How to Become an Electrician in Minnesota

Complete requirements, licensing steps, and career outlook for electricians in Minnesota

Quick Facts

Median Salary: $68,940/year
Job Outlook: 8% growth (2024-2034)
Licensing Required: Yes
Continuing Ed: 16 hours/biennial (2 years)

✓ Information verified from official sources (Last updated: 2025-01-27)

⚠️ Important Note for Minnesota

Minnesota has comprehensive statewide licensing with multiple license types

Electrician License Requirements in Minnesota

Licensing Authority

Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry - Electricity Licensing

Phone: (651) 284-5064

Website: https://www.dli.mn.gov/business/electrical-work/electrical-licensing

Official Source: https://www.dli.mn.gov/business/electrical-work/electrical-licensing

License Types & Requirements

Unlicensed Individual (Apprentice)

  • Exam Required: No
  • Requirements: Must work under licensed electrician; no registration required

Journeyman Electrician

  • Required Hours: 8,000 hours of supervised work experience
  • Exam Required: Yes - PSI
  • Application Fee: $60
  • Requirements: 8,000 hours experience + 576 hours classroom, pass journeyman exam

Master Electrician

  • Required Hours: 10,000 hours of supervised work experience
  • Exam Required: Yes - PSI
  • Application Fee: $80
  • Requirements: 2,000 hours as journeyman, pass master exam

Power Limited Technician

  • Required Hours: 4,000 hours of supervised work experience
  • Exam Required: Yes - PSI
  • Application Fee: $50
  • Requirements: 4,000 hours experience in low-voltage systems

Electrical Contractor

  • Exam Required: No
  • Application Fee: $150
  • Requirements: Must employ licensed master electrician, obtain bond

Path to Becoming an Electrician in Minnesota

Step 1: Complete High School Education

Earn a high school diploma or GED. Focus on math (especially algebra and trigonometry), physics, and shop classes if available.

Step 2: Enter an Apprenticeship Program

Apply to an apprenticeship program through a union (IBEW) or independent electrical contractor. In Minnesota, you'll typically need 8000 hours of on-the-job training.

Step 3: Complete Required Hours

Work under supervision while logging your hours. Most apprenticeships in Minnesota take 4-5 years to complete.

Step 4: Pass Licensing Exam

Study for and pass the PSI journeyman electrician exam.

Step 5: Apply for Your License

Submit your application to Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry - Electricity Licensing with proof of hours, exam scores, and fees.

Electrician Salary in Minnesota

Entry Level: $47,680/year
Median Salary: $68,940/year
Experienced: $90,420/year

Source: BLS May 2024

License Reciprocity

Minnesota has reciprocity agreements with the following states:

  • Iowa
  • North Dakota
  • South Dakota
  • Wisconsin

This means if you're licensed in one of these states, you may be able to obtain a Minnesota license with reduced requirements.

Major Cities Hiring Electricians in Minnesota

  • Minneapolis
  • St. Paul
  • Rochester
  • Bloomington
  • Duluth

Continuing Education Requirements

To maintain your electrician license in Minnesota, you must complete 16 hours of continuing education every biennial (2 years).

Start Your Electrician Career in Minnesota

Contact the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry - Electricity Licensing for application details and approved training programs.

Visit Licensing Board

Recommended Resources

📘
NFPA 70: NEC 2026 Required for most exams
📗
Ugly's Electrical References Quick reference guide
🔧
Klein Tools Apprentice Tool Set Essential hand tools

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