How to Become an Electrician in Minnesota

The demand for electricians in Minnesota is steadily climbing, so electricians can anticipate a stable income and substantial opportunities for professional advancement.

If that sounds appealing to you and you’re interested in the electrical field, you’ll want to keep reading this article to find out more!

Electrician Job Duties and Skills in Minnesota

Minnesota State CAREERwise lists some of the duties and necessary skills of electricians in Minnesota as:

• Inspecting electrical or electronic systems for defects.
• Testing electrical equipment or systems to ensure proper functioning.
• Fabricating parts or components.
• Installing electrical components, equipment, or systems.
• Threading wire or cable through ducts or conduits.

And more.

You’ll also need to possess some other skills, such as:

• Staying up-to-date on job-related knowledge or skills, such as code.
• Being able to read blueprints
• Having basic math knowledge
• Having the ability to use critical thinking skills
• Being able to perform good customer service
• Having basic computer skills

And so on.

All in all, you’ll need to have a broad range of knowledge and a diverse skillset to succeed in the electrical field.

How to Become an Electrician in Minnesota

If you want to become an electrician while residing in Minnesota, you’ll need to follow these steps.

Make Sure You Have All Educational Requirements

You’ll first have to make sure that you already have the educational credentials required to pursue this path.

You must have graduated from high school or obtained a GED.

Make sure to get your diploma or GED before moving on to the next step!

Enroll in an Apprenticeship Program

Enrolling in a good apprenticeship program will help you succeed in your journey to becoming an electrician.

Joining one will help ensure that you meet all of Minnesota’s licensing requirements.

One of those requirements is that you have 7,000 hours of electrical work experience if you’re enrolled in a two-year electrical course approved by the board of electricity or 8,000 hours under the supervision of a licensed electrician.

An apprenticeship should grant you that experience!

Apply for Your License 

After fulfilling all necessary requirements, you can visit the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry to find all the information you need to apply for your license.

The exam will likely be between two and five hours long, and if you pass it, you’ll be rewarded with a license!

Training Programs for Electricians in Minnesota

Here are some institutions in Minnesota that offer electrical training programs.

Dakota County Technical College

Dakota County Technical College offers an Electrical Construction and Maintenance Technology program.

Students who take this program will be prepared for a wide variety of job titles, such as:

• Construction Electrician
• Electrical Installer
• Electrical Maintenance Worker
• Industrial Electrician
• Electrical System Specialist
• Solar Installer

And more.

Dctc.edu mentions that “Designed to give students hands-on experience for entry-level positions in electrical construction, installation, operation, and maintenance occupations, this program delivers technical courses in electrical/electronics theory plus the installation, maintenance, wiring, and testing of electrical/electronic apparatus and control devices through the application of the National Electric Code.”

Anoka Technical College

The Anoka Technical College Construction Electrician program guides students in developing skills in the installation and testing of electrical fixtures.

Anokatech.edu states, “Students will study wiring, including blueprint reading, wiring code, electrical theory, and wiring laboratory.

Many graduates of this program join unions to complete their apprenticeship training.”

It’s an excellent program for those who are particularly interested in becoming construction electricians.

Saint Paul College

Saint Paul College provides students with the chance to earn a diploma in Electrical Technology.

During the course of this program, students will perform installations in accordance with national, state and local safety codes using blueprints, diagrams and specifications.

The program offers both in-class and hands-on training on the Saint Paul College campus.

A few highlights of what you’ll be taught during the program include:

• ​​Installation of electrical wiring for a variety of wiring methods and power systems in residential, commercial and industrial buildings 
• Pipe bending and tool usage
• Interpreting blueprints and wiring diagrams 
• Electrical theory 

And more.

Electrician Salaries in Minnesota

Upon finishing your technical program or apprenticeship, a myriad of career opportunities will be waiting to greet you in the electrician industry.

As a beginner in the field, you’ll likely make around $50,000 a year right off the bat!

The average electrician in Minnesota earns closer to $70,000 per year, but there are always higher-paying job opportunities just around the corner, too.

Annual Salary Range: Annual Salary by Location:

Location	Avg. Annual Salary
Minneapolis	$69,528
St. Paul	$69,528
Minnetonka	$69,528
Burnsville	$69,332
Burnsville	$69,332
Eden Prairie	$69,411
Lakeville	$69,097
Rochester	$65,423
St. Cloud	$62,591
Duluth	$62,486

Regional Salary in Minnesota

* Salary information based on the May 2023 Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) Survey for Electricians, OCC Code 47-2111, BLS.
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do electricians need a license in Minnesota?

It’s possible to perform electrical work without a license in Minnesota as long as you are registered with the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) as a registered unlicensed electrician.

What is a registered unlicensed electrician in Minnesota?

This is an unlicensed individual who can only perform a limited amount of electrical work under the supervision of a licensed electrician.

Can a homeowner do their own electrical work in Minnesota?

Yes, but only in one-family homes.

Electrician Info by State