Best Electrician Schools in North Dakota

Compare accredited Electrician schools across North Dakota below, then review pay, licensing steps, and training paths for the trade.

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Best Electrician Schools in North Dakota

How we rank schools – graduation rate, graduate earnings, cost and retention. Advertising plays no part.

This page lists 10 schools within 146 miles, closest group first, then ordered by BOC Score with the highest at the top. 10 of them carry a score.

Location / proximity to this page
Defines the local group
Graduation rate how often students finish
30%
Median earnings, 10 years after entry whether it paid off
25%
Average net price what students actually pay after aid; lower ranks higher
20%
Retention rate how many come back for year two
15%
Fully online availability whether you can study while working
10%

Scores come from IPEDS (2024) and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings are for all graduates of a school, not one program, so treat them as a signal about the institution rather than about this subject. Sponsored listings are paid placements and are labelled as such; they are separate from this ranking and never change it. Read the full methodology.

#1

Lake Area Technical College

Watertown, SD 137.3 miles away BOC Score 74.7
Tuition Contact school for pricing
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Key stats
  • Completion rate: 69.0% (College Scorecard)
  • Programs offered: 35
  • Annual completions: 932
  • Median graduate earnings, 4 yrs after completing (all majors, not a single program): $49,488 (College Scorecard)
  • Online programs available

Source: ACCSC IPEDS College Scorecard

#2

North Dakota State College of Science

Wahpeton, ND 43.6 miles away BOC Score 72.6
Tuition Contact school for pricing
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Key stats
  • Completion rate: 52.3% (College Scorecard)
  • Programs offered: 56
  • Annual completions: 633
  • Median graduate earnings, 4 yrs after completing (all majors, not a single program): $60,587 (College Scorecard)
  • Online programs available

Source: ACCSC IPEDS College Scorecard

#3

Ridgewater College

Willmar, MN 145.6 miles away BOC Score 68.7
Tuition Contact school for pricing
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Key stats
  • Completion rate: 47.9% (College Scorecard)
  • Programs offered: 57
  • Annual completions: 610
  • Median graduate earnings, 4 yrs after completing (all majors, not a single program): $49,859 (College Scorecard)
  • Online programs available

Source: ACCSC IPEDS College Scorecard

#4

Minnesota State Community and Technical College

Fergus Falls, MN 52.3 miles away BOC Score 64.5
Tuition $5,908 - $17,194
Contact
Key stats
  • Graduation rate: 46.5%
  • Programs offered: 79
  • Annual completions: 1129
  • Median graduate earnings, 4 yrs after completing (all majors, not a single program): $54,581 (College Scorecard)
  • Online programs available

Source: ACCSC IPEDS College Scorecard

#5

Northland Community and Technical College

Thief River Falls, MN 90.3 miles away BOC Score 63.6
Tuition Contact school for pricing
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Key stats
  • Completion rate: 51.8% (College Scorecard)
  • Programs offered: 62
  • Annual completions: 654
  • Median graduate earnings, 4 yrs after completing (all majors, not a single program): $54,671 (College Scorecard)
  • Online programs available

Source: ACCSC IPEDS College Scorecard

#6

University of Minnesota-Crookston

Crookston, MN 63.3 miles away BOC Score 61.8
Tuition Contact school for pricing
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Key stats
  • Completion rate: 49.7% (College Scorecard)
  • Programs offered: 7
  • Annual completions: 62
  • Median graduate earnings, 4 yrs after completing (all majors, not a single program): $62,786 (College Scorecard)
  • Online programs available

Source: ACCSC IPEDS College Scorecard

#7

Bemidji State University

Bemidji, MN 99.3 miles away BOC Score 56.4
Tuition Contact school for pricing
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Key stats
  • Completion rate: 50.6% (College Scorecard)
  • Programs offered: 12
  • Annual completions: 89
  • Median graduate earnings, 4 yrs after completing (all majors, not a single program): $60,307 (College Scorecard)
  • Online programs available

Source: ACCSC IPEDS College Scorecard

#8

Northwest Technical College

Bemidji, MN 99.2 miles away BOC Score 55.7
Tuition Contact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Completion rate: 50.0% (College Scorecard)
  • Programs offered: 44
  • Annual completions: 258
  • Median graduate earnings, 4 yrs after completing (all majors, not a single program): $55,473 (College Scorecard)
  • Online programs available

Source: ACCSC IPEDS College Scorecard

#9

Valley City State University

Valley City, ND 57.3 miles away BOC Score 53.5
Tuition $8,514 - $20,468
Contact
Key stats
  • Admission rate: 99.1%
  • Graduation rate: 50.6%
  • Programs offered: 9
  • Annual completions: 51
  • Median graduate earnings, 4 yrs after completing (all majors, not a single program): $52,034 (College Scorecard)
  • Online programs available

