Electrician Salary in North Dakota
Typical Electrician Pay
$33.81/hr
$70,330/yr
Starting
$19.15/hr
$39,830/yr
Experienced
$48.75/hr
$101,400/yr
National average: $33.47/hr ($69,630/yr)
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10th Percentile
$19.15/hr
$39,830/yr
25th Percentile
$25.31/hr
$52,640/yr
Median (50th)
$33.81/hr
$70,330/yr
75th Percentile
$39.36/hr
$81,860/yr
90th Percentile
$48.75/hr
$101,400/yr
* Data sourced from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last updated: 2024
Understanding Electrician Pay in North Dakota
Several factors contribute to electrician salaries in North Dakota:
- Balanced market: North Dakota offers stable electrician employment with competitive wages
- Growing demand: Infrastructure updates and renewable energy projects create opportunities
- Reasonable cost of living: Wages provide good purchasing power relative to local expenses
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View Training Programs in North Dakota →License Requirements in North Dakota
North Dakota requires electricians to be licensed. The typical path includes apprentice, journeyman, and master electrician levels.
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Apprentice License
Requirements vary by state. Contact the North Dakota licensing board for specific requirements.
Journeyman License
Typically requires completion of apprenticeship (8,000 hours) and passing state exam.
Master Electrician License
Requires additional experience (typically 4,000+ hours as journeyman) and passing advanced exam.
For detailed, up-to-date requirements, visit your state's licensing board website.
What Impacts Your Electrician Salary in North Dakota
Electrician pay in North Dakota isn't one-size-fits-all. The gap between starting electricians ($19.15/hr) and experienced professionals ($48.75/hr) is $29.60 per hour — a difference of $61,570 per year. Here are the key factors that determine where you fall on that spectrum.
Experience Level
Experience is the single biggest driver of electrician pay in North Dakota. Entry-level electricians start around $19.15/hr ($39,830/yr), while those at the top of the field earn $48.75/hr ($101,400/yr). Most electricians see their biggest pay jumps in the first 5-8 years as they move from apprentice to journeyman status and build a track record with employers.
Union Membership
IBEW (International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers) union electricians in North Dakota typically earn 20-30% more than their non-union counterparts. Union contracts also include health insurance, pension contributions, and structured overtime pay. The apprentice progression shown on this page follows IBEW standards — starting at 40% of the journeyman rate ($13.52/hr) and climbing to 85% ($28.74/hr) by the fifth year.
Specialization
Electricians who specialize in high-demand areas command premium rates well above the North Dakota average of $33.81/hr. Solar panel installation, EV charging station infrastructure, industrial controls and automation, and low-voltage data/networking are among the highest-paying specializations. As renewable energy and electric vehicle adoption accelerate, electricians with these certifications are seeing some of the strongest wage growth in the trade.
Location Within North Dakota
Where you work in North Dakota significantly affects your pay. Metropolitan areas generally pay more than rural regions due to higher cost of living, larger project volumes, and greater competition for skilled labor. However, rural electricians often face less competition and may find steadier work as the only licensed professional serving a wide area. Check the city-level salary guides on this page for specific local pay data.
Licensing Tier
Each licensing tier in North Dakota unlocks higher earning potential. Apprentice electricians work under supervision at reduced rates. Journeyman electricians can work independently and typically earn the state average of $33.81/hr. Master electricians — who can pull permits, bid on contracts, and supervise others — consistently earn at the 90th percentile ($48.75/hr) or above.
Industry Sector
The type of work matters. Commercial and industrial electricians in North Dakota generally out-earn those doing residential work, often by 15-25%. Government contracts are another high-paying avenue — federal and state projects frequently require prevailing wage rates, which can push hourly pay well above market averages. Utility-scale work and data center construction are also premium sectors.
Contractor vs Employee
Self-employed electrical contractors in North Dakota can earn significantly more per hour than W-2 employees, but they carry overhead costs including insurance, tools, vehicle expenses, and business taxes. Employed electricians trade some earning potential for stability — benefits like health insurance, paid time off, and retirement contributions add 20-30% on top of base wages. Both paths can be lucrative depending on your risk tolerance.
Overtime and Shift Work
Many electricians in North Dakota earn well above their base rate through overtime, which is paid at 1.5x the standard rate. At the state average of $33.81/hr, overtime pays $50.72/hr. Construction and industrial electricians frequently work 50-60 hour weeks during project deadlines, and night or weekend shift differentials can add another 10-15% on top of base pay.
Job Outlook in North Dakota
The electrician field is projected to grow 6% from 2023 to 2033, faster than the average for all occupations. Demand is driven by new construction, infrastructure upgrades, and renewable energy projects.
Frequently Asked Questions About Electrician Pay in North Dakota
How much do electricians make per hour in North Dakota?
What is the starting salary for electricians in North Dakota?
Do electricians in North Dakota earn above the national average?
What do experienced electricians earn in North Dakota?
How much do master electricians make in North Dakota?
What are the licensing requirements for electricians in North Dakota?
How does North Dakota rank for electrician pay?
Is it worth becoming an electrician in North Dakota?
Apprentice Electrician Pay in North Dakota
Apprentice electricians in North Dakota earn a percentage of the journeyman rate that increases each year. The table below shows estimated apprentice pay based on IBEW standard progression percentages applied to North Dakota's average journeyman rate of $33.81/hr.
| Year | % of Journeyman | Hourly Rate | Annual Estimate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Year | 40% | $13.52/hr | $28,130/yr |
| 2nd Year | 45% | $15.21/hr | $31,646/yr |
| 3rd Year | 55% | $18.60/hr | $38,679/yr |
| 4th Year | 70% | $23.67/hr | $49,227/yr |
| 5th Year | 85% | $28.74/hr | $59,776/yr |
Actual apprentice pay varies by employer, union affiliation, and local market conditions. These estimates are based on the IBEW standard apprentice progression applied to BLS 2024 average journeyman wages in North Dakota. Non-union employers may use different pay scales.