How to Become an Electrician in North Dakota

Complete requirements, licensing steps, and career outlook for electricians in North Dakota

Quick Facts

Median Salary: $60,840/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 North Dakota

North Dakota has statewide licensing with reciprocity agreements with neighboring states

Electrician License Requirements in North Dakota

Licensing Authority

North Dakota State Electrical Board

Phone: (701) 328-9522

Website: https://www.ndseb.com/

Official Source: https://www.ndseb.com/

License Types & Requirements

Apprentice Electrician

  • Exam Required: No
  • Application Fee: $25
  • Requirements: Must register and work under licensed electrician

Journeyman Electrician

  • Required Hours: 8,000 hours of supervised work experience
  • Exam Required: Yes - PSI
  • Application Fee: $50
  • Requirements: 8,000 hours experience, pass journeyman exam

Master Electrician

  • Required Hours: 12,000 hours of supervised work experience
  • Exam Required: Yes - PSI
  • Application Fee: $75
  • Requirements: 4,000 hours as journeyman, pass master exam

Class B Electrician

  • Required Hours: 4,000 hours of supervised work experience
  • Exam Required: Yes - PSI
  • Application Fee: $50
  • Requirements: 4,000 hours experience, limited scope license

Path to Becoming an Electrician in North Dakota

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 North Dakota, 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 North Dakota 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 North Dakota State Electrical Board with proof of hours, exam scores, and fees.

Electrician Salary in North Dakota

Entry Level: $42,120/year
Median Salary: $60,840/year
Experienced: $79,920/year

Source: BLS May 2024

License Reciprocity

North Dakota has reciprocity agreements with the following states:

  • Minnesota
  • Montana
  • South Dakota

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

Major Cities Hiring Electricians in North Dakota

  • Fargo
  • Bismarck
  • Grand Forks
  • Minot
  • West Fargo

Continuing Education Requirements

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

Start Your Electrician Career in North Dakota

Contact the North Dakota State Electrical Board 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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