Source: ACCSC IPEDS College Scorecard

#10

Leech Lake Tribal College

Cass Lake, MN 108.4 miles away BOC Score 31.8
Tuition $4,850 - $16,717
Contact
Key stats
  • Graduation rate: 12.9%
  • Programs offered: 7
  • Annual completions: 43
  • Median graduate earnings, 4 yrs after completing (all majors, not a single program): $40,741 (College Scorecard)

Source: ACCSC IPEDS College Scorecard

Compare Electrician Schools in North Dakota

BOC Score, tuition, graduation rate, and median graduate earnings from federal IPEDS and U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard data. Earnings are reported across all programs at the school (all majors), not a single trade. Distance is measured from the main population center in North Dakota.
#SchoolBOC Score (0–100)TuitionMedian grad earnings (all majors)Graduation rateOnlineDistance
174.7Contact school for pricing$49,48869%Yes*137 mi
272.6Contact school for pricing$60,58752%Yes*44 mi
368.7Contact school for pricing$49,85948%Yes*146 mi
464.5$5,908 - $17,194$54,58147%Yes*52 mi
563.6Contact school for pricing$54,67152%Yes*90 mi
655.7Contact school for pricing$55,47350%Yes*99 mi
731.8$4,850 - $16,717$40,74113%108 mi

Schools closest to the main population center in North Dakota are gathered first, then ranked by BOC Score; distance from the main population center in North Dakota is shown for reference. The BOC Score is an independent measure of school outcomes (graduation, earnings, net price, retention) expressed as a 0–100 percentile within each school's peer group; higher is better and advertising never affects it. *Online availability refers to coursework; hands-on trade training is completed in person. Read the full methodology.

Median Graduate Earnings at Electrician Schools in North Dakota
Median graduate earnings by school, Best Electrician Schools in North Dakota (College Scorecard)North Dakota State College of Science $60587; Northwest Technical College $55473; Northland Community and Technical College $54671; Minnesota State Community and Technical College $54581; Ridgewater College $49859; Lake Area Technical College $49488.North Dakota State College o...$60,587Northwest Technical College$55,473Northland Community and Tech...$54,671Minnesota State Community an...$54,581Ridgewater College$49,859Lake Area Technical College$49,488
Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard - median earnings of all graduates at each school (not a single program).
Median graduate earnings by school for schools serving Best Electrician Schools in North Dakota
SchoolMedian graduate earnings
North Dakota State College of Science$60,587
Northwest Technical College$55,473
Northland Community and Technical College$54,671
Minnesota State Community and Technical College$54,581
Ridgewater College$49,859
Lake Area Technical College$49,488

Electrician Pay and Job Outlook

Electricians annual wage by percentile: $42,640 at the 10th percentile, $63,190 median, $108,510 at the 90th. Source: U.S. BLS OEWS, May 2025 release.
What electricians earn across the pay scale
Projected job growth for electricians: 818,700 jobs in 2024 to 896,100 in 2034, +9.5% change. Source: U.S. BLS Employment Projections, 2024-2034.
Projected job growth for electricians
Top-paying states for electricians - Oregon leads at $101,310. Source: U.S. BLS OEWS, May 2025 release.
Top-paying states for electricians

North Dakota Quick Facts

MetricValueSource
State median annual wage$65,710BLS OEWS, May 2025
State employment3,570 workersBLS OEWS, May 2025
State location quotient1.71BLS OEWS, May 2025
State unemployment rate2.7%BLS LAUS (2024)

Top Cities for Electrician Training in North Dakota

The cities below have the highest concentration of electrician training programs and population centers within North Dakota. Click through for school listings near each:

If you want to work as an electrician in North Dakota, the first step is proper training. The state requires you to work under a licensed electrician and complete approved education before you can test for your license. Choosing the right school matters because it shapes your skills and helps you meet the state’s requirements.

Here’s what you need to know about the best electrician schools in North Dakota and how to get started.

Electrician License Requirements in North Dakota

The North Dakota State Electrical Board (NDSEB) handles licensing. To work as a licensed electrician in the state, you must meet education, work experience, and exam requirements.

Licensing Rule: According to NDSEB, you must complete a combination of classroom training and on-the-job experience under a licensed electrician before testing for a Journeyman license.

General steps to get licensed in North Dakota:

  1. Enroll in an approved electrical training program or apprenticeship.
  2. Work under a licensed electrician for the required hours.
  3. Pass the state electrician exam.
  4. Apply for your license with NDSEB.

You can review the exact requirements on the North Dakota State Electrical Board website.

