58076 |
| Northland Community & Technical College | 2022 Central Ave NW, East Grand Forks, MN 56721 |
Electrician Salaries In North Dakota
Now you’ve learned everything from what kind of skills are expected of an electrician, what kind of duties an electrician will need to perform, and what kind of education and training an electrician will need to meet the licensing requirements.
What’s left?
The salary, of course!
An electrician’s salary can vary based on a bunch of different circumstances, like knowledge, expertise, specialization, and even location.
Below, you can see what the salary is like for electricians living in the top ten cities in North Dakota.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Mandan | $63,707 |
| Bismarck | $63,707 |
| Minot | $62,728 |
| Dickinson | $62,728 |
| Williston | $62,728 |
| Jamestown | $61,488 |
| Fargo | $61,227 |
| West Fargo | $61,227 |
| Wahpeton | $60,248 |
| Grand Forks | $58,610 |
Regional Salary in North Dakota
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bismarck, ND | 340 | $63,650 | $30.6 | $96,810 | $37,810 |
| Fargo, ND-MN | 780 | $60,470 | $29.07 | $80,310 | $37,120 |
| Grand Forks, ND-MN | 340 | $69,120 | $33.23 | $104,340 | $45,390 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What states do North Dakota electrical license reciprocate to?
Minnesota, South Dakota, Maine, New Hampshire, Wyoming, Utah, Nebraska, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Iowa, and Alaska.
Does North Dakota have an electrical Union?
Yes, North Dakota has IBEW Local 714.
Are electricians in demand in North Dakota?
North Dakota is one of the top states in need of more electricians.
Electricians are extremely in demand in North Dakota!
Electrician Info by State
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