Choosing the Right Electrician School

When deciding where to train, consider:

  • Program length - Decide between a faster diploma or a 2-year associate degree, depending on your goals.
  • Location - Pick a school close enough for daily travel or that offers housing.
  • Licensing preparation - Confirm that the program meets NDSEB education requirements.
  • Hands-on training - Look for lab work and real job site experience.
  • Industry connections - Schools with apprenticeship placement can help you start working sooner.

Electrical Apprenticeships in North Dakota

Completing a formal apprenticeship is another path to licensing. Many apprenticeships partner with trade unions, contractors, or vocational schools. In North Dakota, you can register your apprenticeship through NDSEB.

Benefits of an apprenticeship:

  • Paid work while you train
  • Real-world experience
  • Meets NDSEB work hour requirements

Industry associations like the Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC) also offer programs that combine work and study.

Safety and Continuing Education

Even after you get licensed, you’ll need to keep learning. North Dakota requires continuing education for license renewal. Topics often include electrical code updates and safety training.

Safety Reminder: Always follow OSHA electrical safety standards to protect yourself and others on the job. Review the requirements at OSHA Electrical Safety.

Next Steps to Start Training

Here’s what to do now:

  1. Contact the schools listed above.
  2. Ask for details on costs, schedules, and enrollment requirements.
  3. Choose the program that fits your budget, timeline, and career goals.
  4. Apply and prepare for classes.
  5. Complete your program and register for an apprenticeship to start gaining work experience.

Starting as an electrician in North Dakota takes planning, but picking the right school makes it much easier. Review your options, get your training, and you’ll be ready for the next step toward licensing.


Sources:


Electrician Wages and Workforce in North Dakota

In North Dakota, Electrician programs train for an occupation with a median wage of about $65,710 per year, and most earn between $46,440 and $101,020 (BLS OEWS, May 2025). North Dakota employs roughly 3,570 workers in this occupation, a workforce concentration of about 1.71 times the national average (BLS OEWS, May 2025).

Trade-relevant schools serving North Dakota include Bismarck State College, North Dakota State College of Science, and Sitting Bull College. Compare tuition, program length, and graduation outcomes in the table above (IPEDS and College Scorecard).

Electrician Training and Licensing in North Dakota

Licensing for Electrician varies by state and locality. Confirm current training, exam, and credential requirements with the appropriate North Dakota licensing board before you enroll; many employers also look for recognized industry certifications.

Training paths typically range from certificate programs (6 to 12 months) and associate degrees (about 2 years) to registered apprenticeships (3 to 5 years) that combine paid on-the-job training with classroom instruction (TradeCareerPath program data).

Frequently Asked Questions

What does electrician training in North Dakota involve?

Electrician training in North Dakota is offered through trade school certificate programs (typically 6 to 12 months), community college associate degree programs (about 2 years), and registered apprenticeships that combine paid on-the-job training with related classroom instruction over 3 to 5 years. Coursework generally covers safety, applicable codes and standards, hands-on lab work, and exam preparation for any required credential.

How much do electricians earn in North Dakota?

According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), electricians in North Dakota earned a median annual wage of approximately $65,710. Pay varies with experience, certification, and employer; the 10th to 90th percentile range was approximately $46,440 to $101,020 (BLS OEWS, May 2025).

What is the North Dakota license or certification process for electricians?

Licensing for electricians in North Dakota is administered by ND State Electrical Board. Most candidates complete an approved training program or registered apprenticeship, log the required on-the-job hours, and pass a state exam. Confirm current hour totals, fees, and renewal terms directly with the licensing agency before enrolling. (Source: U.S. Department of Labor CareerOneStop license database.)


About this guide: Researched and written by the TradeCareerPath Editorial Team. Our editorial team researches and sources every trade school and career guide using federal labor and education data, including BLS OEWS and Employment Projections, DOL apprenticeship records, IPEDS, College Scorecard, and state licensing boards. We follow the editorial standards documented at /editorial-policy/.

Data sources

Figures on this page are sourced from the federal and state datasets below. Methodology: how we rank and source data.

DataProviderVintage
Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS)U.S. Bureau of Labor StatisticsMay 2025
Employment ProjectionsU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics2024-2034
Integrated Postsecondary Education Data SystemNational Center for Education Statistics (IPEDS)2024
College Scorecard (school-level outcomes)U.S. Department of Educationlatest release
College Scorecard (field-of-study earnings)U.S. Department of Educationlatest release (updated 2026-06-12)
Occupational licensing requirementsCareerOneStop (U.S. Department of Labor)latest release (updated 2026-02-22)
Registered apprenticeship programsCareerOneStop / Apprenticeship.gov (U.S. Department of Labor)latest release (updated 2025-10-25)